I must retract my praise...new i7 issues. BUYER BEWARE!

[utahreefer]

After giving my iMac a great review, I am now having some serious screen issues. The screen has gotten progressively worse as far as a BIG yellow stain growing across the bottom half. And it IS getting bigger. And, FLICKERING.
The screen blinking completely off at times....

I thought getting everything loaded was a huge pain...it has taken 5 days. That were filled with joy until tonight.
so...NO, IT IS NOT SAFE TO PURCHASE AN APPLE IMAC YET!

[Sir Cecil]

Sorry your holiday season has been spoiled. What week is it?

[thegoldenmackid]

Note about why one must wait six weeks before giving a review.

[Jaro65]

Darn it! Please let us know how your situation develops. I'm waiting until end of Jan to order mine. Hopefully things will be kosher by then.

[workerbee]

The screen has gotten progressively worse as far as a BIG yellow stain growing across the bottom half. And it IS getting bigger. And, FLICKERING.
The screen blinking completely off at times....
Ugh... just saw those flickerings for the first time yesterday, once on my i5, and a few times on my GFs i5.

Of course, you did apply Apple's Firmware update, didn't you?

[Ecoh]

I have yellow gradient on the bottom of my display, otherwise my i7 seems perfect. I have had it since 11/15. I love using it and I will just wait until I hear there is a fix for the display and then get it repaired. :)

I was just wondering , for those that have flickering issues. Does the flickering occur during the running of certain programs or does it flicker while just showing the desktop ? The reason is , I have not seen any flickering on my 27" i7, and I would like to test it running a program that causes flickering, if there is a certain one. I only use Aperture, CS4, Mail and Safari. The only screen blackout I have had is when using a certain filter in CS4. That filter caused my previous iMac to hang when I used it, so I blame the software on that one.

[unamused]

http://gizmodo.com/5436442/apple-has-thwarted-my-efforts-so-i-need-your-help

[ma2ha3]

i really want the imac 27, but it does not have usb3, it does not have blu ray.
i really want imac 27, but it has all these hd sound problem, yellow tint, problem with screen.
i really want imac 27, my dick tell me i want it, my brain tell me to build my own computer. yes it going to be ugly, it going to be noisy, but it will have usb 3, blu ray burner, run faster via oc, more ram and bigger screen. i cannot decide. my brain sramble for an answer.

[Stephen Dowling]

i really want the imac 27, but it does not have usb3, it does not have blu ray.
i really want imac 27, but it has all these hd sound problem, yellow tint, problem with screen.
i really want imac 27, my dick tell me i want it, my brain tell me to build my own computer. yes it going to be ugly, it going to be noisy, but it will have usb 3, blu ray burner, run faster via oc, more ram and bigger screen. i cannot decide. my brain sramble for an answer.

Ahahahahahahahaha. Just wait for a fix, or possibly a refresh later on. There are hardly any USB 3 devices out yet, and your USB 2 things won't speed up any. If you need speed for now, then just use Firewire. :D

[tombb]

I was just wondering , for those that have flickering issues. Does the flickering occur during the running of certain programs or does it flicker while just showing the desktop ? The reason is , I have not seen any flickering on my 27" i7, and I would like to test it running a program that causes flickering, if there is a certain one. I only use Aperture, CS4, Mail and Safari. The only screen blackout I have had is when using a certain filter in CS4. That filter caused my previous iMac to hang when I used it, so I blame the software on that one.

I think your query illustrates an interesting point. It seems like this flicker issue may be the perfect nightmare scenario for engineers. Consider:

In many cases, the flaw manifests itself only after extensive use (days, weeks, months?), often occurring, then spontaneously resolving, only to reoccur later. It doesn't seem to be associated with any particular software, CPU type, CPU activity level, temperature, or GPU (i.e., the flaw's not replicable. In software-land, these kinds of problems can be a real bugger bear.) It even persists in some cases after replacement of various hardware components. I have yet to read an explanation for this problem that sounds satisfyingly plausible--despite the obviously large number of Mac experts who cruise this forum.

It's hard to judge by forum post counts and self-selected surveys, but for the sake of argument let's assume that the defect is affecting perhaps 5 units per hundred. That's large enough to cause an outcry from thousands of angry users, but it's also small enough to slip through standard pre-production testing as well as assembly line quality screening.

In my opinion, Apple engineers have now identified the problem and are retooling production to incorporate the fix. I suspect the problem has nothing to do with Apple engineers being stupid, lazy, or greedy, although I could be wrong. I also suspect Apple will have to extend the standard warranty to cover this defect (if it manifests after 12 months), although I could be wrong about that too.

