Odds and Ends: Apple's shaky dead-pixel policy; Knowledge Base updates

Apple's shaky dead-pixel policy A note in Ed Foster's "Grip log" notes Apple's dubious policy for replacing new displays that are found to have dead pixels or other "pixel anomalies."

Ed writes:

"One reader went searching for Apple's policy after finding a dead pixel on a 17-inch Studio display he had just purchased. What he found was this "pixel anomalies" document that, after going on and on about how a bad pixel never hurt anybody, concludes: 'If you suspect your display contains a high number of pixel anomalies, take your Apple product to an Apple Authorized Service Provider for closer examination. There may be a charge for the evaluation.'

"So not only was the reader highly unlikely to get a replacement, he could be charged for asking for one. 'Apple's policy is very unclear, as it does not put any limit on how many bad pixels it might think are acceptable,' the reader said. 'Not only is their policy extremely subjective, but you have to take the equipment to an Apple representative who might charge you for the evaluation even if they conclude you don't have enough bad pixels for their warranty.'"

"Fortunately, that reader didn't need a defect-free monitor, but other readers are in situations where dead pixels cause them much more grief. 'As creative director, I made the decision to get 30" Cinema Displays for my hard working staff -- five of them in total,' wrote another reader. 'They are a great conversation piece. One arrived with four dead pixels -- always on and glowing bright white. Not much compared with the 2560x1600 resolution, but they are clustered dead center in front of the eyeballs! Try doing fine retouching on an image when you know those four pixels are there. Apple told us it's an acceptable number. For $13K we expect no dead pixels! Apple even treated me like an idiot for suggesting it might be their problem. Still, they are nice to look at from far."

For more information, see the rest of Ed's blog entry.

We've previously covered a number of pixel issues with Apple Cinema Displays, particularly with the 30" model.

For help locating dead pixels, try the utility Dead Pixel Identifier.

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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