Class #9 Dead and Stuck Pixels

The stuck green pixel on my new wide screen laptop. Convenient location don't you think?

Be sure to read the background information in (Marlo's Bog - What's a Dead Pixel?

A Simple Solution.

I've always liked to find what I call a low tech solution to a high tech problem. So here's the low tech solution I'd recommend.

1. What's the Store's Return Policy? Before you pull out your plastic and sign your life away at the register, ask what the return policy is. If it's no questions asked or "For any Reason" - buy it but write down the name of the checker so you can quote what you were told if you bring it back. Some stores have a written policy on the back or front of the receipt which they usually circle. Remember, I returned my headphones to Best Buy without any problems and no questions. Make sure there is no restocking charge.

2. Check It Out Immediately. Go home, hook up the monitor and look for dead or stuck pixels. If you find some, take the monitor right back and get another and maybe ask if you can check it out in the store before you go home this time.

3. Don't Wait Until Christmas! If this is a Christmas present, you definitely need to hook it up and check it out just in case the return policy is two weeks and Christmas morning comes on the 15th day after your purchase. You're stuck and no sympathy from me.

I learned that the hard way years ago with an electric train I got for my son. (It still bugs me to this day and that was about 20 years ago). There is no way to make your child happy when the train doesn't work on Christmas morning while everyone else is having a blast with their new toys. Your spouse will be no different but may hide it better than my disappointed little boy did.

As I said in my blog about the plugging in my new LCD new monitor, "Why does this always happen to me?" Yep, I have a dead pixel on the new wide screen HP laptop. I check it out every time it boots up and like my old dog, it's always there as constant as the "Rock of Gibraltar."

So what is HP's dead pixel policy - 3 dead pixels or 4 in a group. Naturally, my screen passes. Lucky the bright, florescent green stuck pixel in just above the Start button in the lower left of the display.

It's actually kind of handy having it located there since I don't have to search too hard to find it so I can check it out each time I boot up and every time I close my computer down.

Note: Clean the LCD before you look for bad pixels. A fleck of dirt can look just like a dead pixel. Yes, I had a fleck of dirt on my new 20" wide screen. Whew - no dead pixels just dust. I can't easily find any bad pixels so I'm not looking for any more.