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

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gidnitacs

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

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  • by Howard Huxter1,

    Howard Huxter1 Howard Huxter1 Mar 10, 2010 11:45 PM in response to eaglewhite
    Level 1 (20 points)
    Mar 10, 2010 11:45 PM in response to eaglewhite
    I fixed mine by having the lcd replaced, that was 1 1/2 years ago. Yesterday the lines started to come back. I give up. My firm will now proved a PC.

  • by Qbert,

    Qbert Qbert Mar 16, 2010 3:20 PM in response to gidnitacs
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 16, 2010 3:20 PM in response to gidnitacs
    Yes, this problem is driving me nuts, about 40% of my screen is hidden behind vertical lines, and I am trying to do visual artwork. I am saving up for a new mac, but I don't have enough just yet, and I am scared to buy one for fear that I'll just get these lines on the new one. My mac programs run fine otherwise, except for some overheating and worn lining on my CD drive. I have had zero success contacting apple to deal with the problem. When I took it into the Apple store I discovered a replacement would be $500 plus installation services, which is half the price of the computer anyways. Next time I'm buying a separate screen and computer (not an iMac), but it's really a problem that should not happen in the first place. I know it's not the fault of the many people who bought them.

  • by Preem,

    Preem Preem Mar 19, 2010 2:59 PM in response to moidsch
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 19, 2010 2:59 PM in response to moidsch
    * bom dia!

    * i also live in brasil and got my first line on 4 march 2010. it's light blue and on the left side about 5cm from the edge.

    * did you get your problem fixed? what did you do and where did you have to go\send your imac? i live in petropolis, about 90 minutes from rio where there's a reseller and authorized service provider.

    * appreciate any help\advice you can provide. obrigado! \\ p-1

  • by BSSOMAHA,

    BSSOMAHA BSSOMAHA Mar 30, 2010 11:41 AM in response to gidnitacs
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 30, 2010 11:41 AM in response to gidnitacs
    I too have a iMac that started with 2 and now is up to 6 lines. Apple also told me that there isn't a issue so it is not covered.

  • by James Roberts,

    James Roberts James Roberts Mar 30, 2010 3:24 PM in response to gidnitacs
    Level 1 (70 points)
    Mar 30, 2010 3:24 PM in response to gidnitacs
    My iMac G5 too now, also W8 serial number. Vertical lines on the left, colours starting to look faded periodically and then flicker brighter with wider columns of light / dark.

    Will have a think before I go ahead and buy any more Apple computers after 15 years of using nothing but. No longer an automatic choice, at the very least,

  • by rjrjj,

    rjrjj rjrjj May 3, 2010 4:37 AM in response to BSSOMAHA
    Level 1 (10 points)
    May 3, 2010 4:37 AM in response to BSSOMAHA
    I'd try again with Apple, citing this thread. Mine is at the Apple store right now. 4 years old, display being replaced for free. One vertical line. I didn't have to argue; they were reasonable and said it was all covered, even though my Apple care had expired last year. Make sure to give them the serial number. I actually did the online reporting of a problem and set up a time for Apple to call me. They were great.

  • by rjrjj,

    rjrjj rjrjj May 5, 2010 6:50 AM in response to rjrjj
    Level 1 (10 points)
    May 5, 2010 6:50 AM in response to rjrjj
    iMac G5 is back, fixed, free by Apple, and yes, it is a 4.5 yr. old computer which they covered. The display was replaced and everything is working smoothly. Thanks apple!

  • by ogsmex,

    ogsmex ogsmex Jun 14, 2010 9:25 AM in response to rjrjj
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 14, 2010 9:25 AM in response to rjrjj
    Hello everyone,

    Well I just ended a call with Apple rep. and they refused to fix my imac G5 because is 5 years old even they knew that I have the vertical lines problem and also that my serial number falls on their range W85**** he just didn't care and just kept saying that the repair program was only for 3 years, then I show him the post made by rjrjj on May 5(just before this post), 2010 where he is saying that he got his iMac fix being 4.5 years old.

    So, please if some one of you got your imac fix free of charge being 4 to 5 years old, replay to me. I appreciate your help. Thanks.

  • by Sra. Milton,

    Sra. Milton Sra. Milton Jun 23, 2010 9:45 AM in response to ogsmex
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 23, 2010 9:45 AM in response to ogsmex
    Hello

    I post a message few hours ago, and forum responsibles delete it.

    I have exactly same problems with my computer. All began with infamous vertical lines and ends with completely destroy motherboard.

