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Do not buy an imac - bad screens
- Thread starter customergeddon
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Have got Applecare and agree with you - however Apple's official line is this issue isn't covered by Applecare. They offer a one time screen swap out as a gesture of goodwill - this conveniently means they don't actually have to admit any liability for the problem and don't set a precedent.
I haven't had the chance to read through all 39 pages, but has anyone come up with a reason why this happens to the screen?
And what exactly is it? Is the glass getting burned, or warped in some way? How can gray blotches just appear?
I am a recent mac convert with a 2011 iMac, 21.5 base, and this worries me.
Honestly, in general, I'm becoming disillusioned by the Apple branding, what with logic board failures, hard drive failures, glass screen issues, that I keep reading about.
And what exactly is it? Is the glass getting burned, or warped in some way? How can gray blotches just appear?
I am a recent mac convert with a 2011 iMac, 21.5 base, and this worries me.
Honestly, in general, I'm becoming disillusioned by the Apple branding, what with logic board failures, hard drive failures, glass screen issues, that I keep reading about.
To all naysayers about this problem:
1. "Get an AppleCare?"
Oh yeah I did. Getting it was a no brainer. Extra $130 for 2years more coverage on $2000 machine. Damn yes!
But again the problem is not the AppleCare!
2. "My iMac is just fine, no blotches whatsoever! Apple never gone wrong!"
Oh yeah the machine works just damn alright to me. It was great and fast for gaming, editing, working, light or medium movie editing. I think I said it already? This is one main reason I get an iMac instead of the super popular MBP/MBA or MacMini. It packs the power of basic MacPro for way way cheaper!
Problem is just with the display, which ruins everything. I dont love and enjoy to use it as much anymore knowing it's there! Not just there. It'll keep coming back no matter how many replacement Apple give you, as long as it's exposed to heat!!
I dont mind if it fails once or twice as long as Apple honor the AppleCare. I appreciate Apple for quick response on warranty claims. But knowing it will coming back continuously for as long as you own the machine! That's the painful part!
Aint that's all what Apple about? Enjoyable user experience?
One spot on your iMac screen and you will flip side, eat your own words and cry to mama, ranting about it. Your computer is not that impervious either, so please dont be a cocky and saying iMac is just perfect and this thread is BS. I for one try not to. For anything could happen to me or my things, not just iMac actually
1. "Get an AppleCare?"
Oh yeah I did. Getting it was a no brainer. Extra $130 for 2years more coverage on $2000 machine. Damn yes!
But again the problem is not the AppleCare!
2. "My iMac is just fine, no blotches whatsoever! Apple never gone wrong!"
Oh yeah the machine works just damn alright to me. It was great and fast for gaming, editing, working, light or medium movie editing. I think I said it already?
This is one main reason I get an iMac instead of the super popular MBP/MBA or MacMini. It packs the power of basic MacPro for way way cheaper!Problem is just with the display, which ruins everything. I dont love and enjoy to use it as much anymore knowing it's there! Not just there. It'll keep coming back no matter how many replacement Apple give you, as long as it's exposed to heat!!
I dont mind if it fails once or twice as long as Apple honor the AppleCare. I appreciate Apple for quick response on warranty claims. But knowing it will coming back continuously for as long as you own the machine! That's the painful part!
Aint that's all what Apple about? Enjoyable user experience?
One spot on your iMac screen and you will flip side, eat your own words and cry to mama, ranting about it. Your computer is not that impervious either, so please dont be a cocky and saying iMac is just perfect and this thread is BS. I for one try not to. For anything could happen to me or my things, not just iMac actually
Insightful comment, do you actually trouble yourself to read a thread before contributing absolutely nothing to it
Insightful comment, do you actually trouble yourself to read a thread before contributing absolutely nothing to it
I know ... some people just get too cocky as if they were god right, thinking no problem means they won't ever get in same or worse situation.
Some question for you, mate:
1. Have you brought your 2011 iMac in yet? Had Apple replace the display for you already? And they said they would only do it once??!!
2. You told us, you sold your 2009 iMac after how many times of display replacement? Did you also get an AppleCare with your old machine?
3. Considering we have an AppleCare, do we actually eligible for whole unit replacement after X failing number of same repair? Or is it just "goodwill gesture" from Apple to replace it for you?
