27", 21.5" iMac Owners, test your screen for yellow tint issue here

[kfscoll]

I got a call this morning from Apple as well informing me that they had a fix for the yellow gradient issue and to make an appointment with the Genius Bar for an LCD replacement.

First off, I have AppleCare, so they're going to get to come out to my house whenever I decide to have the issue fixed. Secondly, I'm not ready to trust that the issue will be fixed at this point. I'll wait it out a little longer until some other folks have tried the fix to see if it's the real deal.

 

[ascender]

Noticed the yellow tinge when looking at some pics taken during the recent snowfalls and its fairly obvious when I put a white background up. Thing is, until I noticed it, I was happy, not I can't help but notice it!

What's the recommended course of action in the UK, do they have stock to swap these now? Or should I just stop my moaning and get on with using it

 

[AdamA9]

Noticed the yellow tinge when looking at some pics taken during the recent snowfalls and its fairly obvious when I put a white background up. Thing is, until I noticed it, I was happy, not I can't help but notice it!

What's the recommended course of action in the UK, do they have stock to swap these now? Or should I just stop my moaning and get on with using it

I was in the same boat as you (in the UK). I didn't notice until I found this forum, but I took it back to Apple Store and they opened up a new one there and then for me to test before I took it away, however, the lights in the store were so white/bright that I couldn't notice the yellow on this screen until I took it away. I will be waiting for a confirmed fix for this before taking it back again

 

[roderick]

I'm having trouble posting a screenshot of my test. I hit upload attachment but the upload box just turns white. Any suggestions?

 

[dagored]

I'm having trouble posting a screenshot of my test. I hit upload attachment but the upload box just turns white. Any suggestions?

You have a good screen.

couldn't resist

 

[thedv8]

New 27" Panels

I just got off the phone with a rep I've been working with at Apple HQ (whom I got in contact with by emailing steve@apple.com), and apparently they've just switched to a new 27" panel. He offered to have a new panel shipped out to my local Apple store that could do the swap, or to ship me a new unit that has the new panel already in it.

I opted for a replacement and he is going to have my unit pulled off the line and tested to make sure it doesn't have issues before it ships. As much as I am annoyed by this 2 month saga, I have to say I'm impressed by how they're handling my case.

 

[WilliamG]

I just got off the phone with a rep I've been working with at Apple HQ (whom I got in contact with by emailing steve@apple.com), and apparently they've just switched to a new 27" panel. He offered to have a new panel shipped out to my local Apple store that could do the swap, or to ship me a new unit that has the new panel already in it.

I opted for a replacement and he is going to have my unit pulled off the line and tested to make sure it doesn't have issues before it ships. As much as I am annoyed by this 2 month saga, I have to say I'm impressed by how they're handling my case.

I'd love to believe this is true.... but I don't. (I don't doubt what your story, of course).

 

[SaSaSushi]

I'd love to believe this is true.... but I don't. (I don't doubt what your story, of course).

I have my own sincere doubts on this one as well. Apple switches to an entirely new part for the LCD panel in their new iMac because some users are reporting a yellow tinge? I'll believe that when I see it.

 

[WilliamG]

I have my own sincere doubts on this one as well. Apple switches to an entirely new part for the LCD panel in their new iMac because some users are reporting a yellow tinge? I'll believe that when I see it.

Unless LG/Philips decided to make a whole new screen, since they're the only manufacturers (that I'm aware of) of IPS panels.

 

[thedv8]

I'm a bit skeptical as well as I've gone through 2 replacements. I'll believe it when the new unit arrives and it's not defective.

That said, this is the first time he told me in concrete terms that they had a fix and that the fix was a new panel (could just be that LG fixed their 27" IPS). It's also the first time he told me they'd pluck my order off the line to have someone give it a special once over before it leaves the factory.

 

[kfscoll]

I just got off the phone with a rep I've been working with at Apple HQ (whom I got in contact with by emailing steve@apple.com), and apparently they've just switched to a new 27" panel. He offered to have a new panel shipped out to my local Apple store that could do the swap, or to ship me a new unit that has the new panel already in it.

I opted for a replacement and he is going to have my unit pulled off the line and tested to make sure it doesn't have issues before it ships. As much as I am annoyed by this 2 month saga, I have to say I'm impressed by how they're handling my case.

Why do these Apple reps feed us such bullcrap? I'm sure that the Apple rep is going to contact the factory in Shanghai and have them pull one computer off the line from the many thousands that get built weekly to give it a super-special "once over." Not only that, but I highly doubt there's a "new" panel being installed. Maybe there's a minor revision change or something, but a new panel? Yeah, right.

