This again?? Paperwhite screen issues...

BakaTensai · 12-01-2012, 02:42 PM

Hi guys and gals! First post here... wanted some advice on whether or not to attempt exchanging my paperwhite. There are several threads here (I've read many of them) discussing the blotches and uneven lighting on the paperwhite. Mine seems to be suffering with some of these problems... I'll add some images here. I guess what I'm asking is if my device is basically on par with what is out there, i.e. if I return it can I expect something better? I hate having to deal with things like this, but honestly having a big yellow blotch on the left of my otherwise bluish white screen is very distracting. Maybe I would get used to it with time, but if there is a chance at a better device I'll take it. Thanks everyone.
The images below: two are medium brightness in a dark room, one is max brightness in the same room, and other one with text is high brightness in a brighter room. The issues are most evident in the dark room.

vxf · 12-01-2012, 03:06 PM

It seems a continuum - screens on PW go from white to rainbow - with everywhere in between.
But yours is close to the 'rainbow' side of things.
I hate dealing with returns (and I did not return mine, which is not perfect either - but more uniform than yours) - but, in this case, it seems warranted.

The only note is - my screen got much better after 3-4 days of usage. I am not sure if it was some sort of burn-in (perhaps of glue residues?) - but my screen got progressively better over the first days. And no, it was not just me getting used to it.

So maybe waiting a couple of days might be a good idea? Unless you had the device for a while already...

BakaTensai · 12-01-2012, 03:10 PM

I've had it a couple of weeks, but haven't been doing a lot of reading on it until recently. I noticed the issues more and more as I was reading, then started doing some googling and found out this is a widespread issue. If anything, it seems to be getting worse over time! But then again, it could be that I am getting more sensitive to the patches as time goes on.

Josieb1 · 12-01-2012, 03:12 PM

My large blue blotch was much reduced after I thoroughly cleaned the screen with a glass cleaning spray.

BakaTensai · 12-01-2012, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josieb1

My large blue blotch was much reduced after I thoroughly cleaned the screen with a glass cleaning spray.

OK, just took some glasses cleaner and a microfiber cloth to the screen. I was momentarily excited, as it looked like it worked! But as I looked at the screen longer I realized that that while it might have removed some obvious fingerprints, the large yellow splotch was still there, as well as most of the unevenness

sirmaru · 12-01-2012, 04:02 PM

If you want a new one, just send in the return as defective and Amazon will pay shipping both ways.

Then just buy a new PW. It seems new ones have a better chance of being better than exchanges.

BakaTensai · 12-01-2012, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirmaru

If you want a new one, just send in the return as defective and Amazon will pay shipping both ways.

Then just buy a new PW. It seems new ones have a better chance of being better than exchanges.

So you mean return it for a refund, then buy it again? I got this one as a gift, so I don't know how that would work? Also I think that it might be out of the 30 day return period... I'll have to check on that. I read that they may be sending out refurbs for exchanges... that leaves me with an uneasy feeling...

BakaTensai · 12-01-2012, 04:22 PM

Should I email Amazon so there is a record of this issue? I'm not convinced that I want a replacement right now, I may want to wait for newer batches, but maybe it would be good to have in their database that I'm not satisfied with the product?

sirmaru · 12-01-2012, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BakaTensai

So you mean return it for a refund, then buy it again? I got this one as a gift, so I don't know how that would work? Also I think that it might be out of the 30 day return period... I'll have to check on that. I read that they may be sending out refurbs for exchanges... that leaves me with an uneasy feeling...

Defective units have one year for a return. If there is nothing wrong, one has 30 days to cancel the purchase but then one is charged one way shipping.

If you did not purchase the unit, I am not sure what Amazon's policy is.

Antoinekamel · 12-01-2012, 06:42 PM

Well, this is the standard light. It's not even, as even disclaimed in Kindle Paperwhite product page on Amazon (this link).

mobilewilier · 12-01-2012, 07:18 PM

I would definitely change that PW. It looks very patchy and would be v distracting to me. Color deviations can lead to some eye strain as the text seems darker against the bluer regions. Plus, it's just ugly when reading from a tainted surface... Depends on how sensitive you are, but as amazon provide good replacement or refund services you should avail of them.

