Part of my Touch screen not working, out of warranty. Please Help

Question

This just started a few days ago, I have been going crazy. I can't access a bar in the upper portion of the screen. I can't dial 4 5 6 buttons. I can't type a t in landscape mode keyboard. This is my second iphone, the first one I dropped once and the screen shattered. This one I have carried around like a newborn its entire life, scared to death I would drop it, I have treated it like gold and now this happens. I have seen on these forums, people getting these replaced for free at some apple stores, why isn't there a standard for this situation, some people get denied, some get a new phone. The closest apple store is 100 miles away, in Grand Rapids, MI, I have scheduled an appointment with a genius there this saturday. I have printed out the http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1827 article along with numerous threads showing people who have had success getting thier out of warranty iphone replaced because of this specific condition.

Answer 1

I can only offer my story. I bought a used 1st gen Iphone. PO had upgraded to 3G. After about 6 months for no reason my screen froze. Called Apple care and suggested I reboot, reinstall, etc.. None of it worked so AC suggested I go to the Apple Store and let them look at it. They told me they could replace w/a refurb @ $200.00, I could buy a new 3G @ $400.00, or I could get a third party to repair it. I mentioned to the Apple guy about the reports of the screen going dead on some phones and he said my phone fell outside the serial numbers that were affected. A little upset, I called AC again and just pushed a little more. I told the guy since it was a mnufacturers defect but my phone was out of warranty I would go half on a refurb at $100.00. He said wait a minute, came back had me send my phone to them and they sent me a replacement phone free. Talk nice to the guys and they will try to help. I said so what I have here now is a very expensive paper weight, is that right? That's when I said I'd go halves on a refurb. I guess they took pity on me. Hope it works out for you.