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Last week, I decided to sell my ‘old’ Apple iPad in favor of an Apple iPad 2. While I love the performance enhancements and size reduction of the newer model, I was shocked the first time I rebooted the device. As soon as the screen went to black, there was massive screen bleeding along the edges of the device, most notably on the side with the Home button. |
Samples
Below are two sample images of my Apple iPad 2 device. (Click on the images for full-size versions.) I took the photos in a dark room with no flash, primarily because with lights on in the room, the overhead light reflected on the surface of the display.
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I am not alone
Some news websites, such as MacRumors, have started reporting this issue. Other users have also provided samples which indicate the problem varies among units.
Where to go from here?
As an owner of the original iPad, I can honestly say these bleeding issues are much more severe on the iPad 2 than they ever were on the iPad 1. I’ve considered returning the device but since it is out of stock in many places, I am not sure when I would get a replacement. Also, since I bought it at Best Buy, do I go there, or since it is protected by AppleCare for the first year, do I go to the Apple Store? Do they cover screen bleeding at all? Given the bright fluorescent lighting of the Apple store, though, I’m not sure how easy it will be to demonstrate the bleeding in person. Either way, this is not the kind of quality I have come to expect from Apple.
Update #1 [3/13/2011]: Apple Store refuses exchange despite having new ones in stock!
While most Apple Stores are sold out of the iPad 2, they did inform me they had plenty on hand for “DOA” replacements. In other words, if the device is totally broken they will give you a new one, even though they are not selling them. When I told them I had purchased it from Best Buy, though, they retracted their offer and told me it would have to go through Apple Care to order “a replacement part” (that is, the entire device), and that I could not take one of the items in stock. I may just return it to Best Buy and wait for stocks to refill around the country.
Update #2 [3/22/2011]: Returned iPad
Following TheServerSide Symposium, I decided to return my iPad 2, despite the fact that is no place to buy a new one. I loved the device, but would prefer one that doesn’t have severe bleeding. Now, it is just a matter of waiting for the mad rush to end, before attempting to buy a new one.
I returned mine for a full refund from Best Buy on “Launch Day” with no questions asked after I complained about it. I am pretty sure the longer you wait, the harder the time they will give you due to the increasing volume of returns. Just feel like I have wasted a lot of time and energy because I sold my “obsolete” iPad 1 and waited in line for hours for an inferior product in regards to quality. Now I have no idea when I will be able to replace it.
Here is a link to my defective iPad 2 now on its way to be refurbished and resold/exchanged for somebody else:
http://oi53.tinypic.com/51yaus.jpg
Dude, that is awful. I find it hard to believe they didn’t notice this problem at the Chinese factory.
WoW just found this issue tonight 4/21/11
And after looking at others pictures, my iPad-2’s bleeding is severe!
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa212/rogue732/3eaf7014.png
Just got my iPad2 and it has similiar light bleeding like your 2 photos above.
@ andrew that’s so messed up, they are still selling these with this issue!
Also if this wasn’t mentioned an easy way to see if your screen has this issue; open your multi-tasking bar> slide to the right> turn up your brightness all the way> open Safari> open Internet pages view> close all pages and examine your screen. Thank You that is all.
I’ve had my ipad2 for almost 3 yrs, in the last 2 months I’ve had to have mine repaired 3 times. Is Apple giving exchanges for these defected ipad2s? I love my pad & have wondered if they would let me trade mine in for the newer iPad. It cost me $160 the first time for the repair & I was given a 90 warranty. Now I see why.
I’ve had my ipad2 for almost 3 yrs. the last 2 months I’ve had to have it repaired 3 times. First time cost me $160 with a 90 day warranty, now I know why. Is Apple trading out these defected iPads for new ones? I’ve thought about seeing if I could trade mine in on newer iPad. I love my pad