Pressure Points on x230

Hi Everyone! I'm having a screen problem with my lenovo x230, what I had originally thought were dead pixels turned out to be pressure points that have formed on the IPS screen. This was my first laptop purchase so I didn't really know how to differentiate the two. I sent it into Lenovo for a standard warranty repair, but they quickly called to let me know that this was something that would not fall under free warranty repair. I was really disappointed to hear this since the latptop is really only a few months old and is stationed securely on my desk 95% of the time and the other 5% of the time it's stationed in a pretty secure laptop section(along with a separate sleeve) inside my messenger bag. I'm confused as to how these pressure spots just appeared out of nowhere, I was thinking that it may have had something to do with the lid since the technician I spoke with told me that they are caused by too much pressure on the screen. I know that I haven't done anything in the short time I have owned it to make these spots appear. There are 4 spots really smack dab in the middle of the screen, and while the laptop still operates fine and everything, it is somewhat bothersome while working in a program like Microsoft word with a white background and the spots shining brightly through. I was just wondering if anyone other Lenovo owners had experienced a problem like this and if there's anything I could do to help my situation. Lenovo told me to repair the screen would be around 700$, but since that's close to what I paid for the laptop new, I obviously decided against that. I really don't think I did anything to bring this problem along since the laptop is never in a position where it is exposed to excess pressure other than having the lid closed. Is this some design flaw on the x230? Any clarification or adbicee would be greatly appreciated. I didn't really fight Lenovo on this too much because they really made it seem like I was the one who caused this problem to appear in the first place. Thank you for reading!

 

Yes, well-known and heavily discussed. Ignored by Lenovo in most cases, as you've found out first hand.

See here:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=69&t=107951 as well as a much longer thread here:

X220 IPS display problem - weird bright spot on th... - Lenovo Community

Good luck.

 

Sorry to hear about your X230 screen disappointment. The Lenovo people are absolutely rude in implying that you caused those spots.

The so-called IPS panel that Lenovo uses for the X230 is of low quality. (Most display panels used for ThinkPads are.) The problems you encounter have been observed at different locations on the screen.

I fully expect some forum members to chime in to claim that there have been zero problems with their ThinkPads. Just ignore them.

 

Try this tactic. I usually use it if I need something fixed if warranty expires...
Fight it by saying this is a known problem throughout the forum communities.
go with the point that this is a lot of money to spend on something that's not reliable.
Ask them how it's fair and ask them "are you telling me this is a cheap product"?
Then ask for a 1 time fix without charge
usually that works.

or depending on the Credit Card you used the credit card sometimes has a built in warranty program.
Like Visa Signature and Amex.

 

I think this is unlikely to work this time for a couple of reasons.

1. It sounds like this laptop is still under warranty.

2. I tried telling them it is a known problem and it did not work. Every person at the depot I spoke to dismissed it completely. They said things like "in the forums you can find lots of people complaining about every aspect of the machine" (paraphrasing). They refused to look at the discussion threads when I suggested it. I said Lenovo reps in the forum acknowledged it as a common problem...the depot replied "those reps aren't in our chain of command". I said "but a LOT of people have the same problem"...they said "if that were true, there would be a recall notice about it".

In the US, I was able to ask for an "escalation" which requested a review of my case by a Lenovo rep. This might be an option for this case as well.

 

My X220 has pressure spots too, and they appeared after only a few months. I haven't had time to worry about replacing the screen since I use the system all day every day. Some people have apparently gotten their panels replaced by lenovo under warranty. There are a couple more threads about this on the X220 here on NBR:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo/596912-whiter-than-whit-spots-my-x220s-display.html

http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo/579414-bright-pressure-spot-x220-lcd.html

http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo/645382-lenovo-x220-screen-upgrade-2.html#post8316649

 

I have experienced these with the panel that shipped with my X220, but I was able to get it replaced because the panel exhibited visible ghosting. (what sucks is the new one does too, and it's clearly visible when using metro apps in windows 8! but that's off topic)

My gut reaction is that it's related to how flexible the lid is on the X220. I have been treating my laptop very gingerly after getting the panel replaced and not applying force to the lid when gripping it as well as avoiding stacking things on top or cramming it into my backpack. After 5 months, I haven't had any appear yet.

Absolutely do not pay $700 for them to "repair the screen." I would probably utter words I'm not going to type here at the customer service rep who suggested doing something that foolish. All I can suggest is just keep pressing and try escalating the case if the spots really bother you.

 

Wow, Thank you all so for lending some feedback! It's alarming yet reassuring to know i'm not the only one who has encountered this problem. My apologies too for not doing a quick search of this issue too. I will try and lean on customer support a little more in hopes of maybe having the panel replaced. I really hope this is something Lenovo fixes in the long term, I really love everything about the x230 and would like to continue buying Lenovo products. Thank you again so much for all the help!

 

I had a pressure spot on my X220 as well (first revision IPS screen). It was replaced under next business day warranty without any issues (the guy on the hotline wanted to see a picture of the spot, though).

 

I plan on upgrading my warranty to the Onsite Next Business Day service, I just hope i'll be able to get it replaced!