Monitor image reduced to bright vertical line

Question

I have a 10 month old Sun PN21MS monitor. It was in
power save mode all weekend, and when I "woke up"
the computer this morning, I only got a single bright
vertical line on the display, instead of the normal image.
Power cycling restored a normal image, but I'm
wondering if this is something I should open a
(warranty) support case for? I don't believe it is
arbitrarily reproducible, but I don't want to ignore
a possible latent failure until the warranty expiration
in a couple of months or so.
<aside>
Actually, I'm assuming it only has a 1 year warranty.
But since I can't even look up the monitor on Sun's
web site without a service contract, I can't confirm
that. Actually, I'll just call the support 800 number
to find out. Which has to be more expensive
to Sun than simply making the info available on
the web. Even on Dell's site I can look up warranty
status.
</aside>
Thanks for any insight.
tim

Answer 1

Tim,
Yes, there is a one year warranty on monitors.
Sun does not keep any database on their serial numbers,
so you will need to have copies of your proof-of-purchase,
or your proof-of-delivery-date to validate the warranty.
You may be asked to fax such proof across.
Computer system serials are tracked, not peripherals like monitors.
You can possibly appreciate that such items can sit in a reseller's warehouse for six months before someone buys it.
Open a case so that you can have peace of mind.
If the computer system has contract coverage,
then open the service request on the computer -- a monitor is a functional extension of that system and its coverage.
(same approach as the keyboard and the mouse)