gidnitacs
Level 1 (0 points)

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
gidnitacs

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

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

first Previous Page 14 of 30 last Next

  • by The Dude Abides,

    The Dude Abides The Dude Abides May 28, 2009 3:19 PM in response to abinader
    Level 4 (1,835 points)
    May 28, 2009 3:19 PM in response to abinader
    Next time you visit the US, bring your computer to the Apple Store? Other than that, calling the Apple help line is how I got mine done. THEY called the Apple Store and set up my appointment.

  • by Hotthedog,

    Hotthedog Hotthedog May 28, 2009 7:02 PM in response to gidnitacs
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 28, 2009 7:02 PM in response to gidnitacs
    Well lets hear for it Apple. I have just phoned the support line armed with my serial number and they have issued a claim number and agreed to effect repairs at no cost - and my machine is just on three and a half years old! No matter what line (pardon the pun) you are in - that is exceptional customer support. Well done Apple - my decision to proceed with a recent Macbook purchase has been fully vindicated!

  • by tmc3p,

    tmc3p tmc3p May 30, 2009 7:57 AM in response to gidnitacs
    Level 1 (9 points)
    iPhone
    May 30, 2009 7:57 AM in response to gidnitacs
    I got the same problem on my iMac 17". My serial number is W87015***. I happened last night and took it to the apple store this morning at 7am. (I didn't know that apple stores open that early!) Anyway, they were aware of this issue and said they will fix it at no cost! I guess now they admit this is a well known issue. Thanks guys!

  • by kaho Lee,

    kaho Lee kaho Lee Jun 1, 2009 3:31 PM in response to tmc3p
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 1, 2009 3:31 PM in response to tmc3p
    really? I want to try it too..but whether there is a need to produce any documents?
    or just take the machine to the apple store?

  • by The Dude Abides,

    The Dude Abides The Dude Abides Jun 1, 2009 3:41 PM in response to kaho Lee
    Level 4 (1,835 points)
    Jun 1, 2009 3:41 PM in response to kaho Lee
    Read what I said. Do what I said.

  • by saturnino3,

    saturnino3 saturnino3 Jun 2, 2009 8:27 PM in response to The Dude Abides
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 2, 2009 8:27 PM in response to The Dude Abides
    I had the same issue with my refurbished, out of warranty 17" Core2Duo iMac purchased in 04/07. I made an appointment with the Genius Bar at the UTC Apple Store in La Jolla, CA.

    The genius was very polite and helpful -- He asked me to turn on the iMac, he saw the lines, and then entered the serial number into his Mac. Told me to wait a moment while he spoke to the supervisor. He came back and told me that they would be able to repair it without any cost to me. He took my phone number and other contact info.

    No drama or stress -- the iMac should be repaired by Sunday or Monday.

    Good luck to all!

  • by rphlm,

    rphlm rphlm Jun 9, 2009 12:44 AM in response to gidnitacs
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 9, 2009 12:44 AM in response to gidnitacs
    just want to say thanks to gidnitacs for starting this thread as well as to everyone else who shared information especially The Dude Abides. will be bringing my imac for repairs soon. thanks apple!

  • by The Dude Abides,

    The Dude Abides The Dude Abides Jun 9, 2009 6:48 AM in response to rphlm
    Level 4 (1,835 points)
    Jun 9, 2009 6:48 AM in response to rphlm
    For a thread that started with disappointment and heartache, it has certainly ended with happiness and a good resolution. Thanks, Apple, for addressing this issues so thoroughly. (Yes, I KNOW this is a user-to-user forum.)

  • by Keith Walsh,

    Keith Walsh Keith Walsh Jun 9, 2009 7:04 PM in response to The Dude Abides
    Level 1 (16 points)
    Jun 9, 2009 7:04 PM in response to The Dude Abides
    Does anyone know if this is now an official policy (i.e. an extended warranty program) of Apple's for this issue. My iMac G5 iSight developed the same problem a few weeks ago ( 3 vertical lines as of today). I know Apple can be good about these things at times ( I know this as my machine is on it's third logic board which Apple did take care of after some insistence on my part). I now have this line problem. These machines seem to have numerous major problems but if Apple is willing to stand behind it then I can/will feel better about the whole situation.

  • by The Dude Abides,

    The Dude Abides The Dude Abides Jun 9, 2009 8:30 PM in response to Keith Walsh
    Level 4 (1,835 points)
    Jun 9, 2009 8:30 PM in response to Keith Walsh
    They asked no questions, just checked the serial # and then authorized the repair. Sounds official to me. Read the posts above.

  • by Robin Chambers,

    Robin Chambers Robin Chambers Jun 18, 2009 12:45 PM in response to gidnitacs
    Level 1 (115 points)
    Jun 18, 2009 12:45 PM in response to gidnitacs
    They are not being helpful to me. Does anyone know who is in charge of Apple in the UK?

  • by Schpark,

    Schpark Schpark Jun 24, 2009 1:34 PM in response to The Dude Abides
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 24, 2009 1:34 PM in response to The Dude Abides
    I have a iMac G5 20" (no iSight) that is showing the exact same symptoms. 1st 1 vertical line toward the right side, now up to about 5-6 lines after a week.

    After the promising results here on the last few pages I had hope.....

    But it did not work out for me yet. They refused to do anything for my wife who brought it in. She also called and they would not help.

    I will have to pursue this further but praise to Apple for handling this right is premature.

  • by Samfast,

    Samfast Samfast Jun 29, 2009 9:54 AM in response to Schpark
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 29, 2009 9:54 AM in response to Schpark
    Hello all,

    Apologies is this has already been done, but I suggest we set up a website to address the vertical line issue. The original poster is absolutely right; Apple are getting away with this, and we need force of numbers to make our point. I'm a journalist working in Sydney, Australia and I'm sure I can rouse the interest of some tech magazine editors if we kick up a fuss and give people a website to go to. I'm no website builder myself, but it would only need to be very simple - somewhere where people affected by the issue can list their names, where they live, serial number of their iMac, when the lines appeared and how many there are. It would be great if it could also contain links to where the issue is being discussed on forums like this one. I'm sure the site would quickly attract a lot of names and numbers once word spreads. Any web developers with a bit of time to spare out there?

  • by The Dude Abides,

    The Dude Abides The Dude Abides Jun 29, 2009 10:24 AM in response to Samfast
    Level 4 (1,835 points)
    Jun 29, 2009 10:24 AM in response to Samfast
    At least in the U.S., this issue HAS been addressed. Many of us have gotten new displays without any question or argument from Apple. Some people overseas also have success stories. I would suggest that you read this entire thread (and the others you can find by using the Search box) before assuming there is still a major issue with vertical lines on iSight Macs.

  • by Baby Boomer (USofA),

    Baby Boomer (USofA) Baby Boomer (USofA) Jun 29, 2009 12:38 PM in response to The Dude Abides
    Level 9 (57,643 points)
    Jun 29, 2009 12:38 PM in response to The Dude Abides
    The iSight models were not covered under any of Apple's Extension Programs (all expired). Those programs were for the 1st & 2nd generation G5 iMacs.

    The iSight models are virtually problem free. Apparently, there were a few bad apples in the bunch but not enough to warrant an extension repair program.






first Previous Page 14 of 30 last Next