Early 2010- 3 Returned for refund due to yellow screen
Mid 2010- Kept the 1st i7 as it was perfect
Mid 2010- Kept the 1st i7 as it was perfect
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How many iMac replacements have you had?
- Thread starter Iamthinking
- Start date
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I'm on my 4th - mid 2010 21.5 base model.
1st - Yellow screen bottom right corner
2nd - same issue but darker yellow
3rd - Yellow tint, high pitched dog whistle, cluster of dead pixels
4th - Slight yellow in upper right corner, otherwise perfect. Keeping it as it is for 6-11 months then will get screen replaced under warranty when they've hopefully solved the yellow tint for good.
🙂
1st - Yellow screen bottom right corner
2nd - same issue but darker yellow
3rd - Yellow tint, high pitched dog whistle, cluster of dead pixels
4th - Slight yellow in upper right corner, otherwise perfect. Keeping it as it is for 6-11 months then will get screen replaced under warranty when they've hopefully solved the yellow tint for good.
🙂
Most issues will be immediately apparent. If you avoided getting a system that has obvious defects, they are indeed great computers and last 5+ years.
Sorry, but it's not 1 in 100 and I really wish people would stop making this percentage up. Nobody has absolutely any basis for this claim. The simple fact is that compounding probabilities (which you do mention) tell you there is basically no chance you will get two bad ones in a row assuming 1% defect rate. 1 in 10000 is just such a low probability, especially given incidence rates of multiple returns on here (in the dozens), and that there really aren't enough iMacs sold for the amount of reports on MacRumors to be so high, AND you have to account for people actually detecting the problem AND knowing about MacRumors AND bothering to post. Now factor in the people who have returned not two, but 3 or 4 of these and you can't possibly tell me that only 1 out of every 100 have this defect. Three yellow iMacs is a 1 in a million chance; four, one in a billion. 1 in a million chance basically means ZERO on an individual basis, and could mean essentially zero if the amount of iMacs sold was low enough. Assume they have only sold 1 million 2010 iMacs (They seem to sell 3M total Macs a quarter, so this seems fair) since their release, yet there are people returning FOUR of them for, I assume, entirely brand new iMacs from the store or BTO. (See example below for instance)
Couple this with actual, observed data, like walking into an Apple Store and seeing every iMac in the store exhibit the issue. That's more like a 99% defect rate. But, FYI, I am not claiming any such rate, nor do I care to conjecture.
This gives me some hope. Very few people can detect the problem apparently, given how many people think their screen is perfect on here, and even fewer have finally received one in which the yellowing cannot be detected.
That was originally my plan too... But now I'm going to be forking over ~$2800 for a new one (SSD option, etc.), attempting a repair on this one and then selling it.
So:
27" i7 iMac (Late 2009)
Repairing under warranty for:
- Noisy PSU
- Yellow Screen
- Buzzing Speaker (Developed very recently)
- Magic Mouse is defective (Started cutting out recently)
- Keyboard came defective and I switched back to my wired keyboard.
And then selling it. Buying a 2010 i7 with SSD, so we'll see how that goes when it happens. Might be playing the screen lottery whilst using my old iMac through the process. Then once I'm finally pleased (if ever) I'll be starting the repair process on this computer. Or maybe I'll just get fed up and return the new iMac. We'll see.
21.5" base model here, still the first one. It's got the yellow screen alright, but since it's otherwise flawless and the screen is way better than any other screen I ever used, I am perfectly happy with it.
3 27inch imac finally found a good one.
1- i7 refurb 2009 yellow screen on bottom third of screen
1- i7 refurb 2009 flickering screen, yellow tint was tolerable
the one I kept quad i5 have now seems to be perfect. I would recommend getting a new 2010 imac than refurb due to screen issues, it seems even if people get the refurbs the keep them and make due do but they all seem to have the yellow screen issue.
1- i7 refurb 2009 yellow screen on bottom third of screen
1- i7 refurb 2009 flickering screen, yellow tint was tolerable
the one I kept quad i5 have now seems to be perfect. I would recommend getting a new 2010 imac than refurb due to screen issues, it seems even if people get the refurbs the keep them and make due do but they all seem to have the yellow screen issue.
Don't hold your breath. Posts like yours have been around since this iMac first came out in 2009. Everyone "waited" fo rthe 2010 iMac refresh... guess what - still yellow blotches and gray bars with buzzing sounds.
glxyjones
macrumors regular
1st and 2nd both had yellow tint + gray band + noisy HD. Getting my 3rd one delivered on Friday.
Returned the 2nd iMac last Monday (the 16th) and I just received a shipment notification today!!!! Also, I've called my case rep at Apple, Andrew, last Wed, this Monday, and yesterday and I still haven't heard back from him. Up until now I was extremely happy with Apple's customer service.
