[Koman]

Earlier today I decided to clean my 12-inch PowerBook's screen. When I did, I noticed that in the centre two circular smudges did not want to rub off - and upon further inspection I realised that it was what I believe to be a cluster of dead pixels! I mean, I'm not sure - but what else could it be?

On my desktop I have a navy-blue-ish background, and the two circles come out as white-like in colour. It is very noticeable and annoying. I've had the PowerBook for just over a month now, and I don't know when they just appeared - like I said for a while I presumed they were smudges but I couldn't be bothered cleaning it.

As its only 1 and a half months old, its still under warranty - but I'm just wondering what will the procedure from here if Apple chooses to fix it? Will they replace my PowerBook or just repair it? How long will I be without a laptop? I really need it for Uni as I have 2 major assignments coming up.

I have read from various sources that Apple have a 5 or so dead pixel return policy, so the two clusters on my screen will easily be accepted right?


Thanks in advance for your help everyone.

[lilrabbit129]

If the clusters are "considerable enough" then Apple might replace your laptop. The definition of considerable is completely up to Apple. Apple's turn around time, once they actually agree to warranty-work is pretty quick. It can be as little as a few days.

[mdc]

if your clusters are indeed clusters of a bunch of dead pixels, then i am sure apple will take it back.

is there any chance you can take it to an apple store, and show it to them?

[iBorg]

It's very easy to check for stuck/dead pixels. There are many utilities for this - I use PiXel Check , which runs your LCD through the various colors. It's easy, and this utility is freeware.

If you have a cluster of stuck/dead pixels, and your Mac is still under warranty or AppleCare, Apple will fix/replace it.



iBorg

[GSixZero]

Originally Posted by iBorg

If you have a cluster of stuck/dead pixels, and your Mac is still under warranty or AppleCare, Apple will fix/replace it.

Don't be so sure. It's up to Apple whether they replace it or not.

[iBorg]

Originally Posted by GSixZero

Don't be so sure. It's up to Apple whether they replace it or not.

Others have posted that Apple's "policy" for replacement is 5 stuck/dead pixels, or a cluster of same, particularly if it's towards the center of the screen.

Interestingly enough, another Mac website (I can't recall which, I'll try to find it) posted in the past couple of days that replacement of monitors/iMacs/laptops with pixel problems is actually up to the individual Apple Store, and that they sometimes will replace a new unit with even a single stuck/dead pixel. That would depend upon the individual store/manager/moon phase, even perhaps.

In any case, the key is to be polite, but firm. Ranting and raving like a lunatic will get you nowhere, either in person, or with an Apple support tech.



iBorg