27-Inch iMac Shipping Times Continue to Improve

[lazymocha]

That's good news to hear.

The delay is mainly due to the availability of "new" display panel. Apple used to use 661-5312 for the problematic models. About 2 weeks ago, the part was replaced by 661-5527. However, both display are still made by LG Philips.

 

[MacAddict2000]

Ordered my i7 on the 1st and just got it about an hour and a half ago. The display is okay, but the AirPort Card is either defective or was never connected. Making a trip to the Genius Bar with a two hour old machine. Quality control has clearly gotten out of hand.

Though, this could potentially be related to FedEx, but knowing how things are going with Apple in China, I'd blame them before I would FedEx.

 

[ccmovies]

That's good news for me. I was going to buy online so I could get improved specs, but I decided not to because of the 2 weeks. Maybe now I will. But, when will we see 24 hours?

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Where's the refurbs?

I have seen so many posts on multiple sites talking about having to go through several 27" models to get the good one. Yet, almost every day I check the Apple refurb page for 27" iMacs and it is fairly rare to see one there. I would expect there to be tons of them based on comments made- even in this thread- but that just doesn't seem to be happening... or is that "happening YET"?

Shouldn't there be a flood of them about to hit the store. And wouldn't that high volume probably beg for deeper discounts? And assuming so, how much longer would you expect before lots of them start showing up there?

 

[haha guy]

I have seen so many posts on multiple sites talking about having to go through several 27" models to get the good one. Yet, almost every day I check the Apple refurb page for 27" iMacs and it is fairly rare to see one there. I would expect there to be tons of them based on comments made- even in this thread- but that just doesn't seem to be happening... or is that "happening YET"?

Shouldn't there be a flood of them about to hit the store. And wouldn't that high volume probably beg for deeper discounts? And assuming so, how much longer would you expect before lots of them start showing up there?

No one outside of Apple knows what the real story is here, but I have a hunch that Apple is sitting on a bunch of refurbs until they finally decide if the yellowing and dark bands are considered 'real problems' that require repairs before resale. If they fix the returns, you could eventually score a fantastic deal buying one. Then again, Apple may decide some users are just too picky and resell the returns basically as is. If that happens, you're rolling the dice on getting an acceptable machine.

I guess it all comes down to your planned use of the computer. For general use, many of the returns would probably be just fine as-is. But if you're looking for minimal tint and consistent color across the screen, it's a gamble. Again, it all depends on Apple's final word on whether the condition is acceptable to them.

The quad iMacs in particular are incredible machines and well worth the money, if you get one that you're happy with for your intended purpose. I just wish Apple had been more careful about advertising them with 'the ultimate display'. I'm likely going to try the iMac lottery again in a week or two, fingers crossed that the next one will be a keeper. I'm not looking for perfection at their price point, but it would be nice if the iMacs currently on offer had a screen as even and uniform as my five year old Viewsonic VP201s 20". Or even comparable to the cheap Samsung 931c on my Windows box. So far a lot of them are not.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

haha guy, some parts of your post read like an Apple refurb is an "as is" purchase. Just in case you don't know, it is not. They come with the same full warranty, with the same return policy. There is no "gamble" of which I am aware. Instead, if you bought one today and it had one of these same issues, you could return it just like buying a new one today and finding the same issues.

My thinking is that if it has been refurbed, this screen issue(s) has been checked before repackaging it for sale. If the issue exists, it's fixed so that the refurb buyer doesn't become another return/replacement scenario.

I'm also thinking the volume of refurbs must be high, so the typical discounting will probably not apply (probably better than typical). Yet, I continue to be surprised in that none of them seem to show up in the refurb section, and we're not that far from a refresh if you follow the buyers guide history.

The new model 21" versions have been showing in the refurb area almost since these new models were launched. And I did find a few 27" models showing up for just a little while soon after launch too. But I've seen nothing on the 27" since (though the 21" are pretty consistently available).

 

[639me]

Speaking as someone who has returned four i5 27" iMacs in a failed effort to get one without problems, I wish anyone ordering a new one the best of luck.

i ordered an i7 at release, and it arrived yesterday..!!
doesen't seem to have any problems though, :fingers crossed:

 

[Icaras]

My finger has been twitching to buy an i7 but, it's already some 4+ months after launch so, I think I'll wait for the quiet upgrade that often happens in June. I'll definitely buy then w/8 gigs (two dimms).

It has not been 4+ months yet. The iMacs were released on October 20.