Oh yeah .. lots of 2009 iMac (and beyond) experiencing the same problem.
Haven't got my 2011 machine repaired as problem has only recently started manifesting itself and currently is still very mild therefore not worth sorting out just yet.
Only got the display replaced once on my 2009 model before I sold it once brand new screen installed. At the time I was in regular contact with Apple Executive Care and they maintained the company line of "not our fault, one time repair only" (if you read other posts this seems to be a general line so Apple definitely have a "policy" regarding this particular problem) The rep I spoke with definitely hinted that unofficially Apple were well aware of issue but would never admit to to. When I took it in for repair the tech had also seen the issue before and commented that it was an increasing problem.
Ultimately Apple will never acknowledge this issue, preferring to quietly remedy it by individual screen replacements. They know full well that to admit it would open a huge can of worms and cost an absolute fortune so keep it under the radar by appeasing the individual customer.
@customergeddon.
Whoever you are, but I think you're one of those who posted on Apple's forum discussion regarding the same issue, am I right?
Well .. if you're so concerned about this keep us updated and keep this thread alive as long as you can and Apple still not able to handle the problems.
I will help as much to spread the fact so people are aware of it.
Whoever you are, but I think you're one of those who posted on Apple's forum discussion regarding the same issue, am I right?
Well .. if you're so concerned about this keep us updated and keep this thread alive as long as you can and Apple still not able to handle the problems.
I will help as much to spread the fact so people are aware of it.
Apple certainly have a problem with their LCD screens, whilst I have yet to personally witness this on my two 2011 27in iMac's, I can confirm that on two of my four 22.5in iMac's, revision Nov. 2009 and June 2010, two of said machines exhibited the same issues as detailed on this thread both within 12 month warranty timeframe, given that my top end BTO 2010 i5 model exhibited the 'smokey screen' effect with less than 100 hrs use, I considered this a design fault/ cooling issue with running the i5 chipset.
Both screens were replaced by Apple under existing 12 month warranty and not AppleCare.
So, Apple does have a problem, it should be acknowledged and regardless of AppleCare or not, any machine exhibiting this issue within a three year timeframe should do the honourable thing and replace it.
Also, and I note, both 2011 27in iMac's I presently run had to be replaced due to yellow screen issues brand new out of the box.
My experience of Apple after sales service is always positive and they do not want disgruntled customers - they do get it wrong sometimes though.
At the end of the day, and regardless of the cost of the iMac you purchase, one should always get AppleCare for peace of mind - expensive, yes, but a used iMac in reasonable condition with APP fetches a higher premium on the 'used' market than one without.
Both screens were replaced by Apple under existing 12 month warranty and not AppleCare.
So, Apple does have a problem, it should be acknowledged and regardless of AppleCare or not, any machine exhibiting this issue within a three year timeframe should do the honourable thing and replace it.
Also, and I note, both 2011 27in iMac's I presently run had to be replaced due to yellow screen issues brand new out of the box.
My experience of Apple after sales service is always positive and they do not want disgruntled customers - they do get it wrong sometimes though.
At the end of the day, and regardless of the cost of the iMac you purchase, one should always get AppleCare for peace of mind - expensive, yes, but a used iMac in reasonable condition with APP fetches a higher premium on the 'used' market than one without.
I love how one person experiences a problem, and assumes everyone else must have that same problem and suggests they must stop buying the problem merchandise immediately.
OP: Ever buy any food that turned out to be spoiled? Do you still buy food? Did you try to make everyone else stop buying food?
OP: Ever buy any food that turned out to be spoiled? Do you still buy food? Did you try to make everyone else stop buying food?
I have an early 2010 model and have no issues. I remember when buying it there was this big thing going around about yellow tint on them. Still bought it anyway. Apple has excellent service and I trusted if anything went wrong it would be fixed no issue.
I also love how one person mocks that it is important to warn people about a WIDESPREAD problem with a particular product. It's not only one person to have it. Not one spoiled food of a million.
How do you know if it's only one's problem? Maybe you're indeed the minority? How can you tell an iMac with perfect screen is the majority?
And we're warning people here. It's up to them if they still want to buy it, just remember that you've been warned.
And as I said, once you spot the same problem on your so called perfect iMac, you'd flip side, go cry to mama and ranting about how bad an iMac is. Just the same story all iver again. You'll see.
