One of the 15-inch MacBook pros in the family suddenly developed a strange screen problem.

The Mac is a 2.4 GHz, 200GB hard drive model FB133LL/A

I thought it "strange" since I think these MacBooks use a flourescent backlight, so I expect a backlight to possibly burn out, but how does it create a bright spot in the very middle of the screen.
Also, at the outside at the same spot it looks as if something burned.
See the two pictures attached.

Anyone ever have anything like that?
What caused it?
How to fix it? Replace the screen?

Thanks

http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/krs/MacBookpro%20Screen%20Problem%201.jpg


http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/krs/MacBookpro%20screen%20problem%202.jpg

those machines have LED screens, not CCFL

every time I've seen something like that its usually because someone knocked a candle over on the backside of the screen, or put a curling iron or heat gun down on it or something...

Ouch!!!

It looks like a replacement display will be needed if you don't want to be looking at what you have.

But I'd avoid the VERY expensive Apple price replacement and look for other sources, and you'll also get the option to replace it with a matte-screen display.

Maybe something like these, but double check model compatibility:
Apple Macbook Pro Screen LCD 15 inch - 661-4239 661-3950 (http://www.powerbookmedic.com/MacBook-Pro-15-Display-LCD-Screen-p-16893.html)
15 Inch MacBook Pro Unibody Display LCD Screen (http://www.powerbookmedic.com/15-Inch-MacBook-Unibody-Display-LCD-Screen-NEW-p-17295.html)

FROM $42 - APPLE MACBOOK PRO 15 REPLACEMENT LAPTOP LCD SCREEN (NOTEBOOK LCD DISPLAY) (http://www.laptopscreen.com/index.php?section=products&brand=Apple&series=MACBOOK%20PRO%2015)

Or contact some of the ehmac member techs.

those machines have LED screens, not CCFL

every time I've seen something like that its usually because someone knocked a candle over on the backside of the screen, or put a curling iron or heat gun down on it or something...

I agree broad on this one. Looks like something hot was placed near the screen and heat damaged it.

looks almost like a candle was behind the open display, we put a candle too close to something in the past and it looked similar in shape.

Ouch!!!

It looks like a replacement display will be needed if you don't want to be looking at what you have.

But I'd avoid the VERY expensive Apple price replacement and look for other sources, and you'll also get the option to replace it with a matte-screen display.

Maybe something like these, but double check model compatibility:
Apple Macbook Pro Screen LCD 15 inch - 661-4239 661-3950 (http://www.powerbookmedic.com/MacBook-Pro-15-Display-LCD-Screen-p-16893.html)
15 Inch MacBook Pro Unibody Display LCD Screen (http://www.powerbookmedic.com/15-Inch-MacBook-Unibody-Display-LCD-Screen-NEW-p-17295.html)

FROM $42 - APPLE MACBOOK PRO 15 REPLACEMENT LAPTOP LCD SCREEN (NOTEBOOK LCD DISPLAY) (http://www.laptopscreen.com/index.php?section=products&brand=Apple&series=MACBOOK%20PRO%2015)

Or contact some of the ehmac member techs.

Last 15-inch MBp screen I had replaced, different MBP, cost me $180 all included.
People thought that was a pretty good deal - worked out OK, I have been using that one as a spare, replaced it with a 13-inch one which was more suitable for the person using it.

I looked at the options with this one and had decided not to repair the screen but either part the MBp out or sell it with the defective screen.
But then I checked the second link you posted and boy, are the screen prices ever reasonable.
I have a matte screen now and of course would replace it with a matte screen.
Screen replacement last time took about 40 minutes.
That was taking a good used one from an existing MBp and replacing mine, so basically doing the screen disassembly twice and the assembly once.
Maybe if I find someone in Montreal who I can just pay for the labour to replace the screen (and who knows what he is doing of course), I may get one of these new OEM screens for $60.- and have them do the replacement.

