17-inch PowerBook G4 Display Issues

Hello Everyone!
I'm just posting to voice my concern about the issues with the vertical lines on 17-inch PowerBook G4s. I have a 1.67Ghz PBG4 17 and it was the model right before the last one, it had only a 1440x990 resolution, I want to know if this is involved in the problem or not but I do have one stuck pixel one the right side center of the screen and that has been there almost sense the day I bought it but I didn't notice for a wile and when I did it was too late to do anything about it and I hope that we can get through to apple with our problems and they will provide a replacement because I know that most of you with this problem have it a lot worse than I do.

Your PowerBook is the same generation as the one most people are complaining about, although the majority of affected users that have been reporting the problem have machines that were manufactured around the end of the first quarter of 2005 at the factory described as W8 in Shanghi. There are ways to find out if yours is one of these machines by doing some web searching. Stating site names here my go against Apple's usage policies for this discussion board ... sorry, but info is easy to find with a little searching.
I am glad to hear that you have not as yet experienced the dreaded lines or blanked-out areas. It is still a good idea to call Apple Care and get a case number if you have not already. Explain your problem and they may be able to help. Even if there is nothing they can do, your problem will be registered. This case number may come in handy if heaven forbid your machine starts developing more severe screen problems. Good luck!

Similar Messages

  • Powerbook G3 Display Issue

    Dear Forum Mac Guru's,
    I know this has been asked a few times before but I thought all the comments I've read so far have not been quite my situation. So here I go...
    I was wondering if you are able to help
    diagnose a problem I am having with my Pismo Powerbook?
    The LCD still has a good crisp colour to it with no dead pixels or dim
    spots or bright spots. That is until things start to go wrong. If I leave
    the powerbook off and turn it back on again the LCD is fine for a while.
    Then it will start to flicker with horizontal white lines in random places
    every time. The image that was last on the display freezes and eventually
    the flikering lines will become solid and the white will wash away any
    image that had previously been there. eventually this white will go a dull
    grey colour. This will all happen very quickly. In a matter of about 30
    seconds.
    Initially it was only intermitant and would go away by pressing the back
    of the screen or pushing down on the screen (down dosen't help all that often). This however rarely helps these days.
    I initially thought it was the Inverter board but then came to the
    conclusion it might be the display cable. After replacing the display
    cable (making sure it was the same brand screen) it still started to
    flicker and the same things happens.
    I have been running an external display for the past year with this problem and the external display runs without an issue. When the laptop display gose blank the external display runs perfectly.
    I did a number of test on the computer when the display gose funny. I tried to push pod and poke the main body of the computer but this has no affect on the problem at all. The backlight is not an issue, it remains on. The screen has a number of vertical lines that appear once its grey (these may be there straight away but don't become apparent until the screen is greyish). I have leff the screen in the greyish state for a while and generally a couple of white lines will remain and randomly flicker every now and again. The screen in this state sometimes seems to dim in light intensity, this comes in and out. If the machine has been off for a little while (off not sleep) then the screen generally will last alot longer before going to the bad state. Moving the screen from almost closed to almost open the screen can go to the faded state at any position but will generally change as the screen is moved. The screen is best I feel when the screen is in the full extension open. When the screen dims (properly whilst saving power) it dims correctly but just makes the greyish look darker. If i touch the screen in the right spot it will spring back to life and be as crisp as it ever was. It also seems to have a darker rectangle in the centre of the greyish area. I think that is all?
    Other than this problem recently the computers battery died and has been replaced and the cd/dvd drive has been replced. The screen problem was happening before these became and issue though.
    Would you have any ideas? Also any suggestions on parts to fix it with?
    Thanks in Advance, Tre.

    In terms of heat I'm not sure.
    It isn't only one spot that you can push to get it to come back. I have to manipulate the screen carefully in a number of different combinations. Also if the screen brightness is down the and screen fully open with an external monitor on the screen can sometimes clear up even after 4 hours plus of use. If I then move the screen up it will take a few minutes to go bad again. Even if the brightness is left down.
    I actually have a spare screen from an old 400mhz model which is identical brand. Its just not in as good condition and has to bright spots in the corners and one dull area middle bottom. Its just not in as good nic as the current one when its working. Is there a way to 'tighten' the LCD in case its a pressure problem or is still a heat issue?
    Many Thanks, Tre.

  • 15-inch PowerBook G4 Display Repair Extension Program? Please help!

