Dust Behind MacBook Pro Screen

[asimm]

Ok so after the Superdrive of my MBP was fixed I was very happy! Then the day before yesterday I noticed three specs on the screen (at least I thought). Water, iKlear etc later I now know that the dirt is behind the screen. They do not look like dead pixels - I have done some of the online checks and I can't feel them outside the screen so whatever they are they are definitely behind the screen. I have gone through the usual can I live with it/can I not live with it (there is always the risk if Apple agree to replace the screen that I get a worse one) questions. I have a few questions - hope you can help:

Has anyone had this issue?
If so what did you do and what was the outcome?

I have done some searching online and if it is dust then Apple seem to repair with few questions asked but I just wanted to check for any local (ie UK) experiences (most of the online hits are from the US).

Thanks

[fat jez]

Give your local Apple store a call and see what they say, just don't give your name or any other details

[asimm]

Originally Posted by fat jez

Give your local Apple store a call and see what they say, just don't give your name or any other details

Cheers - tried to do this today with Regent Street and Bluewater (gave up on each call after waiting for 10 minutes). I was going to ask them if a screen repair was needed how big a job this was and how long it might take.
During my online searches there have been a few reports of Apple replacing the whole machine - not sure why, maybe the screen/lid replacement is costly.
Will try again tomorrow and was also going to try AppleCare.

[Tenex]

I think I'd get it changed, if its simply cleaning they should be able to turn it around quickly. If its not then a replacement Mac will be even quicker.

[asimm]

Thanks - I have just realised I have wasted a bit of time doing some online dead pixel checks as you should not be able to see dead pixels when the machine is off? I think it's definitely dirt and I will get to an Apple shop when I can. There will then be the usual problem of getting there/getting back/how long they will take etc.
Superdrive now this - I am a real fan of my MBP but these faults are denting my confidence in it.

[asimm]

In my usual try anything before taking it to an Apple shop (because they are not easy to get to and I worry how long they will keep the machine for) I phoned AppleCare who told me that:

If it is dust then they should be able to just clean it.
The job is not a big one and should only take a day.

I was a bit surprised by this, I thought that the screens were glued so I don't know how they can do this. I am also a bit worried that when they do it they might put in more dust than they take out - can't believe that they do this in a dust free environment. Anyway will pop into a store soon and see what happens.

[Sy1441]

They can blow air through the screen to clean it. I had two replacement screens on my 2008 mabook pro before they just replaced it with a 2009 model. £369 for the replacement screens, than god it was still under warranty.

[asimm]

OK thanks, had not heard of that one. Hopefully that won't be too big or long a job - not the 7-10 days they use as their standard quote!

[muzzi]

I recently had my screen replaced for this exact reason. First an apple service center wouldn't replace it as they said it was in tolerance Then i moved to Germany, took it to a mac store and hey presto (well a month later...) O had a new screen.

[asimm]

Originally Posted by muzzi

I recently had my screen replaced for this exact reason. First an apple service center wouldn't replace it as they said it was in tolerance Then i moved to Germany, took it to a mac store and hey presto (well a month later...) O had a new screen.

Thanks - I don't expect that problem (but could be wrong) I asked AppleCare if there was a policy for dust like there was with dead/stuck pixels and they said no - any dust/hair etc was unacceptable and would be fixed. Was it a quick fix (for a new screen) or did you have to leave it with them for a week or so?

[delude]

Have you had this fixed yet?

I have a late '08 Unibody MacBook Pro and just today have noticed a small patch of dust. I always worry with Apple whether they will just turn me down, so was wondering about calling the tech support.

How small is your dust patch? I managed to get some pics, although they are pretty bad it is clear something is not right and I believe it to be the same as yours.

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/2112/zi60197.jpg
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/2120/zi60198.jpg
http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/9281/zi60199.jpg
(The dust is the bright circle, this is with the screen turned off and under a blue light)
http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/9937/zi60200.jpg

I hope you get yours sorted soon!

[asimm]

delude - thanks for taking the time to take and post the pictures. If I can work out how to do it I will do the same. Yes your problem (especially the first picture) looks similar.
No - not fixed yet the problem I have is finding a time when I can reasonably get to an Apple Store twice (hand in and pick up) and can reasonably do without the MBP (never). I have a chance to go to Regent Street tomorrow but they don't have any appointments until Saturday (and now checking today no appointments at all). So this will take some time but I will post when I do go and let you know what happens.
Are you going to see if yours can be repaired as well?

[delude]

It's something that I would definitely like to get fixed, as I am one to always make sure my tech is protected, but after driving all the way to Brent Cross before only be told (with an iPod Touch problem) that the 'genius' couldn't see anything I think it would be easier to try and arrange something over the phone. That being said, am I right in saying that you only have 90 days phone support unless you have already bought Applecare?

Thanks for keeping me up to date, it will be much appreciated and if I can get to talk to somebody I will do the same.

[Tenex]

The 90 days relates to any support issue - but if your Mac is within its first year warranty then the phone contact is available to deal with repairs ie. you don't have to go to a store yourself.

[delude]

Originally Posted by Tenex

The 90 days relates to any support issue - but if your Mac is within its first year warranty then the phone contact is available to deal with repairs ie. you don't have to go to a store yourself.

Thanks - never really looked in to it before.

Just found this thread on MR - Should I take in my MB for dust behind the glass? UPDATE: Apple Replaced It! - Mac Forums
Someone had the same issue with the same model (yours is Allu right asimm?) and had it replaced.

Roughly how big is your 'dark spot' asimm?