How are your iMac replacements?

[edry.hilario]

It's fine. I mean, if you pay over $2k on a computer it shouldn't be the loudest thing in the room tbh. And honestly, I'd do the same. This'll be the first time I've gotten a high end iMac in years that wasn't a refurb or a cheap low-end version, and I've been using the iMacs since they very first came onto the scene (still have a graphite iMac stored away someplace).

I admit when somebody says they hear their fans making a sound that resembles a slight wind, it's sort of weird but hey, to each their own.

i think to bring the "sounding like wind and returning it" conversation here is very irrelevant, no one on this thread has said they are returning their imacs because it simply sounds like wind.. we are concern about rattling NOT just wind noise.. my imac and other peoples imac does sound like rattling fan not just wind.. however i do i see what you guys are saying people being pissed about just normal stuff... its just my two cent.

 

[AngelGuy7]

Just wanted to give an update on two issues that I have with my replacement that I received it last Thursday.

Over the last week I noticed small popping \ tick sound. I can hear it when the computer is near idle. It's random in nature. There are other posts on this subject as well (which think it has something to do with the LEDs in the screen).

Now, last night I noticed image retention.

This replacement is definitely going back! I'm leaning towards asking for my money back and waiting a couple of months to see if Apple can straighten these issues out. I wish Apple could just get their stuff together.

 

[kidwei]

Just wanted to give an update on two issues that I have with my replacement that I received it last Thursday.

Over the last week I noticed small popping \ tick sound. I can hear it when the computer is near idle. It's random in nature. There are other posts on this subject as well (which think it has something to do with the LEDs in the screen).

Now, last night I noticed image retention.

This replacement is definitely going back! I'm leaning towards asking for my money back and waiting a couple of months to see if Apple can straighten these issues out. I wish Apple could just get their stuff together.

My understanding is that image retention is normal for IPS displays. I've seen it on my iPad... haven't really checked for my iMac. The thing is, under most use-cases, you probably won't notice it. but if you blast a test pattern and go looking for it, there's probably only one result you'll see.

Having said all that, I'm baffled at Apple's decision to use IPS displays, given all of their disadvantages. But you might be holding your breath for a long time if you want an iMac that doesn't have IR. Personally, I don't see what the big deal is..

Out of curiosity, what's a scenario in which IR would really bother you in everyday use?

 

[edry.hilario]

Just wanted to give an update on two issues that I have with my replacement that I received it last Thursday.

Over the last week I noticed small popping \ tick sound. I can hear it when the computer is near idle. It's random in nature. There are other posts on this subject as well (which think it has something to do with the LEDs in the screen).

Now, last night I noticed image retention.

This replacement is definitely going back! I'm leaning towards asking for my money back and waiting a couple of months to see if Apple can straighten these issues out. I wish Apple could just get their stuff together.

i feel your pain brotha.. im in the same boat as you.. i just told myslef that i needed to settle. it sucks i know

 

[AngelGuy7]

My understanding is that image retention is normal for IPS displays. I've seen it on my iPad... haven't really checked for my iMac. The thing is, under most use-cases, you probably won't notice it. but if you blast a test pattern and go looking for it, there's probably only one result you'll see.

I've read that IPS displays are inherently more susceptible to IR but that the quality of the panel itself will determine how easy it will happen, along with environment factors (like temperature). I noticed it last night when I had a few Finder windows open on the right side of the screen while working on the left. After a few minutes of inactivity my screen went into sleep mode and when I woke it back up I could see faint IR all over the gray background of the log-on screen.

Out of curiosity, what's a scenario in which IR would really bother you in everyday use?

Imagine the scenario above and then let's say that I plan on working in Adobe Lightroom to edit some low-light photos or say that I want to watch a movie or play a game that has dark scenes. I don't want to be in a position where I'd have to say "Oh, wait... I have to let my computer 'cool down' before I can do this".

What's interesting is that some people are claiming to not have this problem. I wonder if it's a matter of some people having good panels and some having bad.

 

[kidwei]

What's interesting is that some people are claiming to not have this problem. I wonder if it's a matter of some people having good panels and some having bad.

Really hard to say based on just anecdotal evidence. I think everyone notices things differently. For example, backlight bleeding has been my big issue. I was looking on another thread on this forum where people were posting their iMac set ups and noticed a few examples of folks with noticeable backlight bleeding on their screens. Those people might never notice it.

