Bought a 2014 15-inch Macbook Pro on eBay - Dead Pixel

[leo255]

Hey guys,

Just bought my first Macbook Pro, and I definitely love it. I bought it used on eBay from a pretty reputable seller, and paid $1230 shipped (Buy-it-now)- It is the 2014 MBP, with a 2.2 GHZ processor, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB drive, standard integrated video card, etc. They didn't say anything about the battery cycles, but when I got it, it was at 40, which I assume is really good. Condition was great, besides a few scratches underneath, which I don't care about.

They didn't mention, but there is a dead pixel on the lower-left hand side of the screen. Obviously, for regular brightness, it's fine, but for darker stuff, it's noticeable. I am guessing that there's a good chance they might say that it was something that happened in shipping.

It seems hard to get good deals on this computer, and I thought this was a decent one (it's not 512 GB, but all the 256 GB were/are more expensive than what I paid). I'm not sure if I should just return it. Also, maybe I should get a late-2013 model (If they are that similar of machines). I am a computer science student, and was looking forward to developing on it. Curious what your thoughts are on this.

Thanks for your input.

 

[Closingracer]

Hey guys,

Just bought my first Macbook Pro, and I definitely love it. I bought it used on eBay from a pretty reputable seller, and paid $1230 shipped (Buy-it-now)- It is the 2014 MBP, with 16 GB RAM, 256 GB drive, standard integrated video card, etc. They didn't say anything about the battery cycles, but when I got it, it was at 40, which I assume is really good. Condition was great, besides a few scratches underneath, which I don't care about.

They didn't mention, but there is a dead pixel on the lower-left hand side of the screen. Obviously, for regular brightness, it's fine, but for darker stuff, it's noticeable. I am guessing that there's a good chance they might say that it was something that happened in shipping.

It seems hard to get good deals on this computer, and I thought this was a decent one (it's not 512 GB, but all the 256 GB were/are more expensive than what I paid). I'm not sure if I should just return it. Also, maybe I should get a late-2013 model (If they are that similar of machines). I am a computer science student, and was looking forward to developing on it. Curious what your thoughts are on this.

Thanks for your input.

Honestly if it's one small one I wouldn't be bothered by it. My windows laptop had one that was new but never bothered by it since I didn't want to return it

 

[chscag]

Hey guys,

Just bought my first Macbook Pro, and I definitely love it. I bought it used on eBay from a pretty reputable seller, and paid $1230 shipped (Buy-it-now)- It is the 2014 MBP, with 16 GB RAM, 256 GB drive, standard integrated video card, etc. They didn't say anything about the battery cycles, but when I got it, it was at 40, which I assume is really good. Condition was great, besides a few scratches underneath, which I don't care about.

They didn't mention, but there is a dead pixel on the lower-left hand side of the screen. Obviously, for regular brightness, it's fine, but for darker stuff, it's noticeable. I am guessing that there's a good chance they might say that it was something that happened in shipping.

It seems hard to get good deals on this computer, and I thought this was a decent one (it's not 512 GB, but all the 256 GB were/are more expensive than what I paid). I'm not sure if I should just return it. Also, maybe I should get a late-2013 model (If they are that similar of machines). I am a computer science student, and was looking forward to developing on it. Curious what your thoughts are on this.

Thanks for your input.

My opinion.. (and it's just that) return it. One dead pixel can lead to others and since it's a retina display, it will definitely be more noticeable over time. If you're looking for a good deal on the same machine or a later version, do your shopping at the Apple Refurbished Store, not eBay or Craig's list.

 

[leo255]

Thanks for the replies. What's weird is that I'm noticing that there might not have been a dead pixel on the screen that they showed in the eBay images - then again, maybe they are just hard to see in certain lighting. I wonder if it could have been the USPS shipping - it was packed professionally, though.

 

[chscag]

Thanks for the replies. What's weird is that I'm noticing that there might not have been a dead pixel on the screen that they showed in the eBay images - then again, maybe they are just hard to see in certain lighting. I wonder if it could have been the USPS shipping - it was packed professionally, though.

A dead pixel would be very difficult to see from an eBay advertisement image. And you can bet that the seller (if he knew it was there) would likely make sure it was not noticeable. A dead pixel is usually a manufacturing defect so I doubt it was caused from shipping.

 

[GoCubsGo]

Shipping doesn't cause dead pixels as far as I know.
Can you even return it?

 

[leo255]

^^I sent the seller a message w/pics. I can't imagine any reason why I couldn't return it, especially since they made no mention of the dead pixel, if it existed previously. The only issue is that I'm trying to figure out if I can get the same, or better, deal, in the future - I've been looking at these for a while, and it's tough getting good deals. The low battery cycles (40) was a welcome surprise when I saw it (seller never mentioned it). Also, since this is my first MBP, it's hard to let go of such a nice machine!

FWIW, here's the listing:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-MacBo...-Mid-2014-2-2-GHz-16GB-256-SSD-/151985726105?
[doublepost=1456193925][/doublepost]But I suppose, as chscag mentioned, there's the chance that more dead pixels appear, and besides just my enjoyment of the machine, it would definitely lower the value if I were to sell it on eBay at a later date.

 

[duervo]

If it's just a dead pixel, bring it into an Apple Store and have them look at it. If it's got AppleCare, or any warranty left (ie: was purchased originally as refurbished) then they may replace the display for free.

If Apple wants to charge to fix it, then I'd return it and get a refund.

 

[leo255]

Yeah, no warranty due to it being used. The dead/stuck pixel is sort of in the lower-left hand area...In a standard 16:9 movie, it's about one inch from the left, and two inches from the bottom. The seller actually offered a partial refund for me to keep the machine. I'm debating whether it's worth it or not to take him up on his offer. The downside is that he kind of put the ball in my court, so I have to come up with a number that I think is fair. I paid $1230 shipped originally.

 

[JKK photography]

Yeah, no warranty due to it being used. The dead/stuck pixel is sort of in the lower-left hand area...In a standard 16:9 movie, it's about one inch from the left, and two inches from the bottom. The seller actually offered a partial refund for me to keep the machine. I'm debating whether it's worth it or not to take him up on his offer. The downside is that he kind of put the ball in my court, so I have to come up with a number that I think is fair. I paid $1230 shipped originally.

Try and find a good estimate for replacing the display (i.e., take it to an Apple Retail Store, AASP or call AppleCare), and then start from there? Better than nothing, at least.

 

[duervo]

File a claim with eBay and get your money back. Return it at the appropriate time during the refund process.

Factoring in the time to get repair quotes, negotiating partial refund from the seller, and getting the actual repair done, it will end up "costing" you more in the long run, and then you'll still end up with a system with no warranty.

No sense dealing with the hassle to go through all that (time = money), when you can buy a refurbished one from Apple, with a warranty, for close to what you've already paid.

Seller should have provided full disclosure during the sale. They've already set a precedent for being dishonest in this case by mis-representing the condition of the laptop. I would not trust them given that. Get a refund.

 

[mattopotamus]

If I had one dead pixel and was offered a partial refund, I would aim high and see what he counters with. If you could get a couple hundred back, you made out great.

 

[FuNGi]

I've got 3 dead pixels, well burst ones actually, on my 2014 rMBP. It bothered me when it was new, but doesn't at all now. They don't spread like some disease. If you can live with it get a $100 bucks back from the seller.

 

[RUGGLES99]

One dead pixel is nothing. Apple has a rule that there has to be a certain number of them to be an issue. I'm sure the guy doesn't want it back. I'd ask for $300 discount and be thrilled with $200. It's a great machine as is. It's your osd that's getting you.