flickring 1.5” or 2” column in screen of 17" macbook pro early 2011
I think there's a replacement program for your model:
http://www.apple.com/support/macbookpro-videoissues/

Here are the affected models:


MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2011)
MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2012)
MacBook Pro (17-inch Early 2011)
MacBook Pro (17-inch Late 2011)
MacBook Pro (Retina, 15 inch, Early 2013)


I wish 13-inch mid-2012 was included as well, because I have a similar issue.