My iMac G5: Unaccaptable!

[Josh]

I bought a 17" iMac G5.

When I first turned it on, I noticed I was one of the lucky ones and got one that buzzed/hummed.

So I called apple, and they sent me a new power supply. I put that it, and it didnt stop the annoying noise.

So I called again...this time they were certain it was the midpane.

After 38 full-size pages of instructions, staring at tiny peices, pulling things apart for 2 hours replacing the mid pain - not only is the problem still there, its worse!

The annoying humming sound is now accompanied by a definite buzz.

I cannot even tell you how mad I am right now.

I do NOT want this machine any longer. I love Macs, but certainly not this one...

[timnosenzo]

Did they offer to take it back in return, or do they normally send customers do-it-yourself fix kits? :confused: That really sucks!

[iEric]

Did you buy it at a store or online? If you bought it at the store, go there and bring the computer back and tell them whats going on. And if they refuse to fix it themselves or give u a new one, then start getting pissy. If you bought it online, do u live CLOSE to an apple store? If so, drive there and if they dont fix it or if they don't get u a new one get pissy cause u've been driving so long.
I find that Apple has a very good customer relationship when you start to get pissy and yell.
Try and start a scene. Who cares what people think. They're only gonna see you once.

[jackieonasses]

Really though, how loud is it? Sounds like yours might actually be bad, but some people over-react.

[jsw]

Did they offer to take it back in return, or do they normally send customers do-it-yourself fix kits? :confused: That really sucks!Apple, along with most major PC vendors, has begun to send repair parts and instructions to customers whenever possible. The relative ease of disassembly of the new iMac has caused Apple to begin this practice - and we'll see more and more of it in the future. Another thread on this site has links to an article about this, but I don't recall it off-hand.

I'm sorry the iMac isn't working properly. However, it doesn't sound like any particular Apple employee has screwed you over, so I'd avoid getting all pissy as soon as you call or walk in. I'm sure it will be worked out.

[dornoforpyros]

http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,65510,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_2

from wired today

[daveL]

I bought my wife a 20" iMac G5. We've had it a week. REALLY nice machine, for the money. Today she was surfing and BOOM, the display goes blank. End of story. The system was still running. I could ssh into it and mount its network drive shares, but no display.

I went to the online iMac G5 support site and walked through their troubleshooting assistant dialog and found the problem (bad inverter). I ordered the replacement part, at no charge. I assume I'll have it in a day or two. The whole process took me 45 minutes, and I don't have to ship the system back. I'm rather pleased, under the circumstances. Of course, I'm taking for granted that the root cause of the problem was correctly diagnosed. We'll see. All in all, it was a good experience. The idea of shipping the thing back was less than appealing; I don't live close to a city.

[OKComputer]

I have an iMac G5 17 inch and it has a high pitched whinning noise. It is just the fans though and compared to my emac it is much quieter so Im quite happy with it. I am not quite sure why apple chose fans that produce such a high frequency noise. If you have ever looked inside, they are some quite funky fans.

my point, buy and iMac G5 if you are in the market. dont be scared. its not silent...but its a G5. Whaddya want? a cracked case conspiricy?

[Josh]

Just to give you guys an example on just how loud my imac is:

When I was on the phone with the product specialist before they shipped me the midpane, the guy on the phone asked "Is that an air conditioner in the background?"...I informed him it was the iMac that I was about 6 feet away from.

He then asked me to open iMovie and record an audio file of the noise that he sent to the engineers. Thats what made them "certain" it was the midpane.

Either they werent too certain, or they sent me a faulty midpane.

EDIT: I just recorded another one so I could show you. I don't know how well iMovie captures it (when I play it, it sounds the way my mac does 100% of the time so its hard for me to tell). But it will atleast give you some idea:

http://www.tibathon.com/iMac%20G5.mov

^^ Just imagine that sound being loud enough to hear in a different room, or over the tv, or over iTunes. That's what I've got going on.

This has seriously soured my taste for apple. Its even a joke that the midpane is a user-serviceable part to begin with. Im a PC-type, and have built many PC's from nothing. Replacing the midpane on the mac nearly had me pulling my hair out. Its long, tedious, and frustrating to do. Not what I would say should be expected of the average user.

I am not one bit satisfied with this. In my opinion, this has gone on long enough, and apple needs to do something besides send me parts to waste my time putting in. I will not accept anything less than a new, quiter machine.

I shouldnt have to pay thousands of dollars for something, have it not work, put up with it for weeks while the problem is examined, go through tedious installs of hardware -using my rare free time - only to have it not do a single thing.

Its Apple's turn to sort this out. I'll give them a call tomorrow, and update this with more info.

btw - the imac noise issue seems to be fairly common. I would think Apple would catch on and either figure out what's causing it, or issue a recall. When a measurable portion of a product is plagued by the same problem, something's wrong, and the company should do something rather than rely on the user to solve it for them.

[dayos_x]

I came here looking for possible solution to silence my iMac G5. No, not The Hum. The endless grinding sound of hard disk. 7200RPM of goodness just waiting to explode, it seems. It annoys me to no end, and is way louder than the hum.

Hum? Pffht.

[King Crimson]

Did they offer to take it back in return, or do they normally send customers do-it-yourself fix kits? :confused: That really sucks!

Hi there,

I understand that the custumer has the choice to do the repairs @home or sent it to Apple / drop it at the dealer.

That's fine imho. I had lots of trouble with my past macs, and when they were out of order, they have been shipped to Apple, longest repair time was over a month (it got lost at Apple ...) :mad:

I'd like to fix my macs @home, since it will definetly shorten the turnaround time. But, anyway, I love my computer most, when it makes no probs ;)

Cheers,

Andreas

[Frump]

Just to give you guys an example on just how loud my imac is:

When I was on the phone with the product specialist before they shipped me the midpane, the guy on the phone asked "Is that an air conditioner in the background?"...I informed him it was the iMac that I was about 6 feet away from.

He then asked me to open iMovie and record an audio file of the noise that he sent to the engineers. Thats what made them "certain" it was the midpane.

Either they werent too certain, or they sent me a faulty midpane.

EDIT: I just recorded another one so I could show you. I don't know how well iMovie captures it (when I play it, it sounds the way my mac does 100% of the time so its hard for me to tell). But it will atleast give you some idea:

http://www.tibathon.com/iMac%20G5.mov

^^ Just imagine that sound being loud enough to hear in a different room, or over the tv, or over iTunes. That's what I've got going on.

This has seriously soured my taste for apple. Its even a joke that the midpane is a user-serviceable part to begin with. Im a PC-type, and have built many PC's from nothing. Replacing the midpane on the mac nearly had me pulling my hair out. Its long, tedious, and frustrating to do. Not what I would say should be expected of the average user.

I am not one bit satisfied with this. In my opinion, this has gone on long enough, and apple needs to do something besides send me parts to waste my time putting in. I will not accept anything less than a new, quiter machine.

I shouldnt have to pay thousands of dollars for something, have it not work, put up with it for weeks while the problem is examined, go through tedious installs of hardware -using my rare free time - only to have it not do a single thing.

Its Apple's turn to sort this out. I'll give them a call tomorrow, and update this with more info.

btw - the imac noise issue seems to be fairly common. I would think Apple would catch on and either figure out what's causing it, or issue a recall. When a measurable portion of a product is plagued by the same problem, something's wrong, and the company should do something rather than rely on the user to solve it for them.

What are you complaining about! You should be happy you have a new computer. Anyway it is probably your fault any way. What's so bad about a Two hour operation to replace the mid-pane? Some people just like to complain.
Yes that was all in jest. Why some people around here always feel like they need to fight the good fight for apple is beyond me. You are the customer and you parted with your cash. It amazes me when I read some of the threads around here. If some one has a complaint there are always those few that feel like you are attacking them.
I hope they fix your problem soon.

Frump.

[munkle]

I'm sorry to hear about your problems, and listening to that audio clip just scared me. That thing is load, not to mention grating! Just writing to say that don't let one bad experience sour you too much. I've recently pruchased a 17" 1.8 GHz iMac and it is a dream. I hardly ever hear the thing, even when doing intensive work and gaming, and it really is a joy to use. Hope you get it fixed soon.

[pauld]

this has just put me off buying an iMac G5.

[CrackedButter]

this has just put me off buying an iMac G5.

Why? You are hearing about a few peoples problems with their iMac, you are not hearing about the hundreds possibly thousands of people who are happy are you?

Happy people don't complain. I wouldn't of posted unless I saw your post but I'd also like to inform you my gf got a new imac G5 within the week it was announced and she has had not problems with it. Quiet as a mouse you forget it is there when sleeping.

Buy one, don't let a few bad Apples have it their way. In general more people post about their woes than successes anyway.

[Chaszmyr]

Why? You are hearing about a few peoples problems with their iMac, you are not hearing about the hundreds possibly thousands of people who are happy are you?

Happy people don't complain. I wouldn't of posted unless I saw your post but I'd also like to inform you my gf got a new imac G5 within the week it was announced and she has had not problems with it. Quiet as a mouse you forget it is there when sleeping.

Buy one, don't let a few bad Apples have it their way. In general more people post about their woes than successes anyway.

Totally agreed. There seem to be a fair number of noise complaints about the iMac G5, but consider that Apple has already sold probably hundreds of thousands of them.

[Coca-Cola]

Apple will fix it. Period. You can bet on it. I bought a refurbished iMac as my first mac years ago and it was a three month hassle. It all came down to a stupid bad mouse and keyboard. It was a hassle but it did get fixed, and I have had no problems since. This is complicated machinery here. Give em a break and have some patients. I can understand the frustration as well. Call them, and work with them, they want to make you happy.

[wPod]

Apple will fix it. Period. You can bet on it. I bought a refurbished iMac as my first mac years ago and it was a three month hassle. It all came down to a stupid bad mouse and keyboard. It was a hassle but it did get fixed, and I have had no problems since. This is complicated machinery here. Give em a break and have some patients. I can understand the frustration as well. Call them, and work with them, they want to make you happy.

and be happy you didnt buy a dell!!! they are the most un-helpful people around. youll spend hours trying to diagnose the problem only to have difficulties understanding the Indian on the other end of the line. then once you recieve your replacement part you actually have to get it installed in a certain amount of time or risk a larger fee!!! and even when bad things happen apple will fix it! take the iBook logic board problem. even after the normal warentee expires they will still fix the logic board for free. apple will recognize when there is a big problem and get it taken care of, dont worry!

[Josh]

Going to call apple right now.

[cluthz]

Hope my iMac doesn't get all these troubles when it arrives..
It has taken so long time to arrive (i ordered though a local reseller three (?) weeks ago, but with BTO options, BT, 250GB, 1GB)

[ThomasW]

Thats like buying a car that doesn work as it should, and having someone tell you "you have a new car, dont complain".

And how is it my fault? Did I magically enter the box before I got my iMac G5 home and screw up whatever it is? This problem existed before the mac was even brought home - it is a faulty mac, and that has nothing to do with me other than I am the one who got stuck with it.

If you do not have something productive/progressive to add to a thread, perhaps you should go elsewhere and waste your own time rather than that of other people.

The imac g5 noise issue is common enough now that apple should have it pretty well figure out.

Let alone the fact that customers shouldnt be expected to pay thousands of dollars for something that dosnt work as it should. I understand a faulty product comes out the line from time to time, but the numerous iMac G% noise complaints are of high enough number that it is just not rare - its not one "here asnd there". A measurable percentage of the imacs have the issue, and I think apple should be taking it more seriously than they would for a normal faulty product.

If you dont mind getting products that dont work right, thats fine - thats your money to waste. But dont tell people who spent thousands of dollars to get something faulty no to complain, thats just ridiculous.


Did you read at all what Frump wrote??? :D

[Josh]

Did you read at all what Frump wrote??? :D


hehe I guess not...my first 2 seconds awake were spent reading this thread, so I just glanced with out reading.

*that* is my fauilt :D

[Abstract]

I bought my wife a 20" iMac G5. We've had it a week. REALLY nice machine, for the money. Today she was surfing and BOOM, the display goes blank. End of story. The system was still running. I could ssh into it and mount its network drive shares, but no display.

I went to the online iMac G5 support site and walked through their troubleshooting assistant dialog and found the problem (bad inverter). I ordered the replacement part, at no charge. I assume I'll have it in a day or two. The whole process took me 45 minutes, and I don't have to ship the system back. I'm rather pleased, under the circumstances. Of course, I'm taking for granted that the root cause of the problem was correctly diagnosed. We'll see. All in all, it was a good experience. The idea of shipping the thing back was less than appealing; I don't live close to a city.

I always knew that you could replace the midplane yourself, but replace an inverter? Are they letting you fix anything in your Mac now?

[ebook]

I always knew that you could replace the midplane yourself, but replace an inverter? Are they letting you fix anything in your Mac now?

In order to replace the midplane you have to take out the inverter so it's really not that big of a job. Actually I would say it is one of the easier parts to replace...besides maybe the optical drive (4 screws and pull up!).

[molcas&e'sdad]

All of these issues make me feel surprised to hear SJ say (in something I read at ai: http://appleinsider.com/article.php?id=719) "The iMac G5 has received the best reviews of any product we've ever had," said Jobs, who kicked off the event by citing captions from favorable reviews in Time Magazine, PC Magazine, The Detroit Free Press, and The Wall Street Journal. "We're thrilled with these reviews and we think this is going to be a very good Christmas for the iMac G5."

[tsaxer]

[QUOTE=Josh]Just to give you guys an example on just how loud my imac is:

Geez :eek: , that sounds painful. If you don't want to do a fix-it-yourself, tell them, and if they give you crap, threaten to return the whole thing and spread the word. Sometimes you just have to play hardball with people over the phone, it's hard for them to visualize a real person at times (not Apple in particular, but customer service folks in general) And yes, I know Apple has one of the best service programs out there, and the few times I've had to call them, they were great,but no one bats 1000...