BakaTensai · 12-01-2012, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Antoinekamel

Well, this is the standard light. It's not even, as even disclaimed in Kindle Paperwhite product page on Amazon (this link).

I'm completely OK with the uneven lighting on the bottom. What bothers me is the discoloration and blotchyness across the entire screen. The yellow patch on the left of the screen is particularly distracting.

vxf · 12-01-2012, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Antoinekamel

Well, this is the standard light. It's not even, as even disclaimed in Kindle Paperwhite product page on Amazon (this link).

No, this is NOT standard. My PW is far from perfect, but it's not as uneven as that.

xendula · 12-02-2012, 01:46 AM

If I were you, I would either ask for a placement or send it back and defective and try again later, if you can bear not having a PW for a while. I loved the interface so much that I could not fathom just asking for a refund, and therefore had my fair share of replacements until I settled on the ones I can live with: one with very very faint blotches, one with detectable but faint blotches and a hole in the screen, and one that has an almost even pink hue over-all, with only a bit of green (that last one, I decided to keep because I was asked for one as a very last-minute present and it was the least bad one of the 5 devices I was about to return) .

I find that there is a diffence in the type of "bruises" you see, and yelow-blue, to me, are the most unpleasant ones. The all pink one is easier on the eyes.

So, yes, I do have one that is almost perfect, and the conviction that such a unit exists is what kept me going. Someone else here gave up on Amazon replacements, but ended up buying one in BB or Staples and said her screen is perfect and blotchless, so you can try to get one in a store and send yours back for a refund, maybe? Worst-case: the store bought one is just as bad or worse (oh yes, there is worse, and I've had it) and you return/exchange it as well.

sirmaru · 12-02-2012, 08:55 AM

You folks have screen appearance problems and I can't run active content programs on my Paperwhite without Speical Offers.

My guess is in October/2013 we will see the PERFECT Paperwhite 2. Until then lots of tolerance is required. I'll buy the PW2 then and give away my present PW.

I'm glad I own a PW AND a KFHD7-32. Each one complements the other in what is missing and what is available.

12-01-2012, 02:42 PM	#1
BakaTensai Member Posts: 11 Karma: 459444 Join Date: Dec 2012 Device: Kindle Paperwhite	This again?? Paperwhite screen issues... Hi guys and gals! First post here... wanted some advice on whether or not to attempt exchanging my paperwhite. There are several threads here (I've read many of them) discussing the blotches and uneven lighting on the paperwhite. Mine seems to be suffering with some of these problems... I'll add some images here. I guess what I'm asking is if my device is basically on par with what is out there, i.e. if I return it can I expect something better? I hate having to deal with things like this, but honestly having a big yellow blotch on the left of my otherwise bluish white screen is very distracting. Maybe I would get used to it with time, but if there is a chance at a better device I'll take it. Thanks everyone. The images below: two are medium brightness in a dark room, one is max brightness in the same room, and other one with text is high brightness in a brighter room. The issues are most evident in the dark room. Attached Thumbnails

12-02-2012, 01:46 AM	#14
xendula eBookworm Posts: 2,300 Karma: 4525746 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: East Coast brrrrr Device: Kindle 4B/K ~ Nexus 7 ~ Kindle Paperwhite 1&2 ~ iPad Air	If I were you, I would either ask for a placement or send it back and defective and try again later, if you can bear not having a PW for a while. I loved the interface so much that I could not fathom just asking for a refund, and therefore had my fair share of replacements until I settled on the ones I can live with: one with very very faint blotches, one with detectable but faint blotches and a hole in the screen, and one that has an almost even pink hue over-all, with only a bit of green (that last one, I decided to keep because I was asked for one as a very last-minute present and it was the least bad one of the 5 devices I was about to return) . I find that there is a diffence in the type of "bruises" you see, and yelow-blue, to me, are the most unpleasant ones. The all pink one is easier on the eyes. So, yes, I do have one that is almost perfect, and the conviction that such a unit exists is what kept me going. Someone else here gave up on Amazon replacements, but ended up buying one in BB or Staples and said her screen is perfect and blotchless, so you can try to get one in a store and send yours back for a refund, maybe? Worst-case: the store bought one is just as bad or worse (oh yes, there is worse, and I've had it) and you return/exchange it as well. Last edited by xendula; 12-02-2012 at 01:49 AM.