I guess I'll eat crow if all of these Week 07 computers are "tinge free," but somehow I doubt it.

 

[bennyspenny]

I bought a Week 53 from an Apple Retail Store 13 days ago, and noticed the yellow tinge immediately though it was faint. It also had a very "hungry" hard drive that sounded like a stomach growling even while doing very basic tasks.

Anyways, I reported the problem the day I received the machine and Apple called yesterday to let me know that I could take it in to the Genius Bar to get the "fix." I took it in and got a refund instead--no hassle at all and no re-stocking fee obviously. I'll re-buy once the new ones they're shipping out are actually fixed.

 

[jclee]

Called apple today complaining about yellow tint and noise coming out of top left corner when screen is dimmed. They told me to send them pictures and only offered me a replacement because i had 2 issues. or else they would have just repaired it. Also they wouldnt let me keep this one until the new one arrives. But they ordered me a new computer and charged it on my card. They'll refund when i return this one to them. Ship date is Feb 18-22.

In the mean time check out my imac pics. w8006. A couple with the flash and without.

 

[Rommert]

Got my replacement iMac yesterday. It's a week 06/2010 model. Everything is perfect except for the yellow tinge, which the previous one had as well.

Phoned Apple today and they said they had found a fix for the yellow tinging issue two days ago. They said they've received new displays and mine can be replaced for free at the nearest Apple Service Center.

Here's to hoping the fix is for real.

 

[JimKirk]

What the hell?

You mean to tell me that week 6 is still shipping yellow?

 

[nnokey]

I got a week 05 replacement after apple exchange me from a week 52 I7 27" Imac.
The 05 week unit has worst yellow tinge compare to my week 52.
its very faint yellow and 05 have a larger area affected by it compare to 52.

The thing is I want to exchange and get another imac, but
apple refuse to **Exchange** now. They only want you to bring
your imac to apple store and get it *fixed* or refund.

I order this via apple online store, within 14 day exchange period, still get denied after talking to many reps.

*Keep in mind, once you bring to apple store. Your 14 days period expires.
also you end up with a *refurbished* unit. You will not able to get a new one or full refund!!!!.*

I end up returning the imac for refund and gonna buy it a later day...
almost got tricked by apple rep.

 

[spcdust]

I got a week 05 replacement after apple exchange me from a week 52 I7 27" Imac.
The 05 week unit has worst yellow tinge compare to my week 52.
its very faint yellow and 05 have a larger area affected by it compare to 52.

The thing is I want to exchange and get another imac, but
apple refuse to **Exchange** now. They only want you to bring
your imac to apple store and get it *fixed* or refund.

I order this via apple online store, within 14 day exchange period, still get denied after talking to many reps.

*Keep in mind, once you bring to apple store. Your 14 days period expires.
also you end up with a *refurbished* unit. You will not able to get a new one or full refund!!!!.*

I end up returning the imac for refund and gonna buy it a later day...
almost got tricked by apple rep.

This is pretty shoddy service - if an item ships with a manufacturing fault then really you should be entitled to a replacement - especially within the first 14 days. Here in the UK I believe if a product develops a fault within the first 28 days you are entitled to replacement or full refund - there are other consumer laws you can apply but this is the minimum protection a customer has.

TBH it doesn't sit well with me this idea of Apple sending brand new machines to customers with a manufacturing fault and then we, the customers, have to seek a repair for it which is an inconvenience how ever you look at it. I really don't like the idea of a brand new product instantly needs opening up and being repaired.

 

[SaSaSushi]

This is pretty shoddy service - if an item ships with a manufacturing fault then really you should be entitled to a replacement - especially within the first 14 days. Here in the UK I believe if a product develops a fault within the first 28 days you are entitled to replacement or full refund - there are other consumer laws you can apply but this is the minimum protection a customer has.

TBH it doesn't sit well with me this idea of Apple sending brand new machines to customers with a manufacturing fault and then we, the customers, have to seek a repair for it which is an inconvenience how ever you look at it. I really don't like the idea of a brand new product instantly needs opening up and being repaired.

I don't get all the complaining, honestly. The ONLY repair for a yellow-tinged iMac is total LCD panel replacement. They will swap out the entire panel for a brand new one. Why do you need them to replace the entire machine if the part you're unhappy with is a yellow-tinged display?

I know of what I speak. I returned my last iMac (mid-2007 24") for a bad left to right gradient that was common on that model. They replaced the LCD panel for a new (good!) one and I got it back within 3 days and didn't even have to go through the hassle of reinstalling everything. For me a full replacement would have been more of an inconvenience at the time.

