edis

Q: vertical lines - there for sure

I want to share my success of getting iMac, that was demoed for a while, before I became user and warranty time started ticking for me. Initially unhappy to discover, that unit was on display at some computer shop (via traces of activities), I am now extremely happy to be found in position to be covered by 12 months warranty, once famous vertical lines issue is there, as it should (same unfortunate serial number). Only weeks were left for this joy to happen.

On the other hand, I am posting this to encourage Apple looking at the essence of problem, and stop playing unaware - when the rest of the world knows issue very well, it would be surprising, that otherwise great company would behave like it does now. If we, Apple users, are goodwilled to slightly overpay for our gadgets, surely we do this with trust in Apple as decent manufacturer of reliable equipment. If manufacturing turns out to have defects (having that for particular serie is sure sign), we, users, and Apple are finding ourselves at crossroads: either our favorite company does right thing to protect our expectations, or we no longer expect equipment to be reliable, we though it should be.

If my PC screens are more robust, than those in Mac, and if there is nobody to stand on our side in such discoveries - well, you got idea.

Personally, I am happy to have warranty, as described. But it is only luck. One cannot expect be lucky all the time.

Apple, please address issue as needed, I want to be able buying your next product.

iMac Core Duo, Mac OS X (10.5.3)

Posted on Jul 1, 2008 2:35 AM

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Q: vertical lines - there for sure

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  • by lenn5,

    lenn5 lenn5 Nov 1, 2008 8:26 PM in response to eternal_closure
    Level 4 (2,531 points)
    Nov 1, 2008 8:26 PM in response to eternal_closure
    WTG!

    Can you tell us what happened when you called Apple? Were you turned down and then requested a supervisor?

    lenn
  • by edis,

    edis edis Nov 2, 2008 12:51 PM in response to Diazruanova
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 2, 2008 12:51 PM in response to Diazruanova
    Diazruanova wrote:
    gerrard727 wrote:
    *but some other aging component that creates the lines in the first place*


    not necessary - as I updated somewhere above, I am now several months without any problem with the second replacement LCD panel. Also, it was interesting, that in my conversation with repairment technician, he acknowledged visual difference of several contacts on first replacement panel, once I had to ship unit back - number of those seemed to match number of appearing vertical lines. My current estimate from accumulated experience is, that contacts of LCD panel are to be blamed developing surface problems.

    It is variety of supplied replacement LCDs, that can add to confusion: if some of them are of those manufacturing conditions, that develop into the problem with the time (like known to fail CoreDuo 17" batch), placing in "new" panel soon ends with it in defective state, even though it worked fine at the time of replacement. Aging appears to happen with panel not even being used, but uncovers within short time of actual use. My vote goes for slow chemical reaction on some panels' contacts - I remember several similar issues on certain products of IT industry happening before: some active chemical left was destroying parts with the time.

    Glad to hear, customers recently are treated fairly - certainly, this should be important for Apple and representatives to do, if they get properly informed. Looks, like matters are getting way better with that issue, and everybody can give another try, if unsuccessful yet.
  • by cazzooo,

    cazzooo cazzooo Nov 3, 2008 1:46 PM in response to Rachael Allen
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 3, 2008 1:46 PM in response to Rachael Allen
    I have got the same failed iMac problem. Just got back from the Genius Bar. Failed logic board. Nothing they can do. $950.00
  • by musashi88,

    musashi88 musashi88 Nov 3, 2008 2:04 PM in response to eternal_closure
    Level 2 (455 points)
    Nov 3, 2008 2:04 PM in response to eternal_closure
    I had my LCD replaced last week free of charge. Got my first vertical line today. UnXXXXXXXbelievable!
  • by lenn5,

    lenn5 lenn5 Nov 3, 2008 2:33 PM in response to musashi88
    Level 4 (2,531 points)
    Nov 3, 2008 2:33 PM in response to musashi88
    Congrats on getting your iMac fixed. Bummer about the new line though
    I wonder if Apple will ever truly fix this problem?

    I'm still waiting for Apple to offer me a free fix...... strange how some people get a free fix and others are out of luck.

    lenn
  • by musashi88,

    musashi88 musashi88 Nov 3, 2008 3:18 PM in response to lenn5
    Level 2 (455 points)
    Nov 3, 2008 3:18 PM in response to lenn5
    Called up Apple again, explained about the screen getting the line after less than 1 week, and was told to bring it in. Very pleased with Apple, not with the LCD...even though I believe it's the contacts and not the LCD itself.
    M.
  • by fjsdofnsjgv,

    fjsdofnsjgv fjsdofnsjgv Nov 3, 2008 7:00 PM in response to musashi88
    Level 1 (10 points)
    Nov 3, 2008 7:00 PM in response to musashi88
    Lenn I'm sure you should be able to get a free fix (or should I say a free attempt at a fix).

    Quite simply don't take no for an answer. Be firm a polite and explain it is a known defect with that batch of machines.