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12-01-2012, 03:06 PM	#2
vxf Guru Posts: 944 Karma: 1490348 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Norman, OK Device: Sony PRS 350, 900, 950; Kindles (ALL of them!); Kobo Aura One	It seems a continuum - screens on PW go from white to rainbow - with everywhere in between. But yours is close to the 'rainbow' side of things. I hate dealing with returns (and I did not return mine, which is not perfect either - but more uniform than yours) - but, in this case, it seems warranted. The only note is - my screen got much better after 3-4 days of usage. I am not sure if it was some sort of burn-in (perhaps of glue residues?) - but my screen got progressively better over the first days. And no, it was not just me getting used to it. So maybe waiting a couple of days might be a good idea? Unless you had the device for a while already...

12-01-2012, 03:10 PM	#3
BakaTensai Member Posts: 11 Karma: 459444 Join Date: Dec 2012 Device: Kindle Paperwhite	I've had it a couple of weeks, but haven't been doing a lot of reading on it until recently. I noticed the issues more and more as I was reading, then started doing some googling and found out this is a widespread issue. If anything, it seems to be getting worse over time! But then again, it could be that I am getting more sensitive to the patches as time goes on.

12-01-2012, 03:12 PM	#4
Josieb1 Grand Sorcerer Posts: 5,082 Karma: 18051062 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: UK Device: Kindle Scribe, Coloursoft, PW SE, Kindle 6, Kobo Libra Colour, Libra 2	My large blue blotch was much reduced after I thoroughly cleaned the screen with a glass cleaning spray.

12-01-2012, 04:02 PM	#6
sirmaru Wizard Posts: 2,426 Karma: 6561538 Join Date: Nov 2007 Device: Kindle PW 2013, HDX 2013, Galaxy S5 2014	If you want a new one, just send in the return as defective and Amazon will pay shipping both ways. Then just buy a new PW. It seems new ones have a better chance of being better than exchanges.

12-01-2012, 04:22 PM	#8
BakaTensai Member Posts: 11 Karma: 459444 Join Date: Dec 2012 Device: Kindle Paperwhite	Should I email Amazon so there is a record of this issue? I'm not convinced that I want a replacement right now, I may want to wait for newer batches, but maybe it would be good to have in their database that I'm not satisfied with the product?

12-01-2012, 06:42 PM	#10
Antoinekamel Addict Posts: 278 Karma: 2511467 Join Date: Feb 2012 Device: ABC W p2	Well, this is the standard light. It's not even, as even disclaimed in Kindle Paperwhite product page on Amazon (this link).

12-01-2012, 07:18 PM	#11
mobilewilier Connoisseur Posts: 53 Karma: 496648 Join Date: May 2010 Device: Sony PRS-600	I would definitely change that PW. It looks very patchy and would be v distracting to me. Color deviations can lead to some eye strain as the text seems darker against the bluer regions. Plus, it's just ugly when reading from a tainted surface... Depends on how sensitive you are, but as amazon provide good replacement or refund services you should avail of them.

12-02-2012, 08:55 AM	#15
sirmaru Wizard Posts: 2,426 Karma: 6561538 Join Date: Nov 2007 Device: Kindle PW 2013, HDX 2013, Galaxy S5 2014	You folks have screen appearance problems and I can't run active content programs on my Paperwhite without Speical Offers. My guess is in October/2013 we will see the PERFECT Paperwhite 2. Until then lots of tolerance is required. I'll buy the PW2 then and give away my present PW. I'm glad I own a PW AND a KFHD7-32. Each one complements the other in what is missing and what is available.

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