Anyway, just adding my voice to those who empathize :)

[rhpenguin]

Sometimes you just have to play hardball with people over the phone, it's hard for them to visualize a real person at times (not Apple in particular, but customer service folks in general)

I work for HP. When i was a level one tech support agent, you could do very little and have to work with what HP gives you and follow their outlined support process. I'm sure Apple is the same. Level one agents never have abilitys to break rules. 90% of the time they are untrained monkeys that are doing what theyre told by their employer. Don't ever give a phone support person **** for not getting your way. Its bad for both parites.

Just come up with a peaceful solution and if the agent doesnt agree with it, ask to speak to someone who might - dont get pissy - and 90% of the time since you ask them to put you on with someone else since you asked, they have to do it.

In short, its not that we dont remember your not a person, its just most of the time our hands are tied. Also by replacing all the components in the machine its basically making it like a new machine. So consider that.

Just defending the ever hard working and underappreciated technical support people of the world.

[Lord Blackadder]

I'm sorry to hear about this.

I've got an iMac story myself. Bought my Rev. C in early 1999. After 4 years of faithful service the machine began to make scary electrical popping and cracking noises, and the screen would go wavy like an oscilloscope display. Then it died. This problem was endemic to these CRT iMacs. I took it to Microcenter (where I bought it) and asked them to look at it. They promptly removed the high voltage board and the power supply and sent them to Apple for replacement without consulting me. When I found out, I was now commited to either buying $500 of replacement parts or nothing. The guys there had little experience with Mac's and I decided that I would just as soon given them leave to perform open heart surgery on me in the store as let them touch my machine again. So I took my now defiled computer to a local Apple Specialist, Quadstar Digital Guidance, and they replaced the two boards for half of what Microcenter charged with parts they had in stock. Unfortunately, the motherboard and CRT suffered collateral damage, with the CRT going a little soft and the motherboard losing sound intermittently (Quadstar warned me about this but they and I knew that replacing everything but the case was not economical). This has turned me away from all in ones a bit. It's just a tradeoff that comes with putting all your eggs in one iMac case. :D

[tsaxer]

I work for HP. When i was a level one tech support agent, you could do very little and have to work with what HP gives you and follow their outlined support process.

I wasn't saying to come to the table as a jerk, but if you get the runaround, why bend over and take it? I know what it's like to have your hands tied, but the customer has a reasonable expectation for their new product to work, and if it doesn't without them doing something they're not comfortable doing, then return it. Some people are not comfortable popping open a computer. When I say hardball, I mean it in the business sense--be firm, stand for what you want, don't be afraid to push away from the table and take your money with you.

I generally am very polite even when I have to be tough on the phone,btw. Here in the South we have polite aggression down to an art ;)

[Edge100]

and be happy you didnt buy a dell!!! they are the most un-helpful people around. youll spend hours trying to diagnose the problem only to have difficulties understanding the Indian on the other end of the line.

You know, I sometimes have this problem with people from Texas!

Seriously, what kind of crap is this? Where are the admins for this kind of racist bulls**t? :mad:

[Dunepilot]

You know, I sometimes have this problem with people from Texas!

Seriously, what kind of crap is this? Where are the admins for this kind of racist bulls**t? :mad:

Since when did referring to someone's nationality and their inability to speak a foreign language as well as a native speaker qualify as racism?

You are way too touchy.

[Macmaniac]

As someone who works for an Apple repair place I really reccomend brining your computer into a dealer, especially the new iMacs. Do it yourself kits are ok, but a trained technician is much more liekly to be able to find your porblem and fix it. Besides if your under warranty the repair is free, so you don't have to waste time.

[mpw]

You know, I sometimes have this problem with people from Texas!

Seriously, what kind of crap is this? Where are the admins for this kind of racist bulls**t? :mad:

I have to agree with dunepilot Edge100, you're jumping in feet first and accusing someone of being racist when you have no evidence.

wPod says he had difficulty understanding the Indian at the end of the line. What's racist about that?
You say you sometimes have the same problem with Texans. Are you 'racist' toward Texans?
I sometimes have difficulty understanding my 3year old daughter but far from racist I actually love her to bits.

I have a big problem with racist behaviour but I also have a problem with people who jump down others throats making unfounded accusations which do nothing but cause friction and turn so many simple debates in to racism arguments....like I just have, damn!

[Abulia]

Finally got Apple to take my iMac back, day 12. I was firm, but polite. Mostly I underscored my desire to have a fully-functioning unit and to get what I paid for. Haven't decided to "risk" another iMac or to go with the 1.8 PowerMac.

The thought of getting another iMac with the same problem (after waiting 3 weeks) and going through all this again really scares me...

- Don

[combatcolin]

My 1st Gen iMac is over 6 years old and soldiers on.

Of course i never liked the racket from the CD-ROM drive (very noisy sometimes) and the side port with the access hole came off after about a fortnight (stupid place to put a reset switch) but im happy with it.

I suppose if you go looking for a problem you'll quickly find one, no company wants to make a problem with a new product biiger than it has to be and from what i've read it a dodgy bunch of fans on a limited number of iMacs

Anyway, in 6 months times the new iMac's will be out with the inital problems ironed out and a PROPER graphics card.

Still geting a PM.

[macidiot]

Apple will fix it. Period. You can bet on it. I bought a refurbished iMac as my first mac years ago and it was a three month hassle. It all came down to a stupid bad mouse and keyboard. It was a hassle but it did get fixed, and I have had no problems since. This is complicated machinery here. Give em a break and have some patients. I can understand the frustration as well. Call them, and work with them, they want to make you happy.

Like they did with the noise from the MDD? :rolleyes:

[Josh]

I just got off the phone with apple about it.

They said they are very familiar with the issue now, and had a meeting about it yesterday.

That wanted my number to call me back, and they are going to let the engineers know then get back with me tonight.

If they want me to replace the midpane again, Im going to ask that they just send me another mac, and ill send them this one back. I bought this computer to do work, not to take apart over and over.

If they want to examine it, it just seems logical that they examine the whole machine rather than have me be the middle man and send them parts all the time.

[Squire]

Why some people around here always feel like they need to fight the good fight for apple is beyond me. You are the customer and you parted with your cash. It amazes me when I read some of the threads around here. If some one has a complaint there are always those few that feel like you are attacking them.
I hope they fix your problem soon.

Frump, was there any one post in this thread (#1-13) that you were referring to? I didn't read anything that sounded like someone thought "you were attacking them."

Josh, that really sucks. You definitely have more patience than I do. I don't think I'd have tried to repair anything like that. Good luck and I hope it's solved soon.

Squire

[dayos_x]

Ok, I take it nobody here has a problem with excessive hard disk noise? Because seriously, the crunching noise level is far above the fan's. I can't say I notice my fan noise, but I am definitely hearing the hard disk, which doesn't seem to stop. :confused:

[edesignuk]

You know, I sometimes have this problem with people from Texas!

Seriously, what kind of crap is this? Where are the admins for this kind of racist bulls**t? :mad:You should think more about the bulls**t you are posting, then the admins won't have to worry about your crap :mad: :p

There is nothing racist about wPods post http://upload.edesignuk.net/uploaded_data/smilies/tard.gif

[winwintoo]

I don't get it. I live in a small city in Canada - a long way from the center of the universe, yet whenever I have a Mac problem that I can't fix myself, I drive to a repair place here in town - there are about 5 to choose from - and get it back usually in a couple of days.

I also buy my computers from these folks. I tell them what I want, they order it, I pay them take it home, if it doesn't work, I take it back and they give me my money back, end of story.

I don't understand why you guys are fussing with shipping your computers to Apple and waiting weeks and months to get them fixed or wincing over this or that noise and trying to convince someone on the phone that it's a problem. Take it to a repair guy - let him figure it out. You all live much closer to the action than I do, if I can get my Macs fixed locally, surely you can find someone to do it.

If not, well, you're Mac enthusiasts, it sounds like a business opportunity to me.

Margaret

[Frump]

and be happy you didnt buy a dell!!! they are the most un-helpful people around. youll spend hours trying to diagnose the problem only to have difficulties understanding the Indian on the other end of the line.

DUDE! get the facts?

Apple outsource to India aswell. I just spoke to a very nice indian lady on the apple help-line and I had no problem understanding her.

Frump.

[wdlove]

That sound is terrible, a definite indication of a real problem. Apple should replace your iMac. I'm very sorry for your problem. Other's on this forum have also received Mac's that are DOA. Please give Apple a chance. This is just part of purchasing a new product. Try taking some deep breaths, and calmly discuss this with Apple.

[7on]

Finally, I hope the next powerbooks will be able to be all user serviceable. Everytime I have sent my PB to applecare it has came back with cosmetic damage.

[wdlove]

Finally, I hope the next powerbooks will be able to be all user serviceable. Everytime I have sent my PB to applecare it has came back with cosmetic damage.

That certainly isn't an acceptable thing to happen. What it a major noticeable item? My wife has had her PowerBook repaired twice with no problems.

[Josh]

Update

After replacing the power supply, entire midpane, and several conversations with product specialist - the last of which pushed me over the edge - I decided this has gone on long enough.

You have all heard the sound, a product specialist heard the sound, and the engineers at Apple have heard the sound. Remember - the product specialist even asked me if I had an air conditioner in the background.

The last conversation (thursday), I was told by Apple to take it to a CompUSA or Apple store, and then have them call apple and confirm that the sound is indeed louder than a comparison. In other words - my word was not good enough, even after product specialists and engineers have heard the sound.

So, I replied to an email from a product specialist, with this email:

Hi Dean,

I never heard from you or Frank, but I did call Apple on Thursday.

I was transfered to a product specialist, and what she told me was to
bring it to Comp USA or an Apple store for a side-by-side comparison
with another iMac, and then have them call and say that it is louder
than the comparison. I must say - this shocked me.

I am not sure why I would do this because both Frank and the engineers
have heard my iMac, and both agree it has a problem. When I was on the
phone with Frank, he asked if I had an air conditioner running in the
background - but it was my iMac. If something marketted as being
"whisper quiet" can be confused with an air conditioner, something's
wrong.

I have also sent a sound sample recorded in iMovie to the engineers.

There is only so much the end user can do, and I am beginning to
wonder why Apple does not just have me send them my iMac, and then
send me a new one. That way, the engineers would have the exact iMac
infront of them and could hear the sound themselves to diagnose and
fix, and I would have the problem-free machine that I paid for.

I have been very pleased with Apple's service and help, but it just
seems more logical to me to do that. Especialy since I paid over $1500
to use this machine for work and school. I didnt buy it to take it
apart and send peieces back and forth across the country, and I didn't
buy it to be told a second opinion would be needed on how loud it is
when I called in about a known problem. Is the user's word not enough?

Again, I am very pleased with the support Apple has given, especially
on Frank's part, but I do not believe the user/buyer should be
expected to go through such lengths just to receive a problem-free
machine that they have already paid for. I have been using a
problematic machine for almost 2-months now. This is not what I paid
for.

I appreciate all of the help provided by Apple so far, but I think
it's time to for this to be solved completely.

Thanks for your time,

Josh

I'll update this again once I find out more.

[cluthz]

I'm so sorry to hear about your problems Josh.
My experience with apple has been that they are very helpful,
except with third party products (i bought a photocam from appleshop, after week of phoning and mailing they took care of it..).

All products can be faulty, but the way they have treathed you is not acceptable!

I hope you get positive response from your letter, if not maybe its time to get really angry.. :(

[Mechcozmo]

I guess that, if you do the comparison, you have a chance of getting it back. Tell a higher-up what you have been through, and that you are very angry that you have had to deal with a defective product for so long. Be nice about it, but insist on telling them that you had to live with the computer for (12 days now?).

[QCassidy352]

Finally, I hope the next powerbooks will be able to be all user serviceable. Everytime I have sent my PB to applecare it has came back with cosmetic damage.

the one time i had to send in my ibook (no longer have it) to applecare, it came back with quite a few fairly serious scratches on the case. :( At least the service was very fast... but still!

[Fukui]

Why didn't they just design it so the fans could easily be replaced without changing the mother board? Kind of stupid when you think about it... :o

[Mechcozmo]

Why didn't they just design it so the fans could easily be replaced without changing the mother board? Kind of stupid when you think about it... :o

They didn't think this would be so bad. Quite rare that a fan, much less hundreds of them, go bad or have issues. If I was building that thing (iMac G5) I would integrate the fans too. Makes sense... now they are probably thinking "Ah, damn." But that is why there is always a version 2, a revision B...

[Mav451]

Dude that is sounding pretty close to a PC (i.e. noisy 60mm heatsink on CPU). Its not Delta, but its certainly UNACCEPTABLE for Apple to be releasing that kind of noisy boxes to the public.

However, I myself did pay a visit to the local Apple Store in MD (Montgomery "Monkey" Mall). Those things were probably in the 30dba range (i.e. 2 Panaflos spinning--which is VERY good in the PC world). Plus I felt around the case for the hot air vent--the air wasn't that hot either (I'm guessing 40-50C's). Considering its not even using conventional cooling, that is impressive.

[slooksterPSV]

You can't really blame Apple for this problem. It was probably hard to detect, if it was in a room with a lot of noise. Also, I dunno what causes it, but I know they are doing their best to fix it. The Fan on this PB G3 wallstreet kicks up when I'm doing processor intensive things, like opening iTunes (can't blame this machine, its only a 233MHz processor), but thats only if its flipped the switch saying its dangerously hot. But I've seen the problem in an ice cold room with the fan on the iMac g5s and well they didn't ever kick down, even after a shutdown.

[SpaceMagic]

This problem is really unacceptable. I can't believe about all the problems we're hearing about with these new Macintosh machines. I got my G5 dead too, just unlucky I suppose. But, having been a reader of Macrumors for some years, there were hardly ever any problems with iMacs, Blue and Whites, G4 PowerMacs - now we have White spotted PBs, Video problem iBooks, Noisy iMacs, Dodgy superdrives and countless powermac problems. Maybe because people only ever talk about the bad? Who knows.

The only safe system I'd buy at the moment is the simple eMac. Rarely see problems with them.