    Generally when calling Apple support the first person you speak to doesn't have the power to really help with expensive repairs - you will need to ask for their supervisor or possibly someone in a completely different department.

    What sort of excuses are you getting exactly?
  • by lenn5,

    lenn5 lenn5 Nov 3, 2008 7:39 PM in response to fjsdofnsjgv
    Level 4 (2,531 points)
    Nov 3, 2008 7:39 PM in response to fjsdofnsjgv
    Last time I called they started off with "we've never heard of this problem." Then they ended with "no warranty, there's nothing we can do."

    lenn
  • by Hi Hi,

    Hi Hi Hi Hi Nov 3, 2008 8:29 PM in response to edis
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 3, 2008 8:29 PM in response to edis
    Hi,

    I have the late 2006 imac and i'm concerned to hear that a lot of people have this problem. It's ben about 11 months since I got mine and my serial number starts with W872. I don't have any lines but should I be cautious?
  • by Diazruanova,

    Diazruanova Diazruanova Nov 4, 2008 7:54 AM in response to fjsdofnsjgv
    Level 1 (15 points)
    Nov 4, 2008 7:54 AM in response to fjsdofnsjgv
    fjsdofnsjgv wrote:
    Lenn I'm sure you should be able to get a free fix (or should I say a free attempt at a fix).

    Quite simply don't take no for an answer. Be firm a polite and explain it is a known defect with that batch of machines.

    Generally when calling Apple support the first person you speak to doesn't have the power to really help with expensive repairs - you will need to ask for their supervisor or possibly someone in a completely different department.

    What sort of excuses are you getting exactly?


    fjsdofnsjgv,

    It is NOT a matter of begging or trying to convince the local Apple store to fix your machine, it is a matter of convincing Apple that there are over three thousand affected users and that they should recall ALL of these machines and fix them all for FREE, not only yours or mine and for doing that, some other actions should be taken, like writing to computer related magazines, and sending e-mails from as many users as possible, so not only you, but we all, can get satisfaction on this matter.
  • by SmokinMac,

    SmokinMac SmokinMac Nov 4, 2008 8:12 AM in response to lenn5
    Level 1 (35 points)
    Nov 4, 2008 8:12 AM in response to lenn5
    WTG!

    Can you tell us what happened when you called Apple? Were you turned down and then requested a supervisor?

    lenn

    What I would suggest that when you do call, be polite as possible. If your issue is isolated to hardware, than maybe you would want to speak to a Product Specialist, and maybe if that doesn't work, try customer relations. The first line of tech's prolly wouldn't have authorization to do it anyway. I think that they take certain things into consideration. Such as the age of the machine, exceptions made for you previously, and maybe other things unknown to me. It is an unfortunate issue 4 everyone with it. I am not sure but such REP's, or repair extension programs probably took awhile before they were established. I am not taking any sides but the importance of reporting it to Apple could at least provide a range of unit's any possible program could made for them.
  • by lenn5,

    lenn5 lenn5 Nov 4, 2008 10:24 AM in response to edis
    Level 4 (2,531 points)
    Nov 4, 2008 10:24 AM in response to edis
    Some good news.

    I called Apple again today and talked with a nice supervisor who said Apple is aware of this problem. He said Apple will fix my iMac, no charge. I'm taking it in tonite to the local Apple Store.

    Many thanks to the people who suggested talking to a supervisor. I guess they are the ones who have access to the info on this problem. The technical support people who first answer the phone are no help. Just ask for a supervisor.

    lenn
  • by rassler215,

    rassler215 rassler215 Nov 4, 2008 6:09 PM in response to edis
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 4, 2008 6:09 PM in response to edis
    I had the veritcal lines problem, I was told to do a p-ram reset.... With the power off, press the power button and then press and hold P, command(open apple), R and option. The computer will restart a few times. The tech had it reset like 3 times and the problem was fixed. He also said it is a known issue and that apple will extend the warranty to cover the issue if you call.
  • by lenn5,

    lenn5 lenn5 Nov 4, 2008 6:26 PM in response to rassler215
    Level 4 (2,531 points)
    Nov 4, 2008 6:26 PM in response to rassler215
    You vertical problem must be different that most others. Resetting the PRAM didn't work for me.

    lenn
  • by David Mccoy,

    David Mccoy David Mccoy Nov 5, 2008 11:34 AM in response to edis
    Level 1 (10 points)
    Nov 5, 2008 11:34 AM in response to edis
    An update on my previous issues:

    I have come to an agreement with Apple customer services to spend the equivalent amount on the Apple store (on Apple products) to that which was spent on the repair of the original 5 iMacs (minus shipping costs).

    Not perfect, but enough for 2 macbooks.

    I have 5 more in for free repair (again I had to pay for shipping as there is no local repair center).

    One more has developed a fault and I will try and get this a repair exception soon.


    26 U2Ns, 11 dead screens (one twice) and counting!

    David
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