Dead Pixel

[dimensiondvdrob]

SO what would you do?

I just got my gunmetal NX and last night (after a week of owning it) I noticed a dead pixel on the screen. It only shows up on a black or dark background, but I am wondering if it's worth the trouble of returning it and getting another.

Any suggestions?

[contempt]

I would definitely return it. I'm not sure what the policy is with PDA's, but with computer displays, a manufacturer does not have to replace a unit unless it has more than 5 dead pixels. Obviously, the computer displays are larger and when you think in percentages, one dead pixel on a pda is one too many.

[dimensiondvdrob]

Yes, you are right. But, the pixel only shows up on dark backgrounds. Most apps use a white background. The only time I see it is using the camera watching video clips, looking at pictures or playing Bejeweled.
Is it worth the hassle of getting a new unit, charging for four hours, re-setting all settings and all?

[dimensiondvdrob]

Also, is there a possibility that the pixel could ever turn back to a good pixel? I mean, it only has problems with dark backgrounds. Maybe it's stuck right now and will reset later?

[contempt]

My laptop has three dead pixels, all of which show up in a green shade. On white, they're hardly visible, but on black they are definitely noticeable. The same for my flat screen monitor, which has two dead pixels, only showing up on black.

On my computer screens I really don't mind them knowing that lcd's are finicky that way, and the fact that, like you said, they only show up on dark backgrounds, and that on the computer screen they're so small.

If you can live with your dead pixel, then keep it. However, you don't ever want a situation later on, when you're viewing a slideshow or whatever, that you stare at that dead pixel and which you had returned it prior to your warranty expiring or even more work you put into your settings, etc.

The settings aren't difficult to reinstall. I've had to hard reset my NX six times now and I can reinstall all of the databases and apps in less than 10 minutes. Make sure you have BackupBuddy running, it'll make your life easier.

Good luck on whatever you decide. I just know I beat myself up if there's a slight scratch on the screen cause it'll just bother me. But I'm anal retentive that way :)

[dimensiondvdrob]

That being said, how do I easily reinstall my apps to a new unit? I tried (when I went from my silver NX to my gunmetal) using MS Backup, but I couldn't restore from one unit to the other. Also, hot synching does not re-install everything correctly.

Any suggestions on how to restore without too much of a headache?

[dimensiondvdrob]

Contempt,

Do you think the pixel could "reset" itself ever? Like start working properly? I only noticed it last night and have had pixels on other units display the wrong color for a bit, then "right" itself. Could this ever happen?

[Selachii]

gently tapping a dead pixel SOMETIMES restores it.

The sony booklet states:
"The LCD of your Clie handheld is designed with precision techniques; however, te followings may occur as a result of the inherent nature of LCD's, it is not a malfunction:
-Black, red, blue or green dots appear
-Brightness of the display is lacking in uniformity depending on the angle of view."

So i dunno if sony will replace your model. I would try the retailer first.
Pixels can turn back to life by itself, but I wouldn't count on it, nor trust it if it does happen

[mashoutposse]

My NX has one dead pixel: it shows up as a blue dot on dark backgrounds. I have ultimately decided to keep it, as I do not heel that it is worth the trouble for a single dead pixel (not to mention the next one may have one or more).

[dimensiondvdrob]

Yeah I have 2 pixels that are out, 1 is barely visible, the other sticks out like a sore thumb, but only on a dark background. Like you said mashoutposse, it's prolly not worth the trouble and the next unit could have the same if not more dead ones. I just hate having it there.

[contempt]

If it's as easy as returning it to your retailer and having them exchange it, then by all means do it. You wouldn't want to upgrade your clie in the future and have to get less money for your current clie on ebay simply because you have a dead pixel. :)

ebay: where all pda's go to die

[mashoutposse]

True; it all depends on the ease of exchanging the product. But if it's really nagging you, I feel that it will probably be worth it for you to do the exchange regardless of the number of pixels or the 'risk.' The only reasons that I'm being lax is that:

1) The dead pixel is viewable probably about 2% of the time (only when the screen is black).

2) I have a Best Buy warranty; if it escalates into a full-on annoyance, I can always exchange it.

Based on your last reply, it's probably best that you exchange it at least once; if you get one that's the same or better (which should be likely), then you should come out much more satisfied with your purchase. If it comes out worse, you're still entitled to a hassle-free exchange -- once you get one that works for you, you'll forget about the 12 hours or so spent charging these things for the first time :)

[dimensiondvdrob]

does anyone have experience with myinfinity.com? i bought mine there.