I'd say I'm probably more tolerant to image retention. Probably because I have a plasma TV and I'm used to seeing it from time to time, knowing that it generally goes away pretty quickly.

Do you really find yourself in everyday scenarios where you actually say to yourself "crap, I gotta wait for the monitor to cool down"? In my experience, when I've seen IR, I'm able to ignore it because I understand the phenomenon and it's a known quantity that doesn't persist forever. Backlight bleeding, however, never goes away.. and that irks me a lot more. But I guess we're all different.

 

[Lava Lamp Freak]

I just got a new 27" today after returning the one for image retention a few weeks ago. The new one doesn't have any retention so far, but the fan makes a clicking sound that is audible over my ceiling fan. It's a high pitched sound and is always noticeable.

Also the backlighting isn't very good on this one. There is backlight bleed at the bottom left corner, and the IPS glow is so strong that it is washing out colors and destroying dark scenes when gaming or watching videos.

Other things of note... There is a small scratch on the bottom of the front aluminum. There were glue spots, or something sticky, on the screen surface that I had trouble getting completely off. And there was a residue over the entire front aluminum chin that I can't seem to wipe off. It was when noticing the coating on the chin that I saw the scratch.

This is the $1999 model and I bought it from the store. I guess I'll be exchanging yet again.

 

[WilliamG]

First, not all IPS displays have image retention. I've never personally seen image retention on any of the IPS devices I own (and I have owned/still own a LOT of them).

Second, this strange clicking phenomenon is not normal, and you should exchange your system, assuming it's NOT the hard drive.

Third, the IPS glow on the 2012 iMacs is worse than it's ever been. Yes, blacks get washed out especially in the corners. Not much you can do about that - it's a nature of the new 2012 panel. I'm sure people will cry out that it's the same panel as the previous-gen iMacs, but I call BS on that. The manufacturing process has changed (obviously), since now everything is fused and the parts are slimmer. So due to whatever reason, this new IPS panel is simply not as good as the older iMac panels, which is a shame.

In any case, you should expect NO image retention with these iMacs, NO high-pitched fan noises, and NO clicking! Period. The end.

 

[edry.hilario]

First, not all IPS displays have image retention. I've never personally seen image retention on any of the IPS devices I own (and I have owned/still own a LOT of them).

Second, this strange clicking phenomenon is not normal, and you should exchange your system, assuming it's NOT the hard drive.

Third, the IPS glow on the 2012 iMacs is worse than it's ever been. Yes, blacks get washed out especially in the corners. Not much you can do about that - it's a nature of the new 2012 panel. I'm sure people will cry out that it's the same panel as the previous-gen iMacs, but I call BS on that. The manufacturing process has changed (obviously), since now everything is fused and the parts are slimmer. So due to whatever reason, this new IPS panel is simply not as good as the older iMac panels, which is a shame.

In any case, you should expect NO image retention with these iMacs, NO high-pitched fan noises, and NO clicking! Period. The end.

i know it sucks.. the only issue is that it seems that the chances to get a problem free iMac are pretty slim.. I've went through three and the current one has problems so... yeah this sucks ive gone thorough 3 machines and they have all been pretty bad.

 

[WilliamG]

i know it sucks.. the only issue is that it seems that the chances to get a problem free iMac are pretty slim.. I've went through three and the current one has problems so... yeah this sucks ive gone thorough 3 machines and they have all been pretty bad.

edry, it's not that big of a deal to get another. Personally, I wouldn't settle! Get another one. You never know, right?

 

[MightyWhite]

My first had1 dead pixel. I used it happily over Christmas then my replacement come. Other than 1 dead pixel on the first they have both been perfect. No noise, bleeding or image retention..

