Is this normal? Laptop screen edges brighter than center of screen

[gabriel_eliot]

I just purchased my first laptop ever (I've always built my own desktops up until this point). Consequently, I don't have any experience with how a laptop screen is supposed to perform.

The potential issue: the edges of the screen are lighter, more washed out than the center of the screen. It seems like the backlight generates from the edges / the screen is edge lit. This is most noticeable when the screen is dark. Here's a picture:

Is this normal?

Maybe that's just how laptop screens work. It's not super dramatic, but I only have a few days left on the return policy and wanted to get some input from folks who know what they are talking about when it comes to laptops.

Additional: it's a refurbished unit. This one: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/toshiba-...&skuId=8968379 purchased for $467.

Crystal Disk showed this unit as:
Power On Hours : 18 hours
Power On Count : 26 count
Everything about it seems fine. I would never have been able to tell it was refurbished unless I knew / used Crystal Disk.

Would you send it back or is this the screen working as intended?

Thanks for the advice in advance!

 

[TheStu]

That's pretty normal for LCD monitors. Most of them are edge-lit from my observations. Some have less bleed than others.

 

[corkyg]

Yes, as TheStu says, it is common, but particularly on those backlit with CFC. It is not common with newer LED backlights.