Do the new imacs fix the Backlight Gradient Problem?

Nope,

I wish I read these boards before I bought one. My new 20" 2.66mhz went back today. Applecare support people have been very helpful and understanding. I sent them photos and they are now sending my machine to their techs to see if it is "within specification". After checking 20" at the Apple Store and Bestbuy I have a feeling that these monitors are just this way. They are sending me a new one but I don't have much hope. I guess I can upgrade to a 24" or save up for a tower. I much prefer the 20" size.

Maybe they should also add a note to the 20" iMac - +not recommended for Photoshop or any color sensitive application.+

I am really disappointed......

Here is a link to my photos that I sent Apple.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/p3photos/sets/72157604938507476/

ShokiPoki wrote:

Here is a link to my photos that I sent Apple.

Yep. Very similar to the ones I sent to apple in Sept '07 -- and every one
of the dozen or so 20" ALU iMacs I've examined first-hand. Apple said
mine was "within spec", but repeatedly refused to reveal the spec. Then,
they declared mine DOA and gave me a 100% refund -- after 1 month.

I repeated the exercise with a 24" ALU with a huge brightness gradient.
According to tech support, it was also "within specs" ... and DOA!

Finally, upgraded to a Late-2006 white 20" -- with a georgeous display.

http://picasaweb.google.com/TheLooby

Looby

Its a shame that there isn't a way to upgrade some of the internals on the white iMacs. My screen works great, and it such a shame that the new ones don't even though the performance is so good on them.

Looby -

Your 24 inch iMac shots showing brightness on the left hand side are similar but probably worse than mine. Mine are more subtle but still noticeable.

I'm now in this position of just accepting it and getting on with my work, hoping I'll forget about it (unlikely). Or I take the thing back (I've only had it for 5 days so am within the 14 day return slot). Only thing is it's a fair old drive to the nearest Apple Store and I'm guessing I'll just get a replacement with the same (maybe worse?) screen issues.

I tried working in Photoshop and photos are fine and the gradient isn't noticeable. It's only apparent when I have a solid colour right across the screen which will be a rarity.

Problems, problems...

Hi,

My first post here and i am on the verge of buying the new 24inch iMac...will be my first mac.

These screen problems are worrying. Can someone start a thread (i cannot for some strange reason - can only reply) where people can just post and say "20inch/no problem" or "24inch/problem" so we can see some kind of ratio between the good and bad?

Cheers

OMCBKK

It wouldn't be reliable: people who have no problem won't read "Your Intel-based iMac Display" thread. 😉

Good point, but I don't even have a mac, and I read it 🙂

LittleBritain -

Did you try clicking on "Back to Topics List" at the bottom of this thread? Do this and you should see a link which says "Post New Topic" at the top right of the following screen. Your best bet though is to just try a search, there are numerous posters here with iMac screen problems.

Don't forget though that for every one poster here there are lots more who are happy with their iMac. These people have no reason to visit these Discussions, hence the disproportionate amount of negative issues here.

Cheers.

Just got my 20" replacement, see my post 6 or 7 above this one. It looks like this is how these monitors are, it's the same as the first one. I cannot use it for Photoshop so I will ask for my money back or go for a 23" or maybe a Macbook Pro. I am a little worried about the 23", it has a much better viewing angle but some people seem to have the left to right gradient issue....what to do.

It's a shame they went to these panels on the Alum. 20", the white 2006 iMacs had great displays.

I know the 20" iMac is a "consumer" machine, but they are so good now in terms of power that it's sad they are crippled by a cheap display.

Just had a quick question for any of those who have had any experience with applecare. As far as either upgrading or a refund for the inferior 20inch screen? I do a lot of photo editing and etc... and i have the same gradient issue. I past my 14 day return but will to pay that extra cash for away better display! Thought's?

I called AppleCare and had them declare my 20" ALU iMac D.O.A.
due to the unacceptable color and brightness gradients. There's
a 30-day time limit -- with no restocking fee -- on returns or
exchanges of defective merchandise. When you call AppleCare, be
sure to get a "case number" and also ask them to call your local
Apple Store and pre-arrange the return/exchange. Thay'll save
any hassle with the store staff.

Before calling AppleCare, read the sales policy DOA provisions:

http://www.apple.com/legal/sales_policies/

Looby

You must be the most boring and sad individual on the face of this earth mate........................

Maintaining your usual standards of valuable contribution ...huh?

Looby

Ouch.

Did you try to calibrate the display? I got one of the new 24" iMacs and, like many, wasn't very happy with the way the screen looked. Contrast was strange and the colors seemed off. After a few rounds with the display calibrator, it's looking a lot better than it did.

Won't help if you are suffering from gradient problems, of course, but maybe I got lucky there.