Hmmm..., if you were so proficient and super efficient as I'd sure call it to do such a previous double switch display replacement in such a short time, why not do the same or at least similar with the damaged MBP display screen???

Maybe 20 minutes max and a few $$$ for the replacement display with your proficiency??? ;)

pm-r,
I didn't do the last screen replacement myself, read my post again, it says: "Last 15-inch MBp screen I had replaced...."
I brought my last defective MBp in and waited for it while he did the screen replacement so I know exactly how long it took him.
He actually dealt with another customer as well while doing that screen replacement - he obviously knew what he was doing.
I might try him again to see what he would charge to install a new screen - I took a look at some of the installation videos on line, don't have all the proper TORX screwdriver to start with and would have to go out to buy that and then it would take me a lot longer to do the replacement plus I would probably muck something up.

bought a screwdriver set at the source quite a while back, cost me twenty bucks, use it often.

15-piece precision tool set with soft handle | Screwdrivers | Ratings & Reviews | TheSource.ca (http://www.thesource.ca/estore/product.aspx?language=en-CA&catalog=Online&category=Screwdrivers&product=6418402)

takes me longer but I save by doing it myself, do it carefully, grab a few ice cube trays for the screws and you will be fine.

Last 15-inch MBp screen I had replaced, different MBP, cost me $180 all included.
People thought that was a pretty good deal - worked out OK, I have been using that one as a spare, replaced it with a 13-inch one which was more suitable for the person using it.

I looked at the options with this one and had decided not to repair the screen but either part the MBp out or sell it with the defective screen.
But then I checked the second link you posted and boy, are the screen prices ever reasonable.
I have a matte screen now and of course would replace it with a matte screen.
Screen replacement last time took about 40 minutes.
That was taking a good used one from an existing MBp and replacing mine, so basically doing the screen disassembly twice and the assembly once.
Maybe if I find someone in Montreal who I can just pay for the labour to replace the screen (and who knows what he is doing of course), I may get one of these new OEM screens for $60.- and have them do the replacement.

The second link he posted is not the right screen. It says "unibody" Right in the link.

The one you want in his first link labelled "Santa rosa and penryn matte" and is $230.

You might find it cheaper elsewhere, but make sure you get the right screen

His 3rd link has them for 176. That's probably as cheap as youll find it. Model a1226 or a1260 will be fine for you...they use the same screen.

The one you want in his first link labelled "Santa rosa and penryn matte" and is $230.

You might find it cheaper elsewhere, but make sure you get the right screen

might be cheaper to find a complete laptop with the toasted logic board syndrome.
get the battery and charger as well as the display

The second link he posted is not the right screen. It says "unibody" Right in the link.

From what I can figure out I need a screen for the A1260 model which is listed in the third link.
But I did look at the unibody originally and was pleasantly surprised by the price - not so pleasantly when I looked at the price of the A1260 screen.

Cheapest screen I can find is $100.- but do I really want something shipped from Singapore???
15.4" LED LCD screen B154PW04 V.2 for Macbook Pro A1260 | eBay (http://www.ebay.ca/itm/15-4-LED-LCD-screen-B154PW04-V-2-Macbook-Pro-A1260-/221026438259?pt=US_Laptop_Screens_LCD_Panels&hash=item337633cc73)

Thanks for all the comments, I appreciate them.

There are some additional factors at play here....