[Squire]

You can't really blame Apple for this problem. It was probably hard to detect, if it was in a room with a lot of noise. Also, I dunno what causes it, but I know they are doing their best to fix it.

Everybody appreciates optimism, but put yourself in Josh's shoes for a minute. You have to blame Apple. (Who else could you blame?) Unless, of course, you meant, "Well, when a multinational corporation is selling as many machines as Apple has sold the iMac G5, there are bound to be problems." In which case, I'd agree wholeheartedly. ;)

I mean, Josh, I tip my hat to you. You have demonstrated an amazing amount of patience here. I sure hope it all works out.


This problem is really unacceptable. I can't believe about all the problems we're hearing about with these new Macintosh machines. I got my G5 dead too, just unlucky I suppose. But, having been a reader of Macrumors for some years, there were hardly ever any problems with iMacs, Blue and Whites, G4 PowerMacs - now we have White spotted PBs, Video problem iBooks, Noisy iMacs, Dodgy superdrives and countless powermac problems. Maybe because people only ever talk about the bad? Who knows.

True. You rarely see threads that read, "I just wanted you all to know that my Mac is working okay."

Squire

[mojohanna]

I do not have a iMacG5, but I had probs with my dual 1.8. After a couple of frustrating calls to Apple support, where they just ran me thru the standard permissions fixing, hardware test, and clean install, I was fed up enough. I called the Apple store I purchased it from to explain what the problem was. Took it in that same day. A week later and a new logic board I had the computer back and things have been fine since.
Moral of the story, if something is wrong go to the source. Take it back to where you got it. Those are the people most interested in keeping your business, AND they have to deal with you face to face. Even if you purchased on line, you can still walk into any Apple store or authorized repair center. Its still under warranty. Save yourself the hassle and the headaches.

Here's to good luck in getting the thing fixed so you can move on and enjoy a better computing experience!!!

[winwintoo]

I'm with mojohanna on this. I've had two "lemon" when I thought I was buying an *Apple* and both times, I put that baby back in the box, and took it back to the store and no questions asked, they gave me my money back.

Sure they give you the "are you sure you tried everything" and "isn't there anything we can do to make you happy" routine, but all they're gonna do is ship the thing back to Apple so they don't really care and they would rather give you your money than have you make a fuss and drive away more customers.

In both cases I've returned to buy lots more stuff from those stores.

We don't have an Apple store anywhere near here, so I buy from local Apple re-sellers, never bother with Apple care (waste of money in my opinion) and if anything goes wrong I can find someone qualified to fix it by just picking up the phone. I've never even considered sending back to Apple. Problems like the loud noise would be handled here by a repair shop no matter where I bought the thing - I can't imagine taking it apart by myself.

And I live on the bald prairie miles from any major city. What am I missing :confused:

Margaret

[Josh]

Update 11/15/04

So..not so surprisingly...I never got an email or call or anything back from Apple. So I called them...

You think what happened during the last conversation made me mad? What happened with this next call made my blood boil.

As usual, the support person sends me to a product specialist. The first thing I did was appologized to the product specialist because he is not familiar with this case, and now has a very angry person on the other end of his phone. I then explain to him the situation, and it goes - a little roughly - like this:

Product specialist: How many times have you called about this issue?
Josh: Many - too numerous to count.
PS: And it never got resolved?
Josh: Nope. I've been calling, emailing, and sending parts across the country for almost 2 months now, and not one bit of progress has been made. The problem still persists.
PS: Ok - let me review the notes for a second.
----time goes by-----
PS: Ok...well what the next step is, is to take it to a service center and then have them call us and tell us about the sound.
Josh: But I've already told you about the sound. Infact, other product specialists have heard the sound themselves over the phone - one even asked me if I had an air conditioner running. Engineers have also heard the sound in a recording they asked me to record and send them.
PS: well.....thats what it says man.
Josh: This has been going on for 2 months. This is getting out of control - its time something ACTUALLY gets done. Why am I having to go through such great lengths just to get this fixed?
PS: Thats what the notes say. I'll read them to you word for word...[he reads them].
Josh: That just seems redundant. The sound has already been heard by several support persons. Now someone else is needed to say its there? thats ridiculous.
PS: LOOK MAN! I told you what the notes said! I read them WORD for WORD. Thats what they want you to do - thats what you have to do.
Josh: [stunned by how rude, loud, and angry this guy just got] Thank you. *click*

So, reluctantly I do take it to the service center (last thursday).. I explain to them the issue, and that Apple wants them to call and say there is a sound. The service guy also becomes puzzled and says "why are they getting us involved in this? I dont understand that. " All Apple wants them to do is say that the sound is there - as if they wont take my word for it.

I should be receiving a call either today or tomorrow from the service center about whats going to happen next. Hopefully, it will be better than the last two calls I've experienced. So in total, I will be without my computer for at least a week - and keep in mind: this is just for them to call and say there is a problem, not not to actually fix it.

Personally, I am absolutely disgusted at this point. Apple sold me this computer with the problem - I didn't create the problem. Why should I be the one going through such lengths to fix it? It shouldnt be that way. Apple should acknowledge and take responsibility for the fact they sold me a faulty machine, and THEY should be the ones going out of their way to make it right; not the other way around.

There is absolutely no reason I should have to use a problematic machine for 2 months with no resolution, and then go a week or more without the machine due to a silly call because they wont take my word for it. I bought this machine to use, and quite frankly, have yet to do so in satisfaction for the entire 2 months I've owned it.

Keep in mind I am also a student, and now without a computer to do my work on at home, completeing projects is extremely difficult.

I know apple makes good products, but this really makes me fear buying another one. Not because Im afraid something will go wrong with it, but because I am afraid of dealing with this again if something did.

[mklos]

Well it sounds like you've gone through a lot of crap. I will say that its a rev. A product and is bound to problems like this. Thats not to say that Apple should of treated you the way they did. Especially the last one that got all upset. I would of asked to talk to his manager and explain what just went on. Keep the faith with Apple products. You just happen to be unlucky. I've had 4 iMacs with only just a recent G4 iMac arm replacement that went smooth and thats all the problems I've ever had with any of my Macs. Another thing to think about is that Apple is really being pushed to crank out some G5 iMacs right now so when things need to be cranked out fast, sometimes the quality goes down the tubes a little. Hope everything works out in the end. They should of just given you a new iMac and have you send the current one back. They can fix that and sell it as a refurbished iMac G5 and still make money off it. Thats just my opinion though.

[Counterfit]

PS: Ok...well what the next step is, is to take it to a service center and then have them call us and tell us about the sound.
Josh: But I've already told you about the sound. Infact, other product specialists have heard the sound themselves over the phone - one even asked me if I had an air conditioner running. Engineers have also heard the sound in a recording they asked me to record and send them.
PS: well.....thats what it says man.
Josh: This has been going on for 2 months. This is getting out of control - its time something ACTUALLY gets done. Why am I having to go through such great lengths just to get this fixed?
PS: Thats what the notes say. I'll read them to you word for word...[he reads them].
Josh: That just seems redundant. The sound has already been heard by several support persons. Now someone else is needed to say its there? thats ridiculous.
PS: LOOK MAN! I told you what the notes said! I read them WORD for WORD. Thats what they want you to do - thats what you have to do.
Josh: [stunned by how rude, loud, and angry this guy just got] Thank you. *click* I know you aren't going to want to hear this but I feel it warrants someone saying. Yes, I know it's been two months. Yes, I know they've been doing some stupid stuff, but honestly, when you start giving guff to someone that hasn't spoken to you before, and start arguing about some ****ing notes they just read - that they didn't even write! - I won't blame them for giving it back. They have to deal with crap like that all day, and everyone has a breaking point. Even Ned Flanders.

[ebook]

Hey Josh, check your private messages.

[spinner]

Josh, I think its time for you to ask for a supervisor. No more being polite and taking crap while getting the run around. Enough is enough. I am not saying you should be nasty. Just tell the sup your story when he/she says "take it to Botswana and have a tech there see if he can hear the noise" you tell him that anything less than a new machine will not be acceptable. Hold your ground and don't give in.

[papersushi]

I'm sorry to hear about this.
I've got an iMac story myself. Bought my Rev. C in early 1999. After 4 years of faithful service the machine began to make scary electrical popping and cracking noises

Dude, for a consumer entry level machine, 4 years is enough. All computers are consumable products and their life cycle is about 4-5 years max these days, more like 3 years. Why do you want to even spend a dime repair that thing? No offense, 4 or 5 years old computers are antiques.

[Xtremehkr]

I caved in and bought a G5 today, I decied not to wait as it is a vast improvement over my fading G3. I am having a few problems though. Maybe someone can help me! at least with the other problems.

1. The fans do have a noticeable whirr. I got the iMac from Fryes though, who have a much more hassle free warranty. There is a noticeable whirr, not high pitched as in a screech, but definately noticeable. At what point do you make the distinction?

2. Since I previously used File Vault (but not in months,) it won't transfer my settings. I intend to call Apple support on that one tomorrow. The files appear but are pretty much inaccessible.

3. Connecting to the internet. Much more of a problem on the new machine compared to the old one. Again, intend to call Apple support.

Apart from that, I installed 2 I gig sticks of RAM. The computer is blazingly fast, the LCD is problem free and light years ahead of the CRT I am used to. It looks great on my desk and when it is not running at full speed it is really quiet. I am just curious about how much noise is too much noise now that I have read about this problem.

[davegoody]

and be happy you didnt buy a dell!!! they are the most un-helpful people around. youll spend hours trying to diagnose the problem only to have difficulties understanding the Indian on the other end of the line. then once you recieve your replacement part you actually have to get it installed in a certain amount of time or risk a larger fee!!! and even when bad things happen apple will fix it! take the iBook logic board problem. even after the normal warentee expires they will still fix the logic board for free. apple will recognize when there is a big problem and get it taken care of, dont worry!

I can completely Second this wPod - I am an IT Consultant and the company I work for buy only Dell - the machines are OK, they work well enough (by comparison to most other PeeCees). When things go wrong, their customer service is appalling most of the time, Apple are generally FAR better. As for user replaceable parts, DELL also ship some parts out for users to fit on occasion, I cannot believe that some people are complaining that the systems are too difficult to fix themselves - this is a side effect of the wonderful system engineering that Apple are responsible for. Would you rather have a grey box that runs Windoze or a highly integrated system that just works NEARLY all the time. You should also note that ALL the people that are complaining are early adopters of the newest form-factor from Apple, version 1.00 products are often beset with issues, if that is so much of a problem for the average user then for god's sake wait for the next revision ! - (I do suppose though that if everybody waited for a rev2 then it would never arrive as Apple's funds would dry up) ! - Rant over ! ;)

[edesignuk]

You can't really blame Apple for this problem.
http://upload.edesignuk.net/uploaded_data/smilies/rollinglaugh.gif Of course it's Apples fault!

[iGary]

Hi Josh -

First, unless you have resolved this, it is time to get on the phone, and not hang up until they give you a return merchandise authorization. Tell them you need to talk to someone else if the person you talk to gives unsatisfactory answers. If they refuse to transfer, refuse to hang up - just stay on the line with them until they do what you ask. They'll cry uncle eventually and get a supervisor.

I'm not rubbing sand in anyone's face, and I realize there are not Apple stores everywhere, but this is why I will NEVER order a machine from Apple directly. I've bought three Macs and an iPod in the last year, and all of them came from an Apple store about an hour away from my home.

Any issues I have had (minor) were only an hour away to deal with. My iPod battery went kaput after two months, they replaced it on site. My iMac G5 had a weird plug problem in the back, fixed on site.

Josh, demand what you want, don't hang up until you get it. If you paid for it on a credit card, it's unfortunately too late to refuse the charges. That usually get's their attention.

You've been extremely patient. It's time to demand what you want - firmly.

Good luck, friend.

[Josh]

....It NEVER fails...just when I think it couldnt possibly get worse, it does...

Yesterday I receive my bank statement in the mail. On it, is a $115.94 charge from Apple.

Since I bought nothing, it is obviously from the power supply replacement they had sent me about a month ago. The problem is, I returned the old one the VERY next day after I received the new one.

I couldn'tve possibly sent it out sooner. I got the new one one day, sent the old one back the very next morning.

So I called customer relations this morning about it. What do they tell me? "Our wharehouses are very large, and sometimes errors happen, so we are not sure if it was received or not. You're going to need to research this problem, and then get back to us".

Again, I am being blamed for a problem I had nothing to do with. An error at THEIR warehouse is nothing I can control, yet I am the one who is supposed to research it and fix it?????

Let alone the fact that they aren't even sure they received it or not - yet they bill me anyway? Im seriously going to lose it.

Now I only wonder what they are going to charge me for the midplane I received and sent back promptly. Even scarier this time, because I had to call and get an address to send it back to, as they never gave me one, nor supplied me with any address labels for it.

Mark my words: I will NEVER buy another product from Apple again. ever. Not because they don't make good products, but because there is no way I will set myself up with the potential of dealing with this crap again.

[edesignuk]

That is an absolute ********** outrage Josh. What an piss take :mad: I can't believe customer services told you to research their problem, bastards!

...I'd better not see a bill for the midplane I had to get replaced...

[iGary]

Keep us posted.

Refuse the charge and demand a new machine. Don't give up.

Buy another Apple product, just not online.

[Josh]

Im about to send an apple rep directly to this thread...

They asked me for a tracking number or some kind of documentation about the shipment...but, I did exactly what apple told me to do: I called fedex and had them pick it up at my door and ship it out.

No receipt or documentation is given, they just pick it up and leave.

Frustation is not close to being a strong enough word.

[MattG]

....It NEVER fails...just when I think it couldnt possibly get worse, it does...

Yesterday I receive my bank statement in the mail. On it, is a $115.94 charge from Apple.

Since I bought nothing, it is obviously from the power supply replacement they had sent me about a month ago. The problem is, I returned the old one the VERY next day after I received the new one.

I couldn'tve possibly sent it out sooner. I got the new one one day, sent the old one back the very next morning.

