07-17-2010, 05:18 AM

Hey guys,

Unfortunately my first problem has come with my Macbook Pro. I'm getting horizontal lines on my screen. I'm not sure what's causing the problem. I think it may be related to RAM, or the graphics card. I'm noticing EXTREME pixelation around transparent areas, or areas with drop shadow (the site's banner for instance). HD Video is also lagging, and skipping occasionally. Now, when I start up Mozilla Firefox for the first time, the rainbow circle comes up for a brief second, that's never happened before. I also notice everything is much "brighter" as if the contrast was turned up.

Is this something I can fix myself? My warranty is listed as "Limited" and I have hardware coverage til April 20th, 2011 apparently, and phone assistance until July 20th, 2010 (very soon, which is why I made an appointment for them to call later today)

I'm not sure what to do, But I assume someone on here can give me some advice before they call me up.

I'm not exactly rich so I hope they don't wanna charge me 300 something dollars to repair this, I'm assuming that since I have warranty coverage until April 20th 2011, they could fix this if it's damaged? It's the only computer I have and my main source of graphic and web design work, this damage is like a sports injury to me.

EDIT: I notice now, an hour or so after I noticed this problem originally, the lines are starting to flicker.

07-17-2010, 06:12 AM

Originally Posted by iPad

Hey guys,

Unfortunately my first problem has come with my Macbook Pro. I'm getting horizontal lines on my screen. I'm not sure what's causing the problem. I think it may be related to RAM, or the graphics card. I'm noticing EXTREME pixelation around transparent areas, or areas with drop shadow (the site's banner for instance). HD Video is also lagging, and skipping occasionally. Now, when I start up Mozilla Firefox for the first time, the rainbow circle comes up for a brief second, that's never happened before. I also notice everything is much "brighter" as if the contrast was turned up.

First, have a look in "Universal Access" under the system preferences and make sure everything's turned off there.

Is this something I can fix myself? My warranty is listed as "Limited" and I have hardware coverage til April 20th, 2011 apparently, and phone assistance until July 20th, 2010 (very soon, which is why I made an appointment for them to call later today)

All this means is that you haven't yet bought the extended Applecare warranty, and are under the standard one-year warranty (90 days of telephone support). I'd suggest you buy Applecare before the 90th day so as to ensure continuous telephone support.

I'm not exactly rich so I hope they don't wanna charge me 300 something dollars to repair this, I'm assuming that since I have warranty coverage until April 20th 2011, they could fix this if it's damaged?

If it's a defect and not the result of abuse (or just the cat walking across the keyboard and hitting a strange combination of keys), they'll fix it at no cost to you.

It's the only computer I have and my main source of graphic and web design work, this damage is like a sports injury to me.

While you're on hold with Apple, I'd strongly recommend making a backup of the computer's drive using either Time Machine or the method of your choice if you're not already doing so.

07-17-2010, 01:28 PM

Thank you incredibly for your help. I'm still waiting on the Genius to call me, but after a few hours of being off it seems to have 'fixed itself'

The lines are gone, the colors normal. But I think if it's on for a period of time again it'll happen so I'm still going to report it.

EDIT: After having the computer on for 5-10 minutes the lines have returned.