 

[haha guy]

haha guy, some parts of your post read like an Apple refurb is an "as is" purchase. Just in case you don't know, it is not. They come with the same full warranty, with the same return policy. There is no "gamble" of which I am aware. Instead, if you bought one today and it had one of these same issues, you could return it just like buying a new one today and finding the same issues.

My thinking is that if it has been refurbed, this screen issue(s) has been checked before repackaging it for sale. If the issue exists, it's fixed so that the refurb buyer doesn't become another return/replacement scenario.

I'm also thinking the volume of refurbs must be high, so the typical discounting will probably not apply (probably better than typical). Yet, I continue to be surprised in that none of them seem to show up in the refurb section, and we're not that far from a refresh if you follow the buyers guide history.

The new model 21" versions have been showing in the refurb area almost since these new models were launched. And I did find a few 27" models showing up for just a little while soon after launch too. But I've seen nothing on the 27" since (though the 21" are pretty consistently available).

That's true, the refurbs come with the same warranty and return policy. In fact I'm typing this on a refurb 2.16 24" iMac. Had it for nearly three years with no problems at all.

What I was getting at by talking about the possible risk with a refurb 27" is the time and hassle involved. Of course you can get it fixed or send it back. Problem is, if you are unlucky enough to get an iMac with the screen or other issues, you've jumped on the same merry-go-round of back and forth with Apple or the local Apple store that those of us with problem new units know all too well. I was simply trying to point out that a refurb 27" may not mean you avoid all the problems of the new machines.

If apple does their job correctly, it shouldn't happen.

But then again, what a significant number of users with new problem iMacs have gone through shouldn't have happened either. And the unsettling thing is, for some people it's still happening months after these issues were brought to Apple's attention.

Like I said earlier, it all depends on what Apple decides about the issue and how it handles the refurbs. I guess we'll find out soon enough.

 

[Max(IT)]

Until Apple puts a decent video card into their iMacs I won't buy one. I hope they do it soon or I'm just going to build a PC.

Go to build a PC, then.
iMac aren't e won't be game machine (and I'm perfectly happy with that)

 

[haha guy]

i ordered an i7 at release, and it arrived yesterday..!!
doesen't seem to have any problems though, :fingers crossed:

Congratulations! I hope you got a good one. They are out there.

You could spend time checking the screen according to all the usual tests, but it may only make you paranoid. If it was my first 27" iMac I wouldn't go crazy looking for problems anymore. Just use it and enjoy!

Hopefully soon I'll be able to post another success story here too.....

 

[shady06]

I too was hesitant to pull the trigger and order one, but finally gave in and did so. I ordered the core i5 version on Feb. 11th and it shipped Feb. 16th. I received it today and am happy to report that there is no yellowing or flickering as of yet. Time will tell, but right now I am more than happy with this purchase.

 

[haha guy]

I have seen so many posts on multiple sites talking about having to go through several 27" models to get the good one. Yet, almost every day I check the Apple refurb page for 27" iMacs and it is fairly rare to see one there. I would expect there to be tons of them based on comments made- even in this thread- but that just doesn't seem to be happening... or is that "happening YET"?

Shouldn't there be a flood of them about to hit the store. And wouldn't that high volume probably beg for deeper discounts? And assuming so, how much longer would you expect before lots of them start showing up there?

Not sure if you are looking for the Core 2, but if you're interested there are refurb 27" C2D iMacs in the US Apple store now as I post this. I wonder how long before they sell out.

 

[Libertine Lush]

For the numerous people here who've said they've just recently received a new machine without the yellow tint, could you please share your Week # for us (it's the first 5 numbers/letters of the serial #)? Thanks.

 

[shady06]

For the numerous people here who've said they've just recently received a new machine without the yellow tint, could you please share your Week # for us (it's the first 5 numbers/letters of the serial #)? Thanks.

I'm a bit of a mac noob so if you could explain how I would go about getting that information I would be more than happy to provide it.

 

[Libertine Lush]

I'm a bit of a mac noob so if you could explain how I would go about getting that information I would be more than happy to provide it.

Sure. If you still have the box, it'll be on the side. If not, Click on the Apple icon on the top left, click "About this Mac, click "More Info..." and on the ride window panel, it'll be under "Serial Number (system)." Thanks.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Not sure if you are looking for the Core 2, but if you're interested there are refurb 27" C2D iMacs in the US Apple store now as I post this. I wonder how long before they sell out.