So I called customer relations this morning about it. What do they tell me? "Our wharehouses are very large, and sometimes errors happen, so we are not sure if it was received or not. You're going to need to research this problem, and then get back to us".

Again, I am being blamed for a problem I had nothing to do with. An error at THEIR warehouse is nothing I can control, yet I am the one who is supposed to research it and fix it?????

Let alone the fact that they aren't even sure they received it or not - yet they bill me anyway? Im seriously going to lose it.

Now I only wonder what they are going to charge me for the midplane I received and sent back promptly. Even scarier this time, because I had to call and get an address to send it back to, as they never gave me one, nor supplied me with any address labels for it.

Mark my words: I will NEVER buy another product from Apple again. ever. Not because they don't make good products, but because there is no way I will set myself up with the potential of dealing with this crap again.

You don't have a shipping receipt or anything do you?

I would call up the bank and tell them to reverse the charge, and that you sent back the item to Apple and they will not issue a credit for it. Tell them that you never authorized Apple to charge you the $115.94. Let them deal with Apple.

[Josh]

Since my iMac has been sitting at a service center for nearly a week now, I called to check the status on it.

What they told me was this: "Since apple is not paying us to do this, we don't really know when we will get a chance to look at it. When ever we get a chance really, since we are so busy."

I asked if there was any time frame I could look at, because I do not feel like leaving my computer there for weeks to make no progress.

They then tell me, "I dont even know why apple is having you bring you mac here for us to test, so they can send you a part. Thats very silly."

So if Friday comes, and no progress has been made, I am going to pick up my computer regardless if they have called, then call apple, and I will demand nothing less than a new machine that works perfectly, and compensation for all of the frustation, lost time, and lost money that I've had to deal with.

[MattG]

I wouldn't even wait until Friday. I think you should go pick up the computer and demand to talk to someone in a higher position at Apple.

[Josh]

I just got off the phone with an apple product specialist.

This guy is really nice, and he is the one I dealt with most of the time, before I started getting sent to other people.

He's been hard to get ahold of, but he finally got back to me. He said he was very displeased with how this is going, and he is going to straighten everything out.

He said he was going to call the repair center and get that taken care of so I can get a working machine by Wednesday, and he also said he's going to get to the bottom of them charging me for the part - which he says should not be my responsiblity to research.

Hopefully, there is an end to this, and hopefully this is that end. I'll update again in a few days or so and let you know how it turns out.

[iGary]

Call today, Josh.

You've been far too nice.

Time to break out the guns.

No repaired machine, no sending it here or there, new machine - now.

I love my iMac G5 - sorry you're having troubles. I would have thought that Apple would have had you send it back immediately. This sending you parts and fix it yourself stuff is nonsense.

I would send back the machine and see if your bank will reverse the charge as you did not receive the goods you were promised.

[edesignuk]

No repaired machine, no sending it here or there, new machine - now.Exactly. I allowed for one problem on my iMac, as soon as there was a 2nd I told them straight that I wanted a new machine and would not accept anything short of that. You gotta be firm with these people from the get go, or they'll just walk all over you :(

Good luck with it all.

[MattG]

I agree--demand a replacement. It does happen...they finally replaced my Rev. A 15" PowerBook after several repairs and lots of bitching on my part. You've done two repairs yourself and brought it into a shop and still the problem hasn't been resolved. For a new computer, that's unacceptable.

[maxterpiece]

I agree--demand a replacement. It does happen...they finally replaced my Rev. A 15" PowerBook after several repairs and lots of bitching on my part. You've done two repairs yourself and brought it into a shop and still the problem hasn't been resolved. For a new computer, that's unacceptable.

I... well I fourth that.

[zelmo]

Josh,
As poorly treated as you've been, and as PO'd as you have every right to be, don't let it stop you from purchasing and using Apple products in the future. These less-than-helpful souls you've been dealing with are not Apple Computer (true enough that they are piss poor representatives, though), just folks doing their job poorly. Apple makes some (insanely?) great products but, like any manufacturer, there are going to be defects occasionally. You got one, and that sucks.
It sounds like the "friendly" folks at Apple Support have put you through hell, but that you have finally gotten some encouraging feedback from someone over there. I hope they set you straight by Wednesday as promised. No one should have to go through all of this over a computer, or any product.
Get your computer working right, and take some time to cool off and enjoy that new iMac before you decide to swear off Apple for good.

[DRFS Rich]

I used to do tech support for a fairly major electronics/computer company, and while escalating from the bottom is good, sometimes it's good to reverse that, and apply pressure from the top. It couldn't hurt to try calling Jobs' office. You won't ever get him or his assistants, but the Customer Service people that field his calls tend to make sure that fires are lit in all the right places.

I'm sure a little web research could yield a corporate #. Ask for the Office of the CEO, see where that gets you.

Oh, and have all your case/reference #s ready.

Best of luck,

- R

[Coca-Cola]

This sounds like my experience with my first mac. The problem turned out to be just a bad mouse and keyboard. I have told this story before. After some very stressful work via phone and service technicians, we finally got the situation resolved. Apple sent me a new mouse and keyboard next day air. I sold the broken ones on eBay. I still have my first troublesome iMac, and I learned a lot about my machine as a result. I imagine you have learned more than your share about the inside of your machine. Good luck, and don't worry Apple will make good. ;)

[parrothead]

Josh,

I must commend you on the way you treated the people you emailed to and talked to. I probably would have been screaming at that point. I am not sure, but I think a situation like this needs to be reported to the Better Business Bureau. At the very least they can log the complaint, at the best they will contact Apple and maybe some heads will roll. :mad:

[Josh]

Josh,

I must commend you on the way you treated the people you emailed to and talked to. I probably would have been screaming at that point. I am not sure, but I think a situation like this needs to be reported to the Better Business Bureau. At the very least they can log the complaint, at the best they will contact Apple and maybe some heads will roll. :mad:

I considered that, but I also thought as large as Apple is, my little complaint would be insignifant and have minimal impact.

I've also considered filing a suit and contacting an attorney - but hopefully with the way the person dealing with it now is handling it, it wont be needed.

I wont mention his name, but he really is an excellent employee and has been the most helpful by far.

He took care of the charge I received for the repair part, and took my side in saying that it was not my responsibility to document any tracking number, as I was only provided with a label, and my duty was only to send it back.

So far today I've gotten my money back, and the product specialist has called the service center and is getting on their case to fix this ASAP, rather than let them just say"oh, well get to it when we get time."

I am supposed to receive another call before the close of business today, so well see how that goes.

[Squire]

I don't know if this is obvious or not but when you do get your new iMac, insist that they give you AppleCare starting from that day...not the day you got your original one. You've already had it, what? Two months?

I think someone asked this before but is driving to the nearest Apple Store not an option? I'd get in the car and plunk it right down at the genius bar. A 2- or 3-hour drive would probably be worth it.

Squire

[iGary]

Man I feel bad for this guy.

I'd personally be demanding a new machine, not one that's been opened a half-dozen times and fiddled with.

I hope it all works out.

[Josh]

:eek: ........I know I must be sleeping, because what just happened could NOT have been real...

The service center JUST called me.

What they said is this: We left a message with [name withheld] from Apple, and what we'd like to inform you is that your Mac is ready to be picked up. We turned it on, and then compared it to the iMacs on our floor, as well as with a fresh one out of the box, and the sound you are hearing is entirely normal. Im guessing you have a pretty quiet room? The buzzing you hear is normal with these machines."

Thats normal??????? Have you guys heard the sound file I posted in this thread? Would you call that normal? Would you call that "whisper quiet"??

This cannot be for real. Hopefull, the product specialist who they left a message with will be equally appaled, as he heard it himself (he is the one who mistook it for an air conditioner).

...unbelievable..

[iGary]

I can't hear mine if I try.

Call Apple and demand to return it. Do not hang up until you get an RMA.

Period.

Where's your nearest Apple store?

Now I'm pissed.

[Josh]

I can't hear mine if I try.

Call Apple and demand to return it. Do not hang up until you get an RMA.

Period.

Where's your nearest Apple store?

Now I'm pissed.

My nearest Apple store is in Novi, Michigan, which is a little over an hour from where I live.

The repair center I took it to is the Mac Group Learning Center, LTD. in Ann, Arbor, Michigan.

That cannot be normal. And if it is normal, I don't even want another one to replace it - I dont want any machine that makes that noise, normal or not.

I KNEW I should've saved $500 more and purchased the dual 1.8 PowerMac.

When Apple calls, Im more than certain he will not accept this either. I will tell him I want to send the iMac back, either for a)a 20" iMac G5 or b)a 1.8 G5 powermac.

Both might seem odd, but after what I've been through because of this, I think it would certainly be warranted.

[cluthz]

...I KNEW I should've saved $500 more and purchased the dual 1.8 PowerMac.

When Apple calls, Im more than certain he will not accept this either. I will tell him I want to send the iMac back, either for a)a 20" iMac G5 or b)a 1.8 G5 powermac.

I was over to the my local apple store on thursday.
Thy have both powermacs and imacs at display.
I listened to both, and the imac was quieter than the powermac.
The iMacs nearly silent and the powermacs made a low hum sound (not that it will bother anyone).
I'm very pick about hums and other sounds and i think my LaCie d2 is disturbing..

[Josh]

I was over to the my local apple store on thursday.
Thy have both powermacs and imacs at display.
I listened to both, and the imac was quieter than the powermac.
The iMacs nearly silent and the powermacs made a low hum sound (not that it will bother anyone).
I'm very pick about hums and other sounds and i think my LaCie d2 is disturbing..

I know the powermac would be louder, but it would also not be right infront of my face - that, and the powermac was never marketted as being "whisper quiet", so I'd expect it to be noisy.

I know ALL computers (and anything with moving parts for that matter) will make a sound. But when something is marketted as being whisper quiet, it should be.

My iMac G5 is FAR from whisper quiet. In fact, marketting it as "Audibly Annoying" would be more appropriate ;)

[iGary]

I work on a 1.8 17" iMac G5 all day long.

I go home and my G4 sounds like a hurrincane.

Any noise at all, unless you are rendering or batching images, etc. is not normal.

I'd take all of your paperwork, drive an hour and plunk it down at the Genius Bar at the Apple Store and don't leave until they give you a new one, or get authorization to ship you a new one.

This is ridiculous.

[Squire]

I work on a 1.8 17" iMac G5 all day long.

I go home and my G4 sounds like a hurrincane.

Any noise at all, unless you are rendering or batching images, etc. is not normal.

I'd take all of your paperwork, drive an hour and plunk it down at the Genius Bar at the Apple Store and don't leave until they give you a new one, or get authorization to ship you a new one.

This is ridiculous.

Yes, just what I thought. Man, that sound file made it sound louder than my PC! It sounded like a diesel truck.

Squire

[edesignuk]

Get on the phone and don't hang up until those bastards give you a NEW MACHINE.

[MattG]

I was at an Apple Store over the weekend and got to play with the new iMacs. Granted, it was a little noisy in there, but I couldn't hear any noise from the iMacs. I even put my ear up to the bottom where the vents are, and I couldn't hear anything. I certainly don't think what you're hearing is normal.

[Josh]

Get on the phone and don't hang up until those bastards give you a NEW MACHINE.

I'm going to talk to the product specialist who is helping me, as soon as I can get a hold of him, and suggest that I receive either a) a NEW iMac, or b)a single 1.8 G5 PM (because its the same price) - PLUS compensation to go along with whatever route happens.

The reason I want to do this through him because he has worked mostly closely with me, understands all that has went on, and takes my side in seeing the fact that something needs to be done on their part, rather than having me do ridiculous things. So it will be easier to accomplish with his help, rather than trying to get someone who is unfamiliar with the case to help me.

But I am determined to settle this once and for all today. By the close of business this afternoon, I WILL receive a solution to this problem, one way or the other.

[ZTCF]

Wow! Just stumbled over this forum looking for some info on the new iMac...

Josh, this is to you really... I admire your spirit in this situation, and I can completely relate to your feelings. I signed up to this forum so I could post you my story and give you some support from accross the globe!

When I bought my Graphite iMac 3 and a half years back I was ROYALLY dicked around by Apple. I mean SERIOUSLY p*ssed about.

Long story short... I was using it for audio stuff. One day I noticed a hideous 'buzzing' sound, so I worriedly called Apple "Care" line. I described what I was hearing and they advised me that there must be some sort of problem with the screen interfering with the sound??! So, I lugged the thing into the Apple store (on foot, and them things strain your arms after a while, believe!)

Anyway, this was the mear start of my lengthy lengthy ball-ache of trying to explain to some fraggle (sorry - I work in a call centre too, so I know how it is...) to try and get them to understand my problem.

Somehow, after 1 month of being away I had a new logic board AND a new CRT fitted... STILL the problem persisted... Eventually it seemed to have been fixed (this is after the 3rd time it went away to be repaired).

You know what it was?? If you access the web, the modem stays active and produces a kind of buzzing, grufty kinda sound. That's what I'd been hearing, and all I needed to do was set it to 'none' from 'internal modem' in the sound options, but nobody at Apple "Care" seemed to know that, hence my almost 3 MONTHS of messing about. (I didn't know, but why should I? It was my first Mac with a modem in it having upgraded from a 6100...)

Anyway. The reason for me telling you all this is to let you know that in the end I did FINALLY get it sorted, although it was a real emotional drain on me. Hang in there buddy, you will get it solved in the end. I finally got hold of somebody with a brain in the Apple call centre who took ownership of the problem and was really nice and sorted things out for me. I'd had to send several letters to get to this stage though, and one thing I asked for, given the severity of my case was a new machine. It was never forthcoming, but what I did manage to get out of them was a free Apple "Care" pack. Never needed it once I had it (thank God) but at least I got something for my pain. I also got them to date it from the day that my "repaired" Mac finally got back to me which was about 3 months after I bought it like I say, so bare minimum get the same dude...

