rMBP Image Retention

N19h7m4r3 · 14 Jul 2013 at 10:43

Well I've owned my rMBP since December and it's been an amazing machine.
I started noticing some feint after images a few months ago that would quickly go away at least.

Now it's at the point where if I have any browser/window open with white/light colours I have image retention after merely a few seconds. Most of the internet and programs are covered in white and it's gotten so bad I even have image retention on some coloured wallpapers. ( I've been avoiding things with grey for two months now.)

Sadly there are zero Apple stores in Ireland, and the Apple Irish site shows I need to use re-sellers if I want walk in support. Even then the closest one that seems okay is CompuB in Dublin. Which means I'd have take nearly a full day off to get to them, and then hope they can help ( and hopefully not charge me a small fortune).

Has anyone else had any Image Retention issues on their Retinas recently? I know a few did when they launched. Also one ever gone to a re-seller instead of an Apple store? Any experiences or advice for me?
I've never had to give someone else my computer to repair and I don't really like the idea of leaving my laptop with a stranger with all my data on the disk.

JW1993 · 14 Jul 2013 at 12:23

I got mine back in September and it's started occurring now. I remember checking for it when I got it after reading reports on the internet but it seemed fine. I've got myself booked in to the apple store on Friday. The only thing resellers don't seem to do are the iPhones but for everything else they seem to advertise that they're happy to help with warranty repairs.

Jamie23 · 14 Jul 2013 at 12:46

Would travelling up to Belfast to the Apple store be too far? Only an hour and a half from Dublin.

N19h7m4r3 · 14 Jul 2013 at 15:27

Belfast a tad to far, as by bus from where I am it can take that long to get to Dublin depending on traffic.

I tried calling them today, busy. So I emailed the place, hopefully they can help me.

[Slip] · 14 Jul 2013 at 17:01

I've had mine since launch day and I get image retention most of the time.

I have to confess that most of the time it doesn't bother me as it's only noticable when switching apps so never interferes.

If I could be arsed I'd get it fixed!

uniQ · 14 Jul 2013 at 17:48

I think it's a problem with the first revision of LG screens in the rMBP's. They have an in store test they run for it and should replace the screen if you take it in.

If you don't have a store nearby give them a call and you should be able to return it for a screen replacement.

[Slip] · 14 Jul 2013 at 19:10

I'm out of the normal 12 months warrantee period... do you think it still applies?

N19h7m4r3 · 14 Jul 2013 at 19:13

I managed to ignore mine for the last few months, but I was watching the Hobbit recently and I could clearly see my previous browser window for up around 25 minutes during the movie. It was extremely annoying.

I ran that chequered test, except after 30 seconds I switched to grey and could clearly see the image retention.

I'll certainly give them a call again tomorrow, to see that Compu b says.

kitkat9933 · 14 Jul 2013 at 20:33

They can do replacement/repairs over the phone and they will arrange everything. No need to go a store.

N19h7m4r3 · 14 Jul 2013 at 22:44

kitkat9933 said:
They can do replacement/repairs over the phone and they will arrange everything. No need to go a store.

Pray tell how the can replace a screen over the phone? Either I go to a store and hand in my laptop, or I ship it off. The store might be much quicker than waiting a few weeks via post.

GeX · 15 Jul 2013 at 00:21

I'm on my 3rd rMBP - and each time I swapped it, they sent a whole new unit out to me and I shipped the old one back at my leisure. I doubt they'd do that for a screen replacement though.

N19h7m4r3 · 15 Jul 2013 at 09:47

Yeah I doubt it. Well the Compu b guys is what the Apple.ie site even redirects me to if I want Apple Care, so it seems Apple has given them the authority here in Ireland.

They said this morning they do screen replacements, now just going to go over the details with them.

The image retention has gotten so bad actually I can see some of it on the blue of the OCUK forum. Much worse if I use the black theme.

N19h7m4r3 · 15 Jul 2013 at 10:43

Seems the best two places nearest me are both in Dublin Evad, and Compu b. Both are a 3-4 working day turn around for the screen replacement, depending on their tests.

I'll have to pop in to both some times this week.

Edit: Gave apple a call anyway, and they do advice I go to those to places. They don't collect and repair.
Oh if only Ireland had an official Apple Store in Ireland.

N19h7m4r3 · 17 Jul 2013 at 11:11

Well my little computer is going in to get a new screen.
It's just been handed into the hopefully capable hands of Mr.Sulu at Compu b.

The chap was nice enough, and he wanted me to show him the problem. I logged in and their website was still in my browser window. I just left it and he didn't really understand why wasn't doing anything. He asked why wasn't I loading a test. Told him we'll wait 30 seconds.

I then switched to my background, and we could still clearly see the website.
He put my issue down as defective display with burn in marks.

So at most 3-5 working days, hopefully sooner if Apple send them the display early.

Only thing that I don't like is that the small print on the service contract states they can use returtirbished/used screens to repair it.

I'd prefer a brand new panel, and I'm hopeful I'll get one.

N19h7m4r3 · 19 Jul 2013 at 17:10

Got a call this morning and I'm just home after picking up my laptop form Compu B Brilliant and quick service. I ran the image retention test, and checked the manufacturer.

No issues, I got a brand new Samsung screen. The colours don't look just as deep as the LG, but I don't mind at all. I still have clear plastic to peel off the back of the screen as well.