24 inch iMac aluminum - Screen irregularities - (Photo!)

I have a 2009 model 24" iMac 3.06GHz purchased a week and a half ago. There was a slight yellow tone, but that mostly went away when I calibrated the display. And while I don't see a gradient that covers one entire side of the display like others here have reported about older iMacs, I do see that the backlight on my 2009 iMac is uneven, as shown in this photo I took:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66071596@N00/3588054275/

Be sure to read the comments I made under that photo.

I also made a posting on Macintouch about this, and others who later commented seem to agree that the backlight even on the 2009 models is not consistent from edge to edge:

http://macintouch.com/readerreports/imacaluminum/index.html#d02jun2009

And I thought the issue of "glare" was bad before I got this iMac! And while I do hate the glare, the uneven backlight, to me anyway, is far worse. Even so, many of you posting here have said that even after receiving multiple iMac replacements, the screen issues have not gone away. That is why I've not even contact Apple at all about this iMac yet. For what can Apple do if all iMacs have such issues? Even so, I am definitely not satisfied and would swap out this iMac in a heartbeat if I knew a replacement would give me a consistent backlight from edge to edge.

And for the record, I've been a loyal Apple Mac man since the 128k in 1984. I still love Apple and Macs, but these problems are unacceptable. Indeed, they are something I would expect from a low end PC maker or Dell, but certainly not Apple!

I bought a 24" clearance model last march.. It is the 2.8ghz 2008 model. The computer is literally only been used for a month as when I bought it we were moving and it remained in the box.

I have been in the graphic industry for 15 years and have to add my name to the roster of the imac screen troubles. The quality of of these displays are atrocious. Most people have the left to right brightness (corner to corner) issues. I have a mild case of that (it is tolerable), I can understand these are consumer grade screens.

My problem is that the screen when flooded with a bright colour (white, or boot up screen), there are bands of uneven brightness running horizontal on the screen. It literally looks like there are window blind behind the screen. It is tolerable. and very faint except for one band that runs dead centre of the screen that I can notice form time to time.

I am debating whether to bring this in for servicing and risk getting a refurbished screen put into this that is worse, or just sell the computer and get something else. My time is valuable and dealing with these types of issues is just frustrating.

Last time I had these type of issues was on the first graphite lcd cinema displays apple made. I returned the monitor only to have them return it with display that was worse, with dead pixels. It was a complete run around and I don't want to go through that again.

For those of you reading through this thread with interest, I would like to mention that the Macintouch URL I mentioned in my previous post above has been changed to:
http://www.macintouch.com/readerreports/imacaluminum/topic4643.html#d02jun2009

I would encourage you to read it, as it provides a lot of information.

Now, Stephen, I am certain you had the best intentions when you used the words "consumer grade screens." But the fact is that when we use those words in the context of this thread, we are basically saying, "I cannot complain much because the iMac is a low end machine targeted at the masses." For we tend to equate "consumer grade" with "low end" and we unfortunately think "pro = high end = Mac Pro." But I take with the thinking that "Pro = Mac Pro only" because the Mac Pro is priced outside the means of many people, even those folks who are true "Pros" at what they do. (Keep in mind that in the past Apple Pro towers like the G4 were priced under $2,000.) Moreover, the Mac Pro is huge. Here in Japan, space is precious, so many "Pro users" prefer to go with something more compact, yet professional.

In addition, one must also consider that there are several models of the iMac available. And considering the specs and price of the highest end iMac, one cannot so easy call it "a low end computer targeting the masses." Apple has made the 3.06GHz model (the one that I own) to appeal to those who are Pros, but who prefer a compact and quiet machine.

If anything can be considered "consumer grade" or "low end" in the iMac line, it would be the 20" iMac with it's 6-bit screen.

In light of all this, I feel strongly that there is no excuse for the higher end iMacs to have an inconsistent backlight on them.

Stephen, your time is truly valuable and you say you are now considering "servicing." I too have considered such, and I would encourage you read my follow-up post on Macintouch, where I address "Scott Bayes" here:
http://www.macintouch.com/readerreports/imacaluminum/topic4643.html#d04jun2009

So far, I've not contacted Apple, for the reasons I mention in that post. That does not mean I am no longer concerned about this problem, as evidenced by the fact I am taking time to post this message today.

Thanks for the link JDW1. It is very upsetting to know that this is a common problem that continues to pass through Apple's Quality radar. It obviously must be considered to fall under acceptable tolerance by Apple or they would have redesigned or sourced out a new screen supplier.

The screen definitely is the worst on a cold boot-up. As the monitor warms up the horizontal brightness bands are less noticeable. It is however, there. As the article you sent specifies, the average home user would probably not notice or just dismiss the problem.