So, moral of my long story is that you have to be firm, but human, but persistant. Apple really shouldn't put it's customers through this sort of thing, because as people point out here (in Apple's defence usually) that they ship thousands of these things, and so there's bound to be a few bad ones in amongst them... Well, especially with Rev.1 machines they should take them back, no questions with faults like yours... If they're shipping these thousands then surely taking the odd one back will be a drop in the ocean??? Plus it's nothing compared to the costs of exhausive testing (that we the consumer are doing free on Rev.1 machines...) that they save on by releasing them and waiting for the problems to come back...

So,

Anyway. My other point...

Maybe somebody out there will be able to answer my quick question about the new iMac G5 as I can't find any info on the web that helps me, and when I rang Apple it was pointless as I knew more than the 'expert' on the other end...

All I want to know is about the audio out on the new machine. My current iMac has a stereo audio-out mini-jack which I route to an amp and then to monitor-speakers. Even the most detailed tech spec I can find just calls the new machine's port an 'optical/headphone' socket. What I want to know is this. Usually a 'headphone' socket is providing a pre-amplified signal (to run headphones). Is the term 'headphone' used in the sense of it being a powered signal (as oposed to a 'line-out type socket). Or. Is it just a lazy way to describe a 3.5inch mini-jack line-out socket...

Does anyone even know what I mean??

Sorry if this should be posted elsewhere on the forum, btw...

Any help would be most apprecuiated on this, and Josh, keep on with this... Gun for a new machine, but MINIMUM get free Apple "Care" for the 3 years dude... Big respect!

[Starcity]

Right now I don't have a computer. I'm using a borrowed one. The reason why is that I sent my G5 iMac back to Apple. I just couldn't stand that darned noise, and it looks like little or no progress is being made towards solving the problem. I followed the discussions on Apples forums, hoping to see some sort of resolution, but after about a month I realized that wasn't happening. Midplane assemblies, power supplies, swapping in and out multiple times, system resets and reinstalls, all to no end. We're still there and counting. My purchase was the first BAD experience I've had with a Mac, and I've been using them for some time. The restocking fee and return shipping left me about two hundred bucks lighter, and no amount of explaining that I was going to purchase another Mac, albeit a different model, would convince them to waive the restock fee. This fan noise problem has the potential to be a real black eye for Apple, and imagine what a new convert will think when he sits down with his new iMac and hears what sounds like a model airplane motor whirring in the background, and finds that the sound is considered "normal" now by Apple engineering. Strangely enough, a couple of the discussion threads dealing with this subject, one numbering over 500 comments, have mysteriously disappeared from the boards. And it is being noticed. This thing is a mess, and in my opinion is not being handled well by Apple. I'm disgusted, and I've been using Macs for over a decade. I can only imagine how a switcher must feel. It's a damn shame.

[ebook]

Do you have any updates for us Josh?

Also, I'm a little disappointed about the Apple forums. I wish the would come out and say that there is a problem...because, it sure seems like there is a problem!

[iGary]

Apple never admits something until they see a lawsuit coming.

Case in point: iBook logic board program.

[Fukui]

This fan noise problem has the potential to be a real black eye for Apple, and imagine what a new convert will think when he sits down with his new iMac and hears what sounds like a model airplane motor whirring in the background, and finds that the sound is considered "normal" now by Apple engineering.
Well, don't get this the wrong way, because I totaly agree with you, but I have a strange feeling many "switchers" probably wouldn't even notice it as "too loud" unless its on the highest setting. I'm not saying apple is right on this one, but your average person is not as... discerning or sensitive to these issues the average long time mac user... not that I am trying promoting elitism or anything...

Case in point, my friend bought a 1500 dollar Dell laptop, and he played a few games windows crapped out on him after about a week of playing, and now any directX powered game totaly screws up on launch, making it unplayable... now, what does he do (?) call dells tech support? No. Just goes and buys a PS2!! Wanted to import photos from his CD with Dell Picture studio... after more than one hour (me helping him) couldn't find a way to permanently copy it... so he just gave up... thats unfortunately the way things are for a lot of people...

I suppose its a good thing the "average" apple customer seems to usually more demanding...

[Xtremehkr]

Had my 20" G5 iMac for two days, the fan noise is not that bad at all and you can really only hear it when there is a lot of work being done.

When I got my first iMac I would never imagined that 3.5 years later I would using an all in one with a 20" screen and all of the other features.

The fan noise is much nicer than the pitch a CRT emits.

[Josh]

Do you have any updates for us Josh?


Nothing new so far. I tried to get ahold of the product specialist yesterday, but all I ever get is his voicemail.

I left a message with my case ID, name, and phone number (he's familiar with em, so that shoudnt be a problem), but havent heard from him yet.

I'll try reaching him today as well. Heopfully I can get a hold of him, becuase from my experience so far, he has been the only helpful person I have talked to. Infact, he has been the only one that hasn't caused even more problems.

[winwintoo]

He probably doesn't work there any more.

They are trained to not admit any responsibility or wrong-doing and if he was caught taking your side, there's probably and empty cube where he used to sit.

This is a good example of why buying from a bricks and mortar store that has a good return policy is still the only way to go.

Sure you can get a *special order* machine directly from Apple and have the thrill of tracking it, but search this and other forums and see the agony of trying to get any satisfaction if anything is wrong with it out of the box.

It's a sad way to learn a lesson, but that might just be what this is.

Take care, Margaret

[Josh]

He probably doesn't work there any more.

They are trained to not admit any responsibility or wrong-doing and if he was caught taking your side, there's probably and empty cube where he used to sit.

This is a good example of why buying from a bricks and mortar store that has a good return policy is still the only way to go.

Sure you can get a *special order* machine directly from Apple and have the thrill of tracking it, but search this and other forums and see the agony of trying to get any satisfaction if anything is wrong with it out of the box.

It's a sad way to learn a lesson, but that might just be what this is.

Take care, Margaret

He still works there.

I bought my machine from a "brick-and-mortar" store. But considering my issue is not so much with the store, but the company who provides the products, its a bit different.

Besides, stores have a return policy of like 30 days. Since this is 2 months in, a return/exhance at a store wouldnt be happening (although it should).

A customer rep SHOULD take the customers side. If they didnt, and they took the companies side and assumed the customer was always wrong, that company would drive itself into the ground in no time flat.

[winwintoo]

I bought a 17" iMac G5.

When I first turned it on, I noticed I was one of the lucky ones and got one that buzzed/hummed.

So I called apple, and they sent me a new power supply. I put that it, and it didnt stop the annoying noise.

So I called again...this time they were certain it was the midpane.

After 38 full-size pages of instructions, staring at tiny peices, pulling things apart for 2 hours replacing the mid pain - not only is the problem still there, its worse!

The annoying humming sound is now accompanied by a definite buzz.

I cannot even tell you how mad I am right now.

I do NOT want this machine any longer. I love Macs, but certainly not this one...

When you first turned it on, according to your first post on this thread, it was making noise. That's when I would have put it back in the box and taken it straight back to the store. The store would have given you your money back or given you a different machine.

I bought a PC from Staples a couple of weeks ago, didn't like it, took it back yesterday, told them the screen was too grainy - not Staples fault - they asked if there was anything they could do for me or did I want my money back. We talked for a while and he showed me some other computers and I ended up getting one of them. If I had said no, give me my money back, there would have been no question.

I bought an iMac a couple of years ago from FutureShop (like Best Buy) They installed extra RAM in it for me. It would boot but wouldn't recognize the extra ram. I took it back, they didn't have another one, so no questions asked, they handed me the money.

It's not that hard.

I have a Palm Zire 72. The paint is flaking off. People have been waiting months for repairs. While I was at Staples yesterday I showed it to the guy and he said to get my info off it and bring it in and they'll give me a new one.

There's enough stress in the world without giving yourself this extra.

Margaret

[Crikey]

This problem is really unacceptable. I can't believe about all the problems we're hearing about with these new Macintosh machines. I got my G5 dead too, just unlucky I suppose. But, having been a reader of Macrumors for some years, there were hardly ever any problems with iMacs, Blue and Whites, G4 PowerMacs - now we have White spotted PBs, Video problem iBooks, Noisy iMacs, Dodgy superdrives and countless powermac problems. Maybe because people only ever talk about the bad? Who knows.

The only safe system I'd buy at the moment is the simple eMac. Rarely see problems with them.


Three words: "Made in China".


Crikey

[beatle888]

What are you complaining about! You should be happy you have a new computer. Anyway it is probably your fault any way. What's so bad about a Two hour operation to replace the mid-pane? Some people just like to complain.
Yes that was all in jest. Why some people around here always feel like they need to fight the good fight for apple is beyond me. You are the customer and you parted with your cash. It amazes me when I read some of the threads around here. If some one has a complaint there are always those few that feel like you are attacking them.
I hope they fix your problem soon.

Frump.

:rolleyes:

he has every right to be upset. he gave apple cash for a quality-no probelms machine and apple sent him an inferior machine. he should just be able to drop it off and pick up a replacement NO QUESTIONS ASKED. if i buy a new HD TV and somethings wrong with it do you think i should just shut up and accept it? what about a new car? i dont want to have to open a computer and do repairs on a new machine. quit attacking people for wanting what they pay for.

[beatle888]

I can't hear mine if I try.


are you sure about that? ive heard a fan noise from every imac and i would EXPECT to. is your energy control panel set for normal or HIGH performance. i heard the mac makes less noise with the setting set lower but i dont mind the little fan noise so i set it to higher.

its strange you cant hear yours at all since apple even states that its WHISPER quiet not absolutely quiet.

[Crikey]

I came here looking for possible solution to silence my iMac G5. No, not The Hum. The endless grinding sound of hard disk. 7200RPM of goodness just waiting to explode, it seems. It annoys me to no end, and is way louder than the hum.

Hum? Pffht.

Consider getting more RAM. If you've got software that gobbles RAM (like Microsoft Office), the standard RAM that shipped with your Mac isn't enough to stop it from swapping. Add about 1GB of RAM to it. The disk won't run so much, and the machine will feel considerably faster.


Crikey

[iGary]

are you sure about that? ive heard a fan noise from every imac and i would EXPECT to. is your energy control panel set for normal or HIGH performance. i heard the mac makes less noise with the setting set lower but i dont mind the little fan noise so i set it to higher.

its strange you cant hear yours at all since apple even states that its WHISPER quiet not absolutely quiet.

Unless I put my ear right up to the casing, no.

The only time I hear the fans is when I am doing a contact sheet or a series of actions in Photoshop.

[bellis1]

I suppose I am a fortunate customer with a quiet iMac g5 20". But I did have a trouble with customer service at apple. I went with my girlfriend who was buying a 12" alum powerbook at the apple store. When they took it out of the box at the store the keyboard was clearly a little warped and seemed higher in the middle especially when compared to the model on display. When she stated she did not want that defective laptop they said they'd be happy to take it back, but for a considerate stocking fee. She still has the computer and has kept the styrofoam insert to prevent the keys from scratching the screen. She left the store very unhappy. It just does not appear a very effective way to keep customer's happy. These types of incident's can easily create switcher's, perhaps switcher's to many other companies (Dell, Gateway) before finally switching back.

[parrothead]

I suppose I am a fortunate customer with a quiet iMac g5 20". But I did have a trouble with customer service at apple. I went with my girlfriend who was buying a 12" alum powerbook at the apple store. When they took it out of the box at the store the keyboard was clearly a little warped and seemed higher in the middle especially when compared to the model on display. When she stated she did not want that defective laptop they said they'd be happy to take it back, but for a considerate stocking fee. She still has the computer and has kept the styrofoam insert to prevent the keys from scratching the screen. She left the store very unhappy. It just does not appear a very effective way to keep customer's happy. These types of incident's can easily create switcher's, perhaps switcher's to many other companies (Dell, Gateway) before finally switching back.

Apple Store have discontinued their policy of charging a restocking fee. Or at least the one near me has. I would not have left the store until they gave me a new computer. It is not like she was trying to return it, they should have just exchanged it.

[Psychic Shopper]

[QUOTE=Edge100]You know, I sometimes have this problem with people from Texas!
I graduated from high school in Texas, are you insulting me?

[iGary]

That depends on whether you are insulted or not, doesn't it?

[ebook]

Josh, I was just wondering if you have any update? I want to keep this to the top so we can see what happens with your bum deal. My replacement iMac shipped out from China yesterday and is supposed to arrive on the 24th. I just pray that it works and that it is not loud. Please, Please, Please let it be okay!!!!!!

[Frump]

:rolleyes:

he has every right to be upset. he gave apple cash for a quality-no probelms machine and apple sent him an inferior machine. he should just be able to drop it off and pick up a replacement NO QUESTIONS ASKED. if i buy a new HD TV and somethings wrong with it do you think i should just shut up and accept it? what about a new car? i dont want to have to open a computer and do repairs on a new machine. quit attacking people for wanting what they pay for.

read first then answer. If you are going to quote somebody then I suggest you read what you are quoting.

"Aumm dass"

[Frump]

I bought a 17" iMac G5.

So I called apple, and they sent me a new power supply. I put that it, and it didnt stop the annoying noise.

Question? did they replace the PSU with the universal PSU.

Frump.

[Josh]

Question? did they replace the PSU with the universal PSU.

Frump.

I have no idea which PSU they sent me. I just opened the box, opened my iMac, and made the swap.

I just picked up my iMac from the repair center. They believe there is no problem, and say that their iMac on the floor makes the same sound.

I really don't have any updates other than that, except I finally have it back home (Im using it right now).

[Frump]

I have no idea which PSU they sent me. I just opened the box, opened my iMac, and made the swap.

I just picked up my iMac from the repair center. They believe there is no problem, and say that their iMac on the floor makes the same sound.

I really don't have any updates other than that, except I finally have it back home (Im using it right now).

Is there any way you can check the voltage? 110/220.
Thanks for any info you can provide.

Frump.

[Josh]

Is there any way you can check the voltage? 110/220.
Thanks for any info you can provide.

Frump.

I'll open it up and check (it would say on it, right?) sometime when I get a chance.
I just got it back after a long time of frustration, and am in no hurry to be opening it up right now lol.

