We just returned our Palm Pre because we noticed three bright red dead pixels in the middle of the screen. The new one we were given was much worse: it had a total of seven dead pixels. We tried returning it one more time and were given one that was slightly better: only four dead pixels. Finally, we just went back to our HTC Hero. Folks, this isn't a Palm Pre bashing issue; it is one of very poor quality control.

We surveyed ten Best Buy stores in Sourthen California and Las Vegas, as well as several Sprint stores. Every store, with the exception of two Sprint stores, reported that more than ten exchanges and returns were due to the dead pixel issue. "Why are you making such a big deal out of this?" a Sprint rep. complained. He then went on to explain how dead pixels are perfectly normal. He must have thought we haven't been educated past third grade.

Screens that have dead pixels may be numerous, but definitely not normal. This was more of an issue with early LED screens than later ones. It's quite annoying to turn on your phone and always have to stare at a bright red dot in the middle of the screen. It may be easier to tolerate a phone that has one dull blue spot at the bottom of the screen, which many phones today still have. However, it doesn't make it right.

Dead pixels are an issue of poor quality control and nothing else. When people pay hundreds of dollars for a device, they should not have to deal with dead pixels. They should not be told - as they often are - that dead pixels are completely normal.

SOURCE: http://www.examiner.com/x-11295-LA-Gadgets-Examiner~y2009m10d25-Palm-Pre-Several-units-have-multiple-dead-pixels