The 2012 27" iMac is a fantastic system marred by poor quality control.

[The Monkey]

That is a VERY odd issue. Now you mention it, I recall reading your post about this. I'd imagine you're one of very, very few people this issue affects. Not that it makes your complaint any less valid, of course... A shame.

It definitely is weird. And I think it's probably just one of those things. part of me thinks there will be a firmware update down the road, but all other reports indicate that RAM upgrades are no problem, so I guess I just got unlucky.

First world problems are still problems!

 

[WilliamG]

It definitely is weird. And I think it's probably just one of those things. part of me thinks there will be a firmware update down the road, but all other reports indicate that RAM upgrades are no problem, so I guess I just got unlucky.

First world problems are still problems!

They are indeed! And bear in mind, my BTO order of the i7 was the ONLY iMac out of all the replacements that had the curious coil-whine from the GPU under GPU load. So much for the BTO route, eh?

 

[The Monkey]

They are indeed! And bear in mind, my BTO order of the i7 was the ONLY iMac out of all the replacements that had the curious coil-whine from the GPU under GPU load. So much for the BTO route, eh?

It is a real PITA that they don't have the high end configs in store.

 

[Nararabbit]

I have the iMac in question, purchased by my in-laws when I was on bedrest as a present. (lucky, I know.) I dearly love this computer, and have had absolutely 0 issues with the screen, the processor, the drive - nothing. I game on it, as well as do online spanish lessons which require a lot of processor power and they go off without a hitch. I don't doubt the OP - there is no perfect product out there. But I did want to assuage somewhat the fears of people wanting this machine - a great one is possible, and I never needed to exchange it or anything.

 

[edry.hilario]

Sorry you had to go through this crap. Believe me when I tell you I know how this feels and I'm glad your situation got sorted out. Cheers

 

[crows]

I bought my BTO iMac first Apple computer I own and I can honestly say I will not buy another iMac again this display issues should not happen, that is why Quality Control exists it's just not being checked at the factory. The thing is that aside from the display I was impressed with the iMac and giving Apple a change to make it right I am still waiting for them to give me a flawless iMac. Similar to a previous post this time they told me they were going to check the unit themselves before sending it to the store that I left my previous unit. Let's see if 3 times is the charm for me and I get a good unit.

 

[WilliamG]

It is a real PITA that they don't have the high end configs in store.

They do have the high-end iMac in store. My BTO was the same spec without the fusion disk. The high-end, $2599 model available in store is a 3.4ghz i7, 8GB RAM, 2GB 680MX, 1TB fusion. I paid some of the difference to switch to the fusion model to avoid the wait period for another BTO.

----------

I bought my BTO iMac first Apple computer I own and I can honestly say I will not buy another iMac again this display issues should not happen, that is why Quality Control exists it's just not being checked at the factory. The thing is that aside from the display I was impressed with the iMac and giving Apple a change to make it right I am still waiting for them to give me a flawless iMac. Similar to a previous post this time they told me they were going to check the unit themselves before sending it to the store that I left my previous unit. Let's see if 3 times is the charm for me and I get a good unit.

The problem is that they build these systems in very-well lit factories. So light bleed etc is impossible to see under these conditions.

 

[FreemanW]

. . . . . What's interesting about this all is that today that 4th unit was sent on it's way and instead of coming from Shanghai, China (like my previous 3 units), it's coming from San Jose, California. Take from that what you want. I'm not one to have a general negative opinion on Chinese produced goods, but I'm seriously hoping that a good ol' "ASSEMBLED IN THE USA" label results in a perfect unit (and yes, I know that a majority of the "guts" will still be Chinese produced).

I would be astonished if your unit that is coming to you via San Jose was not assembled in China. It is coming from Apple Headquarters following a careful inspection.

iMac units are not being manufactured or assembled anywhere but Shanghai, CN.

I placed my order at 1:40 AM on Nov 30 and received my iMac on the 13th. It is pristine and perfect (so much for the Georgio method of waiting )

 

[The Monkey]

I have the iMac in question, purchased by my in-laws when I was on bedrest as a present. (lucky, I know.) I dearly love this computer, and have had absolutely 0 issues with the screen, the processor, the drive - nothing. I game on it, as well as do online spanish lessons which require a lot of processor power and they go off without a hitch. I don't doubt the OP - there is no perfect product out there. But I did want to assuage somewhat the fears of people wanting this machine - a great one is possible, and I never needed to exchange it or anything.

I've got a bunch of Apple Stores around me, so in the grand scheme of things, I'd prefer for the perfect one to go to someone on bedrest. Hope you're feeling better.

They do have the high-end iMac in store. My BTO was the same spec without the fusion disk. The high-end, $2599 model available in store is a 3.4ghz i7, 8GB RAM, 2GB 680MX, 1TB fusion. I paid some of the difference to switch to the fusion model to avoid the wait period for another BTO.

Do you know if they have the 3.4 i7 with the SSD in stores? The SSD is what makes the difference to me, as I would prefer to stay away from the Fusion Drive.