[Frump]

I'll open it up and check (it would say on it, right?) sometime when I get a chance.
I just got it back after a long time of frustration, and am in no hurry to be opening it up right now lol.

take your time and enjoy your computer while you have it.

frump.

[kotovasii]

I had decided to switch to a Mac. I ordered iMac G5 17" it came I plugged it in.... and I got a sound of an aeroplane, dentist drill or whatever you wish to call it. It went back for a replacement. Apple support told me they are aware of the problem and do NOT know a solution but working on it. The replacement arrives soon, if the noise is there it goes straight back - no way I am spending £1K on something that doe snot work.
It also appears that 20" iMacs are less affected.

:mad: :mad: :mad:

[MegaSignal]

He probably doesn't work there any more.

They are trained to not admit any responsibility or wrong-doing and if he was caught taking your side, there's probably and empty cube where he used to sit.

This is a good example of why buying from a bricks and mortar store that has a good return policy is still the only way to go.

Sure you can get a *special order* machine directly from Apple and have the thrill of tracking it, but search this and other forums and see the agony of trying to get any satisfaction if anything is wrong with it out of the box.

It's a sad way to learn a lesson, but that might just be what this is.

Take care, Margaret


I had to CTO a G5 PM in order to get BlueTooth built-in. What a mistake...I've had this G5 for four days - and the whirring noise from the power supply fans is so loud I simply cannot use it any more. Despite having lost a small portion of my hearing, this thing is so loud that when I turn it off, my ears actually ring with relief. I never dreamed that I would have to learn to use Adobe Premiere and switch to a Dell just to get some peace and quiet - and some work done. As someone posted earlier, when one pays Apple Cash, one's expectations will be very high - especially when Apple promotes both the iMac G5 as well as the Power Mac G5 as being so damned quiet: http://www.apple.com/powermac/design.html

Worse yet, I actually had a repair man arrive at my house just a few days later, replacement power supply in hand, and nearly laughed at me when he said that he couldn't hear a thing. He left without even attempting to install the power supply - and I'm sure that with AppleCare or not, because of this, I'll never be able to get any service done on this whirring dervish ever again.

While not reading the entire thread, I know exactly how these people feel. Less than two weeks old, and the very sight of this aluminum monstrosity makes me sick. That credit card bill is going to be tough to swallow...

Thanks all for listening/reading. Somehow sharing the misery makes it easier...sort of.

[MattG]

Any updates Josh?

[mklos]

Must be Josh just said the hell with it and bought a PC! :D

[MattG]

Must be Josh just said the hell with it and bought a PC! :D
Let's hope it didn't come to that :eek:

[Daveway]

As you can see from my sig. i also have this exact problem. That sound file sounds just like my comuter when i'm at fox.com or doing ilife stuff. My mother bought this computer as a gift for the family and i dont know how to tell her it defective as we are switchers. We've had it for two weeks. Its a beautiful machine but the noise tarnishes it. I have remedied it slightly by putting a credit card under the air intake on the bottom though its still very noticable. I have not called Apple as i know the answer i'm going to get, "
its normal." I will call Apple when their engineering dept. comes up with a solution. I just hope they dont wait till the next revision. Shame on Apple.

[winwintoo]

As you can see from my sig. i also have this exact problem. That sound file sounds just like my comuter when i'm at fox.com or doing ilife stuff. My mother bought this computer as a gift for the family and i dont know how to tell her it defective as we are switchers. We've had it for two weeks. Its a beautiful machine but the noise tarnishes it. I have remedied it slightly by putting a credit card under the air intake on the bottom though its still very noticable. I have not called Apple as i know the answer i'm going to get, "
its normal." I will call Apple when their engineering dept. comes up with a solution. I just hope they dont wait till the next revision. Shame on Apple.

If your Mom bought it, she likely got it at Best Buy or somewhere like that - right? Go to where she bought it from, talk to the Mac guys and tell them what it sounds like. Don't wait. If it's defective, they will tell you to bring it back - that's what they do!!

I'm a Mom and if I spent that kind of money (which I have by the way) on something for my kids, I would be horrified if they were putting up with a defective computer in fear of hurting my feelings. Take steps to correct the problem.

Your first line of attack is the store where you bought it - use their return policy.

Margaret

[mklos]

As you can see from my sig. i also have this exact problem. That sound file sounds just like my comuter when i'm at fox.com or doing ilife stuff. My mother bought this computer as a gift for the family and i dont know how to tell her it defective as we are switchers. We've had it for two weeks. Its a beautiful machine but the noise tarnishes it. I have remedied it slightly by putting a credit card under the air intake on the bottom though its still very noticable. I have not called Apple as i know the answer i'm going to get, "
its normal." I will call Apple when their engineering dept. comes up with a solution. I just hope they dont wait till the next revision. Shame on Apple.

Don't wait it out...the problem isn't going to fix itself. The longer you wait, the less of a chance you'll get a replacement one. Go to the store you bought it from and explain the situation with the customer service, or the store manager, NOT SOME REGULAR STORE EMPLOYEE!!!! Go to the main source. Its their job to please you. Some regular employee couldn't give a damn about you getting a replacement. If they won't give you a replacement, then its time to call Apple.

If you get the same problem with the replacement, then the store may get a little suspicious if you try to get another replacement, but its worth a shot. If they won't replace it, then its time to call Apple and explain that you've had 2 different iMac G5's with the same exact problem, and tell them you know its not normal. Don't let them give you the run around like what poor Josh is going through.

Apple probably knows this is a problem, and they're giving people are hard time about this to cover their @$$ and buy some time to fix the issue.

[jadam]

Apple never admits something until they see a lawsuit coming.

Case in point: iBook logic board program.

My ibook had the logic board problem well before apple started offering free repairs for the ibooks. I went to the nearest apple store, gave them my ibook and they shipped it out, fixed it, and returned it to me for free.

Seriously, Josh, what was so hard about driving to the nearest apple store and just giving them your iMac G5. Worst thing they could do is ship it out and fix it, best thing would have been a brand new iMac. It would have saved you a lot of trouble.

Ohh and about sending it to a specalist to verify the sound, you know they have to verify it just in case you were trying to scam em(not saying you were, but people do try stupid stuff like that)

[maya]

Josh, do what I did when I had a similar problem with my iMac G5.

I called Apple Support (very helpful and detailed), I explained what the issue was and what I thought it was. They referred me to an Apple Repair Specialist and I spoke to him for quite a bit, and explain that this is what I think what the problem was. He agreed with me and told me since its only been less then 2 weeks to go back to the store where I bought it and return it as a defective model. I did so without any problems.

I have no problems fixing any computer may it be Mac or PC, however I do have a problem when I pay a decent amount of my money and have problems thrown at me and no I didn't pay that sum of money to also repair my own computer either. It might sound to some here that I am being sour however if I paid 500 CAD then I would expect myself to fix it not spending 5 times that amount and fixing it myself. I got turned off buy the problems with noise with the rev A iMac G5 model I will wait for rev B or buy a rev C PMG5 DP.

Why do people who have problems with they Mac's see fit to fix it themselves, you paid good money to buy a good computer you should expect nothing less, get Apple to fix it themselves. They are a business and not fixing most of the problems with they new model looks negative upon them. Anyhow I know Apples has problems with they rev A models so its come to no surprise.


---------on note of racism-------------

I am sure Edge was just angry and not thinking in regards to his comments. He or She for that matter felt it as an attack to East Indian people and in anger made a rude comment about Texas people.

People we have to remember that People from every country have accents and people from every country, English is not they first language. Give people a chance for trying at least. If you are frustrated that someone in India or China has taken your job they have not, its the companies and gov't that has allowed companies to take the native jobs and out source them. It's not they fault or yours it's the companies that do this and the gov't that allow this.

And no I am not taking sides in all this, I just feel people are misinformed about all this and have hate towards others. If you cannot understand someone try your best to understand, its not like they are speaking in they native language that you have absolutely no clue as to what they are trying to convey.

Edge and wPod are both at fault for the misunderstanding nothing more or nothing less. Mature people you are not in grade school, if wPod didn't understand the East Indian accent in speaking English then there is nothing wrong with Edge not understanding a Texan accent speaking English.

If you have problems see a shrink, since we do not deal with charity. ;) :)

[maya]

My ibook had the logic board problem well before apple started offering free repairs for the ibooks. I went to the nearest apple store, gave them my ibook and they shipped it out, fixed it, and returned it to me for free.

Seriously, Josh, what was so hard about driving to the nearest apple store and just giving them your iMac G5. Worst thing they could do is ship it out and fix it, best thing would have been a brand new iMac. It would have saved you a lot of trouble.

Ohh and about sending it to a specalist to verify the sound, you know they have to verify it just in case you were trying to scam em(not saying you were, but people do try stupid stuff like that)


ROTF, Josh still has some of the mentality of a PC user to fix the Hardware yourself rather than just pick up a new one. Which is easier. It seems at times PC users just ask for the extra steps, its alright though we will form him into a Mac user yet. Mac users something is wrong, forget to fix it just five the Hardware to the repair shop or get a new one in exchange. PC users something is wrong with the Hardware, lets tinker with it and fix it make it worse who cares we have to fix it, since we like to play doctor and think we our Gods of our PC. :D

[Rod Rod]

Apple probably knows this is a problem, and they're giving people are hard time about this to cover their @$$ and buy some time to fix the issue.

When I called Apple about the buzzing noise in my 20" iMac G5, the people on the other side never claimed it was normal. Their script tells them to ask you to raise and lower the brightness of your screen (that indicates a PSU problem).

They give you the option of sending you the part for you to install it, but if you have an Apple Certified Technician nearby you can have them install it for you (if you're within your first 90 days of AppleCare, or if you bought the extension).

I arranged for service at my local Apple Store. The tech there ordered both the PSU and, just in case it was needed, a logic board.

Anyway it couldn't be easier, but it did take some time on the phone and they had to connect me with a product specialist before they could authorize replacement parts.

Apple is well aware of the problem and they're doing a decent job of addressing it. The problem (if you read Apple's support forums) is that many of the replacement parts don't solve the problem somehow.

The repair at my local Apple store would be a same-day operation. It's just a matter of giving them your case number, then they order the parts, then they call you to let you know they have the parts and you say which day you can bring in your machine.

I sold the 20" and got a 17" (it was for my dad, and it's way too much computer for him). The new owner has the case number and he can take it to his local Apple retail store to get it all worked out.

[maya]

Don't wait it out...the problem isn't going to fix itself. The longer you wait, the less of a chance you'll get a replacement one. Go to the store you bought it from and explain the situation with the customer service, or the store manager, NOT SOME REGULAR STORE EMPLOYEE!!!! Go to the main source. Its their job to please you. Some regular employee couldn't give a damn about you getting a replacement. If they won't give you a replacement, then its time to call Apple.

If you get the same problem with the replacement, then the store may get a little suspicious if you try to get another replacement, but its worth a shot. If they won't replace it, then its time to call Apple and explain that you've had 2 different iMac G5's with the same exact problem, and tell them you know its not normal. Don't let them give you the run around like what poor Josh is going through.

Apple probably knows this is a problem, and they're giving people are hard time about this to cover their @$$ and buy some time to fix the issue.

Sounds like the problem they had with the mini, and the sound crackle. I believe the problem is having the PSU housed in the case that is causing the extra heat and in return is heating the case and CPU thus the 3 fans are reving at high speed.

Dammit John Ive, having the PSU housed in the case is a bad idea, it adds more weight to it and heat. Remember the iMac G5 is wrapped in plastic and acetate thus keeping more heat inside rather than use some sort of metal alloy that will spread and remove the heat away. Bad choice to house the PSU in the case and not using some coloured metal for removing the heat away faster.

The iMac G5 seems like a good design just bad implementation of materials and placement. Removing the PSU from the case should make the thick white bar below the screen smaller or eliminate it entirely.

iMac G5 side profile looks kewl however when the front profile with the thick white bar it looks unattractive.

I will take it as a personal challenge to design a better iMac G5 case and internals, take that John Ive. And give me a freelance job to work on the iMac design team. :D

[Rod Rod]

The iMac G5 seems like a good design just bad implementation of materials and placement. Removing the PSU from the case should make the thick white bar below the screen smaller or eliminate it entirely.

iMac G5 side profile looks kewl however when the front profile with the thick white bar it looks unattractive.

The "thick white bar" which you find unattractive is an homage to the original 1984 Macintosh and its descendents. This reference is probably lost on lots of people because they never used a non-OS X Mac and the Happy Mac icon doesn't show up while booting OS X.

The buzzing noise I had was just faulty engineering. It sounded like alternating current in a bad transformer, or the noise that a fluorescent tube light makes. Some people here with G5 iMacs talking about "fan noise" not bothering them do not have the buzzing noise problem. The buzzing noise is out of spec. I could hear it above the noise of my home's heater and refrigerator. When the heater switched off (thermostat) the buzzing noise was just the same, only more annoying.

The iMac's case design has plenty of metal inside it which conducts the heat up and out through the exhaust vents. The heat isn't trapped by the plastic. Of course this isn't the same heat dissipation as the aluminum PowerBooks and Cinema Displays, but it's not a heat trap either.

[mklos]

Putting the power supply on the outside is a bad idea! This is one the things that people praise about the iMac G5 is the fact that there isn't any ugly looking external power block.

We all have to remember that this is a Rev A model. Rev A models are all prone to problems until its all worked out. This is true for just about anything, not just Macs or computers in general. Even a lot of Rev A cars models have a lot of problems sometimes.

[Rod Rod]

Putting the power supply on the outside is a bad idea! This is one the things that people praise about the iMac G5 is the fact that there isn't any ugly looking external power block.

Apple's external power supplies are not ugly. Look at the iPod, iBook and PowerBook adapters. Putting the power supply on the outside is a brilliant idea. It's one less thing to add heat and heft inside the iMac. External power supplies (iPod, portables) don't buzz. The iMac should have its own pretty white square. That will not be ugly, especially next to your Airport Express base station and/or DVI-ADC adapter (if you have them). Besides if you keep your cables nice and tidy (as I do) most all of your wires and plugs are out of sight anyhow.