 

[large farva]

He all. I just recently purchased a 2012 iMac on January 10th, so my delivery date is Feb. 7th -14th. Though someone that ordered theirs a couple days before me already received a Prepping for Shipment notice and I believe it was shipped out later that day. Anyways, that's beside my point. What I'm asking is, I've seen a few people on here state that when they found they received a defective computer, or needed to exchange it, Apple sent them a replacement before they had to send theirs back. Is this the case? Lets say the one I get has problems and I want to exchange it. Is Apple going to send my replacement so I can ship the defective one once the replacement is received? That would help a lot because it'll be my only computer at the moment, and waiting about a month, just to get a defective one and have to send it back before getting the replacement would be horrible. I'm thinking if my iMac is defective, I will exchange it once, for a second one, and if THAT one is defective, then I'll just say F' it, and try my luck with a Retina MacBook Pro. Then if the MBP I receive has the defective LG display, I'll exchange that one once, and if the replacement has issues, I'll just get a refund. And with the refund I'll place an order for a Classic MacBook Pro, with the Hi-Res 1680x1050 display, a 750GB 7200rpm HDD, and the 2.6GHz, or possibly the 2.7GHz Core-i7 processor. At least with the classic MBP I'll be able to upgrade the RAM from the 8GB to 16GB, and later I'll be able to upgrade the HDD with a SSD once they become a little less pricey.

 

[AngelGuy7]

He all. I just recently purchased a 2012 iMac on January 10th, so my delivery date is Feb. 7th -14th. Though someone that ordered theirs a couple days before me already received a Prepping for Shipment notice and I believe it was shipped out later that day. Anyways, that's beside my point. What I'm asking is, I've seen a few people on here state that when they found they received a defective computer, or needed to exchange it, Apple sent them a replacement before they had to send theirs back. Is this the case? Lets say the one I get has problems and I want to exchange it. Is Apple going to send my replacement so I can ship the defective one once the replacement is received? That would help a lot because it'll be my only computer at the moment, and waiting about a month, just to get a defective one and have to send it back before getting the replacement would be horrible. I'm thinking if my iMac is defective, I will exchange it once, for a second one, and if THAT one is defective, then I'll just say F' it, and try my luck with a Retina MacBook Pro. Then if the MBP I receive has the defective LG display, I'll exchange that one once, and if the replacement has issues, I'll just get a refund. And with the refund I'll place an order for a Classic MacBook Pro, with the Hi-Res 1680x1050 display, a 750GB 7200rpm HDD, and the 2.6GHz, or possibly the 2.7GHz Core-i7 processor. At least with the classic MBP I'll be able to upgrade the RAM from the 8GB to 16GB, and later I'll be able to upgrade the HDD with a SSD once they become a little less pricey.

Even though I sometimes don't follow my own advice, I don't think you should worry about a problem that doesn't exist. That being said, from my knowledge Apple handles replacements two ways.

1. You can send your current unit to them and they'll send you a replacement when they receive the return.

2. You can allow them to put a hold on your credit card for the full cost of another unit and they'll send it to you before you even send the old unit back. The hold is removed when they receive the returned unit.

In either case, replacements are usually bumped to the front of the line so you should have to wait another 3-4 weeks.

 

[Lava Lamp Freak]

I just got a new 27" today after returning the one for image retention a few weeks ago. The new one doesn't have any retention so far, but the fan makes a clicking sound that is audible over my ceiling fan. It's a high pitched sound and is always noticeable.

Also the backlighting isn't very good on this one. There is backlight bleed at the bottom left corner, and the IPS glow is so strong that it is washing out colors and destroying dark scenes when gaming or watching videos.

Other things of note... There is a small scratch on the bottom of the front aluminum. There were glue spots, or something sticky, on the screen surface that I had trouble getting completely off. And there was a residue over the entire front aluminum chin that I can't seem to wipe off. It was when noticing the coating on the chin that I saw the scratch.

This is the $1999 model and I bought it from the store. I guess I'll be exchanging yet again.

I replaced my replacement iMac, and the third one has a good fan, but image retention is back. It is only at the bottom, again, like the first one, and it seems to fade very fast. So, as long as it fades fast I'm not going to worry about it. I'm ready to be done with it.

When I returned the second one this morning, the sales rep at the store wanted to have a genius look at it first. I told him I just wanted to replace it. He talked to someone and said it would be an hour to have a genius look at it so they were just going to replace it, but he told me I need to make an appointment if I have a problem with this one so that it can be diagnosed. I think that if you were within the return period they should just swap it out regardless of what the problem is.

 

[torana355]

Third, the IPS glow on the 2012 iMacs is worse than it's ever been. Yes, blacks get washed out especially in the corners. Not much you can do about that - it's a nature of the new 2012 panel. I'm sure people will cry out that it's the same panel as the previous-gen iMacs, but I call BS on that.

