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MBP dead pixel-what to do?

wmmk

wmmk

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Mar 28, 2006
2,414
0
The Library.
Hello everyone,

First off, sorry that I'm posting this. I'm sure you all get a lot of this sort of thing. Anyhow, I have a dead pixel on my MacBook Pro about 3cm from the bottom of the screen and a bit less than half way from the right side. I bought this MBP refreshed in an apple store about 6 months ago in a brick and mortar (actually glass and steel, to be precise) Apple store. If it matters, I don't have apple care.

I did a complete system backup to my 250GB LaCie last night in case I need to bring this in for repair. I normally wouldn't lose much sleep over this sort of issue, but for full screen photo editing, the dead pixel really bugs me.

I'd like to know if my best bet is to bring it into an apple store, and if I'll get better service at the one where I bought it. If at all possible, I'd rather go to a different one; the one were I bought it is an hour and a half away. I'm also wondering what documentation I'll need to prove ownership, date of purchase, etc. Lastly, I'm hoping I don't have to pay much (if any) money to get this fixed. Will my one year warranty cover this sort of thing? Is there any chance I'll end up with a new machine?

Many thanks as usual,
wmmk
 
You will not end up with a new machine. And, technically, one dead pixel is within specifications. However, if you grumble, they may decide to swap out your LCD for you. They may not. Note that they aren't under any obligation to do so.
 
MovieCutter said:
deal with it...sorry. Apple isn't gonna swap a machine for a single dead pixel. Many have tried, all have failed.
Click to expand...

i've done it, twice.

just tell them what you want and you're not going to settle for any less. oh, any by the way talk to the manager off hand, they will always solve the problem for you.
 
mac000 said:
i've done it, twice.

just tell them what you want and you're not going to settle for any less. oh, any by the way talk to the manager off hand, they will always solve the problem for you.
Click to expand...

I was able to get a new machine as well. Had a PowerBook (this is 2-3 years ago now) with a dead pixel in the smack center of the screen. Took it back a week later, bitched and moaned, ended up getting a brand new machine.

Moral: try bitching and moaning, it might work.
 
OK, I'll forget the new machine. Can I at least get my LCD fixed?

Also, I happen to be 13, which probably will have an impact on the effect of my complaints. Does being a well informed (also slightly geeky and nasal-toned) teenager help or hurt? I could have my dad talk to Mac Genii, but he's been rather busy at work these days and don't want to spend weekend time with him in an Apple store arguing with employees about a dark pixel.

How much might I have to pay for this?

EDIT: here's an image of the stuck pixel:
 

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flopticalcube said:
Have you tried something like jscreenfix on it? If its stuck rather than dead, it may be coax out.

Although, to me, it does look dead from the pic.
Click to expand...

Did you see the picture? I was under the impression that stuck pixels were bright colors, while dead ones were just dim. Am I wrong?
 
I can't believe this thread! You can't take a computer back for a dead pixel, let alone an old computer.

Many manufacturers won't even consider a replacement if it has less then 8! dead pixels. I believe Apple's policy is 5 for any sort of action.

Get over it.
 
wmmk said:
Also, I happen to be 13, which probably will have an impact on the effect of my complaints. Does being a well informed (also slightly geeky and nasal-toned) teenager help or hurt?
Click to expand...

Sorry to say, being underage probably hurts your case. Most businesses find it's less risky to deal with an adult. At the very least, someone is going to need to sign a repair order, and it's not legally kosher to have someone underage putting their signature on such a document.

I could have my dad talk to Mac Genii, but he's been rather busy at work these days and don't want to spend weekend time with him in an Apple store arguing with employees about a dark pixel.
Click to expand...

This should probably give you a good indicator of how important this really is. I work with imaging equipment for a living, and even I wuld be hard pressed to see one dead pixel as a big enough deal to be without my MBP for several days while it's fixed, assuming they would actually do it.

The fact that the dead pixel isn't near the center of screen, and near the bottom edge, doesn't help out your case either. People would probably be more willing to empathize if it was smack dab in the middle of the screen.

Bottom line: it's your judgment call. If it's worth it to you to spend the time in the Apple store with your dad to complain over this, without any guarantee that the geniuses will find it worth resolving, then by all means, do so.
 
Tell you what, I'll just trade you for my MB and you won't have to worry about dead pixels:D . But take it in, they might get a new LCD in there for you. If not, it'll only be a little time. Also, the fact that you're young might appeal to their emotions (I'm 15, just so ya know). But really, it's not that big of a deal, you've got at least 1,295,999 good pixels left. And on a side note, did you buy yours in the 5th Ave. store in NYC (steel and glass?)? That's where I got my MB, despite the whole living in KY thing...
 
taylorwilsdon said:
I can't believe this thread! You can't take a computer back for a dead pixel, let alone an old computer.

Many manufacturers won't even consider a replacement if it has less then 8! dead pixels. I believe Apple's policy is 5 for any sort of action.

Get over it.
Click to expand...

Try putting yourself in his shoes and then see how well you "get over it"

Those policies are there to protect the OEMs, majority of the time they swap out the LCDs even if they aren't obliged to.

To the OP try your luck, be polite but assertive. The worst that could happen is they say no. However i wouldn't hold my breath for a new machine. LCD replacement yes, new machine....not so much.
 
There was a good point brought up about trying to coax the pixel into working. There are a few tutorials online that explain how you might try getting the pixel to function again. I did a google search and this is the first thing that came up:

http://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Stuck-Pixel-on-an-LCD-Monitor

Just thought you might want to try it before you go through the trouble of taking your computer to get repaired/replaced.

Good luck.
 
Did this just happen? Or did you only notice it today?

If they don't take it back (which I don't think they will given its age), you can repair it, but the new LCD they put on it may have even more dead pixels!

If I was buying a new computer, I would make sure there are ZERO dead pixels - you have the right to be angry about it.

However, it's not that bad since it's near the bottom of the screen. It would bother the hell out of me, but eventually, I would learn to live with it.

I hope they give you a new machine/ new LCD. Keep us posted!
 
Man, when I was 13 I had a hardcore old pc (P1 166mhz) that was seriously outdated even then (7 years ago). My parents never would have considered buying me a new one, let alone one that costs as much as a MBP! You're one lucky kid!! Good luck with your dead pixel.
 
FWIW: I paid for my MacBook Pro (and expensive camera setup) with my own money, which I've earned through web design and tech support for neighbors and other acquaintances. I also bought my laptop used (for $1000 off retail price). I'm certainly grateful for many things I have, such as a very supportive family, a home in a rather affluent area, and a top-notch public education.

I earn money from work done on my LCD, and would expect a $2500 ($1500 in my case) computer to be able to function flawlessly.
 
wmmk said:
FWIW: I paid for my MacBook Pro (and expensive camera setup) with my own money, which I've earned through web design and tech support for neighbors and other acquaintances. I also bought my laptop used (for $1000 off retail price). I'm certainly grateful for many things I have, such as a very supportive family, a home in a rather affluent area, and a top-notch public education.

I earn money from work done on my LCD, and would expect a $2500 ($1500 in my case) computer to be able to function flawlessly.
Click to expand...


Anybody would..... good luck:)
 
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