[maya]

Apple's external power supplies are not ugly. Look at the iPod, iBook and PowerBook adapters. Putting the power supply on the outside is a brilliant idea. It's one less thing to add heat and heft inside the iMac. External power supplies (iPod, portables) don't buzz. The iMac should have its own pretty white square. That will not be ugly, especially next to your Airport Express base station and/or DVI-ADC adapter (if you have them). Besides if you keep your cables nice and tidy (as I do) most all of your wires and plugs are out of sight anyhow.

I agree with you I don't know why people find Apples Power Supply and Adapters ugly. :confused:

I don't see what all the fuss is about wires, I mean if you have the new iMac G5 sure you can be AE for wireless internet, BT for wireless keyboard and mouse, however you still have a firewire hooked to the iMac G5 that is for the iPod. Am I right and if you have an external HDD or Faster Dual Layer DVD burner or some other TV Tuner box. Again you still have wires. People are making a fuss about wires seems stupid. :rolleyes: Now if they had FireWireless that would be another story.

I am still curious since the PMG5 tower and ACD match with the AL look when are they going to do the same for the keyboard and mouse, the white looks out of place or I forgot the sides of the ACD are white. :p :)

[Daveway]

We bought the computer from Amazon.com. I think i'll call Apple and see if i can get a new logic board out here. If it works it works and if it doesnt then they know i'm on their list of "buzzers"

[winwintoo]

We bought the computer from Amazon.com. I think i'll call Apple and see if i can get a new logic board out here. If it works it works and if it doesnt then they know i'm on their list of "buzzers"

Your first line of return/replacement is Amazon!!

Amazon has clout!! If they sell 100 iMacs and get 99 of them back because of problems like yours, don't you think they'll be on the horn to Apple? and they won't be talking to whoever pulled the early shift at 1-800-my-apple, they'll be talking to someone who can take action.

I know I sound like a broken record, but the folks who answer the phone when you call apple are trained not to admit any fault on apple's part - can you say LAWSUIT! If they were to start admitting there was a problem, imagine how that would escalate once word got around?

And read the rest of this thread - are you sure it's a logic board problem - I didn't get that the noise was related to the logic board.

Margaret

[bryanc]

I encountered this thread shortly after having placed an order for a 1.8 GHz 17" iMac with 1 GB RAM and a 160 GB disk, and I almost cancelled my order because of it.

Fortunately, I didn't panic, and the machine arrived yesterday. Not only is it beautiful, fast and full of OS X goodness, it is almost silent except under high load. Even under high load, it isn't as loud as my LaCie external hard drive, and the LaCie and iMac together are drowned out by the PC under the desk when it is turned on.

So, the 'whisper quiet' claim is certainly true of the machine I got. If it's not true of yours, there's something wrong with it.

I hope those (few?) of you with defective machines can get the issue resolved to your satisfaction. And for those of you hesitating about purchasing a new iMac because of noise issues, I suspect that most of the hundreds of thousands of new iMac owners are as happy as I am.

Cheers

[jadam]

We bought the computer from Amazon.com. I think i'll call Apple and see if i can get a new logic board out here. If it works it works and if it doesnt then they know i'm on their list of "buzzers"


that doesn't matter, you still have a 90 day warranty with apple no matter where you bought it. Just head to an apple store and they will fix it for you as long as you are still in your warranty period!

[Rod Rod]

that doesn't matter, you still have a 90 day warranty with apple no matter where you bought it. Just head to an apple store and they will fix it for you as long as you are still in your warranty period!

Just to clarify, it's 90 days of "full service" warranty, and 1 year of hardware warranty. The difference this makes with iMac G5 replacement parts is that within the first 90 days you can get Apple to do the repairs. Otherwise there's no other choice than you installing the service parts yourself. If you buy the AppleCare extended warranty then you can get them (Apple certified technicians) to do all the repairs beyond the 90 days and up to three years after the purchase date of the computer, at your local Apple store or right in your home or office.

[maya]

Here is hoping the rev B, iMac G5 will have fewer fans and a better thought out placement of the PSU as in outside the case not inside. :) <--with this slight improvement only 1-2 fans will be needed at best which will make it even more silent. No fans would equal bliss however that might not happen till rev C. As when the original iMac G3, when it reached it EOL last update or 2 it had no fans. Perfection. :)

I would say the next iMac G5 rev B should be released sometime around ~March 2005, if you cannot wait till that time buy an iMac G5 now. :D

[jadam]

Just to clarify, it's 90 days of "full service" warranty, and 1 year of hardware warranty. The difference this makes with iMac G5 replacement parts is that within the first 90 days you can get Apple to do the repairs. Otherwise there's no other choice than you installing the service parts yourself. If you buy the AppleCare extended warranty then you can get them (Apple certified technicians) to do all the repairs beyond the 90 days and up to three years after the purchase date of the computer, at your local Apple store or right in your home or office.


Ummm no.

Yes I did mix up the phone support 90day warranty and the 1 year hardware warranty. But the 90day phone support warranty is just that, its only 90 days of free phone support. Apple will fix your machine for free until your hardware warranty expries.

[cawiddis]

Josh, have you had any good news?

(Unfortunatly for you) This has become a soap opera... were all waiting for the latest installment!

Chuckles
__________________
I'm not laughing at you - thats my name!

[Rod Rod]

Ummm no.

Yes I did mix up the phone support 90day warranty and the 1 year hardware warranty. But the 90day phone support warranty is just that, its only 90 days of free phone support. Apple will fix your machine for free until your hardware warranty expries.

I didn't make myself clear enough for you to get what I meant, so I have to go pedantic here.

Apple has a policy about customer installable parts. Just about every single part of the iMac G5 is customer installable.

If you are in the first 90 days (which is also the time period in which you get free phone support, as you noted), you have the option of having Apple install your customer installable parts.

If you are outside of those first 90 days and you have not purchased the AppleCare extended warranty, at that point you have no choice but to install the parts yourself (or pay a technician to do it for you).

Yes, the hardware warranty lasts for one year. But no, if you have an issue that requires replacement of a part or parts, and Apple considers the part or parts to be "customer installable," Apple will only send you the part for you to install yourself.

Apple will not "fix your machine for free until your hardware warranty expires," as far as the iMac G5 is concerned. Apple will send you parts for free, for you to install for free, until your hardware warranty expires.

[rdowns]

I didn't make myself clear enough for you to get what I meant, so I have to go pedantic here.

Apple has a policy about customer installable parts. Just about every single part of the iMac G5 is customer installable.

If you are in the first 90 days (which is also the time period in which you get free phone support, as you noted), you have the option of having Apple install your customer installable parts.

If you are outside of those first 90 days and you have not purchased the AppleCare extended warranty, at that point you have no choice but to install the parts yourself (or pay a technician to do it for you).

Yes, the hardware warranty lasts for one year. But no, if you have an issue that requires replacement of a part or parts, and Apple considers the part or parts to be "customer installable," Apple will only send you the part for you to install yourself.

Apple will not "fix your machine for free until your hardware warranty expires," as far as the iMac G5 is concerned. Apple will send you parts for free, for you to install for free, until your hardware warranty expires.

You are incorrect. All Macs come with a one year warranty and 90 days of phone support. AppleCare can extend the phone support and hardware warranty for 3 years from purchase date. Having AppleCare does not affect the one year of service or whether or not Apple will perform the repair. Read the Apple Warranty, they may "request" that you install the part but you are under no obligation to do so. People who don't know or open their mouths will get parts to replace if they are not comfortable doing so. This keep Apple's costs down. Any user is within their rights to have Apple do the service on any part.


http://www.apple.com/legal/warranty/hardware.html

[Rod Rod]

You are incorrect. All Macs come with a one year warranty and 90 days of phone support. AppleCare can extend the phone support and hardware warranty for 3 years from purchase date. Having AppleCare does not affect the one year of service or whether or not Apple will perform the repair. Read the Apple Warranty, they may "request" that you install the part but you are under no obligation to do so. People who don't know or open their mouths will get parts to replace if they are not comfortable doing so. This keep Apple's costs down. Any user is within their rights to have Apple do the service on any part.


http://www.apple.com/legal/warranty/hardware.html

Thank you for the clarification. I just spoke with AppleCare on Wednesday morning and what I'd posted reflects what they told me.

The AppleCare product specialist expressly told me that I need to buy the AppleCare extended warranty, or be within the first 90 days of purchase, in order to have the privilege of Apple conducting the repair (as opposed to being compelled to install the parts myself).

That's pretty rotten of that AppleCare guy to have explicitly misled me. I'll be assertive with them in the future about getting them to do the repairs for me. Of course I'll be overly polite at the same time, just so they don't mess up my case number.

[jadam]

Like I said before though, easiest thing to do is send it to an apple store, drop it off at the genius bar and they will get it fixed somehow for you. Either by sending it in to get repaired by Apple, repairing it onsite, or by giving you a new iMac.

[jared_kipe]

I think apple should probably have an open recall, where anyone who believes they are affected by the problem can get a new machine.

[jadam]

I think apple should probably have an open recall, where anyone who believes they are affected by the problem can get a new machine.

If its only a small percentage of people with the problem, why should they do that when they can just fix the machine.

[Josh]

If its only a small percentage of people with the problem, why should they do that when they can just fix the machine.

Because so far, "just fix the machine" and "Apple" are two things unfamiliar with one another.

Apple has gone through enormous lenghts of avoiding to fix the machine, and tossed a great deal of burden and frustration onto me about it.

Apple has given me nothing but problems in dealing with this, so I am simply not going to deal with Apple anymore about it. Its obvious they do not wish to assist me, and any attempt to do so is a great invoncience to them.

Since I cannot rely on Apple to get my money back, I will rely on eBay...simple as that.

[Fredstar]

Because so far, "just fix the machine" and "Apple" are two things unfamiliar with one another.

Apple has gone through enormous lenghts of avoiding to fix the machine, and tossed a great deal of burden and frustration onto me about it.

Apple has given me nothing but problems in dealing with this, so I am simply not going to deal with Apple anymore about it. Its obvious they do not wish to assist me, and any attempt to do so is a great invoncience to them.

Since I cannot rely on Apple to get my money back, I will rely on eBay...simple as that.

I would feel exactly the same mate, the way Apple have dealt with the issue has been disgraceful. They should have sent you a new imac after the first few part replacements...and then them trying to charge you for part replacements!!
My imac is coming monday...i am preying that i don't get the same problem and get treated the same, if i did i am not sure if i could ever stay with Apple.
But seriously mate...if the problem is still there selling it on Ebay and passing on the problem...that is a bit harsh isn't it? (wasn't sure if it still sounded the same as that quicktime clip on the first page)

[winwintoo]

Josh, you said you bought it at a store. Have you gone back to the store and told them about the run-around you've gotten from Apple? Most stores have some kind of warranty and return policy on defective merchandise. Take along a list of what you've done to try to fix the problem - at Apple's instruction - and ask for their help in resolving it.

I'm sorry you got such a runaround, but look in the phone book for the nearest authorized Apple repair folks and take it there. Even if it ends up costing a few bucks for repairs now, isn't it better and the kicking you'll take on eBay and the ruined rep you'll get for selling a p°S on there?

Some of us on here have agonized with you, and got a bit upset with others egging you on to keep making your own repairs instead of insisting that you return the defective machine in the first place.

That should always be your first line of defense, if it doesn't work, take it back.

Margaret

[Josh]

Josh, you said you bought it at a store. Have you gone back to the store and told them about the run-around you've gotten from Apple? Most stores have some kind of warranty and return policy on defective merchandise. Take along a list of what you've done to try to fix the problem - at Apple's instruction - and ask for their help in resolving it.

I'm sorry you got such a runaround, but look in the phone book for the nearest authorized Apple repair folks and take it there. Even if it ends up costing a few bucks for repairs now, isn't it better and the kicking you'll take on eBay and the ruined rep you'll get for selling a p°S on there?

Some of us on here have agonized with you, and got a bit upset with others egging you on to keep making your own repairs instead of insisting that you return the defective machine in the first place.

That should always be your first line of defense, if it doesn't work, take it back.

Margaret

I did take it to an authorized Apple reseller. They tell me that all iMac G5s buzz, and nothing is wrong with mine.

Yet anyone who owns a G5 iMac and has heard the sound file of mine, they certainly dont agree that nothings wrong with mine.

I would take it back to the store, but I thought Apple would fix it so I tried them first.

Most stores have a 30-day return policy, which I am well over due to Apple giving me the run-around for 2 months.

The only thing I can figure about this is that Apple screwed me big time.

[Rod Rod]

I did take it to an authorized Apple reseller. They tell me that all iMac G5s buzz, and nothing is wrong with mine.

Which Apple reseller said that? When some of these folks get off the Kool-Aid they might figure out that it's best they stop covering for Apple and start addressing real problems when they crop up.

Did you take it to Twelve Oaks?

When I described the buzzing on the phone with Apple Care they (luckily for me) did not claim it was normal, and they authorized replacement parts (a PSU) for me and of course gave me a case number. After that I called my local Apple store, gave them the case number and they got right on ordering the PSU (and a logic board too, just in case).

Something's wrong with those clowns you had to deal with at that authorized reseller.

[maya]

Which Apple reseller said that? When some of these folks get off the Kool-Aid they might figure out that it's best they stop covering for Apple and start addressing real problems when they crop up.

Did you take it to Twelve Oaks?

When I described the buzzing on the phone with Apple Care they (luckily for me) did not claim it was normal, and they authorized replacement parts (a PSU) for me and of course gave me a case number. After that I called my local Apple store, gave them the case number and they got right on ordering the PSU (and a logic board too, just in case).

Something's wrong with those clowns you had to deal with at that authorized reseller.

Actually I also called Apple Support about the "buzzing" sound I got and told them I thought it was the PSU and they also agreed with me. I then called the service tech, he also agreed with me on that at that point it was either a week or two wait or return the thing. I decided to return it and wait for a rev B or rec C PM.