    Hi! My Name is Francesca and I write from Italy because I have a Powerbook G4 15-Inch 1,25G from 2004 with the white spots problem as said here : http://www.apple.com/support/powerbook/displayprogram/ The problem is certainly and without doubt the same of the description in the link above. I’ve called the Italian call center for help and they said my serial number was not to take part in the program and I have to pay myself for repair. I love apple but I ‘m really disappointed. How can they establish that my Powerbook hasn’t the same problem only because my serial is not on the list? I’ve read from some other people here that they have had my problem even with younger powerbooks than mine with obviously no serial on that list. What can I do? Is there anything to do to prove I have the same problem? Is there an e-mail to send to someone ? People who have had my problem and solved it can get in contact with me please?
    I’ve also read that I can go in retail stores or AASP to see whether my PowerBook qualifies for the program but in the AASP they say I have to call apple for the extension program!
    I’ve got Ipods an Imac and an ibook I’m faithful to apple I don’t think I’m askin too much.
    Someone can help me?
    Thanks Francesca.
    p.s.: sorry my written english is not perfect
    Powerbook g4 Mac OS X (10.4.8) 1,25 G

    I think that in the long run Apple leaves dissatisfied customers having spent much money for "quality" computers. This is counter productive for any business, but perhaps Apple has to learn this the hard way.
    As recommended, I would keep them calling over and over regarding this issue. My personally experience with the German support is that (beside of an overall low quality) it really depends upon the operator. And it helps to say "thank you, good bye" and call a few hours later speaking with an other person
    Also I have read some reports here from people persisted to speak with the department manager, who was then able to provide assistance.
    Maybe you report what happened at this place later. I would be interested in hearing it.

  • Powerbook 17" display issues: posterization and other psychedelia

    Hello,
    My Powerbook 17" has, since it's purchase in June 2005, a problem with the display that occurs periodically whereby the display suddenly posterizes and becomes extremely hard to read. I have found that adjusting the display angle, that is, moving the Powerbook display hinge can make it worse or can cause it to revert to normal. It seems to me that there is a short in or interference with the wiring that must pass through this junction. Has anyone else had a similar experience with their Powerbook 17"?

    Your PowerBook is the same generation as the one most people are complaining about, although the majority of affected users that have been reporting the problem have machines that were manufactured around the end of the first quarter of 2005 at the factory described as W8 in Shanghi. There are ways to find out if yours is one of these machines by doing some web searching. Stating site names here my go against Apple's usage policies for this discussion board ... sorry, but info is easy to find with a little searching.
    I am glad to hear that you have not as yet experienced the dreaded lines or blanked-out areas. It is still a good idea to call Apple Care and get a case number if you have not already. Explain your problem and they may be able to help. Even if there is nothing they can do, your problem will be registered. This case number may come in handy if heaven forbid your machine starts developing more severe screen problems. Good luck!

  • Satellite L670D-13F 17.3 inch Notebook - screen display issues

    Hi.
    I've had my Satellite for almost a year, and in recent weeks the screen display has been compromised. There is turquoise/blue thin line all over anything white or white-tinged. I'd like to hope it's nothing virus-related as I have McAffee installed.
    Any ideas what this could be? Is it a known issue?
    Thanks.

    Sounds like the red LED has gone in that display line, since RGB for white without the red (just green and blue) equals cyan (turquoise).
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RGB_color_model
    Try making a picture with a solid red square in a paint program and see if there are any black lines when you display it.
    I have a permanent red vertical line on the display of a 9 year old Toshiba laptop. Otherwise it works fine. If the display is white you don't notice anything.
    It's possible it could be graphic card related (e.g. if it's not there all the time and only happens when the graphic chip heats up) but if it's permanent it's more likely to be the display matrix.

  • Can't decide between a 12 inch and 15 inch Powerbook, comments welcome.

    I have a new PowerMac G5, and am looking to add a laptop. I love the size of the 12 inch Powerbook, but see enough differences between it and the 15 inch that I am looking at both. I will only be using my laptop when I travel, on airplanes, in airport, and hotel rooms. I see myself mostly reading email, surfing the web, and possibly working on individual scenes in Final Cut Express, and Soundtrack. I would appreciate any comments, complaints, or suggestions from anyone who has experience with either laptop.
    Bill