Returned the 2nd iMac last Monday (the 16th) and I just received a shipment notification today!!!! Also, I've called my case rep at Apple, Andrew, last Wed, this Monday, and yesterday and I still haven't heard back from him. Up until now I was extremely happy with Apple's customer service.
Mainly wondering about Mid 2010 models myself, though it's nice to hear about other era's and macbooks, etc.
This last time on the merry-rma-go-round, Apple made me take the unit to an Apple Authorized tech, who saw the problem immediately and verified/validated that what I was seeing was not good enough for many tasks.
I'm thinking that given all the hassle of this 3rd time around, I will very likely just hold my nose and keep the next one - I am too beaten down by the return process at this point. I won't be happy about it, though. Perhaps I'll sell it when I can afford to get the 27" (i7).
The 27" iMac screens that I have seen so far have been just beautiful. Really wish the 21.5" screens were as nice (or even 90% as nice).
This last time on the merry-rma-go-round, Apple made me take the unit to an Apple Authorized tech, who saw the problem immediately and verified/validated that what I was seeing was not good enough for many tasks.
I'm thinking that given all the hassle of this 3rd time around, I will very likely just hold my nose and keep the next one - I am too beaten down by the return process at this point. I won't be happy about it, though. Perhaps I'll sell it when I can afford to get the 27" (i7).
The 27" iMac screens that I have seen so far have been just beautiful. Really wish the 21.5" screens were as nice (or even 90% as nice).
aliensporebomb
macrumors 68000
None
None thus far.
Corei7 27" 2.8 ghz purchased 6/26/10.
I do have Applecare in case it craps out on me.
None thus far.
Corei7 27" 2.8 ghz purchased 6/26/10.
I do have Applecare in case it craps out on me.
1. HD failure
2. HD failure
3. Power source failure
4. Cracked screen on arrival
5. Dog whistle noise and power source in process of failing
6. CPU fan never dropped below 2000 rpm
7. Bent stand and lint behind the screen
8. 1/3 of screen went black after 1 day
9. ???
1% return rate that some are quoting seems a little on the slim side. And, for those that will say I'm an OCD crazy person, I purchased a MacBook, iPad, ipod touch, and time capsule this year too. All of them are perfect, never had a single problem. This is definitely an imac problem.
I thought it was a conspiracy theory the first time that someone on this forum mentioned it, but I'm starting to wonder if apple is giving refurbs to customers who return a computer. I know its illegal, and I didn't believe it the first time I heard it. But, it does seem that you either get a perfect computer the first time, or you end up playing the return game until you get tired. From a business perspective it makes sense. The money that you make selling back returns as new will far exceed the fine the government will impose if you get caught doing it. He'll, Dell just got caught for it not to long ago. Anyway, to add fuel to the fire, two of my brand "brand new computers" had a mouse with initials that arnt mine. How did that happen? Pretty sure the mouse didn't change its name between here and NE.
2. HD failure
3. Power source failure
4. Cracked screen on arrival
5. Dog whistle noise and power source in process of failing
6. CPU fan never dropped below 2000 rpm
7. Bent stand and lint behind the screen
8. 1/3 of screen went black after 1 day
9. ???
1% return rate that some are quoting seems a little on the slim side. And, for those that will say I'm an OCD crazy person, I purchased a MacBook, iPad, ipod touch, and time capsule this year too. All of them are perfect, never had a single problem. This is definitely an imac problem.
I thought it was a conspiracy theory the first time that someone on this forum mentioned it, but I'm starting to wonder if apple is giving refurbs to customers who return a computer. I know its illegal, and I didn't believe it the first time I heard it. But, it does seem that you either get a perfect computer the first time, or you end up playing the return game until you get tired. From a business perspective it makes sense. The money that you make selling back returns as new will far exceed the fine the government will impose if you get caught doing it. He'll, Dell just got caught for it not to long ago. Anyway, to add fuel to the fire, two of my brand "brand new computers" had a mouse with initials that arnt mine. How did that happen? Pretty sure the mouse didn't change its name between here and NE.
Yes the more I read on here I agree.
Its just the imac ticks all the boxes i want in a computer. I'm back to my old dell now and its a nightmare 🙁.
I was thinking about a MBP but I'm not sure as I wont be using it outside my home.
I've never had a mac before but the short time I had it I was really impressed its just a shame the screens let the imacs down.
RunnyCustard
macrumors member
2 so far... but still have dodgy screen!
