Refurb SZ arrived - Cracked LCD

My refurb SZ 440 arrived today, and I immediately noticed what looks like a black "crack" inside the lcd on the lower right corner (about 1/2 inch long). Judging from the parallax it's not dead pixels, and it's not a crack in the outer surface itself. Instead, it appears to be behind the pixels and is much blacker than even a pure black pixel. Luckily I purchased the 2 year on-site warranty, so hopefully they will replace the screen without me having to send it back already. I'm wondering if they offer a straight replacement for the entire laptop instead when I call tomorrow if that would be the smarter move. Here is a link to a picture of it...

http://www.mitchgates.com/images/SZ/SZ_ScreenCrack.jpg

Thanks,
M

 

if you don't want to deal with their repair service, just return the computer, and buy from other store.

 

Yes, but I got such a good deal on this one thru the sonystyle outlet that I doubt it could be easily matched elsewhere. SZ440, T7200, 2gb, 120hd, dvd-rw for under $1200.

-M

 

Was this mentioned in any of the descriptions of the item? Seems like something that should have been fixed prior to being certified by SonyStyle as a "saleable" product.

 

No, there was no mention of any kind...just the standard item listing on Sonystyle outlet site. Refurb policy on the site says "other than possible minor cosmetic blemishes units will be in full working order", which I take as meaning small scratches and stains on the case/kb etc. A black line in the LCD does not qualify as a "minor cosmetic blemish" in my book.

I contacted sony and due to the fact it was a refurb it cannot be simply replaced since there are not any units to replace it with. Called the warranty dept and they said that if it arrived like that then it's consdiered DOA and not covered under the extended warranty and should be replaced by customer service. Bit of a catch 22. I'm tempted to just live with it but afraid that it might get worse or cause other problems with the panel down the road.

-M

 

They can't just replace it with a new screen?

 

If you're unable to exchange that DOA item, ask for a full refund including the extended warranty purchase. Call your credit card issuer and have them deal with it if Sony won't comply.

 

The problem is I prefer to NOT get a refund and have it repaired/replaced instead since it was such a good deal and sony has appeared to discontinued the recent run of refurb bargains.

-M

 

If it is a crack it will get worse as the glass starts to heat up. Like tat small crack you get on a winshied of your car that eventualy goes from one side to the other. Return it now, don't let it become your problem. Most warranties don't cover cracked LCD's.

 

Some sony vaio users are numbskulls.

Why on earth would you tempt yourself to just live with it?

More proof that a lot of sony fanboys buy the product for the name. I can't believe I just read this.

 

Okay, enough with the name-calling I'm no sony fanboy for sure, it's just the SZ is just about the only laptop that meets all of my feature and size requirements and the refurb was one helluva deal (about $1k off retail). Called the ext warranty dept and sounds like they will replace the screen after all. Otherwise I would've sent the thing back...I was halfway joking about being tempted to keep it as is.

-M

 

I hope for your sake you were Mitch. Don't ever settle for a defect just because you got a good price. Good thing they've decided to replace the screen. I know Dell would have.

Things turned out good this time around.