11-19-2011, 04:52 PM

I kept hearing how great apple products are and how I should by a laptop. Well I broke down and purchased a used latop 2008 MacBook Pro 15" from a guy who works as a specialist for Apple. Well I've had it about two weeks. I turned it on this morning and the keyboard lights up but the display does nothing.
The power cord shows green.
The keyboard lights up and I can adjust the brightness.
The logon sound comes on when I boot up.
So now I have a laptop that doesn't work.

Has anyone had this issue and if so how can I fix it?

Signed - not happy with my first apple experience...

11-19-2011, 06:31 PM

Buying a used computer is no different than buying anything used. You just don't know how it was used or if it had problems that were or were not addressed in the past.

You say the screen does not light? A 2008 MacBook Pro has a CCFL backlight not LED like the newer models do. The backlight could have burned out, the backlight inverter (which provides AC for the backlight) could have failed, the video cable from the logic board to the LCD could be defective, the GPU could be bad, and so on.

Let's try to narrow it down: Attach an external monitor to the MBP. If you don't have a monitor, use a TV. Does that work? Let us know and we can try to move on from there.

11-19-2011, 06:45 PM

chscag - Thank you for the reply. The only reason I chose to purchase this used laptop is because I bought it from someone who is a specialist at an Apple Store. I made the assumption that since he worked for Apple the product would be good.

I have an external monitor - however, it appears that Apple uses a different connection than what I am use to (i.e. PC.)

11-19-2011, 09:05 PM

The 2008 MBP has a mini display port (I believe) which means you will need an adapter to hook it to your monitor. Probably either a VGA or DVI adapter.

Is there a possibility, that you can get back to the person from whom you purchased the MBP from? Since he works at an Apple store he is fully qualified to diagnose the problem and should repair it for you for free. Probably not his fault the computer display failed, a coincidence, and bad luck for you.

11-19-2011, 10:54 PM

I sent him a txt. Waiting to hear back.

11-20-2011, 01:42 AM

This is what he said. "you could bring it to me, but i'm not a technician so i wouldn't really know how to diagnose the problem. i've never seen a Mac do that before."

So it looks like I got caught up in the Apple hype and wasted my money. All my photographer friends kept telling me it's the best thing to have. I guess I should have just bought a new laptop and stayed away from Apple. Now if I want it fixed (if that's even possible) I will have to take it to some overpriced tech to look at it.

Frustrated and unhappy.

11-20-2011, 02:15 AM

I would ask him to refund your money and take the machine back or have one of the Apple techs that work at his store repair it. I also don't understand his response, although I guess if he's not a tech he's probably telling the truth.

I'm sorry your first experience with a Mac has turned out this way. They're good machines, well built, and will usually last a long time. I know that doesn't help you right now. Keep us posted and if we can assist any further let us know.

11-20-2011, 10:49 AM

He said take it to a genius and have them look at it.

11-21-2011, 12:48 PM

try adjusting the brightness on keyboard.

11-21-2011, 04:22 PM

Found out what the issue is. Apparently this model (and I found some documentation on the net backing this up) had an issue with the graphics processor. The company Apple used had packaging issue. The co guaranteed Apple that itwould cause no issues. However, after Apple did their own internal investigation they found that was not the case. This is a know issue with this model and Apple has put it under some type of extended warranty so the replacement will cost me zero.

Downside - it currently takes 5 to 7 days to get it fixed...but that cool since I get it fixed and it is costing nothing.

My initial experience at my first Apple store was surprising to see how busy it was. I did schedule a time so I wasn't suppose to have to wait. However, after the initial person I spoke with after checking in said he couldn't help me and I would have to go to the bar (which is where I was scheduled to go) they forgot about me. I stood around for 15 minutes before someone that I had spoken with earlier walked by and asked me what was going on. At that point it was obvious they forgot about me since there were 3 stools open.
They person who finally assisted me was very helpful and knew what he was talking about which was nice.

Over all I give them a 3 for service out of 5. We will see how it goes when they tell me it's ready.

11-21-2011, 09:46 PM

The free fix they spoke about is the infamous nVidia graphics chipset failure. And yes, the initial warranty on that was extended to four years so it looks like you just got in under the wire. A bit of good luck among the bad. Anyway, I'm glad to hear that you have a least a resolution to the problem of sorts. It will be worthwhile waiting the week or so for the fix.

By the way, that fix involves changing out the mother board (logic board) so you will have a new one installed. Hopefully lasting you for some years to come.

Keep us posted.