Stop spreading misinformation. It uses the EXACT same panel from LG. The only difference is the glass is fused to the panel instead of having a small gap. You can check the panels model number in terminal, i checked it on our 2011 iMac at work and on my 2012 iMac and they are the SAME MODEL NUMBER. Fact. As ive told you multiple times not all panels are the same quality, you will get some that are really good and some that have issues. Our 2011 iMac at work has bad off angle colours and backlight bleeding just like some of the 2012 models....

 

[WilliamG]

Stop spreading misinformation. It uses the EXACT same panel from LG. The only difference is the glass is fused to the panel instead of having a small gap. You can check the panels model number in terminal, i checked it on our 2011 iMac at work and on my 2012 iMac and they are the SAME MODEL NUMBER. Fact. As ive told you multiple times not all panels are the same quality, you will get some that are really good and some that have issues. Our 2011 iMac at work has bad off angle colours and backlight bleeding just like some of the 2012 models....

I'm sorry but we can agree to disagree. The same model number does not mean the parts are the same at the component level. There are qualities to the 2012 iMac display that are simply not there on the 2009-2011 27" iMacs, and yes - that's aside from the panel variances.

 

[torana355]

I'm sorry but we can agree to disagree. The same model number does not mean the parts are the same at the component level. There are qualities to the 2012 iMac display that are simply not there on the 2009-2011 27" iMacs, and yes - that's aside from the panel variances.

Did you not read my post, our 2011 iMac at work has the exact same backlight bleed issues as my 2012 model. LG have not changed the way they make the panels either, they are the exact same panels. Please don't spread misinformation unless you have proof.

 

[WilliamG]

Did you not read my post, our 2011 iMac at work has the exact same backlight bleed issues as my 2012 model. LG have not changed the way they make the panels either, they are the exact same panels. Please don't spread misinformation unless you have proof.

Where did I dispute your 2011 iMac having the same backlight bleed as the 2012.

I had both my 2009 iMac and 2012 iMac side by side. I could easily tell characteristics of the panels that were very, very different. Horizontal viewing angles of the 2012, for example, bring about a yellowy/orange glow to the screen, among other things, which simply aren't there on the 2009 model. And there are other things I'm not going to get into because this has gone far enough.

You're more than entitled to your opinion on panel types, and I'm entitled to mine. Please let it go? I'm not responding to this anymore, as it's getting this thread off track.

 

[torana355]

Where did I dispute your 2011 iMac having the same backlight bleed as the 2012.

I had both my 2009 iMac and 2012 iMac side by side. I could easily tell characteristics of the panels that were very, very different. Horizontal viewing angles of the 2012, for example, bring about a yellowy/orange glow to the screen, among other things, which simply aren't there on the 2009 model. And there are other things I'm not going to get into because this has gone far enough.

You're more than entitled to your opinion on panel types, and I'm entitled to mine. Please let it go? I'm not responding to this anymore, as it's getting this thread off track.

That's fine but don't spread rumors about the 2012 iMac screen unless you have proof Apple are using inferior panels. As i said i have a 2011 iMac at work with the EXACT issues you say you don't have on yours. This just proves its panel variance, end of story. These is no opinion here, just facts.

Where did I dispute your 2011 iMac having the same backlight bleed as the 2012.

You said, and i quote "There are qualities to the 2012 iMac display that are simply not there on the 2009-2011 27" iMacs" In your previous post you said the 2012 have backlight bleed and that its just part of the 2012 panels nature. I then pointed out that our 2011 iMac indeed has Backlight bleed issues. Need i say more....

 

[WilliamG]

That's fine but don't spread rumors about the 2012 iMac screen unless you have proof Apple are using inferior panels. As i said i have a 2011 iMac at work with the EXACT issues you say you don't have on yours. This just proves its panel variance, end of story. These is no opinion here, just facts.



You said, and i quote "There are qualities to the 2012 iMac display that are simply not there on the 2009-2011 27" iMacs" In your previous post you said the 2012 have backlight bleed and that its just part of the 2012 panels nature. I then pointed out that our 2011 iMac indeed has Backlight bleed issues. Need i say more....

You're making it REALLY hard for me to not reply when you misquote people, OR when you just make stuff up.

Where did I say the 2012 iMacs have backlight bleed and that it's part of the panel's nature? I don't have any backlight bleed on my iMac! I have inferior viewing angles, but no backlight bleed (though I've seen it on other 2012 iMacs). The inferior viewing angles is where the 2012 iMacs are a let-down, especially on black/dark scenes.