Anyway, I'm postponing purchase of our two new iMacs, waiting for the online Apple store's estimated shipping times to start dropping and for a wave of 27" refurbs to show up. My strategy seems like a reasonable precaution, unless you just gotta have it now--in which case the worst thing that might happen would be a free repair under warranty.

[utahreefer]

Sorry your holiday season has been spoiled. What week is it?

What week is it? I noticed some people mentioning "mine was built week #..." How on earth would you know that? Serial number or something?

[PurrBall]

Darn, that sucks man. Glad I got the Early 2009 model when it was released.

[cjmillsnun]

Mine (admittedly a C2D) is on 8-12 hours a day, 7 days a week and gets hard use. It's fine, the white is a crisp white from top to bottom, it doesn't flicker, no dead pixels, nothing.

I'm not saying there isn't a problem, I've seen some faulty units, but there are good ones out there. That's good in a way, because it means its fixable. It's just annoying as heck for those with a faulty unit right now.

[jabbott]

What week is it? I noticed some people mentioning "mine was built week #..." How on earth would you know that? Serial number or something?

Yeah, it's the 3rd and 4th numbers of the serial number. If you click on the Apple icon, go to "About This Mac", then click twice on the "Version 10.6.x" line. Mine starts out "W89476..." so it was built in week 47 of 2009.

My iMac 27" i7 experienced flickering/blackout/screen dislocation problems after applying the firmware update yesterday. This morning I called Apple Support and they asked me to bring it to the local Apple Store. I asked if the video card would need to be replaced, and the tech support person said that most likely the power inverter is to blame and will need to be replaced. This is the first time I've heard that the power inverter is to blame for this problem. :confused:

[jhbpa]

My iMac 27" i7 experienced flickering/blackout/screen dislocation problems after applying the firmware update yesterday. This morning I called Apple Support and they asked me to bring it to the local Apple Store. I asked if the video card would need to be replaced, and the tech support person said that most likely the power inverter is to blame and will need to be replaced. This is the first time I've heard that the power inverter is to blame for this problem. :confused:

I've got a 45, yellow tinge from time of receipt, flickering started a few days ago but only occurs when it's running hot with lots of app's running.

Yesterday, after over 20 hours on the phone with Apple Care over the past couple of weeks, I called the closest Apple Store. They acknowledged the problem, set an appointment, they claim logic board or video card.

One thing seems for certain to me and that is that it's not the display. Here's why: I can use my MBP with my ACD and there is no yellow tinge on the ACD, feed the ACD with iMac and the yellow tinge appears. I reported this to the Apple Store and they seemed to expect this result. They were very nebulous as to how the matter will get resolved. I'll report 1/4.

[ABG]

I've got a 45, yellow tinge from time of receipt, flickering started a few days ago but only occurs when it's running hot with lots of app's running.

Yesterday, after over 20 hours on the phone with Apple Care over the past couple of weeks, I called the closest Apple Store. They acknowledged the problem, set an appointment, they claim logic board or video card.

One thing seems for certain to me and that is that it's not the display. Here's why: I can use my MBP with my ACD and there is no yellow tinge on the ACD, feed the ACD with iMac and the yellow tinge appears. I reported this to the Apple Store and they seemed to expect this result. They were very nebulous as to how the matter will get resolved. I'll report 1/4.

V. interesting - let us know what happens.

[bobob]

Strangely, there seems to be very little praise (http://forums.macrumors.com/search.php?searchid=19133389) to retract.

:confused:

[jabbott]

I've got a 45, yellow tinge from time of receipt, flickering started a few days ago but only occurs when it's running hot with lots of app's running.

Yesterday, after over 20 hours on the phone with Apple Care over the past couple of weeks, I called the closest Apple Store. They acknowledged the problem, set an appointment, they claim logic board or video card.

One thing seems for certain to me and that is that it's not the display. Here's why: I can use my MBP with my ACD and there is no yellow tinge on the ACD, feed the ACD with iMac and the yellow tinge appears. I reported this to the Apple Store and they seemed to expect this result. They were very nebulous as to how the matter will get resolved. I'll report 1/4.

Interesting. Sounds like Apple is claiming there are multiple solutions to the same problem. Not very comforting... I will report back when I have a chance as well -- I'm taking the iMac in this Sunday and according to the Apple Support Tech it will probably be a few days until I get it back.

