Teardown of New 21.5-inch iMac Reveals Glued Down LCD and Dual Microphones

[sambaphoto]

Warranty

Where do you get the idea that it voids the warranty? I can't speak for the sock monkey hostel, but in the US you're fine. Unless the later failure was caused by the work you did, your warranty is fine.

Certainly, the easiest way to avoid that potential eventuality is to not do the work yourself in the first place, but if you're competent enough to be doing the work in the first place, you shouldn't be worried about it.

4. What kind of activities are excluded from my warranty coverage?
Apple’s One-Year Limited Warranty for iMac excludes coverage for damage resulting from a number of events, including accident, liquid spill or submersion, unauthorized service and unauthorized modifications. If damage is outside the scope of warranty coverage, service may be available through a local AASP or an Apple retail store, but all service charges will be your responsibility. In such an event, you will be asked to approve the estimated charges and accept the terms and conditions for service before authorizing the repair. If the repair is performed at an Apple retail store Apple's Repair Terms and Conditions will govern service. Repair service for a iMac that has experienced catastrophic damage, for example extensive liquid damage or a severe impact that results in the product being disassembled into multiple pieces, is generally not available and not eligible for service.


This is from the iMac-FAQ......

 

[charlituna]

You bash a company for selling Torx screwdrivers, then praise another for making it hard to access usually easy to access stuff so they can gouge you at their own stores for normally simple repairs?
.

I'm not sure how an extra $169 to have unlimited free repairs for defects for three years is gouging

With the way tech is changing it doesn't make sense to hang onto systems for ages. Especially if you are using it any kind of work. Businesses like my employer budget in to change hardware every 2-3 years for this reason. So we buy Apple Care and when it runs out we just replace the machine.

Many families work on similar systems with their baseline off the shelf computer. Except now instead of spending $500 a year on a questionably reliable 'cheap' PC, its roughly $1400 for 3 years

 

[theSeb]

I'm not sure how an extra $169 to have unlimited free repairs for defects for three years is gouging

With the way tech is changing it doesn't make sense to hang onto systems for ages. Especially if you are using it any kind of work. Businesses like my employer budget in to change hardware every 2-3 years for this reason. So we buy Apple Care and when it runs out we just replace the machine.

Many families work on similar systems with their baseline off the shelf computer. Except now instead of spending $500 a year on a questionably reliable 'cheap' PC, its roughly $1400 for 3 years

So people should just be stupid consumers and accept the planned obsolescence that is built into more and more of our appliances? Good suggestion.

 

[rumplestiltskin]

Mediocre

Well, I suppose this is one way to make the Mac Pro more attractive: Make the iMac less so.

I guess this is what Apple believes iOS device users expect. Swap it out in two years for the next "no user serviceable parts inside" model.

I was ready to spend $2500 for a top of the line iMac but, after noting the take-apart and the downgrading of the internal components, I bought a new mini with a Core i7...and I get to keep a FireWire port that the iMac now doesn't have.

Sorry; the iMac has become a mediocre design. Jony Ive will be the death of Apple.

 

[JohnDoe98]

Really? Have you actually read the terms and conditions of the warranty?

Yes I have. I think you need to read more attentively, so allow me to help.

Apple’s One-Year Limited Warranty for iMac excludes coverage for damage resulting from a number of events, including accident, liquid spill or submersion, unauthorized service and unauthorized modifications.

In other words, unauthorized service, and unauthorized modifications only void the warranty if there is damage as a result of that service/modification, not otherwise.

Replacing the HD yourself in an iMac is an "unauthorised modification" that is not performed by Apple or an AASP. The terms and conditions are pretty clear and there is no room for misinterpretation.

Exactly, again key emphasis is on damage. The only clause potentially in conflict is (g), however the good news is changing the HD and RAM does not change the functionality or the capabilities of the machine in the relevant sense. What they mean there is over-clocking components above spec, and other such enhancements/mods. Using RAM or HDs that are within spec of the computer is perfectly legitimate.

In a nutshell, you're not authorised to open up the iMac and modify it. If you do, your warranty is void.

I don't think so.

 

[TeamMojo]

IFixit always seems to be under the impression that Apple has an obligation to make products to fit iFixit's business model. Not to mention the rest of us who like to take things apart. Nope.

I'll echo the sentiment here having taken apart many Aluminium iMacs over the years that the screen cleaning/ lint issue is by far the hardest part of the job. So this new iMac will actually be easier to work with.

As with all of these "outrages" whenever Apple does anything, this too is much ado about nothing.

