gidnitacs

Q: Vertical line issue - How can we get Apple to address this?

Hi guys,

As can be seen in this forum (and a lot of other forums, as well), a lot of people are experiencing this problem on their 17" iMac G5 with iSight. Here are some pertinent details (which may be familiar to a lot of people but can be a primer for those who are just starting to experience the problem):

1. For most of us, these lines started appearing between 13-15 months after they purchased them. The lucky ones either had these failures occur during the first 12 months, or had APP.

2. The majority of these units can be traced to the Shanghai factory W8 (enter your S/N in this website to get the manufacturing information of your unit: http://www.chipmunk.nl/klantenservice/applemodel.html).

3. A similar issue occurred (or is occurring) with 17" PBs. From what I have read on the Apple PB forums, it seems that this has been a long standing issue and Apple has SUPPOSEDLY attempted to censor some of the posts discussing this. Note that these units can also be traced back to the same Shanghai factory.

4. The "iMac G5 Repair Extension Program for Video and Power Issues" which certain people have always been referring users to on posts discussing this type of problem obviously refers to a totally different issue (http://www.apple.com/support/imac/repairextensionprogram/) and is applicable only to first gen iMac G5s. I'm sure that everyone appreciates it but, at this point, it is quite clear that it is not the solution to our problem.

5. Based on the number of posts discussing this very same problem in the Apple forums, it is pretty obvious that these are not isolated issues. There are too many similarities (time of failure, how the numbers of line increase over time, manufacturing source, etc.)

6. Some people have suggested that unstable power sources may be the primary cause of the problem. However, based on the locations of the people with these problems who have posted in this forum, it seems unlikely. From what I can see, the problem happens whether you are from a highly industrialized country (where a stable power source can be expected) or a developing country (where power sources MAY be more unstable).

7. Apple has typically responded (to anyone who has taken the time to write or have their iMacs inspected) that this is not a known manufacturing defect issue. As such, the cost to repair this problem, which can go up to USD 500, will have to be borne by the owner.

8. Based on posts of some people who have had their units repaired, it is the LCD that has to be replaced. This is also supported by posts from people who have resorted to purchase a separate display as a workaround.

Now, the question is, *how do we get Apple to address this issue*? Do we all start writing Steve Jobs about it? Do we go to the press? Should we put up a website and Digg it to death? A spoof video on YouTube? MySpace? Or will we just suffer in silence? Suggestions anyone?

P.S. Suggestions that involve any sort of violence or industrial sabotage are not acceptable, please.

Note that Ale_Tog has put up a Flickr page where we can post photos of our poor iMacs. Just send the photo to ale_tog@hotmail.com with the subject "Dead pixels on iMac". No text, just the photo attachment. (+Ale_Tog, if you read this, I hope you don't mind me posting this here. Also, I suggest that we at least put the first 5 chars of the serial number, the factory information which can be retrieved on the link in #2 above, and which country the unit is based.+). I highly recommend that everyone send a photo to show that these are not isolated issues.

To get an idea on how many people are experiencing this problem, here are a list of posts in these forums, as well as others, discussing this issue (feel free to add to this):
http://i7.ebayimg.com/05/i/000/b2/75/2e8d_1.JPG
http://i16.ebayimg.com/06/i/000/b2/75/2ee5_1.JPG
http://i12.ebayimg.com/07/i/000/b2/75/2faf_1.JPG
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=974094
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=5146382&tstart=0
http://www.macusersg.org/forums/index.php?topic=40998.0
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=607522&tstart=180
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=463075&tstart=270
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=197560&tstart=360 (this is about dead pixels, but one person reported a whole line)
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=292889&tstart=390
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=293895&tstart=390
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=279138&tstart=420
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=197630&tstart=465
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=197745&tstart=510
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=197741&tstart=510
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=197641&tstart=585
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=4227335&#4227335
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=976574&#976574
http://discussions.apple.com/messageview.jspa?messageID=4369582&stqc=true
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=778470&tstart=0

Please start sending your suggestions. The more the many-ier!

17" iMac G5 1.9ghz with iSight, Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on Sep 23, 2007 5:56 AM

Close

Q: Vertical line issue - How can we get Apple to address this?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

first Previous Page 8 of 30 last Next
  • by MS5STAR,

    MS5STAR MS5STAR Aug 30, 2008 10:15 AM in response to gidnitacs
    Level 1 (20 points)
    Aug 30, 2008 10:15 AM in response to gidnitacs
    It's happening to me starting this past week and your right my serial # starts with W8..

