I think the problems on the retina imac is no different than the previous imac models. i had a late 2012 imac, after 2 years the screen started giving retentions and I sent it back for repair. My new retina imac works flawlessly so far, but I wont be surprised if something might pop up in the next couple of years. So, Id say go for it, buy now, it wont get any better in coming models, problems can occur, but luckily apple have good customer service...
Is there something so difficult with Apple being able to put out the iMac line without the screen issues that seems to follow it around? I could give a crap about PC companies, but I just don't seem to stumble upon this same issue with other monitors. Or for that matter, with the Thunderbolt Display.
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I think the riMac is one of the most successful machine rollouts Apple has had in a long time.
Basing a decision on complaints on forums like this is hopeless. A thousand-post thread about "yellowing" or whatever is pretty meaningless. The next iMac version will have just as much, if not more complaining. And probably newer 10.11 software, which is just more reason to complain, and then you'll have to wait for another refresh, and then 10.12, and on and on. If you search on "wait" and "imac" you'll see complaints going back to slot loading DV G4s.
If you need or want a retina desktop, get one. There are no more problems with this machine than any other Apple, and anything you buy could go south. If it's too much money to risk, than go the other way, and buy something everyone agrees has no problems, which will mean an older machine without issues, if one exists.
I fully agree with your sentiment. But with the Mac Pro being way more beast than I need, and the new Mac Mini being a rather huge disappointment with it's long await refresh - it only leaves the iMac line - and while I'm not searching for problems, it seems unfathomable to me that it would be so difficult for Apple to release a mid-range computer which doesn't have such high frequencies of screen issues.
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Problem with buying technology is how do you is you are buyng at the right time because there is always a "better" model or version following in a few months time.
Life however, is only a one off and it is not a dress rehearsal.
Carpe diem and enjoy it, I certainly am.
It's kinda my point...it seems there's always a screen issue with every iMac release/refresh. I'm not cowering in a corner waiting for the final best computer to come out, because that stream will never dry up. But wondering why it seems so much to ask to pay $2000+ for a computer and not have hardware issues with it within 6 months.
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iMacs seem to be a difficult bargain. I picked up a non-retina 2013 and returned it because the bottom half of my screen was 25% darker/slightly yellow. Rather than play swap-a-mac I'm holding off to get either a retina iMac directly from Apple this time (less issues with returns) or stick with a 4c MP + NEC monitor since I know those are 99% perfect out of the box every time.
Some people may not be bothered by screen inaccuracies like I mentioned but many an iMac seem to have a combo of backlight bleeding, color temp variations across the screen, or worse like mine, had where a white website was half white, half light gray.
The upside is that if you get a good one + don't care about minor variations any iMac is a great value compared to a MP + Monitor.
This is probably too much information but I'm bummed I sent my machine back today.
Maybe I expect too much. When I place an order for a new MBP from Apple - pay $2500 for it - and it arrives with scratches and marks on it, I am not impressed, happy or satisfied. Ever since Apple switched all of their models over to the grey aluminium builds, I can't recall a single computer I've received from them that wasn't marked up. It's obvious that some people don't care about it, and others do. But if it's that difficult to offer a premium product without blemishes or cosmetic damage, maybe they need to stop manufacturing with such laced QC standards, invest in white gloves or find a new packing method.
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The screen is always going to be an issue. We are always going to hear about issues with any screen. I can only say I have no issues with my iMac except for some slight light bleed on my top screen. Only noticeable when watching youtube clips with black bars on the top of the bottom. Only wait if you want better specs.
But the screen shouldn't always be an issue. Apple can't source out a manufacturer without these issues or collectively manufacture an iMac without such problems?
Or is this overlooked by the hype and fandom?
If I made a Kickstarter and pumped out 10,000 units (paltry compared to Apple, I know), if a handful of them had yellowing and dead pixels and the same screen issues, people would be burning me at the stake.
With Apple sticking forever with the image that their products are always about the users experience, I would think this sort of issue(s) would be nipped in the bud at the onset. Not dragging over into multiple refreshes/updates.
