Clusters of Dead Pixels

I recently received a Toshiba L305 laptop (after 3 weeks of waiting), and upon starting it up, I found a cluster of dead pixels.

I called customer service, and they said I could take it into a local repair shop certified by Toshiba, but I'm a bit hesitant. First reason being is if the components will be third party or not the same as those included in the manufacture of the laptop. I'm concerned that the same problem may arise again in the near future (as in have fewer dead pixels, but just enough so that it doesn't warrant a repair).

My second problem is the shop is only open Monday-Friday from 9-5 pm and I have work at those times, and it's a little out of the way.

My other option would be the UPS shop and send it to Toshiba's repair facility, but that would take another 2 weeks. I'm not sure if Toshiba replaces such defective items. The rep didn't mention a replacement being an option. The last option would be to return it and get a refund (but then I'd have to return several other things as well that came with rebates, and the shipping charge could surmount).

Has anyone had any similar experiences regarding dead pixels and repairing them? I've attached images below of the dead pixels on my laptop.

 

Personally? Any laptop that has problems out of the box gets returned. Because I pay for a new unit, and expect a new unit...not a 'repaired' one.

 

Wow, that's really bad. Generally (and I say generally because I haven't read the terms of every manufacturer's contract), a manufacturer certified shop will replace your computer with parts that Toshiba certifies for use in their computers. It also means that Toshiba will cover their service (if something goes wrong, Toshiba will have it replaced).

If you can't get to the shop though, see if Toshiba will send you a new one. You should be able to continue using your current one while they build/ship you a new one. Then you pack the old one up in the new box and ship it back.

 

First of all of you take it to a Toshiba ASP repair center the replacement LCD will be ordered through Toshiba and it will be same as what in there to begin with - upon occasion they will substitute a compatible part if there is a back order situation etc - but will not be "less" than what it came with.

Looking the pics you provided I have to say it does not look like a dead pixel area - looks more like a defect in the screen. With that said you may have trouble at an ASP center since - they have to follow Toshiba's rules and guidlines. Working at an ASP center and based on the pics - you may be told it's not covered and have to do battle. Personally where I work we would attempt to work with or Rep to get the display replaced if it was a iffy call following the guidlines. Without a doubt you need to deal with this sooner rather than later just do to the fact of the appearance. Bad pixels generally are just small dots - in your pics some look as if they are line like. Could just be the pics.

I would check with your closest service center to see if they accept laptops to be shipped in and go from there. Also would look at the Toshiba repair center locator site - star rating you see by each company are based on surveys from customers that had repairs done the month prior. Granted customer ratings are not a full proof guage of what type of service you may receive - since all it takes is one person annoyed with a back order or annoyed with a call they had to place to Toshiba tech support to kill an ASP's rating for the month.

Can't speak for other ASP's but where I work turn around is quick providing no backorders or part shipping delay and there is that rare DOA part. Most of our repairs are out the door the day after they come in or the following day. (working on a business day timeline)

 

You may be right rlynn411. I can somewhat see the mouse when it goes behind those dark clusters. But then again, there are individual dots that are blacked out. Maybe it's a combination? If they decide to give me trouble over fixing it, I will just return everything and get a refund.

 

They shouldn't give you a hassle because that was out-of-box condition and your screen greatly exceeds the minimum dead pixel return policy. You can call (800) 457-7777 to speak to a Toshiba support rep and they will give you instructions on how to send your laptop to the nearest Toshiba Repair Depot. I believe that you have to pay to ship it up to them but they pay to ship it back. And if you are wondering how I got that phone number, it is in Control panel --> System

-J.B.