Tried imac, didn't work out.

[Laochra Gaeil]

Hi All

This is my first post and I'm keen to join the Mac fraternity. In January I ordered a 24" 2.4 imac online but to my disappointment it had a really bad gradient. I'm not someone extremely picky but it was obvious at all but maximum brightness. I had high hopes for the replacement but it was the same and also made a significant buzz in comparison to the first which was perfectly silent. I decided not to opt for a third.

I had intended to make a complete switch to Mac starting with an imac and then eventually getting a macbook. My predicament is that, where as previously a laptop would not have been essential, my situation has changed and now it is. Do people think that imac screen issues will be ironed out with future revisions ?. If this was the case I would buy the macbook now and imac at a later date. This would be my preferred option as I really liked the imac and want to get into light photo/video editing. If the screen problems are likely to persist I would just buy a macbook pro as my single computer. I am in Ireland and have no apple store where it might be possible to check a screen prior to purchase.

Should I give the imac another try?. Any thoughts appreciated.

[YuriVoorhak]

If the gradient issue bothers you a lot (mine has it, but it's subtle enough for me not to care, and yes, I do "heavy" photo/video editing and design on it), I'd just get the macbook and wait on the iMac. If you aren't going to do any heavy lifting, you can always get a mini and cinema display. The current rev of iMac is just like this, and if anything, Apple's response suggests things like this are going to differentiate their consumer and pro lines from here on out.

[Consultant]

Dell LCD Gradient, "SEVERE BANDING" issues
http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/26/2007wfp-experiencing-severe-banding-on-gradients/

[Laochra Gaeil]

I don't want to start a gradient thread or make comparison between different manufacturers. I know that the vast majority of people are perfectly happy with their imacs. It may be that there are different severities of problem and I have just been unlucky. A lack of gradient is important as I compare clinical photos taken against white backgrounds.

What I am interested in is peoples' opinions as to whether this is something that will be addressed or, as responded previously, that this is a difference between consumer and pro products. Thanks for the responses.

[takeabyteoutta]

over to jolly old england and get an imac there. Apple is hopefully working on the gradient issue and it should be fixed in the next revision, although I hope you realize all LCD's have a slight gradient, which is actually an optical illusion (psychology 101).

That new revision however may not come for a while.

[czachorski]

I don't want to start a gradient thread or make comparison between different manufacturers. I know that the vast majority of people are perfectly happy with their imacs. It may be that there are different severities of problem and I have just been unlucky. A lack of gradient is important as I compare clinical photos taken against white backgrounds.

What I am interested in is peoples' opinions as to whether this is something that will be addressed or, as responded previously, that this is a difference between consumer and pro products. Thanks for the responses.

The language you are using makes it sound like you think all iMacs have this issue, when in fact, they don't. Very few do, and you just had bad luck. If you can convince Apple to take a return, then you got a defective unit. Getting 2 in a row is unfortunate, but far from statistically impossible. If the iMac is the right machine for you then why not get it, and insist that Apple provide you one without a gradient. It is a reasonable request, and Apple had delivered on it for the vast majority of other iMac buyers.

[ribbonthecat]

Why don't you just get a MBP?

[airjuggernaut]

lol I did the same thing as you. I got the 20" Alu iMac, didnt like it, returned it and got a Macbook, been happy since :D

[harcosparky]

although I hope you realize all LCD's have a slight gradient, which is actually an optical illusion (psychology 101).



shhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Next you'll tell them that " the larger the LCD panel, the greater the 'illusion' "