I got "Clouds" in my mid-2010 21.5" iMac. Don't notice it as much since the startup screen got switched... every time with that gray start-up screen i would remember and get mad about it all over again....
Had it in to get the hard drive replaced. I asked about the screen they cleaned the backing of the glass, it did nothing.
Kind of BS
Had it in to get the hard drive replaced. I asked about the screen they cleaned the backing of the glass, it did nothing.
Kind of BS
I have seen dell and hp screens burn out much more often than that, and you don't even hear a whisper of it on the news...
So a few apple screens have a bit of a fault and people start baying for their blood? By your logic, the CEOs of dell and hp should have been crucified ages ago...
Yes .. But then that Dell and HP monitors don't cost you $2000, do they?
It only cost couple hundred, and when it's cloudy and out of warranty, it feels forgettable and you can call it a day.
Mid 2011 i7 BTO and my machine has started exhibiting the smokey grey smudges in the top right of the screen. As it's less than a year old it will be going back to Apple to sort it out and seeing as I have Applecare if it happens over the next couple of years this too will have to be sorted out by Apple. Not very happy about it but if it's fixed...then it's fixed. If they refuse at some time to sort it out then I shall be pretty unhappy and go down the complaining route.
As we all know money talks...and if apples competitors (dell,hp,acer ect) had even a hint of a flaw with these imac screens they would be all over it.
You happened to get a bad one...your covered...so get another one...kinda simple.
You happened to get a bad one...your covered...so get another one...kinda simple.
Finally someone else mentioned this (that the display involves more than just the panel sku)
. It applies to a lot of things too. Digital cameras aren't just dependent on what cmos chip is used. Computers aren't solely defined by cpu.I have seen dell and hp screens burn out much more often than that, and you don't even hear a whisper of it on the news...
So a few apple screens have a bit of a fault and people start baying for their blood? By your logic, the CEOs of dell and hp should have been crucified ages ago...
Apple sits on things at times when there isn't an easy solution. If they had one, they would have already been able to fix this. Another example would be pre Intel. Recall the complaints of defective logic boards and failed cooling system spanning three years of computer sales? My suspicion is that it requires significant adjustment in design or manufacturing to work around this. They've had other issues too.
The monitor part of your iMac didn't cost $2000 either, did it?Yes .. But then that Dell and HP monitors don't cost you $2000, do they?
Even if you buy the replacement panel new (at the inflated parts price), it's only $700.
A few weeks ago I had the exact same type of blotches appear on my two-year old Apple 24" LED Display. They seemed to appear all at once with no gradual build up that I noticed. Took it into the Apple Store and they ordered a replacement screen and installed it within three days. It's now as good as new.
Yep it is not. But as an "all in one" computer, display is just really a part of the whole unit.
I am protected quite well with this iMac. I'm still under warranty and AppleCare, and I dont complain about those since Apple takes good care of their customer.
My complaint mostly:
1. The problem is coming back again and again even if Apple replace your whole display. It's a constant maintenance.
2. If you out of warranty and decide to pay a huge chunk of $700, doesnt mean it stops there. Remember it does reoccur over time.
3. Taking it to Apple Service Centre is just cumbersome. It's not Macbook or MacMini, it's a huge 40pounds computer.
Plus like any other service, it takes time, almost 2 weeks in my case.
Imagine I bring it 6 times during 3 years period. Means I lost 12 weeks time to keep it replaced under AppleCare.
Am I the only one who thinks that - whilst I don't deny this is an issue - people who have this with multiple macs in the same room should consider that it could be an environmental issue causing at least part of the problem, or at least causing it to happen so frequently.
Once again, I'm not saying this isn't a real issue - the fact still remains this shouldn't be happening in the first place, but I don't think Apple are simply out to lie to you, and say it's environmental when it couldn't possibly be.
Once again, I'm not saying this isn't a real issue - the fact still remains this shouldn't be happening in the first place, but I don't think Apple are simply out to lie to you, and say it's environmental when it couldn't possibly be.
A fair point, however my home iMac and the two at work (different rooms / locations) are all exibiting the same issue. Also, the iMac should be designed with tolerances built in (as is, for instance, my flat screen TV) as we don't live in sealed cocoons just normal enivironments.