 

[theSeb]

4. What kind of activities are excluded from my warranty coverage?
Apple’s One-Year Limited Warranty for iMac excludes coverage for damage resulting from a number of events, including accident, liquid spill or submersion, unauthorized service and unauthorized modifications. If damage is outside the scope of warranty coverage, service may be available through a local AASP or an Apple retail store, but all service charges will be your responsibility. In such an event, you will be asked to approve the estimated charges and accept the terms and conditions for service before authorizing the repair. If the repair is performed at an Apple retail store Apple's Repair Terms and Conditions will govern service. Repair service for a iMac that has experienced catastrophic damage, for example extensive liquid damage or a severe impact that results in the product being disassembled into multiple pieces, is generally not available and not eligible for service.


This is from the iMac-FAQ......

This is not the actual part of the warranty that is being discussed. I think it's kind of obvious that if you break the computer whilst upgrading it yourself, you lose the warranty. The point that is being discussed is whether opening an iMac to upgrade the hard drive yourself voids the warranty. The answer is yes.

This warranty does not apply: ... (g) to an Apple Product that has been modified to alter functionality or capability without the written permission of Apple;

So what happens f you open up the iMac, upgrade the hard drive, put it back together and then a completely unrelated component fails many months later?

If Apple sees the upgraded hard drive, your warranty is void
If you remove the hard drive and put the original one back in, but Apple sees that you've taken the iMac apart, then your warranty is void.

I am not sure why there is confusion about this.

 

[Renzatic]

From what I'm reading, it all depends on if Apple considers replacing a drive in the new iMac models as "user serviceable" or not. They did so in the very recent past, but with the newer iMacs and MBPs making them a bit of a chore to get to, I'm not so sure now.

The general consensus is that if you don't screw anything up while rooting around in the iMacs guts, Apple won't say anything. And hey, if I don't feel like doing it, I've got an authorized Apple specialist not even 15 minutes down the street.

...I dunno, though. Still kinda iffy on it. I mean it's just replacing a hard drive...

 

[WilliamG]

My 2011 never felt so awesome.

My 2006 model definitely failed at the right time last year.

I believe I have the best iMac there is if you look at all factors such as repairability, performance, etc...

I'll take the peace of mind knowing I can fix something myself in the worst case over a thin bezel I don't ever see anyways any day, thankyouverymuch.

Glassed Silver:mac

I'll take the 2012 over the 2011 ANY day. Why? Because it's a more powerful machine. I'd bet I can take apart a 2012 and put it back together faster than the 2009-2011 models. The 2009-2011 model is far more nerve wracking with all the screws and dust etc.

I seriously do NOT know why people are making a huge fuss over the 2012. The screen comes off EASILY with a plastic pry tool, and the adhesive just comes off in one piece. You just slap a new piece down and you're done.

How often are you intending to open your iMacs anyway? Let's face it, - we'll probably open it once, - MAYBE twice to replace a hard drive/SSD, and that's it. I'd rather have some easily replaceable adhesive than that dust that's almost impossible to completely remove from in between the glass and LCD as it is on the 2009-2011.

 

[JohnDoe98]

Just to repeat

(g) to an Apple Product that has been modified to alter functionality or capability without the written permission of Apple;

Section 102 c of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty act prohibits Tie-In-Sales provisions under the warranty contract. Here is an example given by the FTC of something prohibited:

In order to keep your new Plenum Brand Vacuum Cleaner warranty in effect, you must use genuine Plenum Brand Filter Bags. Failure to have scheduled maintenance performed, at your expense, by the Great American Maintenance Company, Inc., voids this warranty.

Changing the brand of HD or RAM in your machine is analogous to changing the brand of filters in your vacuum cleaner. So again the modifications we are talking about in clause (g) is of a totally different kind. It would be like when you sup-up your car engine. Well then it is no longer covered by the manufacturer warranty because you have taken the engine beyond spec.

 

[theSeb]

Yes I have. I think you need to read more attentively, so allow me to help.



In other words, unauthorized service, and unauthorized modifications only void the warranty if there is damage as a result of that service/modification, not otherwise.



Exactly, again key emphasis is on damage. The only clause potentially in conflict is (g), however the good news is changing the HD and RAM does not change the functionality or the capabilities of the machine in the relevant sense. What they mean there is over-clocking components above spec, and other such enhancements/mods. Using RAM or HDs that are within spec of the computer is perfectly legitimate.



I don't think so.