 

[WilliamG]

Do you know if they have the 3.4 i7 with the SSD in stores? The SSD is what makes the difference to me, as I would prefer to stay away from the Fusion Drive.

No, just the fusion. I split my fusion anyway, since I didn't want to use the system that way.

 

[The Monkey]

I updated my other thread about this, but after a couple of hours with Apple Care support and in the Apple Store, first it was decided to replace the logic board and now they're just going to swap out the machine for me. That's a good result (probably for both me and Apple).

So, just as it's important to me to hold Apple (or any company) accountable for QC problems, so too is it important to recognize how they respond to those problems. And this is about as good as it gets. It took a little while, but Apple is doing the right thing for me, as has been my experience repeatedly over the last 7 or so years. I was wondering earlier if perhaps I had become too invested in the Apple "ecosystem." Well, this is why I only buy Apple computers now. Hopefully, the replacement process goes smoothly. We'll see...

 

[WilliamG]

I updated my other thread about this, but after a couple of hours with Apple Care support and in the Apple Store, first it was decided to replace the logic board and now they're just going to swap out the machine for me. That's a good result (probably for both me and Apple).

So, just as it's important to me to hold Apple (or any company) accountable for QC problems, so too is it important to recognize how they respond to those problems. And this is about as good as it gets. It took a little while, but Apple is doing the right thing for me, as has been my experience repeatedly over the last 7 or so years. I was wondering earlier if perhaps I had become too invested in the Apple "ecosystem." Well, this is why I only buy Apple computers now. Hopefully, the replacement process goes smoothly. We'll see...

Great news! I hope your replacement will be as good as it can be.

 

[torana355]

I personally think that a lot of the complaints are centered around the display. Whether it's uneven lighting, yellowing, backlight bleed, image retention, etc., Apple is taking a hit on the displays. From what I understand this new design uses the same LG display panels that the 2011 model used and that model didn't have widespread display problems. Perhaps its the new lamination process as part of the new design? Perhaps LG has tweaked their manufacturing process at the behest of Apple and their new iMac design or to save cost, and as a result they're producing inferior displays? Who knows. It's just a shame that such a beautiful system is marred by poor displays, and that the QC process is allowing such units to be shipped to eagerly waiting customers.

The thing is the 2009 -2011 iMacs with the LG panels had the exact same issues, we have 3 of them at work all with various light bleed, IPS Glow, yellowing and image retention issues. When i got my MBA i made sure i got one with the Samsung panel for the very same reason. I definitely think Apple would have been better off using Samsung panels but we all know about the battle going on between Apple and Samsung so i don't see Apple going back to them any time soon.

 

[WilliamG]

The thing is the 2009 -2011 iMacs with the LG panels had the exact same issues, we have 3 of them at work all with various light bleed, IPS Glow, yellowing and image retention issues. When i got my MBA i made sure i got one with the Samsung panel for the very same reason. I definitely think Apple would have been better off using Samsung panels but we all know about the battle going on between Apple and Samsung so i don't see Apple going back to them any time soon.

I would love to see some pictures of all three of those 2009-2011 iMacs, side-by-side, with image retention. I find it very, very hard to believe that you'd have three systems at work, with all three experiencing image retention. So call me a cynic.

I've still yet to personally see a 2012 iMac with image retention, though I know those exist.

 

[drambuie]

No, just the fusion. I split my fusion anyway, since I didn't want to use the system that way.

After the fusion split, I assume that the SSD retained the Macintosh HD label, but was the 1TB HDD named automatically, or did you have to assign a name to it?

 

[WilliamG]

After the fusion split, I assume that the SSD retained the Macintosh HD label, but was the 1TB HDD named automatically, or did you have to assign a name to it?

Nothing maintained anything. There's a thread in this iMac forum that has a ton of information. You have to type a few commands in Terminal to make things work etc, rename drives etc.

 

[torana355]

I would love to see some pictures of all three of those 2009-2011 iMacs, side-by-side, with image retention. I find it very, very hard to believe that you'd have three systems at work, with all three experiencing image retention. So call me a cynic.

I've still yet to personally see a 2012 iMac with image retention, though I know those exist.

They all have different issues, they all have light bleed and ips glow and 2 of them have IR. Put simply i would prefer a Samsung panel be used in the iMacs, for example look at the IR issues with the LG retina MBP laptops, the Samsung versions do not have the issue.

Im actually very happy with my 2012 iMac and i have not needed to exchange yet. It has VERY minor light bleed, No yellowing whatsoever and only gets IR when the same high contrast image is left on the screen for many hours, it does not get it using the grid test for 15 mins like many other people are getting. In day to day use its perfect for me and that is all that matters i guess. All that said until Apple stop using LG there are going to be issues on some panels.

 

[WilliamG]

They all have different issues, they all have light bleed and ips glow and 2 of them have IR. Put simply i would prefer a Samsung panel be used in the iMacs, for example look at the IR issues with the LG retina MBP laptops, the Samsung versions do not have the issue.

