Apple MacBook - Stuck pixels?

November 24 2007, 4:18pm

Update: Well, I took the MacBook back to the Tyson's Apple store, and after a short chat with "Tim," I was on my way back home with a replacement. Just got back, set it up, and it's "good to go." No dead pixels to be seen - yet! And no blemishes. I'm pleased! Thanks, "Tim!"

Yesterday was Black Friday, and I decided to take Apple up on their BF discount. Since I'd rather deal with a retail store than wait for my product to get shipped, my wife and I packed up our youngest and headed 2 hours to the Tyson's Apple store.

Of course, I did my research online, noting that the online store would provide me a Federal Employee discount and the holiday discount. Figuring this would be the case in the B&M retail store, I chatted with one of the Apple reps. He said I could get either discount, but they could not be stacked. I asked a few more of the reps, and they provided the same answer. Why would the online store allow the stacked discounts, but not this store. Ugh!

Oh well. I was so set on getting the laptop and getting it now, I agreed to accept only one discount and picked up a black MacBook (I know the white is cheaper, but I like the look of the black and was willing to pay the premium).

Finally, it's mine! I get home, plug it in and let it charge a bit. Then I crank it up. I fill in all the config info and up comes the pretty Leopard screen. Keep in mind, this is my first Mac. I gaze in wonder. And then horror. I have a dead pixel right in the center of the screen. Oh wait, I have another near the bottom. More Ugh!

Now what to do!? I decided to sleep on it. I did some research this morning, and it appears this is a common trend. Unfortunately, there is no clear guidance on what to do. I called the Apple retail store I purchased from, and they said there should be no problem exchanging it since it is within the 14 day return period. I just have to take it to the Genius Bar for them to check out.

This requires another 2 hour trip, so it will probably have to wait a day or two, but things are not working out as I had hoped.