    Big block follows the mouse and eventually my whole screen turns into a grid of grey or blue blocks..lines on the screen..so i restart and reset the pram but it comes back in a while, I bought the 3 year service plan from best buy and it ends in October of 2008..But you shouldn't need it for this kind of clear defect in the hardware..my last imac lasted almost 10 years without a hitch<< I expect the same with My G5 maybe i'm asking alot but i don't think so!! I hope Apple comes through for their customers..
  • by Javier Tozzola,Helpful

    Javier Tozzola Javier Tozzola Sep 1, 2008 8:53 AM in response to Sander_Kaa
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Sep 1, 2008 8:53 AM in response to Sander_Kaa
    Hello Sander_Kaa, my name is Javier, I´m from Argentine (Maradona, Gardel, Tango, etc) and I have the same vertical Line´s (two at right hand) problem. I also belong to the club of vertical lines!!!. I wanted to tell you that I have brought my iMac to repair and received a budget for u$ 736.
    Complain to Apple Computer and the Apple Store, and I mentioned that several people around the world have been repaired and Apple has assumed the cost. They asked me if I can give them the serial number of equipment repaired with the same system fails to look for and recognize the repair costs.
    I would ask the serial number of your iMac to give it to Apple and they can really verify that somewhere in the world Apple has assumed the costs of repair. On the other hand, I would ask you to sign a contract if Apple Care?

    My english is very poor... I use Google to help me... Sorry!!!! and Thanks!!!!!

    My personal mail is: panzadoble@me.com
  • by Javier Tozzola,

    Javier Tozzola Javier Tozzola Sep 1, 2008 9:36 AM in response to woodcut
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Sep 1, 2008 9:36 AM in response to woodcut
    Hello woodcut, my name is Javier, I´m from Argentine (Maradona, Gardel, Tango, etc) and I have the same vertical Line´s (two at right hand) problem. I also belong to the club of vertical lines!!!. I wanted to tell you that I have brought my iMac to repair and received a budget for u$ 736.
    Complain to Apple Computer and the Apple Store, and I mentioned that several people around the world have been repaired and Apple has assumed the cost. They asked me if I can give them the serial number of equipment repaired with the same system fails to look for and recognize the repair costs.
    I would ask the serial number of your iMac to give it to Apple and they can really verify that somewhere in the world Apple has assumed the costs of repair. On the other hand, I would ask you to sign a contract if Apple Care?

    My english is very poor... I use Google to help me... Sorry!!!! and Thanks!!!!!
  • by tintinlad,

    tintinlad tintinlad Sep 3, 2008 11:11 PM in response to MS5STAR
    Level 1 (20 points)
    Sep 3, 2008 11:11 PM in response to MS5STAR
    I have the Imac with lines problem since 1 year (imac Isight bought november 2005 with NO Applecare). Apple France (where I live) had refused to repair the machine in december 2007, since then I was trying to live my life with lines (an investment with the 2gb of Ram and a bag of around 2000 € at the time). 2days ago reading on forums that some people had obtained "exceptional circonstances" label and were repaired I tried again. I phoned them I explained that I had left now only the third of the screen free of lines, I was told to wait and then transfered to customer services and there I was given an OK for full repair at no costs and Excuses !!! for thetrouoble etc: well I was happy and my message is maybe asking a second time for another review of the case in not a bad idea!
  • by ePeter,

    ePeter ePeter Sep 5, 2008 2:55 AM in response to gidnitacs
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Sep 5, 2008 2:55 AM in response to gidnitacs
    Same issue here has developed in the last 24 hours. MIne is just over 3 years old. Checked that link you supplied and discovered mine comes from the factory in Shanghai. What to do?
  • by tintinlad,

    tintinlad tintinlad Sep 5, 2008 10:15 AM in response to ePeter
    Level 1 (20 points)
    Sep 5, 2008 10:15 AM in response to ePeter
    Call Apple, tell them your concern, your dismay, ask for their help maybe they could exceptionally repair you machine... ??? Please... ??? (that worked for me, initially I had displayed my strenght and indignation and was left on the road, sometimes it is just a question of human approach, sometimes not) Good Luck
  • by Sludgedragon,

    Sludgedragon Sludgedragon Sep 6, 2008 6:14 PM in response to tintinlad
    Level 1 (65 points)
    Sep 6, 2008 6:14 PM in response to tintinlad
    I also have one of those W8 serial numbers, made in China. But mine I bought the week before the iSight ones came out. I had been kicking myself for not waiting another week, but now I feel a lot better about it! You folks are in bad shape, especially the ones without Applecare. My only issue so far for this iMac G5 17" has been a power supply problem, fixed under Applecare.

    I do think Apple should recognize and take care of this problem because it renders the iMac pretty much unusable.
  • by kaho Lee,

    kaho Lee kaho Lee Sep 6, 2008 8:47 PM in response to gidnitacs
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 6, 2008 8:47 PM in response to gidnitacs
    I have the same problem! Vertical line! and the line's number grows up day by day...
    I bought my imac g5(17' with isight) at 2005,also W8xxx, made in ShangHai..

    the imac g5 is good for my work, I don't want to buy a new mac...sigh...
  • by Javier Tozzola,

    Javier Tozzola Javier Tozzola Sep 8, 2008 8:10 AM in response to tintinlad
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Sep 8, 2008 8:10 AM in response to tintinlad
    Hello, tintinlad!!! I try the same!!! (I´m from Argentina, my english is very poor.. sorry) can you send me your serial number???? Apple Store here in Argentina say me they need the serial number to verify if my case is the same as your´s case. And verify the conditions of your repair (do you have AppleCare?). Please, my email is panzadoble@me.com, if you can contact me. I need your history in the repair, mi iMac it´s at AppleStore from 3 weeks... Im calling to EEUU every week and I don´t have a solution.

