gidnitacs

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

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  • by hammersb,

    hammersb hammersb Mar 20, 2011 5:05 PM in response to LouSquires
    Level 1 (19 points)
    Mar 20, 2011 5:05 PM in response to LouSquires
    I can only say that my iMac G5 was repaired 3 weeks ago and the screen was replaced. It only took them one day to obtain the part so it is highly unlikely that the parts are no longer available.

    Read through this thread and fund my posting with my case number and have them take a look at that. Hopefully it will be in the UK system even though it was repaired in San Diego, California. My first discussion was going the way yours went until I provided a case number and they could actually see a repair being made a week before. Some people tend to jump to conclusions under certain circumstances and need to be gently nudged in the right direction.

    Message was edited by: hammersb
  • by mac_gee,

    mac_gee mac_gee Mar 24, 2011 2:16 PM in response to LouSquires
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 24, 2011 2:16 PM in response to LouSquires
    We have the same experience, I brought my iMac G5 to Apple Store in Regent and I was told exactly the same thing. The "genius" suggested to just use an external monitor because they never repair vintage products.I wonder if I bring it elsewhere say in Apple Bluewater and see if it will be different.
  • by LouSquires,

    LouSquires LouSquires Mar 25, 2011 3:43 PM in response to mac_gee
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 25, 2011 3:43 PM in response to mac_gee
    Let me know if you have any luck at Bluewater. It seems some people get the problem fixed and others don't. I've tried at the Solihull store with no luck. I'll never buy Apple again, ive got an iMac, iPhone, iPad, if something is totally irreparable after 5 years, what's the point???
  • by MassimoBeltramo,

    MassimoBeltramo MassimoBeltramo Mar 31, 2011 1:53 AM in response to Bearpaws9
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 31, 2011 1:53 AM in response to Bearpaws9
    The story go on...a kindly person called me back from Apple Store of Grugliasco (Torino-IT) where i went previously, offering to me free repair fomr my imac G5 17" isight serial W8.. with over 36 colored vertical lines. Very happily, i took my mac to the Appple store and they told me that the repair may be done in a week. After two weeks, since they do not called me back, i call and they said that APPLE REFUSE TO REPAIR any machine older than 5 YEARS 'cause that machines are becomed VINTAGE!!! VINTAGE?? I came to the apple store and bring back my imac in the same conditions as i lelf it two weeks before. Leaving the loss of time, WHAT HAPPEN AT APPLE? What kind of un-ecologic, industial delirius virus has taken it? Any other comments is pleonastic. Think DIFFERENT? Really...!
    Massimo
    P.S. This year, i will buy a new machine, but DIFFERENT, putting osx on a another intel machine but apple. And another smartphone but iphone. It's a pity...
  • by garison,

    garison garison Apr 20, 2011 5:05 AM in response to treknx1
    Level 1 (10 points)
    Apr 20, 2011 5:05 AM in response to treknx1

    I'm very sorry. I'm reading  "ediquette for dummies" and I obviously have a lot to learn.

    Garison

  • by macruz,

    macruz macruz Apr 24, 2011 7:53 AM in response to gidnitacs
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 24, 2011 7:53 AM in response to gidnitacs

    Hello. Does anybody knows which serial numbers (661-3789 part) are affected with this defective? I don't want to buy another display and to have the same issue two months later. Perhaps Phillips-LG can help us?

     

    Thank you for your messages. It's good to know you are not alone!!!

  • by knexlegend,

    knexlegend knexlegend May 16, 2011 12:20 AM in response to gidnitacs
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 16, 2011 12:20 AM in response to gidnitacs

    Hello.

     

    Just called Apple, they are giving me a free one time repair for my 2006 iMac 17" 2ghz C2D.

     

    Was polite, calm and explained everything.

     

     

    Issue: Had 4 lines on screen.

     

     

    Go here: http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=558769

  • by Dark Brown Overcoat,

    Dark Brown Overcoat Dark Brown Overcoat May 23, 2011 4:48 AM in response to zaloita
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 23, 2011 4:48 AM in response to zaloita

    Hi all,

     

    I've had vertical lines on my 2006 polycarbonate iMac Intel core2 duo 17" for a while now - recently have become a lot worse.

