Fading streak down middle of screen?

[dgdosen]

I've got a 2006 15" MBP - and the screen seems to be a bit darker through the middle (from top to bottom).

I didn't drop it, and I don't think I could have caused this by being too rough on it - does anyone know what might cause this to happen?

I wouldn't mind a new MBP, but I don't want to pay for one right now...

 

[dgdosen]

I'm also noticing it seems to come and go:

- It takes a bit longer to warm up and is darker in the middle at the start
- It gets tired (too hot or on for too long) the fading can come back...

Any ideas? Is the monitor about to crap out?