[DarwinOSX]

http://gizmodo.com/5436442/apple-has-thwarted-my-efforts-so-i-need-your-help

The guy at Giz is a dope and a troll. Don't feed him.

[DarwinOSX]

What week is it? I noticed some people mentioning "mine was built week #..." How on earth would you know that? Serial number or something?

Get your iMac serial number and plug it in here;

http://www.chipmunk.nl/klantenservice/applemodel.html

[jabbott]

I used HandBrake 0.9.4 to encode "Stranger Than Fiction" using the default encoding settings. I played the encoded version either using the full screen or fit to screen modes using Quicktime Player. The display brightness is set to two steps below maximum. Each time I've played the movie, my iMac has started flickering/blackouts by the end of the movie. In one case it started 46 minutes in.

I can't say for sure whether this will work for others, but it has worked three times in a row for me even after rebooting (and one time doing an SMC reset). This seems to be better than any other method I've tried for reproducing the problem.

In case anyone is curious about other settings, my computer and display sleep settings are both on 15 minutes. I have the screen saver set to "Hyperspace" but it is set to never come on. Wireless is off.

[bobob]

Get your iMac serial number and plug it in here;

http://www.chipmunk.nl/klantenservice/applemodel.html

...or you can use spcdust's method below (if you feel uncomfortable giving out your Mac's serial # to a dodgy looking website)...

Which part of the serial number can I use to tell what week my iMac was made?
If your serial number was W**50******, then that would be a week 50 machine. Serial number is usually detailed on the invoice of your iMac purchase and also in the "About This Mac" on the top left drop down menu (once you've selected this menu option just click on the "More Info" Box).

[hogo]

week 50 i7 good here so for...

[archipellago]

The guy at Giz is a dope and a troll. Don't feed him.

public service vs a rip off large corps..??

I don't think so...

[DarwinOSX]

public service vs a rip off large corps..??

I don't think so...

I have no idea what that means...is english not your 1st language...?

[archipellago]

I have no idea what that means...is english not your 1st language...?

lol... and from an American I presume.

mark wilson is doing a good 'public service' job with his Gizmodo articles about totally unacceptable standards and ethics of doing business by a large 'rip off corps'

let me know if you want it in symbols... ;)

[IndustrialSpace]

The guy at Giz is a dope and a troll. Don't feed him.

He's doing a great service to the public. Kinda like a Ralph Nader. ;)

Seriously though...

Journalists have more credibilty than forum posters and they also reach a broader audience with more legitimacy.

I for one am happy someone like him posts what he does and details how Apple is treating him. If it werent for guys like him, Apple would have a much easier time pulling the wool on the average consumer.

Persoanlly, I dislike the fact that EVERYTHING these days are made in China. There have been so many problems with China pipeline to the US. Melamine for one along with a myriad of other dishonest practices. I'm sure the ppl in China assembling these expensive machines are low-paid and couldnt care less about the quality. Its all about who bids cheapest. It would appear that its a quality problem within the manufacturing process if some monitors are flawless.

Please Apple - FIX THIS!!!

[Sir Cecil]

I'm sure the ppl in China assembling these expensive machines are low-paid and couldnt care less about the quality.

Your repellent comment tells us a lot more about YOU than it tells us about Chinese professionals.

[TennisandMusic]

Your repellent comment tells us a lot more about YOU than it tells us about Chinese professionals.

Uhh...you don't think they are low paid? That is WHY they make them there, to take advantage of ridiculously low pay scales.

Look, people who are "low paid" anywhere tend to not care about their job. That's WHY they are in those jobs. They are not go-getters. Of course it's surely harder over there to move up and while that is an entirely different topic, I would have to agree in that I seriously doubt any of the workers give a crud about how uniform the screen is. But that same ethic applies to any country and anywhere at all with low skilled, low paid workers.It's not like the US is the bastion of hard conscientious workers. It has nothing to do with being "racist", and jumping on that bandwagon is in poor taste.

[Music_Producer]

Your repellent comment tells us a lot more about YOU than it tells us about Chinese professionals.

Have you actually conducted any sort of business anywhere, that you made such a silly comment, or are you just overly sensitive? I've dealt with European and Chinese manufacturers while sourcing pro-audio and consumer electronics products.. and 4 out of 5 Chinese suppliers have always shipped inferior products to my company.