Thanks for the condescending and childish tone. I suggest that you employ your superior reading skills to actually read and understand my post. Try it a couple of times until you get it. Let me make it easier for you and point out the ACTUAL part of the warranty that I am referring to. I would expect an individual, with such an over-inflated sense of importance such as yourself, to have been able to comprehend the contents of my post without me having to point it out. Maybe take a step back and consider that you're not quite as smart as your purport to be on this forum?

This warranty does not apply: ... (g) to an Apple Product that has been modified to alter functionality or capability without the written permission of Apple;[/b]

 

[gotluck]

I'm not sure how an extra $169 to have unlimited free repairs for defects for three years is gouging

With the way tech is changing it doesn't make sense to hang onto systems for ages. Especially if you are using it any kind of work. Businesses like my employer budget in to change hardware every 2-3 years for this reason. So we buy Apple Care and when it runs out we just replace the machine.

Many families work on similar systems with their baseline off the shelf computer. Except now instead of spending $500 a year on a questionably reliable 'cheap' PC, its roughly $1400 for 3 years

Or you can pay likely less than 1400 for a better than cheap pc, upgrade it later on for a couple hundred dollars and have it last 6 years (and not be slow).

My current main machine is from 2006 and still handles everything i need, including gaming with modern titles.

 

[charlituna]

What "average user" needs an i7 processor with 32GB of ram?

None. But some of them will buy it because they can.

And such upgrades are how Apple makes the machines possible for more than average use. IF one can handle the limitations. If one can't, buy something else

 

[sambaphoto]

So what happens f you open up the iMac, upgrade the hard drive, put it back together and then a completely unrelated component fails many months later?

If Apple sees the upgraded hard drive, your warranty is void
If you remove the hard drive and put the original one back in, but Apple sees that you've taken the iMac apart, then your warranty is void.

I am not sure why there is confusion about this.

That's exactly, how I understand it. So, from Apples perspective it's forbidden to repair the Mac yourself, or you will void the warranty.

 

[theSeb]

Section 102 c of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty act prohibits Tie-In-Sales provisions under the warranty contract. Here is an example given by the FTC of something prohibited:



Changing the brand of HD or RAM in your machine is analogous to changing the brand of filters in your vacuum cleaner. So again the modifications we are talking about in clause (g) is of a totally different kind. It would be like when you sup-up your car engine. Well then it is no longer covered by the manufacturer warranty because you have taken the engine beyond spec.

This is simply false and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act does not apply here. If it did and it was a consideration, then Apple would not be putting in a propriety power connector for the hard drive. The fact is that changing the hard drive in a 2011 iMac requires more than just taking it apart and putting in a different drive in order for the temperature sensors to work. A similar situation has existed since 2009.

For the main 3.5″ SATA hard drive bay in the new 2011 machines, Apple has altered the SATA power connector itself from a standard 4-wire power configuration to a 7-wire configuration. Hard drive temperature control is regulated by a combination of this cable and Apple proprietary firmware on the hard drive itself. From our testing, we’ve found that removing this drive from the system, or even from that bay itself, causes the machine’s hard drive fans to spin at maximum speed and replacing the drive with any non-Apple original drive will result in the iMac failing the Apple Hardware Test (AHT).

In the end people found ways around this

 

[charlituna]

I wouldn't trust "common knowledge".

You could also read the terms which Apple has had posted in their website for years.m

 

[theSeb]

From what I'm reading, it all depends on if Apple considers replacing a drive in the new iMac models as "user serviceable" or not. They did so in the very recent past, but with the newer iMacs and MBPs making them a bit of a chore to get to, I'm not so sure now.

The general consensus is that if you don't screw anything up while rooting around in the iMacs guts, Apple won't say anything. And hey, if I don't feel like doing it, I've got an authorized Apple specialist not even 15 minutes down the street.

...I dunno, though. Still kinda iffy on it. I mean it's just replacing a hard drive...

The HDD in the iMac has not been user serviceable for a long time. I am not sure from when exactly though, but since 2009 Apple has tried to make it even more difficult to upgrade the hard drive in the iMac, without a technical need for this.

Since Late 2009, there’s been a well-documented issue with the iMac line. If you upgrade the hard drive, the fans can start spinning like crazy. The fans at high speed are loud, mainly unnecessary, and have caused a lot of headaches for DIYers everywhere.

The reason the fans spin this way has to do with the iMac’s method of hard drive temperature sensing. Prior to 2009, sensors were placed outside the hard drive to gauge how warm the drives were – if they got too hot, the fans turned on to keep everything nice and cool. This method was simple, effective and made changing, exchanging, or upgrading the main hard drive a relatively simple task.

