I have a problem. i have this stripe that comes down the screen. could it be a pinched or loose cable? i can make it go away by flexing the screen some, but doesn't always work... do i need a new screen... in that case i'd just throw this macbook at a wall and get a new computer. -_- replacement isn't cheap. thanks guys and gals.

 

hmmm 5 years on a mac i have yet to see this happen. its in negative?

 

yeah, the stripe is.

 

Whats the purchase date? Is it still covered by apple? Have you tried reformatting the harddrive (last resort)?

 

i dont think reformatting the drive will fix that.

that looks like a portion of the backlight on the screen is dead...

 

uhm maybe try setting your entire screen to negative and back?
Press the Control-Option-Command-8 key combination.

 

it's a hardware issue. i can make it go away by moving or flexing the screen sometimes. back light is fine, it's just a stripe that in negative color.

 

I think you would need to order a replacement screen and replace it. It shouldn't be too expensive.

 

I'll see if my roommate has any ideas. He's a genius at the downtown SF apple store.
What model/year is the macbook?

 

My screen was blinking and it was a hard drive issue. I wish I could afford a new one right now. Mines ancient.

 

it's a late 2008 macbook (unibody) a1287. thanks!

 

i used to work in a pc repair shop for a few years.

Usually, if the screen fickler when you close and open the screen, it is most usually a cable. There is a cable that lies in the back of your screen. This cable is connected to the inverter. When the cable is damaged, it will cause the symptoms you described. When it have a good connection, your screen will look perfect. When it has a bad connection, it will have the line across the screen.

So basically, it should be a cheap fix. At least for the parts (<$40).

link:
http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_from=R4...All-Categories

It is the labor to take apart the laptop. Macs are a pain to take apart. Gazillion screws. To top if off, they use different sized screws and different heads.

Good luck

edit: Please check your laptop if it is still under warranty. Apple warranty is awesome. Check your warranty here:

https://selfsolve.apple.com/agreementWarrantyDynamic.do

 

http://www.ifixit.com/Mac-Parts

 

I think Asoka is right. If the issue can be resolved temporarily by fiddling with the angle of the screen then clearly the screen is okay. I'm guessing you will have to pay someone to take the thing apart, and either replace the cable connecting the screen, or adjust it in some other way.

If a repair shop suggests replacing the whole screen I would get another opinion.

 

Yup, most likely a bad cable. My old work MBP has the same problem except it affects the whole display. By waggling the display I can fix it.