    I owned a 12" PB G4 and recently switched over to the new hi-res 15" Powerbook. I was really torn about it, I love my 12" PB, it is great to carry around, surf the web, etc. I did not want to give up the small size, but finally switched. Here is my opinion:
    The 15" Powerbook is the clear winner. In terms of performance the 15" Powerbook with a 7200 RPM drive and the 128 MB video RAM is clearly faster in perceived day to day use. The significant extra real estate (specially in current generation of 15") is just stunning. I have not yet sold my old 12" and when I occasionally pick up the 12" the screen looks cramped and small. And as far as size differential the only real issue is that I could easily and safely pick up the 12" with one hand and I really don't want to do that with the 15". And place the 15" on one leg I have to carefully balance it (where the 12" would just stay).
    I believe the 15" when open requires just under one extra inch in space for traveling no the airlines. My experience is that I have been on flights where even the 12" would get crushed by the person in front, so I am not sure how significant this part is to you.
    Finally and before you commit you should go look at the display of the 15". There are some issues with alternate lines being a little dimmer, which bothers some people and not others (mine has it, but it does not effect what I do). Make sure it works for you in case Apple does not have a fix for this.
    Good luck.

  • Display Issues with mini (Mid 2010) and LG L246WP

    I recently purchased a new mini (Mid 2010 base model) and planned to use it with my 24" LG L246WP monitor, which is about 3 years old. The monitor has VGA, component, and HDMI inputs.
    I used an HDMI-to-HDMI cable to connect the mini directly to the monitor, and the output is completely messed up. The mini recognized the monitor (titling the System Preferences > Display dialog with 'L246WP') and set it to the monitor's native resolution of 1920x1200, but on the monitor the image is cropped to what looks like a 4:3 aspect ratio and with part of the image shifted up and left so I cannot view the top menu bar or the left hand side of the desktop. The monitor's on-screen display shows 1080p in this mode.
    The Display dialog also gives me an option for 1080p. I can select this and use the Underscan slider to resize the desktop output to fit on the screen, but it is still shifted left and must be resized smaller than the available display space (plus the total image is only 1080 pixels, not using the monitor's full native screen). In this mode, 1080p also shows on the monitor's on-screen display.
    I tried 1024x768 to see if I could get a properly-positioned image, but the desktop was shifted just like in the 1920x1200 case and the monitor's on-screen display status still reported 1080p.
    The monitor has a menu setting under an HDMI heading with "Video" and "PC" options, but changing this selection does not make a difference.
    Since the monitor came out before HDMI was as widespread as it is today, it came with a DVI-to-HDMI cable, so I also tried using that cable with the HDMI-to-DVI adapter that came with the mini, but this did not make a difference either.
    To prove it wasn't the HDMI cable, I connected the mini to my Samsung 6300 series 40" LED HDTV and with some tweaking of the Underscan slider the displayed image filled the screen perfectly.
    I've searched the Internet and various forum threads (i.e. http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1167222&page=63) seem to indicate this monitor can send a corrupted EDID that causes issues, especially with nVidia graphics drivers. On Windows you can use registry or driver hacks to override the EDID with the correct values, but on OS X this doesn't seem possible (I was hoping for a Terminal one-liner but it seems this doesn't exist). I have seen some mentions of the shareware SwitchResX (http://www.madrau.com), which looks like it gives you the option to override resolution settings, but I haven't tried this yet.
    It also appears to me that the monitor is always interpreting the signal (or the mini is always sending the signal) as 1080p, even if I've set 1920x1200 in the Display dialog. I don't know if this is a defect in the monitor where it always assumes the HDMI input is a 1080p source (previous I used it with an Xbox 360 with no issues but that was 1080p HDMI), or if is a bug in the graphics drivers (or at least a lack of flexibility / miscommunication to the user trying to handle a corrupt EDID).
    I asked my local Genius Bar for advice today (without bringing any hardware in) but was not told anything I didn't already know.
    I'm trying to determine the best way to work through this issue. *My questions are:*
    Would it make any difference if I used a Mini DisplayPort-to-DVI adapter (and then my DVI-to-HDMI cable to the monitor's HDMI input)?
    What about a Mini DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter? In the past I used a 12" Powerbook (via a mini-DVI-to-VGA adapter) with this monitor and had no display issues like this, but I'd prefer to stick with a digital connection on my brand new mini.
    Is SwitchResX the only practical way in OS X to override a corrupt EDID and force the mini to output a certain resolution?
    Besides the various adapters and SwitchResX, is there anything else I should try before buying a new monitor?

