New 27" IMAC Troubles

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Archive 2009 · New 27" IMAC Troubles

Dave R.
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p.1 #1 · New 27" IMAC Troubles

I've been considering either building a new PC or giving Apple a try for the first time. In my research I have discovered that the new IMAC's have terrible monitor problems. Just curious if anyone here has the 27" IMAC and experiencing any trouble. Here is just a little information on the problems.
http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/12/23/27-inch-imac-screen-problem/
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9142657/iMac_firmware_update_fails_to_fix_flickering_problems

And if you have tons of time to read, look at the top two discussions here.
http://discussions.apple.com/forum.jspa?forumID=1114

Dec 24, 2009 at 02:25 PM

sjms
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p.1 #2 · New 27" IMAC Troubles

it's a technical issue that will be resolved. not that i'd jump on buying one knowing of this, but it will be resolved. it is terrible for those who have purchased because they will have to put up with it until it is resolved but not for you because you don't own one.

at least with a you build PC you can resolve the issue. with an Imac its a shop job no matter what it is short of a memory or external cable issue. you also control every aspect of what is in your box. this does though become completely your responsibility. i build my own. i learn a thing or two as i do.

if what computerworld says is true and the firmware UD was to slow down the card clock rate thats looking more like a hardware issue related to temp (they always tend to go a bridge too far when it comes to cooling more like the lack there of and then try to pull back on performance). its them trying to kluge a fix. this might cost them a little

Dec 24, 2009 at 02:56 PM

jimmy462
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p.1 #3 · New 27" IMAC Troubles

Hi Dave,

How's this for quick?...released 3 days before your request! ...

AppleInsider | Apple releases fix for 27" iMac graphics flickering issue:
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/12/21/apple_releases_fix_for_imac_graphics_flickering_issue.html

...now, that's fast. (And, it can be done from the comfort of one's own home...schucks!)

Mac on!
Jimmy G

Dec 25, 2009 at 05:32 AM

c.d.embrey
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p.1 #4 · New 27" IMAC Troubles

I don't know what they are talking about! I have ZERO problems with my 27" iMac.

But the glass screen cover does SUCK, but I knew this when I bought it.

Dec 25, 2009 at 06:17 AM

Dave R.
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p.1 #5 · New 27" IMAC Troubles

jimmy462 wrote:
Hi Dave,

How's this for quick?...released 3 days before your request! ...

AppleInsider | Apple releases fix for 27" iMac graphics flickering issue:
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/12/21/apple_releases_fix_for_imac_graphics_flickering_issue.html

...now, that's fast. (And, it can be done from the comfort of one's own home...schucks!)

Mac on!
Jimmy G

If only it had worked. That's why I posted this link.
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9142657/iMac_firmware_update_fails_to_fix_flickering_problems

I'm sure they will get it resolved. I only wish I knew when that would be.

Dec 25, 2009 at 01:42 PM

sjms
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p.1 #6 · New 27" IMAC Troubles

c.d.embrey wrote:
I don't know what they are talking about! I have ZERO problems with my 27" iMac.

But the glass screen cover does SUCK, but I knew this when I bought it.

i guess you either:
1- lucked out because it is a widespread issue
2- don't use it that long
3- blink at the right time

Dec 25, 2009 at 05:22 PM

chesapeake
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p.1 #7 · New 27" IMAC Troubles

It is admirable that Apple recognized this problem so quickly (think Canon 1 D Mark III). In doing so they pretty much assure all owners that they will, in the end , fix the problem. Still the new owners are going to have to struggle a bit to attain a final solution since early results indicate that Apple's first update does Not fix the issue. I had intended to buy two of the i7 machines but now I'll just wait a bit. From the Apple forum posts it seems to be a graphic card issue so perhaps Apple will change graphic cards for the new iMac's? One thing for certain is that this is a universal problem, and their are now reports from owners of all models of iMac and from all over the world. Apple has far too much at stake to risk tarnishing a stellar reputation by ignoring the problem.

Dec 25, 2009 at 06:03 PM

iceeemn360
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p.1 #8 · New 27" IMAC Troubles

No problems to speak of from my 27"imac. im typing on it right now. I love it for viewing all of the incredible photos here on the forum

Dec 25, 2009 at 07:08 PM

Bo_Shu
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p.1 #9 · New 27" IMAC Troubles

The initial setup now asks you if you want to update the display driver. It was probably a s/w bug in the driver. Its the best apple display to date

I just converted a die hard Win2K user with 20+ years of software development experience. She couldn't be happier

iceeemn360 wrote:
No problems to speak of from my 27"imac. im typing on it right now. I love it for viewing all of the incredible photos here on the forum

Dec 25, 2009 at 08:30 PM

sjms
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p.1 #10 · New 27" IMAC Troubles

well if it is a simple driver issue then why would apple do a firmware update right off to slow down the video clock? i mean apple engineering is smarter then most right? its rather draconian to hobble the video chip right off the bat right?