     

    Pleased to say that I've just come off the phone with Apple UK who were very straightforward about the problem, talked through a few diagnostics then immediately agreed to fix the problem out of warranty.

     

    Very happy with the way Apple have dealt with my problem, and props to the people who brought it to Apple's attention and got a fix in the first place.

     

    If you've got lines on your iMac screen, pick up the phone!

  • by MassimoBeltramo,

    MassimoBeltramo MassimoBeltramo May 27, 2011 5:12 PM in response to Dark Brown Overcoat
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 27, 2011 5:12 PM in response to Dark Brown Overcoat

    But..what you say? How is possible that apple agreed to fix some problems, like your case, and for some others state that no repair are possible, since the machines are considered VINTAGE? It seems very strange that apple act such different policies for different countries. I loss so many times in this matter, while vertical lines are growing on my sceen. What kind of situation...

  • by garison,

    garison garison May 28, 2011 3:47 AM in response to mac_gee
    Level 1 (10 points)
    May 28, 2011 3:47 AM in response to mac_gee

    I did the same thing. Called Apple. They gave me an, can't remember what it was called, like a " work order number" and I gave that to my local Apple Store and they fixed my vertical line problem with a new screen and a new board. Thank you Apple.

  • by damianhindley,

    damianhindley damianhindley Jun 2, 2011 11:21 AM in response to gidnitacs
    Level 1 (10 points)
    Jun 2, 2011 11:21 AM in response to gidnitacs

    I just got of the phone with apple, they sated that the free repair was an option but it is now closed and they wont be repairing anymore free of charge.

  • by annfrombrighton,

    annfrombrighton annfrombrighton Jun 3, 2011 3:30 AM in response to damianhindley
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 3, 2011 3:30 AM in response to damianhindley

    I was told yesterday 2nd of June that they would have fixed it but that they do not have the parts anymore because it is vintage. Apple lost a case in France in 2009 with regards to this issue and the judge ordered apple to fix any Imacs with this defect. Mine is also from the dreaded W8 factory in Shanghai China purchased in 2007. I think we need to get together and do something.

  • by damianhindley,

    damianhindley damianhindley Jun 3, 2011 5:03 AM in response to gidnitacs
    Level 1 (10 points)
    Jun 3, 2011 5:03 AM in response to gidnitacs

    Now that my imac is junk I plan to pull it apart and see what the issue is. I do mac repairs and honestly it shows the symptoms of a loose connection on the display. if I shack or move the screen the lines change. Has anyone trouble shot this yet? Mine has perfect capacators so its not that.

  • by jdeluxe,

    jdeluxe jdeluxe Jun 9, 2011 11:28 AM in response to gidnitacs
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 9, 2011 11:28 AM in response to gidnitacs

    Just found out today we're in the same boat on the vintage parts.  We've looked into this problem multiple times since 2008, but Apple wasn't taking responsibility.  The repair would have been more than half the cost of a new computer.  When I finally found out they were doing the repairs, we missed the window.  Spoke to a very nice supervisor today who did his best, but said there are no parts available anymore.  So by sheer timing, we have an unfixable Mac (W8 factory in Shanghai Dec 2005).  I'm furious and disappointed.  Why didn't Apple notify customers with the defective computers that they were making the repair?  Now it's too late.  My husband doesn't mind (I bought the computer for him), but I've been an Apple advocate since I bought my first Macintosh Performa and I'm having a hard time swallowing the fact that we're stuck with this problem through no fault of our own.

  • by MassimoBeltramo,

    MassimoBeltramo MassimoBeltramo Jun 9, 2011 12:49 PM in response to jdeluxe
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 9, 2011 12:49 PM in response to jdeluxe

    You're right. Me too have been an Apple advocate since i bought my first Mac Performa (610), but this time is over. Vertical lines in front of my imac G5 W5...state the end of all. My dentist have imac, my advocate have imac, my neighborhoods have imac, and all of it because i talked about the apple supremacy.  The only problem is, no way, there is no alternative to OSX, any other os is rudimental, or a  grotesque imitation like 7. But, why apple do not made a discount program for us? Apple can offer to us a discount of 25% for buying a new iMac. Why they don't think?

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