My second iPhone 3G!
Yesterday, I have noticed one little unpleasant detail in my otherwise perfect iPhone 3G. One bad pixel in top left area of the screen. Just one black dot that never changes its color and just stays the same black pixel forever.
Called Softbank today (my mobile operator) - these guys are clueless! Told me they'll get in touch with me but it never happened. Also called Apple support line and was redirected to Softbank with all the exchange inquiries.
So during lunch I just decided why not have a little trip to Apple store here in Nagoya, because it never hurts to check (in America, people can get their iPhones exchanged right in Apple stores).
And oh miracle! My iPhone WAS exchanged right at the Genius bar counter! The guy over the counter had a look at the screen - "Ah.. yeah I see". Then told me that he has to check Apple's policy regarding bad pixels on iPhones - and there's zero-tolerance in this regard, so you can get your iPhone exchanged even for one dead pixel. Then he checked the inventory, and there was the same model I have! The iPhone came in plain brown box though, not the stylish Apple package - definitely a sign that these units are for replacements only.
I received the unit, asked if I can check the screen for bad pixels - and there were none! I few mins later I was going out of the store with my new, replaced iPhone.
I had my doubts if the same approach that works in the USA, will work in Japan - and I'm very happy to confirm that it does!
Thanks Apple!