Dec 25, 2009 at 11:31 PM

Bo_Shu
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p.1 #11 · New 27" IMAC Troubles

This stuff happens even at the chip level -- Intel has had its fair share of them including timing signals. If you've ever written software with some level of complexity at the chip level you've run into these issues. Nvidia has them and so does ATI. I'll dig up the Intel ones I've experienced over the years.... First its the firmware and then the driver layer. Who knows where....

sjms wrote:
well if it is a simple driver issue then why would apple do a firmware update right off to slow down the video clock? i mean apple engineering is smarter then most right? its rather draconian to hobble the video chip right off the bat right?

Dec 26, 2009 at 01:14 AM

sjms
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p.1 #12 · New 27" IMAC Troubles

it's irrelevent. neither one of us is going to T/S issue from here.

Dec 26, 2009 at 03:19 AM

Dave R.
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p.1 #13 · New 27" IMAC Troubles

I'm in the same mode as chesapeake. I'll wait awhile until the issue is resolved before placing an order. I did read that Adobe has considered a recall to replace graphics cards, so apparently they have tied to problem to a hardware device. Right now they have a two week shipping delay, so being in a hurry isn't going to change anything. I'll post something up once I hear of a fix and would appreciate others doing the same if they learn of a fix.

Dec 26, 2009 at 12:58 PM

Bo_Shu
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p.1 #14 · New 27" IMAC Troubles

Dave R. wrote:
I'm in the same mode as chesapeake. I'll wait awhile until the issue is resolved before placing an order. I did read that Adobe has considered a recall to replace graphics cards, so apparently they have tied to problem to a hardware device. Right now they have a two week shipping delay, so being in a hurry isn't going to change anything. I'll post something up once I hear of a fix and would appreciate others doing the same if they learn of a fix.

So far so good. The system has been running 24x7 since last morning. No observable flickering -- will burn it in all week.

Dec 26, 2009 at 08:08 PM

Rooster L200
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p.1 #15 · New 27" IMAC Troubles

all reasons why I bought the last version imac 24, 3.06 ghz, 1tb disk and 512 mb g-force.... about 1000 dollars cheaper than the beginning of this year.... with the pressure on marketshare, one should know by now not to jump too fast and become a beta tester.......

Dec 27, 2009 at 01:15 PM

chesapeake
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p.1 #16 · New 27" IMAC Troubles

chesapeake wrote:
It is admirable that Apple recognized this problem so quickly (think Canon 1 D Mark III). In doing so they pretty much assure all owners that they will, in the end , fix the problem. Still the new owners are going to have to struggle a bit to attain a final solution since early results indicate that Apple's first update does Not fix the issue. I had intended to buy two of the i7 machines but now I'll just wait a bit. From the Apple forum posts it seems to be a graphic card issue so perhaps Apple will change graphic cards for the new iMac's? One thing for certain is that this is a universal problem, and their are now reports from owners of all models of iMac and from all over the world. Apple has far too much at stake to risk tarnishing a stellar reputation by ignoring the problem.

Below is a link that explains the current state of the IMac complaint issue. Apple has just (1/21/2010) announced a 3 week shipping delay for the new IMac. Evidently the fact that several Apple resellers have old stock suggests that unfixed computers will continue to ship. Seems prudent to wait a bit.

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9147518/Apple_boosts_27_in._iMac_shipping_delay_to_3_weeks

Cheers-Chuck

Jan 23, 2010 at 01:22 PM

Bubble
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p.1 #17 · New 27" IMAC Troubles

have one and no problem with the monitor issue.

HOWEVER, the adobe flash plug-in cause a few crash recently with Firefox. Kinda annoy a bit.

Jan 23, 2010 at 08:52 PM

josef2982
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p.1 #18 · New 27" IMAC Troubles

i've had a glorious 27" i5 for a month now. NO issues. The thing is a beauty. I honestly can't say a bad thing about it.

Jan 24, 2010 at 03:16 PM

digitalh3lix
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p.1 #19 · New 27" IMAC Troubles

Imac monitor problems... I have been a a victim of that. I am on my 3rd imac. First one had dead pixels, flashing screen.

I had it less than a week, brought it back got a new one.

2nd one had a piece of dust behind the glass dead center.

3rd one, the one I have now. Perfect. I've had it for almost a year now? I got the very first batch that came out.

Apple fixed the issues with firmware updates. No worries now. I even purchased the warranty but never had to use it.

Jun 29, 2010 at 02:39 AM

Brit-007
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p.1 #20 · New 27" IMAC Troubles

The warranty is worth it in the long run. I had a 24" prior version that was 2.1/2 years old. It developed an issue with the video card. It probably was the system board but after them trying for a week told me to come in a pick up a new unit. They even gave me a refund on the balance of the warranty.

Jun 29, 2010 at 11:10 PM

uroman
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p.1 #21 · New 27" IMAC Troubles

trust me, stay away. been there, seen several problems. if MS had done this, the apple fanboys would be all over them. it is defective in a number of cases i have seen

Jun 30, 2010 at 02:38 AM


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