If there is a problem, how long should I wait for a fix for it? And when you purchase a new one, how can you tell if that exact iMac is the latest version and not one that may have a 'defect' in it?
Has there every been any issues with the latest model of the iMac?
The higher-end 27-inch iMac late 2012 models (possibly only the ones with the better 680MX graphics card) seem to be the ones that are suffering from image retention. I have a fully loaded one that has pretty bad IR (and I have the 680MX card with 2MB of RAM) and am currently waiting for like-for-like replacement.
Since the people who say they don't have image retention problems with their 27-inch iMacs do not seem to have the 680MX card, you might have a better off ordering one with the lower-end card. That's what I will be doing if the replacement fully-loaded 27-inch iMac has IR as well.
when you say the lower end card ,do you mean the 675MX ?
Yes. I don't understand why using the 675MX card would make a difference with the image retention issues, but everyone I know who has a 27-inch and no IR problems is using the 675MX card.
On the flip side, every time I read about IR issues on the 27-inch iMacs and people are nice enough to post their specs, it seems like they are mostly using the 680MX card.
Again, it doesn't really make sense why this would have an affect on IR issues... maybe it's generating a lot of heat?
I do notice that when I get image retention on my top-of-the-line 27-inch iMac I feel a lot of HEAT coming off the LCD... but I'm never doing anything more that web browsing at the time, so the graphics card really isn't being stressed and really has no business being so hot as to cause the IR issue. But, who knows? SOMETHING is making those max-ed out machines more prone to image retention. I feel the graphics card may have something to do with it, even though it really should not.
I don't see how a graphics card can impact the IR. It's strictly a display issue. Any correlation between IR and graphics card is purely coincidental. iMacs aren't the only computers to use this card.
I ordered mine the day they were available, have had it since early December without any issues.
It's a high end 21.5" with Fusion Drive.
No screen problems, HD problems, or fan problems.
Knock on wood!
I have a maxed out 27incher with NO image retention just for the record so it's not because of the 680
I understand what you are saying and want to agree with you. Those of use with IR are just trying to figure out how this is happening on multiple replacement units. My thought was not that something was technically wrong with the 680MX graphics card... because I agree that the graphics card alone is unlikely to be causing the IR.
Rather my thought was that the 680MX is physically doing something that is either generating more heat or causing some other part to create enough heat that might, in turn, be causing the IR.
My IR only happens at full brightness (which I need since I work in a bright, sunlit office) and when it does, my screen feels very, very warm. Hence, my thought that heat might be the culprit.
The good news is if the graphics card is the culprit, it's relatively easy to correct - either firmware update or a quick visit to the service center to isolate the offending heat/RF etc. source.
In any case, good luck with your next replacement. My new iMac should arrive today. It's -genuine- D) top of the line with the 768gb SSD. I'm hoping that doesn't include the IR option.
Ha! Forgot that there is, of course, an even MORE maxed out version with the SSD option.
I haven't noticed anyone with the pure SSD option having IR problems, but who knows.
All I can say is that the heat coming off the monitor when it's having IR is incredible. I can feel the temperature change in my face! Something in there is causing that heat. Either the LCD panel itself, or one (or a combination) of the internal components. I do notice that several IR suffers who have posted specs also have the 3TB Fusion Drive... but haven't seen it with the pure SSD option. Good luck! I'm getting my replacement machine today...
I ordered mine the day they were available, have had it since early December without any issues.
It's a high end 21.5" with Fusion Drive.
No screen problems, HD problems, or fan problems.