Apple Incorporated is facing a class action lawsuit alleging the company advertised the LCD screens on its MacBook and MacBook Pro laptops as being superior, but knowingly shipped screens that did not meet its original claims. The class action lawsuit points out Apple advertised that the new glossy screens introduced with its MacBook last year provided users with deeper blacks and whites that are more vibrant. However, many customers experienced graininess and sparkling effects common to dithering techniques, according to the complaint: “Many such dissatisfied purchasers were chastised by Apple agents and employees for being too picky about their assessments of the quality of the display. Other dissatisfied purchasers were told that they were imagining the complained about defects.”
The complaint also points out that many of the disgruntled customers posted messages on Apple's own forums only later to have their posts moderated or completely removed by Apple forum administrators. The lawsuit alleges Apple uses dithering techniques to create an illusion of colors that don't actually exist. In fact, the lawsuit claims if a MacBook or MacBook Pro users installs Windows XP, they will notice superior image quality in areas such as gradients. The test seems to indicate Apple is using some sort of software at work in OS X. "The displays are only capable of displaying the illusion of millions of colors through the use of a software technique referred to as 'dithering'," the lawsuit claims.
News source: DailyTech
The complaint also points out that many of the disgruntled customers posted messages on Apple's own forums only later to have their posts moderated or completely removed by Apple forum administrators. The lawsuit alleges Apple uses dithering techniques to create an illusion of colors that don't actually exist. In fact, the lawsuit claims if a MacBook or MacBook Pro users installs Windows XP, they will notice superior image quality in areas such as gradients. The test seems to indicate Apple is using some sort of software at work in OS X. "The displays are only capable of displaying the illusion of millions of colors through the use of a software technique referred to as 'dithering'," the lawsuit claims.
News source: DailyTech
The units what were reviewed by the review sites are not the onces the consumer ends up getting.
So the monitors are not at fault. Its the software?
So the monitors are not at fault. Its the software?
That is what I was wondering as well when I read that. That claim seems to shoot a big hole in their lawsuit, as the entire point of the lawsuit was that the displays are not as high quality as was claimed. If the simple act of installing Windows makes the picture look better, then it is NOT a problem with the display, but possibly with the driver under OS X.
The units what were reviewed by the review sites are not the onces the consumer ends up getting.
Kind of pathetic that companies can get away with this. They should have to indicate in some way, ie a revision, or new model, to show they have made significant changes. I guess they assume that changing the panel isn't significant... cheap bastards. I'm under the impression that Dell is really bad with this.
wctaiwan
What is your criticism based on?
Glossy screen have really nice contrast IN THE DARK, well in the low ambient light.
I don't have that problem when OS X is running. Now, if there is a black screen on my monitor, ie. the computer is shut off, then I can see reflections.
For instance, yesterday, i was told by JD Sports that I was imagining that my black trainers had turned a funny turquiose colour (their "Inspections" department "checked"
Once any company has your money, they're not interested.
I can call up Verizon right now and get an employee irrate enough to spill something quote-worthy - they could also just hang up on me, and I could twist that, as well.
That said, I'm not trying to ignore corporate responsiblity... Lawsuits just get on my nerves and most are just digging for money. It only dilutes the worthiness of vaild claims.
We'll see what happens!
As for my MBP display... I love the damn thing and happen to be a creative professional. However, I always purchase color accurate, external displays. This claim is really invalid to me since I've always been of the opinion that it's hocky to think you could use a laptop display for accurate color, regardless of who makes it. I just haven't paid much attention to that selling point and think it silly that anyone would purchase a laptop for that reason - IMO, they wouldn't be real professionals. I check at proof or edit, and that's always on an external.
If it's vaild, I wouldn't mind trading mine in for a future LED model....
Last edited by Chad on 21 May 2007 - 14:23
Last edited by Chad on 21 May 2007 - 14:24
Last edited by Chad on 21 May 2007 - 14:24
Last edited by Chad on 21 May 2007 - 14:25
The complaint also points out that many of the disgruntled customers posted messages on Apple's own forums only later to have their posts moderated or completely removed by Apple forum administrators. "
Apple's behaviour sure sends a strong message about how well they respect their customers.
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