Why is Apple placing faulty PSU in they iMac G5? Why am I paying a hefty amount for Apple products and return home with problems. :rolleyes:

[maya]

I did take it to an authorized Apple reseller. They tell me that all iMac G5s buzz, and nothing is wrong with mine.

Yet anyone who owns a G5 iMac and has heard the sound file of mine, they certainly dont agree that nothings wrong with mine.

I would take it back to the store, but I thought Apple would fix it so I tried them first.

Most stores have a 30-day return policy, which I am well over due to Apple giving me the run-around for 2 months.

The only thing I can figure about this is that Apple screwed me big time.

You are right, its a 30 day return for defective products and I believe a 2 week for return no questions asked.

However just let them know that its defective and you tried calling Apple however had he run around and want to return it as a defective. Get your money back and wait for the rev B. That is what I did, I said this buzzing sound is affecting me.

Anyhow that is my advice to you just return it as a defect product.

all the best.

[jadam]

Dude, bring it to an APPLE STORE. Trust me, they will fix it there.

[Rod Rod]

Dude, bring it to an APPLE STORE. Trust me, they will fix it there.

In addition to all the suckiness Josh has already endured, the 50 mile drive to his nearest Apple store won't be that much fun either.

Does Michigan have a lemon law for electronics?

[jadam]

In addition to all the suckiness Josh has already endured, the 50 mile drive to his nearest Apple store won't be that much fun either.

Does Michigan have a lemon law for electronics?

..... The 50 mile drive to the nearest apple store isnt much, its definetly much less of a hassle then waiting hours on end for phone calls and trying to deal with local repair shop.

[Rod Rod]

..... The 50 mile drive to the nearest apple store isnt much, its definetly much less of a hassle then waiting hours on end for phone calls and trying to deal with local repair shop.

Granted, but "hey it could be worse" isn't much consolation for the person who's going through the ordeal (as in, be glad it's 50 miles and not 150).

[maya]

I say just ship the defected machine to Steve Jobs, so he can deal with the noise issue. :D

Steve J at MWSF keynote: "I hear that the new iMac G5 has been getting a lot of reving reviews" ;) :)

or maybe John Ive and the iMac dev HW team is going deaf. ;) :)

[Lancetx]

I can say that my girlfriend had an excellent experience with Apple's service via an Apple retail store location. She had a 3 month old Power Mac G5 Dual 2.5 that was having serious issues with locking up frequently and with the fans running like a 747 at takeoff. After keeping it there for a week and trying a replacement of the logic board and other components with no success, they simply replaced it with a brand new in the box system, no questions asked.

The new system has been just fine in the 2 weeks since and doesn't have any of the problems that the original had. They even reset the purchase/warranty date in the system to begin with when she took home the replacement Power Mac. So in short, I'd definitely take it to a retail store location. It's worth the drive because in our experience anyway, they will definitely handle it right.

[Counterfit]

Why is Apple placing faulty PSU in they iMac G5? I think we can all safely assume that's it's not intentional. No one there (I hope ;)) is saying "**** YOU CONSUMERS!" and putting in known faulty PSU's :D

[jadam]

Granted, but "hey it could be worse" isn't much consolation for the person who's going through the ordeal (as in, be glad it's 50 miles and not 150).


lets see, 50 minute drive vs waiting one more month to get the computer fixed... hrmmmmm I think I would take the 50 minute drive.

[Rod Rod]

lets see, 50 minute drive vs waiting one more month to get the computer fixed... hrmmmmm I think I would take the 50 minute drive.

I hope you don't work as a counselor at the 9 line. :rolleyes:

Here's a way for Josh to "get even" -- he can write a letter to Apple about the dismal attitude and lack of service he encountered, and CC the letter to the reseller. That should cause them (the reseller) great pain.

There must be a manager in charge of the authorized reseller end of the retail business.

[Josh]

Which Apple reseller said that? When some of these folks get off the Kool-Aid they might figure out that it's best they stop covering for Apple and start addressing real problems when they crop up.

Did you take it to Twelve Oaks?


I took it to the Learning Center in Ann Arbor.

When I called Apple, they asked that I take it in to an authorized reseller, then asked me for my zip code.

They told me that was the closest authorized reseller and recommended that I take it there.

Im about to have a nervous breakdown over this...anyone remember how they charged me over $100 for a part they sent me to fix it? Remember how I called and said that wasnt right, and they took care of the charge?

No they didnt. And when I call all I get is voicemails, no one returns my calls, and all the people in public relations just send me to someone else, who either sends me to someone else, or puts me on hold for 20 mins +.

Im really glad you guys like your Mac and support Apple, because that is definitely not the case for me.

[winwintoo]

Josh, it's time to call the folks at Ruth to the Rescue (http://www.clickondetroit.com/consumer/1991112/detail.html) on WDIV the NBC affiliate tv station in Detroit. We get WDIV via cable and I can tell you Ruth is relentless and with the weight of NBC behind her, she will be able to open doors that you can't open on your own.

You have tried to resolve this and it's gone on way too long. I had a lemon of an iMac a few years ago but I knew it as soon as I took it out of the box and it went right back to the store - and I know what anxiety that caused! I can only imagine what this has done to your life.

That page gives the contact information for Ruth to the Rescue and there is an email link there, send them this thread - it's pretty solid documentation of what you've been through - and how you've tried to handle the situation with good humor - I would have been )(*^(*&(^&%(^% long before now!

Take care, and good luck, Margaret

[balticgreen]

Im about to have a nervous breakdown over this...anyone remember how they charged me over $100 for a part they sent me to fix it? Remember how I called and said that wasnt right, and they took care of the charge?

No they didnt. And when I call all I get is voicemails, no one returns my calls, and all the people in public relations just send me to someone else, who either sends me to someone else, or puts me on hold for 20 mins +.

I think it might be time to consult the lawyer you mentioned earlier. Fraudulent charges are not cool.

Also did you pay for the computer with a credit card? I know it's past 30 days, but still call the card company and explain the whole thing to them. Capital One, in particular, was very good in helping me resolve an issue (not with Apple) three months after the original charge. I told them that I had tried resolving it directly with the company and they thanked me for that but since I was not successful with that effort, they stepped in for me. So see how they can help.

I'd advise against putting the machine on ebay. Maybe you don't care, but you'd just be passing your problems and frustrations onto someone else in exchange for their money. In effect, you'd be treating the buyer like Apple has been treating you.

[MattG]

I think it might be time to consult the lawyer you mentioned earlier. Fraudulent charges are not cool.

Also did you pay for the computer with a credit card? I know it's past 30 days, but still call the card company and explain the whole thing to them. Capital One, in particular, was very good in helping me resolve an issue (not with Apple) three months after the original charge. I told them that I had tried resolving it directly with the company and they thanked me for that but since I was not successful with that effort, they stepped in for me. So see how they can help.

I'd advise against putting the machine on ebay. Maybe you don't care, but you'd just be passing your problems and frustrations onto someone else in exchange for their money. In effect, you'd be treating the buyer like Apple has been treating you.Agreed, don't put it on eBay.

I also agree that if you put it on a credit card, maybe it's time to let them deal with it. I've had to deal with American Express a couple times in similar (although not quite as serious) situations and both times it was resolved in my favor. Just explain the situation to them, tell them that you're being given the runaround and that you've explored all possible options short of calling the credit card company. They'll ask you if you still have the unit, and if so, to ship it back to Apple and fax the credit card company proof that you did (i.e. a packing slip from UPS/FedEx with a tracking # on it). Hell, direct the credit card company to this thread if you can! Just more proof for them that you haven't taken this sitting down. Don't give up!!!

[pajja]

"We're thrilled with these reviews and we think this is going to be a very good Christmas for the iMac G5."

If the iMac G5 is such a hot seller, then I can not understand why they offered a discount on it the day after Thanksgiving. Many of the Apple boards, including the one run by Apple have many posts about the noise, hum, grinding, etc.

There is no need to put a sale price on a hot moving item! It is possible the negative posts (about grinding, hum, noise) have started to have an effect on sales of the new iMac.

Logically, I would think that Apple would have put a sales price on slower moving products or products that are do to be refreshed soon. The boxes of the iMac may be starting to pile up in warehouses.

I have considered buying the new G5 iMac, but due to these issues, I am hesitant to buy it.

[maya]

I think we can all safely assume that's it's not intentional. No one there (I hope ;)) is saying "**** YOU CONSUMERS!" and putting in known faulty PSU's :D

I don't think there was anyway of you know that I reside north of the states, however I have heard many people complain about faulty PSU. There are even articles about Apple putting two types of PSU's in the iMac G5 by two companies one of which was making defective ones.

My question is that if they already had a heads up with the earlier consumers complain about the noise they should have done something asap, however what do we get if you have a faulty PSU take it to an Apple tech and give it a week in they shop for the replacement to be ordered, arrive, replace and tested. That sounds like a swift product hitting the market with this issue being ignored. I believe it stated" quieter than a whisper" BS maybe the unaffected models This experience has left a negative impression of the iMac G5. Now it is possible that some machines hit shelves before the issue was recognized however I had bought this in the first week of November. The iMac G5 takes 1-2 weeks to ship from its factory and be delivered. And the problem arose when the iMac G5 was introduced. So I do not see why they are still using faulty PSU, crossing your finger (people at apple) and hoping that this and that even though was coming from a company making faulty PSU and they thinking that the same companies PSU will not be so is just ignorant.

I will not be upgrading for quite sometime maybe I will pick up an ultra light notebook by fijitsu or LG. :)

[maya]

If the iMac G5 is such a hot seller, then I can not understand why they offered a discount on it the day after Thanksgiving. Many of the Apple boards, including the one run by Apple have many posts about the noise, hum, grinding, etc.

There is no need to put a sale price on a hot moving item! It is possible the negative posts (about grinding, hum, noise) have started to have an effect on sales of the new iMac.

Logically, I would think that Apple would have put a sales price on slower moving products or products that are do to be refreshed soon. The boxes of the iMac may be starting to pile up in warehouses.

I have considered buying the new G5 iMac, but due to these issues, I am hesitant to buy it.


Actually it could be many things that resulted to the discount on thanksgiving. For example:

1. Positive reviews and people in a open and generous mood for christmas might think of trying and buying an iMac since the iPod was also well received.

2. iMac G5 maybe going to be updated sooner than we all think. :)

3. Overstock and asking for a better Q1 with the holiday sales numbers.

4. iMac G5 was updated before the iBook.

5. What you claim it be part of the reason however not the only reason.


the iMac G5 is a good machine spec wise (minus GPU for some people),
however I later learned that the 1.8GHz G5 with 17" LCD the middle model was the most plagued to the noises not the 20" LCD model or the 1.6GHz model. It's just that the middle model has the best of both worlds and at a great price to most. :)

Many rev A products have little problems to iron out. In my case I will either buy a rev C PMG5, a PowerBook G5 (hoping), iBook (better GPU), or an iMac G5 rev B (with some changes in design) depending on what is released next year.

[Josh]

Josh, it's time to call the folks at Ruth to the Rescue (http://www.clickondetroit.com/consumer/1991112/detail.html) on WDIV the NBC affiliate tv station in Detroit. We get WDIV via cable and I can tell you Ruth is relentless and with the weight of NBC behind her, she will be able to open doors that you can't open on your own.

You have tried to resolve this and it's gone on way too long. I had a lemon of an iMac a few years ago but I knew it as soon as I took it out of the box and it went right back to the store - and I know what anxiety that caused! I can only imagine what this has done to your life.

That page gives the contact information for Ruth to the Rescue and there is an email link there, send them this thread - it's pretty solid documentation of what you've been through - and how you've tried to handle the situation with good humor - I would have been )(*^(*&(^&%(^% long before now!

Take care, and good luck, Margaret


I emailed Ruth and explained the numerous problems, and supplied her with a link to this thread.

Thanks so much for posting that link!

If that fails, I am going to contact an attorney and discuss failing a suit agains Apple.

[macmax77]

I know the powermac would be louder, but it would also not be right infront of my face - that, and the powermac was never marketted as being "whisper quiet", so I'd expect it to be noisy.

I know ALL computers (and anything with moving parts for that matter) will make a sound. But when something is marketted as being whisper quiet, it should be.

My iMac G5 is FAR from whisper quiet. In fact, marketting it as "Audibly Annoying" would be more appropriate ;)

Josh:

have you check out if there is a problem with your energy back home?
Have you move recently?

I am asking becasue my amp sometimes gave me trouble when i moved it from time to time

[Josh]

Josh:

have you check out if there is a problem with your energy back home?
Have you move recently?

I am asking becasue my amp sometimes gave me trouble when i moved it from time to time

I thought that might have been a problem too (my energy/power).

I havnt moved, but I did try different plugs and surge protectors, and it was the same, and all other electronics worked fine.

[macmax77]

I thought that might have been a problem too (my energy/power).

I havnt moved, but I did try different plugs and surge protectors, and it was the same, and all other electronics worked fine.


I am really sorry for your experience with Apple.

I have used Apples since 1989, and pc's too.

My iBook was stolen and i just bought a new 1.2 wich has been great.

I am waiting on an iMac due SAturday morning or monday, i hoope it works well.

I never had a problem with a Mac and 2years ago, give or take, i bougth a Pc, well the thing has been to every shop in this island to be fixed , and believe it or not, it has been outta the house for a year now, going back and forth and the hardrive, motherboard, video card , everything imaginable has been fixed, still doesn't work.

That Pc makes me want to shoot the Pc world, hehhehehe.

The thing freezes every 5 minutes or so and i just lost my money on that thing.

I truly hope things work out in the end for you and that if you ever get another Apple product , you can feel like i do with the ones i have.

Like they are part of my family.

Apple has been nothing but great for me and the people in my family and the friends i have that use Macintoshes.

take good care my friend and i will let you know as soon as my iMac arrives, hope it doesn'tbreak the tradition of having 100% good Macs at my house.

May Apple hear you and give you a new machine,

Max