I've got this and have had it since my 24" 2008 iMac was almost new. After using it for awhile I get this on the left side of the screen which does look like burn in. But I've had that problem once elsewhere when the screen saver didn't come on for a day. And I corrected it easily. The problem on the left side of the screen happens almost all the time and once I stop using the iMac for awhile the LCD looks fine. I'm almost sure its due to the graphics card and how warm the left side of the computer gets.
I'm really getting annoyed with Apple at this point. The first time I took it in they said they couldn't replicate the problem. I, perhaps stupidly, took it back thinking maybe an OS or firmware update would adjust the system fans and take away the problem.
I finally took it back in in August. They had it for days and called and left me a voicemail saying the couldn't replicate the issue. I especially love how the guy was apologetic about holding it so long and he knows I want to come and get it because not having it is SO terrible. No, I want it fixed. However, the next voicemail is him telling me they did something else and found the problem. They replaced the LCD. I didn't think that was the issue but its free so whatever.
It soon started doing it again though not yet as bad as before. For various reasons it took me awhile before I could take it back in, one being that I'm always a bit nervous carrying it around in a huge box that says I'm an expensive computer grab me and run. But its at the Apple Store now. And I keep getting messages and calling back to hear them explain again how they can't reproduce it.
It will soon be out of Applecare and I may want to sell it. This is going to destroy its value. I think the problem appears relatively quickly, maybe 30 to 45 minutes. But I don't pay attention to it all the time! Yes I may be using the computer for 4 hours straight but I'm not staring at one window the whole time, the browser may not get moved but I'm opening and closing other windows over the area so its not like a totally static image.
I'm probably going to have to call Apple. I feel like an iMac hypochondriac. Its not the environment because its been in several different places all of which have been fine for countless other computers. I tired to explain in more detail what happens and I know they've probably been running fancy stress tests and **** and that isn't doing it.
I have owned all kinds of computers including plenty of PCs, Macs, and things no ones ever heard of. But the iMac is by far the best. It was also the most expensive but worth it even with this issue - that is IF they fix it. OK, rant over.
