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Dead Pixel

anjinha

anjinha

macrumors 604
Original poster
Oct 21, 2006
7,324
206
San Francisco, CA
I bought a new Macbook and discovered that the screen came with one dead pixel. I know one dead pixel doesn't seem like much but I can't stop looking at it and I do a lot of graphic design work for college. So I went to the store where I bought it to try to exchange it and they will exchange it but the Macbook I want is sold out. So if I really want to exchange it I have to order one from a store about 200 miles away. Do you think it's worth it or am I being to anal?
 
anjinhamarota said:
I bought a new Macbook and discovered that the screen came with one dead pixel. I know one dead pixel doesn't seem like much but I can't stop looking at it and I do a lot of graphic design work for college. So I went to the store where I bought it to try to exchange it and they will exchange it but the Macbook I want is sold out. So if I really want to exchange it I have to order one from a store about 200 miles away. Do you think it's worth it or am I being to anal?
Click to expand...

No, it's absolutely worth it. Dead pixels are one of my biggest pet peeves and that one will annoy you more and more each time you see it. Or at least, I was that way with an old LCD screen. I don't think it's being anal at all.
 
DEFINITELY not being anal... If there's even a spec of dust on my screen that I can see i want to tear my eyes out it bugs me so much. That said, I want to forewarn you that the "official" apple policy is that the "acceptable number of subpixel anomalies" for an LCD is up to 3 bright, up to 5 dark, or up to a combination of 7. Within this range their "official" policy is to not replace the LCD but now that you know what they'll say you'll know how to respond....
Good Luck!
 
zephead said:
I've heard of gently massaging dead pixels to get them to work. Never did it myself, but it's worth a try.
Click to expand...
I'm pretty sure that only applies to stuck pixels, not dead ones. Stuck pixels are always on but are always one color, red, blue or green. Dead pixels are always off and appear gray. There's nothing you can do to bring them back afaik.

You know, I've always been very OCD about the condition of my computer. I couldn't stand it if there were scratches or other cosmetic flaws. When I owned a PowerBook G3 with a 1034x768 resolution with a single stuck red pixel I was really bothered by it because my eye was always drawn to it. The same thing happened with my iBook G4 (it had a single stuck red pixel, too, go figure). But then I got a MacBook Pro and it has one dead pixel somewhere near the top right corner. But with it's 1440x900 resolution I honestly NEVER notice it. It's just so small. Maybe that's the difference between dead and stuck pixels, but even I'm not going to complain to Apple about this one. The machine is so wonderful, I don't feel like it detracts from the experience of using it at all.

So my advice is just get over it. If it's stuck and not dead you can try the massage technique or use one of the various apps or widgets out there that flash a bunch of colors on the scree to attempt to "unstick" it. If it is dead, on a 1280x800 screen, what's one tiny little pixel?
 
You can rub stuck pixels as the crystal is just froze. When their dead there is no life in them. I would order that other one in. The dead pixel will only bug you more and more every time you see it. Also Apple does not include dead pixels under warranty, so getting the exchange will be the best possible thing your you mind.
 
Make them keep replacing it until it is perfect. We pay a premium for these machines and I for one would have no problem being anal about this.
 
Thanks for all your thoughts and opinions. I ordered my new macbook, it will be here in a few days. Hopefully this one will be perfect.
I just love how in these forums everyone is so willing to help when someone has a question or problem. :)
 
I had a MacBook Pro with one dead pixel right in the middle of the screen. It drove me out of my mind. So I put it up on ebay with a warning about the dead pixel, it sold for about $100 less than what I paid for it. The next day I bought another MacBook Pro, fingers crossed this one has been perfect, no dead pixels or corner shading.

So yes, it is worth replacing, otherwise it will drive you mad every time you see it! :eek:
 
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