I got an late 2008 24" iMac and within 10 months the drive failed completely... took over a week to fit a new Hard Drive - 12 months later (practically to the day!) the Hard drive failed again (not completely this time but it was impossible to do anything) took 2 weeks to fit a new drive that was larger 500gb instead of 340gb which is nice... but some of my programs don't work now and I can't update or reinstall stuff... the screen was perfect until the first drive went and they replaced it (I don't know why!) and since then it has these light patches at the top and botton... also some yellowing, they were suppose to fix that but said they would have to keep my computer for a lot longer and I couldn't go without it for that time period so I still need to get that sorted at some point.
I hope it doesn't happen again - I don't drive so I have to get a cab to take it there and take it home and my nearest store is regents street in London which is always packed and takes a week just to get an appointment!
I am a mature student so at least I did get a 3 year warranty which they don't do anymore - I have a friend buying an iMac soon as a student and she says that she will only get one years warranty.
I still prefer my iMac over any previous pc that I had in the past
😀
I got an late 2008 24" iMac and within 10 months the drive failed completely... took over a week to fit a new Hard Drive - 12 months later (practically to the day!) the Hard drive failed again (not completely this time but it was impossible to do anything) took 2 weeks to fit a new drive that was larger 500gb instead of 340gb which is nice... but some of my programs don't work now and I can't update or reinstall stuff... the screen was perfect until the first drive went and they replaced it (I don't know why!) and since then it has these light patches at the top and botton... also some yellowing, they were suppose to fix that but said they would have to keep my computer for a lot longer and I couldn't go without it for that time period so I still need to get that sorted at some point.
I hope it doesn't happen again - I don't drive so I have to get a cab to take it there and take it home and my nearest store is regents street in London which is always packed and takes a week just to get an appointment!
I am a mature student so at least I did get a 3 year warranty which they don't do anymore - I have a friend buying an iMac soon as a student and she says that she will only get one years warranty.
I still prefer my iMac over any previous pc that I had in the past
😀
What Apple is playing with is their brand name magic. It is hard to put a dollar number on it and Apple is apparently not concerned. Your story is telling though...
Tom B.
glxyjones
macrumors regular
Your post scares the crap out of me, 9 iMacs!?!?!
I'm receiving my 3rd iMac on Friday and if this one is bad too, I can't help but think that the refurb conspiracy is true. How did Dell get caught doing this?
One more thought, maybe you should email Steve Jobs directly and describe your case? Some people reported doing just that, with good results. I don't remember the address, but it should be somewhere in the archives (something like steve.jobs@apple.com, or something). And no, I don't think it goes to Steve Jobs inbox directly...😀
Tom B.
Perfect hardware here
G4 Power Mac about 7-8 years ago--perfect. 🙂
MacBook 1-2 years ago--perfect. 🙂
Brand new 27" i5 quad core iMac--perfect.😀
"Free" iPod touch--haven't tried it yet.
G4 Power Mac about 7-8 years ago--perfect. 🙂
MacBook 1-2 years ago--perfect. 🙂
Brand new 27" i5 quad core iMac--perfect.😀
"Free" iPod touch--haven't tried it yet.
iMac 1: yellow screen, buzzing/whistling
iMac 2: no way it was new- yellow screen, buzzing/whistling, scratched base, backlight bleed, dust und the screen.
iMac 3: arrives today... not holding my breath. I am willing to live with a yellow screen if thats the only issue.
🙁
iMac 2: no way it was new- yellow screen, buzzing/whistling, scratched base, backlight bleed, dust und the screen.
iMac 3: arrives today... not holding my breath. I am willing to live with a yellow screen if thats the only issue.
🙁
PatriotInvasion
macrumors 68000
I have a thread up now, but has anyone received a full replacement in an Apple Store AFTER the 14 days was up? I'll be attempting that tonight for a few small flaws in my 27" iMac.
PS - I've had a quote in a few posts criticizing people for being sooo picky and getting replacement after replacement. And then I started to notice flaws in mine and am hopping on the bandwagon.
For a $2,000 computer I'll be staring at for 3 years...I don't want to have any negative feelings towards it.
PS - I've had a quote in a few posts criticizing people for being sooo picky and getting replacement after replacement. And then I started to notice flaws in mine and am hopping on the bandwagon.
For a $2,000 computer I'll be staring at for 3 years...I don't want to have any negative feelings towards it.
Two! iMacs-27, first one yellow tint and strong grey band. Second one: April 2010, no yellow tint and just a very, very faint grey bar hardly noticable, otherwise very clean.'
I settled for the second one, reason: poitless looking for absoloute perfect 27, doesnt exist.
True! any problems are apparent right from the start!
I settled for the second one, reason: poitless looking for absoloute perfect 27, doesnt exist.
True! any problems are apparent right from the start!
Welcome to the dark side.
Apple Customer Service is supposed to be quite good. Simply call them.
Tom B.