The family member who uses this MacBook travels a lot internationally. Althought the 15-inch MacBook is a great screen size, it can become quite heavy for the lady carrying it around. I have already been toying around to replace it with either a 13-inch MBp which isn't that much lighter or a MacBoor Air, but it lacks the optical drive which is often needed.
Also the battery in the MBp is the original one and probably needs to be replaced in the next little while.
And then of course, if I buy a replacement I get the full years warranty plus the option to extend for three years, a replacement screen typically only gives me a 30 or 90 day warranty.

i know laptop screen.com up there offers a 1 yr warranty...its ironic because their warranty is longer than what you would get were you to order a new genuine display assembly from apple

the other thing to consider too is that you'll probably need a new back cover also. if that one is warped from heat and its pressing into the new, straight, LCD it'll most likely cause anomalies and weirdness on the new screen too

also not sure what you mean about the a126 in the 2nd link...unless I'm blind and missing something completely his 2nd link is for unibody screens only

15 Inch MacBook Pro Unibody Display LCD Screen (http://www.powerbookmedic.com/15-Inch-MacBook-Unibody-Display-LCD-Screen-NEW-p-17295.html?source=pjn&subid=43737)


Models Model Numbers SKU
MacBook Pro 15.4" 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo (A1286) - Late 2008 MB470LL/A SKU504811212212
SKU50481121221
GS50481121221
GS504811212212
MacBook Pro 15.4" 2.4GHz Core i5 (A1286) - Mid 2010 MC371LL/A SKU50481121221
SKU5048112122101
SKU5048112122102
GS50481121221
GS5048112122101
MacBook Pro 15.4" 2.53GHz Core 2 Duo (A1286) - Late 2008 MB471LL/A SKU504811212212
SKU50481121221
GS50481121221
GS504811212212
MacBook Pro 15.4" 2.53GHz Core 2 Duo (A1286) - Mid 2009 MC118LL/A
MC118LL/A SKU504811212212
SKU50481121221
GS50481121221
GS504811212212
MacBook Pro 15.4" 2.53GHz Core i5 (A1286) - Mid 2010 MC372LL/A SKU50481121221
SKU5048112122101
SKU5048112122102
GS50481121221
GS5048112122101
MacBook Pro 15.4" 2.66GHz Core 2 Duo (A1286) - Early 2009 MC026LL/A SKU504811212212
SKU50481121221
GS50481121221
GS504811212212
MacBook Pro 15.4" 2.66GHz Core 2 Duo (A1286) - Mid 2009 MB985LL/A
MB985LL/A SKU504811212212
SKU50481121221
GS50481121221
GS504811212212
MacBook Pro 15.4" 2.66GHz Core i7 (A1286) - Mid 2010 MC373LL/A SKU50481121221
SKU5048112122101
SKU5048112122102
GS50481121221
GS5048112122101
MacBook Pro 15.4" 2.8GHz Core 2 Duo (A1286) - Late 2008 MB471LL/A SKU504811212212
SKU50481121221
GS50481121221
GS504811212212
MacBook Pro 15.4" 2.8GHz Core 2 Duo (A1286) - Mid 2009 MB986LL/A
MB986LL/A SKU504811212212
SKU50481121221
GS50481121221
GS504811212212
MacBook Pro 15.4" 2.8GHz Core i7 (A1286) - Mid 2010 MC373LL/A SKU50481121221
SKU5048112122101
SKU5048112122102
GS50481121221
GS5048112122101
MacBook Pro 15.4" 2.93GHz Core 2 Duo (A1286) - Early 2009 MC026LL/A SKU504811212212
SKU50481121221
GS50481121221
GS504811212212
MacBook Pro 15.4" 3.06GHz Core 2 Duo (A1286) - Mid 2009 MB986LL/A
MB986LL/A SKU504811212212
SKU50481121221
GS50481121221
GS504811212212

also not sure what you mean about the a126 in the 2nd link...unless I'm blind and missing something completely his 2nd link is for unibody screens only

Sorry, my mistake!

I thought the first two links were the same link because they are close together with no space between them - rather than second link I should have said "third" link.

the other thing to consider too is that you'll probably need a new back cover also. if that one is warped from heat and its pressing into the new, straight, LCD it'll most likely cause anomalies and weirdness on the new screen too

I would suggest looking on kijiji for a dead logic board unit and see what you can get the whole top/display for, easier to replace as a whole as well.