dead pixels are easy to spot. They will either be full time "on" (my viewsonic has one bad pixel...not bad. it's always bright green...or they'll be dead (no color). Bring up some web pages or microsoft word and make it full screen. see anything odd? If not, you're in good shape. two to three seems to be normal for a 17" screen.
on the darker on the sides, can't help you there. I've read about some complaints of that in PC Magazine's review somewhere. Sorry not more help.