I just got mine replace about a week ago, not to sure brand new though as it didn't came in the box only the unit it self, how to check whether brand new or refurbish? The exchange was done via machine service center.

This post has been edited by mlap: Jan 21 2011, 10:32 PM

4 months, no idea what causes it , much like yours using it one day , next day turn on ,all color gone but red.
The exchange took 3 days as they need to check and make sure that the damage was not done by water or gravity.
The iPad was wrap in a plastic much like when I first took it out of the box.