Backlight flickering
Six weeks after I bought my new MacBook, I had a totally random backlight flickering. First I almost didn't notice it, because it didn't happen often and not long. But week by week the intensity increased. So I tried to hunt down the cause, because it happened totally random. It happened while running on battery and AC, under Windows, Linux, MacOSX and FreeBSD. It didn't matter if the MacBook was placed on a table or moving ...
I discovered a lot of forum entries with Google and even a youtube viode:
The forum entries didn't bring up any good information. The MacBook which were sent back to Apple couldn't be repaired even though the Inverter Board which controls the backlight (voltage) was replaced during the first return and the logic board during the second return.
I called Apple 3 weeks ago and the operator told me that they don't have an entries regarding this problem. So I sent mine back as well. I thought it wouldn't help, because they just wanted to change my inverter board, too.
Update:
I used the MacBook for a week or two until the backlight flickering came back. Because I had no time to take it back to an apple store, I decided to live with it and take care of it when I had time. Unfortunately, the problem became worth to the point that I sometimes coudln't work with it anymore. Therefore, I took it back to the store and they decided to replace the display, including all cables.
The day I got my MacBook back the problem reappear. Annoyed, I called the Apple Hotline the next morning and tried to convice the operator that I had not the time nor the nerves to return the laptop every other week for repair. But, he kindly explained to me that I needed to go back to the store and that they would investiagted further. That was the end of the first phone call.
After I go back from work, I was pissed off that I had to drive around town, just because Apple had sent me a broken MacBook. So I called again and made my point clear that I will not keep the laptop. After antoher hour of discussion they offered me to take the McBook back and return me the money. I was really relieved that, even though I had spent a lot of time on the problem, I didn't loose any money.
This is the tragic end of my Apple affair. I know have an LG subnotebook and I am really pleased with it.
Bye,
Mips