    This graphic issues are common in early 2006 17" Imacs, and finally users get a warranty extension, after winning a trial in France and make a lot of noise, here in Apple Forums. I think we can do same thing, it´s really weird a machine like this is totally mess until 3 years of use, sounds like fabric issue, don´t you think?

  • by ogsmex,

    ogsmex ogsmex Jul 1, 2010 9:56 AM in response to Sra. Milton
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jul 1, 2010 9:56 AM in response to Sra. Milton
    Of cours Mrs. Miton!

    APPLE, IF YOU ARE RESPONSABLE OF THIS BAD QUALITY MANUFACTURING ISSUE, WHY YOU DON'T WANT TO BE RESPONSABLE TO FIX THIS. ONLY 3 YEARS COVERING FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE, COME ON!!!

  • by funnybear,

    funnybear funnybear Jul 13, 2010 4:58 AM in response to funnybear
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jul 13, 2010 4:58 AM in response to funnybear
    apple change my monitor!!!!!!!!!
    i have no words. i did not spend a euro!!!
    i wrote a lot of letters and finally i phoned to apple care. they said to me: we have to change ur monitor! and they did it!!!
    2 days and i have my new mac!
    congratulations apple. i have now a smile like "gioconda"

  • by Pete Harvey,

    Pete Harvey Pete Harvey Aug 24, 2010 1:55 PM in response to gidnitacs
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 24, 2010 1:55 PM in response to gidnitacs
    What an amazing situation.
    My G5 iSight has produced the dreaded 'Blue Line', appeared on August 23 2010.
    Having read the forum I shall make an appointment with the 'Genius Bar' and see what they have to say.
    What is so damned annoying is that my old Microsoft PCs and laptops, some of which are over 10 years old, are still working, be it ever so slowly, like the Dinosaurs they are.

    Serial number - W8546XXXXXX - Shanghai.

  • by Qbert,

    Qbert Qbert Sep 7, 2010 3:49 PM in response to Pete Harvey
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 7, 2010 3:49 PM in response to Pete Harvey
    I have over 50 lines now, making it difficult to see anything, some of them are dotted
    and appear to move like las vegas light bulb strips.

    I am ready to buy a new Intel Mac, but how can I assure that I won't get these dreaded
    lines again? I fear for my money, because the lines I have didn't appear until after the
    apple care expired.

    Also, I am never going to buy a vertical CD/DVD reader again, it is very difficult to get
    my computer to read discs, and it sometimes damages them. And they go flying across
    the room when they are spit out. Oh and my iMac overheats.

    Love the software, but the hardware just crapped out on me. It is no fair that I am
    stuck with factory malfunction equipment. I wish I could at least get a discount on my
    next Apple computer.

  • by Dana Hunter,

    Dana Hunter Dana Hunter Sep 11, 2010 2:00 AM in response to gidnitacs
    Level 1 (9 points)
    iTunes
    Sep 11, 2010 2:00 AM in response to gidnitacs
    As of September 10th, the first yellow vertical line appeared. From what I am reading, this seems like a common problem. A little too common. Something has to be done about this, it is a disgrace to an otherwise fine product. I have written a letter, posted twice to the feedback and now I'm here about this issue.

    I am calling Customer Service early this AM once they open and hope to have this issue resolved. My AppleCare contract expired this year in April and NOW the line chooses to appear. My serial number is also W871XXXXXXX. I'm not sure if there is anything which can be done. But I am **** sure gonna try.

    My first mac lasted 10 years. No problems. I just upgraded. This is my 4th Mac. Second iMac. And on the last iMac, I also had display issues. I was able to donate it to a school where it works fine.

    BUT... I can't afford to do it with this one. It's a hardware problem and one that gets worse with time. This is an expensive piece of machinery, I expected more from Apple, quite honestly. I brought this computer in 2007 and now it decides to flunk out on me.

    When will Apple realize they have a problem. Speak up and complain!! Call Customer Service, write letters, post feedback. Being proactive is the only way to get something done.

    Unhappy and disgusted in Jersey...

  • by Camulos,

    Camulos Camulos Oct 11, 2010 5:12 AM in response to Pete Harvey
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 11, 2010 5:12 AM in response to Pete Harvey
    The Genius Bar route worked for me. I took my 4.5 year old G5 (with dodgy serial number)to the shop at Lakeside (London). They simply powered it up, took the details and stated that it was a known issue and was covered for repair. The display was replaced within a week FoC. I gather that the supplier of the faulty displays has in effect underwritten this replacement programme as the guy that took the machine in suggested that these repairs weren't at Apple's expense.

    I gather that the fault stems from a manufacturing/design defect which causes the display PCB to break down over a long period of time.
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