12-12-2011, 02:58 PM

Evening/morning/afternoon folks;

I've just noticed that my 3 month old iMac has a single dead pixel in the upper left corner of the screen. Well, I presume it's a dead pixel - It appears to be red in colour, and isn't present when I do a screen shot.

What are the chances of Apple replacing it? I didn't buy the iMac direct from Apple, but a reseller, namely Comet (An electrical store here in the UK). When I purchased the Mac I took out a 3 year "Anything happens" warranty which covers me for, well, anything.

Just wanted to know if I were to take it to Apple, would it be covered by the limited warranty, or should I take it back to where I bought it? I'm a bit wary of taking it to Comet, incase they try to tell me that it has to be sent away for repair and was wondering if I had any chance of Apple replacing it like for like?

A bit miffed as it's not even 3 months old...

Thanks in advance for any advice.

12-12-2011, 03:27 PM

Doubt if a single dead pixel would warrant a replacement, but on the other hand, you never know if you don't ask. My own take would be if it took me three months to notice it isn't worth messing with.

But, if you find yourself continually drawn to stare at it now that you have noticed it, then I would guess it is worth messing with.

Let us know how things turn out.

12-12-2011, 03:40 PM

Ah okay, cheers Razor.

If it has just developed the problem though, do I not have a case? I use the Mac fairly extensively every day, and would have noticed it sooner had it occured sooner. Or is it something they ship with? If so, that's pretty shoddy.

I know it's only one pixel, but surely it's the principal of it? If you fork out the best of £1000 for something, I wouldn't expect it to develop a 'fault' within three months - not with Apple products anyway.

I'm sure the guy that sold me the extended warranty-jobby told me that they would replace it for a dead pixel, but was wondering if I was better off going to Apple. Ah well, I'll take it to Comet o Wednesday, and if they won't do anything about, I'll try Apple.

Many thanks .

12-12-2011, 03:48 PM

Originally Posted by Chuckoir

Ah okay, cheers Razor.

If it has just developed the problem though, do I not have a case? I use the Mac fairly extensively every day, and would have noticed it sooner had it occured sooner. Or is it something they ship with? If so, that's pretty shoddy.

I know it's only one pixel, but surely it's the principal of it? If you fork out the best of £1000 for something, I wouldn't expect it to develop a 'fault' within three months - not with Apple products anyway.

I'm sure the guy that sold me the extended warranty-jobby told me that they would replace it for a dead pixel, but was wondering if I was better off going to Apple. Ah well, I'll take it to Comet o Wednesday, and if they won't do anything about, I'll try Apple.

Many thanks .

There is a difference between what Apple is obligated to do, and what they might do.

Actually, I know of no display screen manufacturer who would agree that a screen with a single dead pixel is defective--the manufacturing process just isn't that good.
Most have standards that allow a significant number of defective pixels (and I believe usually include position on the screen as well).

If your aftermarket warranty covers a single dead pixel then you are fine. Otherwise, if this matters a lot to you then you are dependent upon the good will of the Apple Store employees you end up dealing with.

12-12-2011, 03:52 PM

Ahh okay, I see your point and can see how I would be coming across as a bit anal... Guess that's just the slight OCD in me creeping out!

Well, like you say, if you don't ask then you don't get!

I'll try me luck and report back, thanks for your input, buddy.

12-12-2011, 03:59 PM

From memory (so don't quote me!), but it's not until there are 3 or more that any manufacturer will consider dead pixels an issue. 1 is often thought as normal.
That said, it would annoy me no end.

12-12-2011, 04:02 PM

Ugh.

Right, next question:

How do I kill pixels?! Not many, just a couple will do.

12-12-2011, 08:04 PM

That's not a "dead" pixel you're dealing with. A dead pixel shows up as a black spot on the screen. Your pixel is one that won't turn off. (It's stuck.) If you can't for some reason get the LCD replaced, you might try this: LINK

12-12-2011, 10:00 PM

It is Apple's warranty, wherever you bought it. So yes you can take it to the Apple store. Is your extended warranty AppleCare? or a third party? It doesn't really matter now though as it is still under Apple's warranty.

12-12-2011, 10:29 PM

Awesome link Charlie.

12-13-2011, 01:40 AM

Originally Posted by zacster

It is Apple's warranty, wherever you bought it. So yes you can take it to the Apple store. Is your extended warranty AppleCare? or a third party? It doesn't really matter now though as it is still under Apple's warranty.

Apple does not normally honor one stuck or dead pixel under their warranty. If the machine were new (less than two weeks old) then yes. He may get lucky and they'll replace the LCD but we have had members who tried to get Apple to warrant a stuck or dead pixel before and they have refused.

12-13-2011, 02:14 AM

Originally Posted by chscag

Apple does not normally honor one stuck or dead pixel under their warranty. If the machine were new (less than two weeks old) then yes. He may get lucky and they'll replace the LCD but we have had members who tried to get Apple to warrant a stuck or dead pixel before and they have refused.

I waited a while, till I had enough there was no question on panel replacement for the last dead pixel I had... come to think of it, I brought that machine in about a week before applecare expired

12-13-2011, 03:16 AM

Cheers for the advice, gentlemen, especially that link, that's a great find! Thank you!

I know my chances are slim, but I'm going to try my luck, now I've noticed I keep staring it at. Grrrr. If that fails, I'll try one of those DIY methods, they look fairly simple... Standby for when it all goes wrong. Horribly.

Thanks again, much appreciated.