    Hello EPWilson4984.
    I have been experiencing the same issues you described. Connecting my brand new Mac Mini to my Westinghouse 24”monitor (L2410NM,  1920x1200 pixel resolution) produces a very fuzzy and washed out image quality. The Mac recognizes the monitor and applies the right resolution (1920x1200), but it looks just awful. The EDID info is definitely not right.
    Now, I tried your suggestion (DVI-to-HDMI), and similar suggestions from other threads, but nothing works. Nothing seems to work at all.
    The main input for the monitor is HDMI, so whatever cable I use, in the end always has to connect to the monitor via HDMI. I tried all these combinations with zero success:
    Mac mini -> HDMI cable -> monitor (result: fuzzy and blurry image)
    Mac mini -> displayport –HDMI adapter-> HDMI cable -> monitor (result: fuzzy and blurry image)
    Mac mini  -> displayport –DVI adapter-> DVI-to-HDMI cable -> monitor (result: it gives me a blank screen, no image at all)
    I’m running out of options. Don’t know what to do. The 24” monitor produces beautiful, crisp images when hooked to my Windows 7 PC. It looks horrible when connected to my brand new Mac Mini.
    Any alternatives you may have come across? Please let me know, thank you.

  • Macbook Pro Early 2011 Display issue

    Hi all,
    After reading the replacement program that has been extended to MBP for 15" and 17", is there going to be any news with regards to the 13"?
    The reason why I'm asking is that while I'm not sure if mine is an isolated issue or widespread/common occurrence, I have had my logic board replaced last year due to a display issue, and currently still unable to run external display, despite reading up on discussion that is going on.
    The symptoms mirror that of the 15"/17", just that the 13" does not have a dedicated GPU.
    Hope to get more suggestions/ solutions/ news to potential replacement program from here.
    Thanks all!
    Regards,
    Ziang

    Welcome to Apple Support Communities
    Early 2011 15 and 17-inch MacBooks Pro have had several GPU issues that causes graphic corruption, and it was an issue that showed in most MacBooks Pro. However, this does not apply to the 13-inch MacBook Pro, so I think it is just an issue that has appeared on your Mac but there is not a reason for a replacement program.

  • Using 12 inch Powerbook as second screen for new 17 inch MBP.

    My new 17' MBP should be here in the new day or two. I want to use my 3 year old 12 inch powerbook as a second screen, mainly to keep my email client open on that screen.
    What is the best way to do this? I am sure it's not hard but I have never used a second screen.
    for you super users out there....is there a way to run the programs on my bookbook from the keyboard on the MBP without remote desktop? I have some programs on that machine I need to use that can't be run on the new Intel machines (PAUP if you know it). They will be sitting right next to each other so I can just use the other keyboard but I like to save time at everything.
    17 Inch Macbook Pro   Mac OS X (10.4.7)  

    Just try ScreenRecycler from http://www.screenrecycler.com/
    You can even use a Windows PC or a Linux box as second display.
    Patrick
    yes, I'm the author

  • Display Issue after 10.9.2 update

    After updating my Macbook Pro with Retina to 10.9.2 -- My display flickers for a second after sleep and or blank screen and then goes back to normal. Has anyone else been having display issues after updating?

    Yes similar problem here: I have a MacBook Pro, 15 inch Retina, Mid 2012, and when I connect a secondary display via HDMI (and also HDMI-to-Thunderbolt) then the external monitor becomes the main display.
    I have not figured out on  how to switch back to former settings. My guess: it's a bug. A quick search confirms that many others have secondary display issues since 10.9.2
    (Steve would have fired those lazy punks, who failed to do sincere testing before release …)

  • Are All PowerBook G4 Display Assemblies swappable?

    My PowerBook G4 1.5 Ghz display is cracked and needs to be replaced. I don't want to send it into a shop for the $700+ repair. I would like to attempt replacing my display assembly with a USED display assembly.
    Does any one know if i can replace my display assemby with another PowerBook G4 17 such as a 1.0 GHz or the 1.33 or 1.67Ghz?
    I plan to buy a brain dead 17" on eBay with a functioning display and swap it out. This is not my main computer and just a hobby project that i plan to give to a friend if I am successfull.
    PowerBook G4   Mac OS X (10.4.8)   17" Display Assembly Swap

    Hi Todd,
    ifixit.com says a screen module will work in any of the 17 inch Powerbooks (except the high-res 1.67ghz one)
    See also - http://www.ifixit.com/PowerBook-Parts/G4-Aluminum-17-Inch-1440x900-Display-Assem bly/IF155-011

  • Apple 20-inch with a 12-inch Powerbook = Constant Fan

    Just picked up a 20-inch display for use with a 12-inch Powerbook.. I also have an Apple Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse that I use.. The fan runs constantly when the powerbook is connected to the Apple Display.. Can anyone confirm if this is normal or if I should be worried.. Thanks

