Vaio Z- stuck pixel question

Hey-
I've read through some threads on the issue but wanted some opinion here.

I bought a Z from a Sony store a few days ago and I have 2 stuck pixels- upper left area and bottom left-center. I already exchanged the first one I bought for the same issue. They do not appear at all on any other background except black, and are not really noticeable when looking at the screen from a normal distance (couple feet or so)...but I still know they are there.

A guy at the store tells me nearly all LCD's have 1 or 2 stuck pixels, the usual runaround...essentially telling me to just keep it and deal, making too much of it.

I've gotten 2 Z's in a row now with stuck pixel issues. Are you guys experiencing them and just dealing with them, or have I just gotten unlucky? My attitude is I'm paying a premium, I expect a perfect display, period. Am I wrong? Thanks for any input.

 

Run this video full screen at full brightness.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=HJubi7wRTE4

See if it will fix your pixel problem. Obviously run the video over the bad pixels.

 

Tried those types of programs already , no dice

 

You guys really scared me.

I bought my Z from a Sony reseller and had sent it the UPC for rebate last week.

I turn it on again and use textpad to see whiteness and no dead pixel as far as my eye can see. Thats all I want to do. Better not run any test.

 

A good program to test if you have dead pixel is th UDPixel

 

If you can, return it...

 

If you're buying from a brick & mortar store, is it possible to request to see the screen before you purchase the notebook? Seems like that would save a lot of trouble with the returning and all.

 

I did look at both Z's I bought while in-store but they wouldn't let me look until I purchased. Problem is it is so bright in there, you really can't see anything. I decided I'm going to try to exchange it again and if they hassle me I'll just insist on returning it...it is not even a week since purchase and 2 stuck pixels in my mind is a defect.

I just love the Z so much I don't want to go w/ another brand. It is the perfect ultra portable for my needs. I'll keep exchanging / returning as long as it takes...hopefully 3rd time's a charm. Thanks for the responses.

 

I'm thinking that after 2 returns, maybe they'll finally see that it's maybe to their advantage to let you have a bit more time with the screen. Download this program that tests for dead pixels. It's tiny, so put it on a USB stick. Then run it on the laptop you want to buy if it's at all possible. Once you're satisfied, then that's it!

 

ouch, i'm actually seeing a few stuck pixels... they are ridiculously minuscule, but like the other posters said, i really can't tell unless it's a dead black screen.

but they're there... the only reason why i could tell now is because i chose a background the other day that is primarily black.

 

****, what if i told you guys that i count 7 stuck pixels...?

 

Wow, that really is too bad. If there are 7 I'd say you should definitely return/exchange it if you can- that should qualify as "defective" under Sony's policies.

Regarding my pixel situation, I ended up returning the Z and the manager insisted I pay the restocking fee. The manager also told me and I quote "LED screens all have stuck or dead pixels, it's just how they are." I told him my 15 inch Macbook Pro has zero, my iPod has zero, they are both LED, you fail. I didn't argue too much beyond that, but as much as I rag on Dell as others do, Dell has never once charged me a restocking fee (I've returned 3 laptops in the past from Dell), so my impression of Sony is a bit sour.

If I do go Sony I may buy through a reseller now, I know Portable One has a very good rep and it is cheaper. The inevitable return to the Dark Side (Dell) may be near though, their EPP and business support is top notch. Latitude e4300 is very attractive to me.

 

This thread scares me. I am planning to buy a Z soon....so like is there a higher chance of dead pixels on a LED screen or something?

 

I don't think there's a higher chance of dead pixels with an LED backlit screen, no.

But assuming that the likelihood of any one pixel being defective is always the same, then a high-res screen like 1600x900 will be more likely to include some than a lower res (e.g. 1280x800) screen... just because there are more pixels to go wrong (assuming every other factor is equal).

I think sometimes people can make too much out of this issue. Most manufacturers publish their 'tolerances' for defective pixels and if you don't agree, you don't have to buy. If every single display was 100% free of faulty pixels, the price would go up astronomically... not good.

Some retailers offer a 'no dead pixel guarantee', but you often pay extra for the privilege and if you find any faulty pixels, the retailer will just rebox your notebook and attempt to sell it to someone else (unless it's so bad that it exceeds the manufacturer's tolerance, or the dud pixels are tightly grouped in one spot).

 

i agree with you to a certain degree... for example, i've had my z for almost two months now, and although i have seven definite stuck pixels, this is the FIRST time i've noticed it. i've gamed with it, worked on spreadsheets, watched videos, surfed the net, etc. etc., and it isn't noticeable at all...

that said, it still sux to drop $1,700 on a laptop and find these things, especially when the screen is supposedly one of it's best qualities... any thoughts on amazon's policies and whether or not i can pursue anything?

 

Amazon has a 30 day return policy so your options with them may be slim. You can always get warranty service on it though.

 

i dont know, i may just live with it...

 

Yeah I am sorry to hear that. Seriously, I am really disappointed with Sony's build quality issues with the high end Z models. I had to return 2 and almost returned the 3rd one but decided to live with it. The first one came with a scratch on the palm rest, the 2nd had a gap in the lid area and the hinge was tight/made creaky sounds. The third one has a sticky "i" key but it has become better. I didn't want Amazon to ban me so I will live with it. But seriously, we're paying 2k for these machines and the quality is just horrible.