    Thank you!!!!
  • by jcsuperstar,

    jcsuperstar jcsuperstar Sep 11, 2008 9:35 AM in response to gidnitacs
    Level 1 (14 points)
    Sep 11, 2008 9:35 AM in response to gidnitacs
    Yep, the same thing happened on my imac since yesterday. A single cyan vertical line about 1/3rd of the way on left side. I've been reading about all the good support from The Netherlands and will bring my imac to LJS (Apple Shop) in Den Haag. I've been a good customer for quite a while and have bought loads of stuff there. I'll keep you up to date and hope they follow suit of the other Dutch colleagues.
    cheers, Jan
    Name: iMac G5 (Third model)
    Model: MA063 iMac G5 (iSight) 1.9GHz
    Bus speed: 633MHz
    Screen size: 17 inch
  • by Howard Huxter1,

    Howard Huxter1 Howard Huxter1 Sep 23, 2008 5:38 PM in response to gidnitacs
    Level 1 (20 points)
    Sep 23, 2008 5:38 PM in response to gidnitacs
    Does anyone have any experience/knowledge of Apple or its resellers in Hong Kong dealing with this issue? In my case I will have to migrate to a PC if it doesn't get fixed by them as my college will not pay for the repair.
  • by upright,

    upright upright Oct 3, 2008 11:53 AM in response to jcsuperstar
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 3, 2008 11:53 AM in response to jcsuperstar
    Yep...just got the line yesterday...

    Red vertical line on the right side.

    *****.

    iMac G5, 1.9 GHz, 2.5 Gb Ram
    serial W854......

    Lets see what happens...
  • by brenodu,

    brenodu brenodu Oct 7, 2008 5:23 AM in response to gidnitacs
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 7, 2008 5:23 AM in response to gidnitacs
    Hello everybody,
    I am new in this forum, but after have experienced the same problems as the most users in this topic have been experienced, I could realize how big and deep it actually is.
    My 17" iMac G5, SN W855XXXXX, same Shanghai factory, started to display a single, tiny, white vertical line about two months ago. Within this period, I have collect up to 6 vertical lines, and some weeks ago I finally have got a 8cm thick black vertical bar, which probably affected my whole colour adjustments, being impossible, and even scary, to work on this G5. Since them it has been turned off for good, and I am thinking of using a LCD TV as an external monitor, rather than paying the ridiculous US$ 500.00 (about R$ 1300.00) for fixing it. But I am not sure if LCD TVs and iMac G5s are connectable.... Did anybody try this before?
    I bought my machine in Jan. 2006, in Japan. I moved to Brazil in Apr. 2007, and only this year, up to 24 months after the purchase, this vertical lines problems have started.
    As in Brazil we have only a few Apple stores, and as I live (quite) far from the nearest, the costs for bringing the machine until them would get really expensive.
    If anybody get any improvement on this issue, please publish ASAP!
  • by maggiez4,

    maggiez4 maggiez4 Oct 7, 2008 9:32 AM in response to gidnitacs
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 7, 2008 9:32 AM in response to gidnitacs
    I have just started to experience this problem. My third line appeared last night. All lines are on the right side of the screen. The first two lines are yellow, the newest line is cyan.

    I have an iMac G5 isight, bought at the end of 2005.

    I submitted a note via the feedback webpage.

    Seems like getting an alternate (stand-alone) display may be the most cost-effective way of "repairing" this, though I plan on checking out what the actual repair cost will be.

    Thank you, gidnitacs for all your research!
  • by millystar,

    millystar millystar Oct 7, 2008 5:57 PM in response to maggiez4
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 7, 2008 5:57 PM in response to maggiez4
    Hi,

    I bought my apple mac in 2005, batch number W8543. As I bought this as a student I was entitled to the extended apple care support. I left university due to my fathers death and took some time out. I started back at university last year and heavily rely on my mac for projects and magazine design (I am a journalism student.) Every product I buy is apple and I have invested a lot of my student loans into their software and hardware. As a struggling mother, I find that buying a mac is usually good value because of their ease of use and the capabilities that they have - however last year I noticed my first horizontal line. Then a month later the next, I now have a total of 27 horizontal lines on my desktop, pink, blue, green, you name a colour, I have it. Having researched into this I have noticed that this is not a one off occasion, this is a very common default that their products seem to display. There has even been a case in france where one gentleman took apple to court for not acknowledging the problem, and refusing to pay for the faulty equipment. Having paid over a thousand pounds for this product to break just outside of its warranty, and then to find that it will cost me £700 to replace the LCD display I have to say I am absolutely disgusted. I will now no longer be purchasing the leopard operating system, because I will not be able to afford to pay for the repairs necessary for my computer. I was also going to purchase a Mac Book Pro this month, but am begrudged to shell out even more money for a computer which will probably break and I will not be able to afford to replace or fix. I have always used mac products, and even talked friends and family to convert as before this I had absolutely no problems whatsoever but will now be taking my business elsewhere, unless they can offer me a free repair on a faulty product that thay have supplied.
first Previous Page 8 of 30 last Next