Second, you really think these panels are the same as yesteryear's iMacs? I suppose people with 27" 2009/2010/2011 iMacs also experienced image persistence? OH WAIT, that's right - they didn't! In fact, go read: You'll find that a lot of people with 2012 retina MacBook Pros and iMacs are experiencing image persistence. Admittedly this is the first year of IPS panels in MacBooks, but hey - this all happened in 2012's LG IPS panels. How can this be, if they're the exact same parts as three years ago? Maybe, just maybe... those parts have been adjusted/tweaked/modified to save money or speed up production? Maybe that's possible?

And spreading rumors? What's this web-site called again? Where did I say it was FACTUALLY PROVEN these iMac panels are different from older iMacs? That's right, "I" personally believe they are. That's all there is to it. Am I really not allowed to have that thought process?

Once again, you're entitled to your opinion, but I've actually spent the time with numerous iMacs over the years, and in MY opinion the 2012 iMac panels are different to the 2009/2010/2011 panels, despite the model number being the same. This certainly wouldn't be the first time a model number on a device has stayed the same while the product has changed to some degree.

Just give it up. I won't be reading your reply. It's not worth it. Like arguing religion this place is, sometimes..

 

[torana355]

You're making it REALLY hard for me to not reply when you misquote people, OR when you just make stuff up.

Where did I say the 2012 iMacs have backlight bleed and that it's part of the panel's nature? I don't have any backlight bleed on my iMac! I have inferior viewing angles, but no backlight bleed (though I've seen it on other 2012 iMacs). The inferior viewing angles is where the 2012 iMacs are a let-down, especially on black/dark scenes.

And i quote you once again "the IPS glow on the 2012 iMacs is worse than it's ever been. Yes, blacks get washed out especially in the corners. Not much you can do about that - it's a nature of the new 2012 panel"

btw our 2011 imac also has bad image retention, infact all ips panels have IR. You are basing all your observations on ONE 2012 Imac that has some backlight bleed, there are 2012 imacs with ZERO backlight bleed. You sir have no idea what you are talking about

 

[boto]

Stop spreading misinformation. It uses the EXACT same panel from LG. The only difference is the glass is fused to the panel instead of having a small gap. You can check the panels model number in terminal, i checked it on our 2011 iMac at work and on my 2012 iMac and they are the SAME MODEL NUMBER. Fact. As ive told you multiple times not all panels are the same quality, you will get some that are really good and some that have issues. Our 2011 iMac at work has bad off angle colours and backlight bleeding just like some of the 2012 models....

Please explain how you miraculously identified the display manufacturer on the new 2012 iMac. I tried multiple commands to figure out my panel maker but only resulted in my home directory name. Also, I highly doubt Apple will only use LG as a supplier, it just wouldn't make any sense to rely on one company. So I'm sure they are using three, Japan Display, LG, and Sharp.

 

[kidwei]

I'm happy to say that my third iMac (second replacement) seems great. There's only a very minimal amount of backlight bleeding this time around. And very minimal yellowing of the bottom half of the screen. It's been a long process but I'm thrilled it all worked out. Good luck to the rest of you in your replacement processes. For now, I think I'll retire from this forum until the next big product launch

 

[AngelGuy7]

I'm happy to say that my third iMac (second replacement) seems great. There's only a very minimal amount of backlight bleeding this time around. And very minimal yellowing of the bottom half of the screen. It's been a long process but I'm thrilled it all worked out. Good luck to the rest of you in your replacement processes. For now, I think I'll retire from this forum until the next big product launch

That's awesome news! I guess 3rd try is a charm for you.

I emailed Tim Cook a few days ago telling him my issues and just got a phone call from someone in the Executive Customer Support team. I need to call them back to see what they say about my issues with my iMac.

 

[kidwei]

That's awesome news! I guess 3rd try is a charm for you.

I emailed Tim Cook a few days ago telling him my issues and just got a phone call from someone in the Executive Customer Support team. I need to call them back to see what they say about my issues with my iMac.

It's kind of an expectations game I've realized. My first replacement Mac was so much worse in terms if backlight bleed and yellowing that it made my original look acceptable in comparison. My second replacement is just a bit better than my first. It still has some bleed but a bit less and the placement isn't as bad as the first. I don't think there are any absolutely perfect screens and this one seems good enough to me.