Im actually very happy with my 2012 iMac and i have not needed to exchange yet. It has VERY minor light bleed, No yellowing whatsoever and only gets IR when the same high contrast image is left on the screen for many hours, it does not get it using the grid test for 15 mins like many other people are getting. In day to day use its perfect for me and that is all that matters i guess. All that said until Apple stop using LG there are going to be issues on some panels.

Well, first it's called the IPS glow because all IPS panels have it. So that's nothing unusual. My current iMac has some very minor light bleed, and no yellowing or IR, so that's good I suppose.

I agree that LG's track record lately has not been so great. Hopefully Apple takes them to task for this. In general, LG panels are actually very good, so I'm not sure what's going on lately. As I've said numerous times in the past, my 2009 27" iMac LG panel performed flawlessly for 3 years. It did develop some kind of white "splotch" in the panel just before the warranty expired, but aside from that it never had any IR or light bleed, not even when leaving the same image up for 16-24 hours straight.

 

[torana355]

Well, first it's called the IPS glow because all IPS panels have it.

Sorry that's not true, some panels use a A-TW polarizer which gets rid of the IPS glow

In general, LG panels are actually very good

LG do makes some decent large screen LED tv's like the LG 55LM8600 but im not so sure about the computer monitor range, i think Samsung are much better in this category.

I wont get into the IR argument with you again as we have agreed to disagree

 

[WilliamG]

Sorry that's not true, some panels use a A-TW polarizer which gets rid of the IPS glow



LG do makes some decent large screen LED tv's like the LG 55LM8600 but im not so sure about the computer monitor range, i think Samsung are much better in this category.

I wont get into the IR argument with you again as we have agreed to disagree

Can you name any ATW LCDs out there today?

Thought not.

And I had numerous Samsung TVs with issues. Go Google "Samsung TV clouding" or "Samsung TV mura."

No manufacturer is perfect.

 

[torana355]

Can you name any ATW LCDs out there today?

Thought not.

LG W2420R
HP LP2480ZX
Quato IP240-EX

Shall i go on??? Manufacturers have stop using it to reduce costs but there are still some available.

Also i know every manufacturer has problems but if you think LG makes better panels then Samsung you really need to educate yourself a little more

 

[WilliamG]

Can you name any ATW LCDs out there today?

Thought not.

And I had numerous Samsung TVs with issues. Go Google "Samsung TV clouding" or "Samsung TV mura."

No manufacturer is perfect.

LG W2420R
HP LP2480ZX
Quato IP240-EX

Shall i go on??? Manufacturers have stop using it to reduce costs but there are still some available.

Also i know every manufacturer has problems but if you think LG makes better panels then Samsung you really need to educate yourself a little more

Well Googled. Still, you failed to answer my original question. There are none really available today, especially at any reasonable cost. Just old stock from yesteryear. "Available," to me, also does not equal buying off someone on Craigslist.

And please tell me where I said that LG makes better panels than Samsung? I just said that all manufacturers have their issues. Samsung is not immune.

Please don't derail this thread.

 

[suchaweird]

This thread really draws a sad picture... after spending a lot of money on the iMac a lot of people seem to be concerned with the quality of the product that they are going to get. After weeks of waiting in many cases... Not the kind of thing one would expect with Apple or with this kind of price.

I'm waiting for my BTO iMac. I'm using MacBooks for a while but this is my first iMac and so far i never had a single issue with apple products. The iMac is VERY expensive by any standards (also because I'm paying like 30% for being in Europe with local VATs and stuff) as it's the top configuration available from Apple, but I'm happy to pay the premium for premium product and Apple quality. However, if there will be any kind of issue with the iMac, my heart will be broken and I will just take my money back. Apple will also have to come up with something really cool to make me consider iMac again if I will have bad experience.

 

[Hexley]

I dont know if this is a feature or a flaw with the 2012 but when the computer goes to sleep I cannot wake it up by merely typing on the wireless keyboard or the magic trackpad.

With my 2007 I can wake up my iMac by typing on the wired keyboard or mouse.

I wake up my 2012 by tapping the power button. I am not used to it but that's the case.

Could you guys list all the failures of your 2012 iMacs so I can use it as a checklist?

I have less than 48 hours before I can RMA this iMac. When it lapses I have to put up with repairs and not a replacement.

I am glad I got my iMac 12 weeks after I ordered. It gave enough people enough time to report back possible flaws. Whether they are factual, fictional, trivial or deal breakers.

Mind you my iMac sat in one warehouse from 1/24/13 until 7 days ago in Singapore.

 

[Nararabbit]

I dont know if this is a feature or a flaw with the 2012 but when the computer goes to sleep I cannot wake it up by merely typing on the wireless keyboard or the magic trackpad.

With my 2007 I can wake up my iMac by typing on the wired keyboard or mouse.

I wake up my 2012 by tapping the power button. I am not used to it but that's the case.

That is how I wake mine also. I found it a bit weird at first, actually I thought the computer was dead, then my husband showed me. I suspect it is because I use bluetooth accessories, and the iMac can't "see" them when it's sleeping!