The LCD panel is the problem with the yellow tinge. You don't need a whole new iMac if you've got that issue. You need a yellow tinge-free panel. However, if you want a full refund I see nothing unreasonable about getting one within 14 days of initial purchase if you're dealing with a faulty product and they can't resolve it within that period.

 

[spcdust]

I don't get all the complaining, honestly. The ONLY repair for a yellow-tinged iMac is total LCD panel replacement. They will swap out the entire panel for a brand new one. Why do you need them to replace the entire machine if the part you're unhappy with is a yellow-tinged display?

I know of what I speak. I returned my last iMac (mid-2007 24") for a bad left to right gradient that was common on that model. They replaced the LCD panel for a new (good!) one and I got it back within 3 days and didn't even have to go through the hassle of reinstalling everything. For me a full replacement would have been more of an inconvenience at the time.

The LCD panel is the problem with the yellow tinge. You don't need a whole new iMac if you've got that issue. You need a yellow tinge-free panel. However, if you want a full refund I see nothing unreasonable about getting one within 14 days of initial purchase if you're dealing with a faulty product and they can't resolve it within that period.

So, you receive a brand new product and the first thing you have to do is get it repaired as it was supplied as faulty. You pay Apple's premium prices yet you're expected to lug the not inconsiderable sized heavy box half way across a city (or further) for this repair - also possibly risking damage in transit which you would be responsible for. Obviously all this involves being without your brand new computer for up to 7 days.

I like Apple and still think their after sale support is generally exemplary however on this issue they should offer customers the option of a full replacement or repair.

 

[JimKirk]

I had the screen replaced in my 24 imac

They left dust behind the screen.

The risk is not worth it for a new machine.

It is far easier to box it up / drop it off at fedex location than to bring it to the non-genius bar to be treated like it is your fault.

 

[spcdust]

They left dust behind the screen.

The risk is not worth it for a new machine.

It is far easier to box it up / drop it off at fedex location than to bring it to the non-genius bar to be treated like it is your fault.

Amen to that

 

[toed]

I pick dust...

Amen to that

hmm... dust or yellow... I will take dust any day. It's easy to clean/remove.

 

[donster28]

They left dust behind the screen.

The risk is not worth it for a new machine.

It is far easier to box it up / drop it off at fedex location than to bring it to the non-genius bar to be treated like it is your fault.

This is what I'm afraid of and I've been speculating this ever since I heard of Apple offering to replace the screens.

Every Apple Store/Service Centre is different. Some might be dust proof environments and some are not. It's a risk you have to take.

I detest dust under the screen. It takes a completely dust free environment to accomplish a completely dust free repair. Don't even tell me I can pop off the screen and brush the dust off myself...it's not an easy task my friend and you'll always end up with a speck or two under there. Then you have to pop the glass off again to clean them, then along comes two new ones. By the time you get it right (assuming you will), the latches on the glass wear off and you now have a non-sealing iMac in your hands.

I would rather get a complete replacement or wait 'till Apple starts using the new panels.

 

[spcdust]

Why do these Apple reps feed us such bullcrap? I'm sure that the Apple rep is going to contact the factory in Shanghai and have them pull one computer off the line from the many thousands that get built weekly to give it a super-special "once over."

I was highly skeptical that this was true, however just spoken with my very helpful contact at Apple, who is organising my replacement, and they informed me that Apple have now instigated a procedure where by replacement iMacs are pre-screened prior to shipment. They even told me what steps they have to take to request that the individual iMac unit is pre-screened.

 

[SaSaSushi]

So, you receive a brand new product and the first thing you have to do is get it repaired as it was supplied as faulty. You pay Apple's premium prices yet you're expected to lug the not inconsiderable sized heavy box half way across a city (or further) for this repair - also possibly risking damage in transit which you would be responsible for. Obviously all this involves being without your brand new computer for up to 7 days.

Here in Japan Apple sends a courier to your home with packing materials for the iMac. You hand him only the machine itself (no keyboard, mouse, etc) and they take it back to the repair center in Tokyo the next day. Often they fix it that morning and it is back to you the day after that.

As far as being without your computer for a period of time, yes I agree 100% that's a pain in the butt. I'm glad I had no problems with my i7 and didn't have to go through that like I did with my mid-2007 24".

I like Apple and still think their after sale support is generally exemplary however on this issue they should offer customers the option of a full replacement or repair.

I repeat: what is the obsession with a "full replacement"? They are replacing the LCD panel which is the faulty part. Why do they need to replace the entire machine? If you want a refund I say that's fine.