The only part that is "user serviceable" in the 2011 iMac is the RAM. The iMac manual is clear on this.

 

[JohnDoe98]

Thanks for the condescending and childish tone. I suggest that you employ your superior reading skills to actually read and understand my post. Try it a couple of times until you get it. Let me make it easier for you and point out the ACTUAL part of the warranty that I am referring to. I though some people may not understand, but I would expect an individual, with such an over-inflated sense of importance such as yourself, to have been able to comprehend the contents of my post without me having to point it. Maybe take a step back and consider that you're not quite as smart as your purport to be on this forum?

Look, if your post was really about clause (g) and not the other ones that are only about damages caused by the repair, you would have only quoted part (g) of the warranty. But rather than do that, what you did was post the other sections and then you even went so far as to bold parts of the warranty in a manner that distorted the meaning of the contract, in what seems to be an intentional attempt to mislead the readers on this forum. I thought was disingenuous, and that's why I adopted the tone that I did.

This warranty does not apply: ... (g) to an Apple Product that has been modified to alter functionality or capability without the written permission of Apple;[/b]

What is it about this clause that you do not understand how it applies to taking your iMac apart to upgrade the hard drive? Do I need to go to a simpler level?

Well, I've responded to that in another post. I await your response to my comments there.

 

[charlituna]

Actually, no. If that were the case, there would be absolutely no point to the mandatory 2 year warranty.

But in fact that is how it works and if you actually read the laws in question you would know that.

Although they are called 'warranties' the EU laws are really more of an extended period lemon law. NOT a warranty in the sense that Apple uses the term which is 'anything we can't prove you caused by damage or tampering'

 

[theSeb]

That's exactly, how I understand it. So, from Apples perspective it's forbidden to repair the Mac yourself, or you will void the warranty.

Indeed. I cannot understand why people think otherwise. The fact that Apple have now gone with industrial adhesive, instead of magnets, makes it even more obvious that they really don't want you to take the iMac apart.

 

[Renzatic]

That's exactly, how I understand it. So, from Apples perspective it's forbidden to repair the Mac yourself, or you will void the warranty.

There are some things that are officially deemed user upgradeable on a Mac. The hard drive used to be one. Whether it is now or not is the big question here.

Though I did think of something that could make all this academic: thunderbolt drives. In theory, they'd be as quick as any internal SSD, and you wouldn't have to open up your iMac at all to add or replace one. If one goes bad, I could pop it out of the enclosure and replace it in a 10th of the time it'd take me to do one even in a full sized ATX tower.

I might look into this, too. If it works just as well, there's no reason to even bother with an internal drive.

 

[charlituna]

There is no conflict of interest with iFixit. Their job is to rate repairability, and detail steps to repair and upgrade a device.

No their job is to get page hits and sell parts and tools. If something can't be easily fixed folks will go to the experts rather than buying from iFixIt and hitting their pages.

Nothing more or less. No matter how much you try to believe otherwise.

 

[theSeb]

Look, if your post was really about clause (g) and not the other ones that are only about damages caused by the repair, you would have only quoted part (g) of the warranty. But rather than do that, what you did was post the other sections and then you even went so far as to bold parts of the warranty in a manner that distorted the meaning of the contract, in what seems to be an intentional attempt to mislead the readers on this forum. I thought was disingenuous, and that's why I adopted the tone that I did.



Well, I've responded to that in another post. I await your response to my comments there.

It definitely was, but I was too lazy to concentrate on one thing since I am trying to multitask. I was trying to point out the two important factors here

1. Damage caused by repairs/upgrades
2. Unauthorised upgrades

I think it's pretty clear and there is no need for us to get upset. I've responded to your other comments in post 390

We all agree on point 1 (I think), but we seem to have a lot of misunderstanding around point 2.

 

[charlituna]

So people should just be stupid consumers and accept the planned obsolescence that is built into more and more of our appliances? Good suggestion.

When doing so means getting a new machine that is several times more powerful at the same or less cost than what you are trying to beat like a dead horse. For many, the answer is an easy yes.

 

[brentsg]

IFixit always seems to be under the impression that Apple has an obligation to make products to fit iFixit's business model. Not to mention the rest of us who like to take things apart. Nope.

I'll echo the sentiment here having taken apart many Aluminium iMacs over the years that the screen cleaning/ lint issue is by far the hardest part of the job. So this new iMac will actually be easier to work with.

As with all of these "outrages" whenever Apple does anything, this too is much ado about nothing.

I agree, I'm getting tired of the obligatory iFixit whine. It's like they're some kind of self appointed industry watchdog.