Purple Line on my iMac Screen

I have the same issue
Imac, 17", 17 month, 3 dead vertical lines (1 per day for the last 3 days)
and obviously no apple care

Any one from mac reading these pages should remember that a displeased customer will talk 10x more than an happy one...

Another one here; I just set up an account specifically so I could discuss this.

17" Intel iMac, serial number starting with W8603 -- I think; I don't even want to turn that computer on now and am using a different one -- and there's an ugly cyan line 1/3 of the way across the screen.

Eighteen months after buying the machine, and I didn't buy Applecare because it's a desktop machine that never leaves my desk and isn't modified in any way.

Apple's treatment of this situation seems pretty disgraceful.

I live near an Apple Store. It it worth it to take this machine there and have them look at it? Or should I just sell it now for cheap?

Also, can I turn the machine on without the display being on? Then I could get my stuff off the HD without risking more ugly lines being born as I do it.

Heian,
I had posted eariler in this thread about the line on my screen.
Noticed that your Serial number started with W8603. Looked mine up and it starts with the same number. Wonder how many others start with that same number???
Barry

Sorry to hear about the line on your screen. I did a google search and found that G5, Intel Imacs and Powerbook Pro 17 from the Shanghai plant w8* serial numbers have all been getting lines. My G5 17" just got my second. I left Apple some feedback and wrote that I won't buy any more Apple products until they make good on these defective units. I think everyone with these lines on their screens should let Apple know that their not happy and seek some kind of compensation.

Barry, you're the first person I've seen with a serial number in the same range -- previous Googling has revealed many discussions where W5xx serial numbers have had this problem, so given that people are having these problems, I'm glad to see that we're in the same group. Better chances of a recall if the serial numbers are close, right?

I'm amazed that Apple would try to cover this up. It's clearly a manufacturing fault. I'm not looking to scam them out of anything or get any free upgrades, but would like to have this same machine fixed. I can't even turn the thing on for fear of getting more hideous lines!

Heian,
Didn't think to look and see what the serial number was on mine until you posted. The W8603 serial number has gone half way around the world since I noticed you're in Japan and I'm in Tennessee in the US. I don't really expect them to do anything about it but, it would be nice if they did. http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=975131 is another thread you may want to look at if you haven't seen it already..
Barry

My iMac G5 got his second line today.
I'm very nervous about my iMac Intel, first generation...

VERY FRUSTRATING!!!
Just pulled out of the box, a 24" G5 Intel based Imac of the latest model. There they are...4 vertical lines. Can't imagine the hassle I will have to go through to send this back to the states to get it fixed? (Shipment costs, custom duties etc.)
Not what I expected from an Apple product.

If you're interested in what an iMac shouldn't look like after 18 months, see following pic:

http://s222.photobucket.com/albums/dd2/Rosmee/?action=view&current=iMac-lined-sc reen-Ross-Hayden-NZ.jpg

My wifes G5 17" iMac has three lines and counting. My friends G5 17" iMac just started developing lines also. I think the chickens are coming home to roost on this and we will be seeing a lot more angry customers real soon. The timeline seems to be 1.5 years old. Since there is a video out on the iMac you could run an external LCD monitor seperately. I did this with a G3 iMac with a bad tube. It is important to call Apple about this and make a complaint even if out of warranty.

My iMac is about 1.7 years old. Serial number starts with W8. Started with one line on right side, now has 11 lines of various colors. Will be calling Apple this week to complaine now that I know it is a common problem. Was going to buy a new powerbook pro but will hold off until I see how they resolve this. Everyone should call and complain. Will someone post phone number to call please.

Just thought I would add my two pennies worth. I have a Powerbook 12" that has just developed a blue vertical line that has turned purple/pink. The line is about a fifth to the right of the screen. The laptop is 3 years old so I guess it has fared a bit better than most of the cases on here.

Anyway, it seems that the screen problem may not be attributed to a dodgy batch manufactured in Shanghai, as mine is from Taiwan. After reading related topics I rather think it is a widescale problem with Imacs and Powerbooks. I was thinking about getting my LCD screen replaced or buying a new Powerbook but if this problem were to resurface then it would be a waste of money.

I am now thinking the unthinkable and looking at getting a PC as I have little faith in Apple sorting this problem out.

Mike

Add my I MAC to this discussion. About 6 weeks ago, a blue line appeared, then 2 weeks ago a lighter blue line appeared, then upon returning from vacation a purple line appeared.

The serial number on my I MAC is W8604..... I do not kn ow where the MAC was built.

Has anyone been able to resolve this problem?

Further, does it continue to get worse.

Thank you.

Does it get worse?
Afraid so! A lot worse!
I started with one line. Now I am up to fifty-five! This makes me sound more like a hardened coke user than a simple iMac user!
Check this thread for more horror stories : http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=975131
After this experience I would certainly advise against anyone buying an all-in-one. Next time maybe a Mac Mini with say a Sony or an LG LCD!
APPLE HELP US! We want to believe in you, we really do!
IF ANYONE CAN ADVISE WHO AND HOW WE SHOULD CONTACT TO REPORT THIS PROBLEM, I AM SURE IT WOULD BE MUCH, MUCH APPRECIATED AND MORE PEOPLE WOULD THEN ACT!

Message was edited by: Andchaps

Add me to the list !!! arrrggghhh!
One f%#&ing vertical line color bright blue, but the worse of all is that I live in Mexico, no extended care plan and therefore I would have to pay much more for the replacement of the LCD: around $800.00 USD and my regular warranty *finished just three days before* the first line appeared !!!