It is a pity as I have seen bundled PC's with screens that are far greater quality for less. I usually purchase PowerMac's and Apple Displays for my business. This is the first time I have gone "consumer grade". Now, Apple's "Pro" equipment is far too expensive to even entertain purchasing after you add all the pieces together.

I still run my Bondi Blue G3 Powermac as a file server at my office. Those machines were built like tanks. These new "consumer grade" machines are great if they only just fixed an obvious design/quality flaw. The fact this has been going on and is not isolated hurts their over all imagine of quality.

Stephen Heward wrote:
Thanks for the link JDW1.
These new "consumer grade" machines are great if they only just fixed an obvious design/quality flaw.

Thank you for your comments, Stephen. I only wish more iMac users could get past their apathy of this noticeable problem and voice concerns about it. For certainly, Apple is unlikely to improve anything in this area unless enough people speak out about it. Sadly, many who notice the problem and take time to write about it say silly things like, "yes, it's there but I can live with it." Sure you can! I suppose I can too. But it's not about that. It's not about you returning your machine to get the problem fixed. It's all about raising our voices in concern over this problem so that it is no longer a problem on future machines. That, my friends, is what it is all about.

Now, as to the "consumer grade" moniker, I know full well that is what Apple would like to use for the classification of all iMacs. But I am sorry, that logic is flawed when it comes to the highest end model that costs nearly $2,400. Does $2,400 = "consumer grade"? Absolutely not. If we are talking about the lowest end 20" iMac (that already has problems associated with its 6-bit screen technology), then we should not be shocked, surprised nor really have much right to complain. For the 20" is indeed priced as a "consumer grade" computer. But the high end model(s) are not! If anything, they must be labeled "Prosumer."

Hence, it is only logical that a "Prosumer" grade computer be given an equally "prosumer" grade screen. Apple, please solve this uneven backlight problem as soon as possible! If an LED backlight will do that, then implement it ASAP! I want another 3.06GHz iMac for home use but I refuse to buy one if this inconsistent backlight problem remains.

In addition, some have rumored that Apple may be preparing lower cost iMacs for release this fall. If true, I shudder to think what was "cut" in order to reduce the price. I am by no means "wealthy" but I would rather have the current pricing and a perfect screen (i.e., 100% consistent backlight, with less glare) than a super-cheap iMac that has even more problems than now.

I hope Apple is listening.

Sincerely,

A Mac lover since 1984 (who normally doesn't complain very much)

JDW1:

I drove down to the local Apple store here in Edmonton (Canada). I took a few minutes to play around with the iMac's that were in the store. Sure enough they exhibit the exact same issues as my iMac. Again, however, after the iMac displays warm up the problem does become less noticeable.

It is unfortunate, but it looks like we will have to live with the fact that they will not be perfect displays. There is really no recourse other than notifying apple customer service.

I can live with the uneven brightness. It isn't as horrible as some have had in this forum. It is definitely a problem when compared to the displays on some other PC vendors machines.

Your comment in regards to paying more warranting a higher quality product... I understand that logic, but apple just has a generic palette they work with. The only difference in the higher price is the component they strap on to the motherboard. The OEM parts for displays and motherboards/fans/case/display are going to stay the same. You are only really paying a premium for the higher end part differences. It unfortunately is still consumer grade parts.. Apple just charges higher premiums for these things 😟

Apple still only has the Consumer and Pro Categories. Paying a higher price for a consumer category product doesn't make it a different category of product. It makes it a higher end consumer grade product with a few more bells and whistles. It is the strategy that got apple out of the dumps in the late 90's. Their product path in the early 90's was horrific. There was no logic to it. There simplified consumer/pro strategy is a well planned strategy and great business model for them currently. It makes it easy to manage their product cycle, but it limits the consumers choice obviously.

As I have stated previously though.. Their Pro grade products are too expensive now. I truly think apple is strategically trying to push pro users down to consumer grade categories because they make higher margins. In the current economy it only makes sense.

I can't complain, Apple does back their product well usually. It is unfortunate when quality issues arise. Usually apple is pretty good about resolving things for people. If people really can't accept something, although a nuisance, they will try their best to make you happy if you put a polite effort into their customer service department. That has been my experience in dealing with apple for 15+ years.

The fact these displays are not perfect even at the apple store basically leaves us with 2 options right now, sell it or accept it. It seems like that it is just the way these computers are. 😟 The best way to fight this is to see what apple can do for us first. An initial call to Customer Service is probably the most effective thing. If nothing is an acceptable resolution... Tell your friends about your experience and be more cautious of future apple product purchases. Eventually things like this catch up to companies if it gets too bad.