Quality control is a huge issue with Chinese manufacturing - I'm not saying that it's not an issue with companies in the US or anywhere else - it's just that you literally have to be standing over Chinese manufacturers 24/7 over QC. It's a pain frankly, and I've stopped dealing with China for a few years now.

If Apple has a permanent QC solution in place in China, and these products *still* come out with such defects - then you can imagine what the lower level factories churn out.

[sheareb]

Uhh...you don't think they are low paid? That is WHY they make them there, to take advantage of ridiculously low pay scales.

Look, people who are "low paid" anywhere tend to not care about their job. That's WHY they are in those jobs. They are not go-getters. Of course it's surely harder over there to move up and while that is an entirely different topic, I would have to agree in that I seriously doubt any of the workers give a crud about how uniform the screen is. But that same ethic applies to any country and anywhere at all with low skilled, low paid workers.It's not like the US is the bastion of hard conscientious workers. It has nothing to do with being "racist", and jumping on that bandwagon is in poor taste.

I dont really know what deems low paid in China etc but the main point is that you are correct in that things are made in China as they are generally cheaper to produce. That does generally mean workers are paid less than elsewhere BUT it doesnt mean they are lowly paid. Its all relative to the other salaries in that country. In relative terms they may be paid the same as nurses in China.. who knows!

[Music_Producer]

I dont really know what deems low paid in China etc but the main point is that you are correct in that things are made in China as they are generally cheaper to produce. That does generally mean workers are paid less than elsewhere BUT it doesnt mean they are lowly paid. Its all relative to the other salaries in that country. In relative terms they may be paid the same as nurses in China.. who knows!

It's not the workers at fault here, which I should have mentioned in my earlier post - they do what they're instructed to do. It's the executives who will try and use shoddy, low-quality parts during manufacturing or other tricks. Anything to save a few bucks and make more profit.

Just like the melamine tainted milk scandal - the owners of the factories were involved in that. The workers probably didn't even know what melamine was or assumed it was an ingredient like any other.

[archipellago]

http://www.9to5mac.com/apples_secret_sweatshops_30083

http://www.iphonestalk.com/poor-factory-conditions-may-hurt-apples-image-a-bit-5538/


at the prices you'd think that Apple would control this more than they clearly do.

begs the question...what are you paying for?

not the parts or the workers, so a pretty case and OSX?

hmmm...

[bobob]

I dont really know what deems low paid in China etc but the main point is that you are correct in that things are made in China as they are generally cheaper to produce. That does generally mean workers are paid less than elsewhere BUT it doesnt mean they are lowly paid. Its all relative to the other salaries in that country. In relative terms they may be paid the same as nurses in China.. who knows!

Good point.

[archipellago]

Good point.

in 2007, nurses starting salary in China was US equiv of $3k

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1955377/

[knewsom]

As someone who has personally lived in China for a year, less than a decade ago, I can definitely attest to the worksmanship quality issues. It DEFINITELY has to do with the Executives. I've seen it first hand. They cut corners, and buy "equivalent materials" from their friends for equivalent prices, to help out their buddies. The "Good old boys" network there runs everything, and most common people are caught up in it, just trying to get ahead and provide for their families. Thing is, to really get ahead there, you need to do things for your friends, so they will in turn do things for you later. It's called "Guan-Xi", and it means "relationships" or "hookups". It's an ancient tradition there, but I suspect the reason it's so widespread is due to having been impoverished and life having been difficult there for over a hundred years due to a poorly-run aging dynasty followed by a cruel and corrupt nationalist regime, followed by WWII, followed by a civil war, followed by Communism who essentially couldn't generate any sort of international trade to save their lives, until the 1980's, which was when things really started to change - and people were totally on board, with a surprising amount of popular support for the communist government despite evens like Tiananmen; then again, maybe that had something to do with people actually having enough to eat under communism.

It's going to be this way there for quite some time, until companies (like Apple?) punish manufacturers for inferior quality and materials by taking their business elsewhere - even if that means other businesses in China. China CAN make (and even design!) a quality product, and has plenty of times - look at the Beijing Jeep, look at the new firearms their military uses... But these have the common distinction of falling under close government scrutiny - remember that the Chinese EXECUTE people for corruption - when I was there, I saw two NATIONAL representatives (equivalent of congressmen) executed on TV. Until US corporations (and European corporations) become as discerning as the Chinese Government, and are willing to spend a little bit of money to retool a different factory to ensure the quality of their product, it's going to be more of the same. ...but as long as corporations act only for the short term and for the immediate bottom line, that change will be very long in coming indeed.