Thanks for that post. I don't think it was there this morning. I'm actually looking for the Quad, but that is an amazing price for that much kit. Wow!

Having read what seems to be so many posts here and elsewhere talking about sending back 27" (including quads), I really expect there to be quite a number of them flowing into the Apple refurb store. I'll keep watching.

 

[shady06]

Sure. If you still have the box, it'll be on the side. If not, Click on the Apple icon on the top left, click "About this Mac, click "More Info..." and on the ride window panel, it'll be under "Serial Number (system)." Thanks.

W8007

 

[Ricko101]

That's good news to hear.

The delay is mainly due to the availability of "new" display panel. Apple used to use 661-5312 for the problematic models. About 2 weeks ago, the part was replaced by 661-5527. However, both display are still made by LG Philips.

Wow. That's some news. I'm surprised MacRumors did not post it on their main page. If that solved the issue once and for all, I may order one !!

 

[Libertine Lush]

The delay is mainly due to the availability of "new" display panel. Apple used to use 661-5312 for the problematic models. About 2 weeks ago, the part was replaced by 661-5527. However, both display are still made by LG Philips.

Where did you get this info from?

 

[MacAddict2000]

Wow. That's some news. I'm surprised MacRumors did not post it on their main page. If that solved the issue once and for all, I may order one !!

That may have fixed the display issues, but what about everything else? Missing/not connected AirPort Cards, whirring fans, logic board issues.

Well, a trip to the Genius Bar and it turns out that my problem with the AirPort Card (which I later discovered Ethernet doesn't even work) is the logic board. So basically, my iMac was shipped to me needing $1300 worth of parts and labor. They wouldn't even work on it since I had only had it for a few hours. They told me that the best option was to return it cause they didn't want to open up a computer that was only hours old when I could just get a replacement (which I can't do in the store cause I custom ordered). I totally understand why they didn't want to open it up. If my replacement computer is also defective, this decade-long Mac user might be going back to the Windows world. This is my second defective Mac in a year. Last year, I had a 17" MacBook Pro that needed a new display on arrival. I'm getting sick of Apple giving all the iPhone-esque devices all the attention and neglecting quality when it comes to the Macintosh. They're all about form over function these days, and they're about to lose a long-time user if they don't clean this crap up.

(Posted from five year old flawless iBook)

 

[Ricko101]

That may have fixed the display issues, but what about everything else? Missing/not connected AirPort Cards, whirring fans, logic board issues.

Well, a trip to the Genius Bar and it turns out that my problem with the AirPort Card (which I later discovered Ethernet doesn't even work) is the logic board. So basically, my iMac was shipped to me needing $1300 worth of parts and labor. They wouldn't even work on it since I had only had it for a few hours. They told me that the best option was to return it cause they didn't want to open up a computer that was only hours old when I could just get a replacement (which I can't do in the store cause I custom ordered). I totally understand why they didn't want to open it up. If my replacement computer is also defective, this decade-long Mac user might be going back to the Windows world. This is my second defective Mac in a year. Last year, I had a 17" MacBook Pro that needed a new display on arrival. I'm getting sick of Apple giving all the iPhone-esque devices all the attention and neglecting quality when it comes to the Macintosh. They're all about form over function these days, and they're about to lose a long-time user if they don't clean this crap up.

(Posted from five year old flawless iBook)

That really sucks. And here I am coming from the Windows world going to Mac... hhhmmm makes me think.

 

[MacAddict2000]

That really sucks. And here I am coming from the Windows world going to Mac... hhhmmm makes me think.

Well, I did just get the Ethernet to work (by resetting my AirPort Extreme base station). I am typing this message from the iMac. But the AirPort menu at the top says "No AirPort Card Installed." I find it kinda strange cause I believe the AirPort Card in the iMacs also double as the Bluetooth card and my mouse and keyboard are working fine. Still though, it's almost like there's no AirPort Card installed at all inside this machine. Whenever I go to add a new interface in System Preferences, AirPort is not even listed as an option.

 

[jeremyscheller]

I ordered a 27" i7 with processor and ram upgrades at 1pm today and got a shipping notification before midnight. Sounds like they are fully stocked at this point...

 

[MacAddict2000]

I ordered a 27" i7 with processor and ram upgrades at 1pm today and got a shipping notification before midnight. Sounds like they are fully stocked at this point...

Mine too. I had originally ordered the Core 2 Duo, but decided to just go up to the i7 and Apple was awesome and helped me through changing my order over the phone. Once I changed my order to the i7, it shipped within a day or two.