    Just received a 20" ACD yesterday. I also purchased a Targus Chill Pad (USB-powered fan stand) having read that 12" PBs run hot with 20" ACDs, and I really like the combination. One possible solution to the heat generation might be to avoid using the USB and FW hubs on the ACD - I don't have mine plugged in and my PB has remained nice and cool - same temps. as before hooking up the ACD (~125 F for the graphics processor, according to Temperature Monitor). I haven't heard the PB's fan go on once, and I can barely hear the fans of the Chill Pad - I'd recommend that as a 25 dollar solution to people experiencing the overheating. I don't know if the lack of hub usage is keeping the heat down, but that may also be something others want to try.

  • Monitor Capability with 12 inch Powerbook

    Does anyone know if my 12 inch Powerbook will work with this Dell 24" monitor?
    Dell 24" Wide DVI 6ms 1000:1 500 cd/m² 1920x1200 WUXGA
    9-in-2 Card Reader
    3-year Advance Exchange
    4 USB 2.0 Ports
    Adjustable Stand
    Thanks!!

    If you are using MIRROR mode, there is no way to get your widescreen monitor to mirror your PowerBook's 1024x768 dimensions since the laptop's monitor isn't widescreen as well.
    If you TURN OFF MIRRORING and use the display as an extended desktop, then you can choose whatever resolution you want for your 19" Samsung display.
    The main screen will always be what is reflected (thus mirroring) on the second monitor. If the second monitor is proportional to the main display, then it will match-- even if the second monitor is say, 1024x768 and your PowerBook is at 640x480.
    But in your case, your 1024x768 will unfortunately, never match proportionally to a widescreen display and will be stretched out. (Unless, I just remembered, if you have special features on your display that allow it to have black bars on the side, like a "reverse" letterbox mode... LCD TVs have this feature, since you can double them as monitors in addition to TVs).
    Vice versa would work if you set your main display as the widescreen LCD and choose your PowerBook's monitor set as the second display. You have to do this while your external monitor is connected of course.
    Go to SYSTEM PREFERENCES > DISPLAYS > (choose the button for) ARRANGEMENT... and then it will tell you to drag the menubar to which monitor you want to be set as your main. The screen will light up red to let you know which one you're working with.
    Message was edited by: Pismo 900:
    "Vice versa" I mean in MIRROR mode. Again, extended desktop mode (non-mirrored) will stay as whatever resolution you choose your external monitor to be.

  • My mac book pro 17 inch , 2008 year , display went dark, and the steps in "everthing Mac" book did not work, any ideas?

    my mac book pro 17 inch , 2008 year , display went dark after rebooting from origianl disc, and the steps in "everthing Mac" book did not work, any ideas?

    The router might be bad or incompatible, but let's be optimistic.
    On System Preferences, go to Network/Advanced/PPP. Only two items should be checked: Connect Automatically When Needed and Disconnect when switching user accounts. Uncheck everything else. Now, click Okay on the end of the page. The next time you're online, you shouldn't be disconnected.
    If you still get disconnected like before, we might be dealing with a router issue - which can get rather complicated.

  • Display issue - small boxes being drawn out of place.

    I am having a display issue on my desktop.  It looks like small boxes of pixels are being drawn slightly out of place.  This occurs across applications and just started after several months of usage without the problem.  The only thing that I think really changed is I updated Google Chrome.  It occurs mostly if I have a video playing on screen, but will still occur else where, generally when the screen is changing a lot (dragging windows, scrolling, etc).  I can generally see that the squares being drawn are part of the video playing, but they are drawn outside the frame of the video.
    I attached ascreenshot to better exemplify what I am describing.  Has anyone seen this before and/or know how to fix it?  I have not changed my display settings since I got the computer.  Restarting the computer did not help.
    Built-in iMac Display, 27-inch (2560 x 1440) AMD Radeon HD 6970M 1024 MB graphics

    Thanks for your reply.  After a restart, I ran Rember on all available memory.  It used about 2.8 GB (out of 4GB) and passed every test.
    I did manage to get a screenshot with the desktop itself being drawn incorrectly.  I have seen menu items at the top of Google Chrome screw up a few times, but never for Finder.
    This image looks just plain wrong:
    And here you can see that the some of the terminal window is not drawn, or the desktop is drawn over it (this screenshot is while the terminal is in focus):
    Are there any pure graphics card tests so I can confirm that that is what is wrong?
    Thanks,

Maybe you are looking for