Is a stuck pixel worth $160?

This is for those of you contemplating a T61 who have pixel phobia.

I received my T61 14.1 WXGA last week and other then a few small quibbles I really like it. The size is perfect, heat a non issue, keyboard comfortable and it's quiet. So what is not to like? I've got one stuck green pixel. Luckily it isn't in the middle of the screen but it is within 2 inches of it towards the bottom right. It is noticeable during dvd playback and on darker backgrounds. Does it ruin the experience, no probably not. But having never kept an LCD that has had a stuck or dead pixel before I'm having a hard time convincing myself to keep this one. The difference now however is that Lenovo is standing by it's policy of not taking returns for dead/stuck pixels without charging a 15% restocking fee. That fee plus shipping comes to $160. I'd like to order this same laptop again but knowing my luck I'll end up with an even more offensive red stuck pixel. I've tried all the various tricks to get the pixel to change but alas none have worked. I guess I should be happy that I was able to get a Thinkpad for under $1000.

 

we're in the exact same boat. i tried everything and my pixel is still stuck.

it's bright green too.

I wouldn't return it, it's not that big of a deal.

 

If it really doesn't distract you other than you wish it were perfect, then I'd say keep it and enjoy your notebook.

 

Making LCDs is not an exact science. Some do come with dead/stuck pixels. You could send it back, but the next one may have more.

 

very good point made by ZaZ.

Wouldn't be a bummer to take a $160 return fee and order the same model and have TWO stuck/dead pixels this time?

Personally, I'd rather have it dead rather than stuck, but that's not the point.

 

kill it then.....punch your LCD really hard....just make sure you hit the right pixel!

 

It is too bad that Lenovo and other manufacturers don't offer any sort of "defect" insurance or an option to pay a premium for a screen that is checked for stuck/dead pixels. The physical check would likely cause disruptions in the manufacturing process so I can see why that might be difficult to offer. Insurance against restocking fees seems reasonable however. I'd gladly pay $25 or so up front knowing I won't get hit by 15% restocking fee if I discover a pixel problem.

The T61 I have is not being returned. The pixel isn't that big of a deal considering the rest of the user experience is so positive and I can't imagine myself going with another manufacturer. I've had HPs, Toshibas and Apples and nothing compares to Thinkpads. I've got an old A31 that just turned 5 this past month. For the past 3 years it has been on 24/7 90% of the time (the wife always forgets to turn it off). It still looks and works just like it did when it first came out of the box.

 

you might want to look into the dell latitude d430/d630/d830 line.

In my opinion the Latitude lines are the best built notebooks.

I had a D430 and it was an incredible machine that I would still have if it weren't for the fact that it had a 4200 rpm hdd and a 1.2 ghz core 2 duo ULV.

The D630 is absolutely wonderful and I may pick one up again in the future.

 

I have a stuck red pixel on my HP notebook and mine is located near the top right corner. It's never bothered me and I've never done anything to get rid of it. I was afraid more pixels would appear since I was told that was a possibility. Four years later and it's the only one.

I'm not sure it's worth paying the restocking fee but you still have a few more days to decide whether or not to keep it.

 

i was able to massage my stuck pixels away. just google it and you'll find a bunch of tips on how to do it. it comes back every so often but not for long

 

Thanks for the tip. Tried each of the techniques out including using a stylus and nothing has worked. I'll just get the screen dusty so I don't even notice the pixel any longer.

 

PaulSTC,

What type of screen did you get? Samsung or LG???

 

Samsung I believe - 42T0443 42T0410 14.1 INCH LCD DISPLAY FRU YES

Other than the stuck pixel the screen quality is fine. Is it as bold and colorful as those glossy screens that are all the rage, no. But I specifically did not want that. I use a flexview at work and while this doesn't have as good of viewing angles it is good enough for my needs. Text is clear and there is a good range of brightness available should I want to boost it up or lower it.

 

I think Asus and some other smaller brands do offer this kind of insurance. I think the problem with this is a good chunk of the LCD screens made have some dead/stuck pixels which would making them back for a few dead or stuck pixels a huge undertaking.

 

I have two stuck pixels...they really bothered me initially but now that I don't look for it I rarely notice it anymore.