Q: New iMac 27inch screen flickering/tearing/shutoff

hkrause wrote:

+* I was told a "new" firmware release would be out later this week.+

Wow, thats good news. First I've heard of that. Guess we'll see.

I'd be pleased with just an announcement from apple stating:

"We found the problem. It's X, Y or Z. We have a couple of ways to positively fix this with (software) (hardware) and (if hardware) will make the fix available via appointment at a local apple store or by home/office visit."

*That is how a reputable company that cares about its customers takes care of problems.*

NULCGI wrote:
I would again ask;
Has anyone experienced any of these Flicker/Blackout/Yellowing anomallies..... on a virgin Machine ???? (one with nothing added to the ex-factory software/hardware)

I experienced flickering the second day I got my iMac. I hadn't installed ANYTHING. It was completely stock. I've only seen flickering on two occasions thus far....

Utsava wrote:

NULCGI wrote:
I would again ask;
Has anyone experienced any of these Flicker/Blackout/Yellowing anomallies..... on a virgin Machine ???? (one with nothing added to the ex-factory software/hardware)

I experienced flickering the second day I got my iMac. I hadn't installed ANYTHING. It was completely stock. I've only seen flickering on two occasions thus far....

Thanks Utsava,
Thats useful information..... and thus eliminates some aspects of User-introduced conditions - that were being considered.

Yes, I got one 3 days ago, and it seems to be flickering, going black, and distorting for me. It seems like it does it when it warms up? I am holding on to my unit for a while hoping its a software fix. If its hardware, they might be holding off from telling us what it is so we don't flood the gates with returns all at once.

Its Apple I am 90% sure they know what it is.

One thing I do hope for the people like myself that phoned in issue, got a Case # and decided to wait & not flood the gates with returns, as you so aptly put it. I hope that when the time comes, when it looks like they solved the issue. That when we finally return ours, we are given a replacement with no problems as to why we waited so long. And we are treated with the same immediacy people are getting that are exchanging them now.

hkrause wrote:
I'd be pleased with just an announcement from apple stating:

"We found the problem. It's X, Y or Z. We have a couple of ways to positively fix this with (software) (hardware) and (if hardware) will make the fix available via appointment at a local apple store or by home/office visit."

*That is how a reputable company that cares about its customers takes care of problems.*

That's because Apple is filled with fat greedy people. The problem is widespread and it's too expensive to replace them all so Apple is trying to circumvent it with firmware update.

Message was edited by: illegaloperation

That is a good point, It might be wise to just send it in now, and go with out a machine for however many weeks. If I could exchange it quickly at a store then I would certainly be more pro active towards the action.

Since you have your case number though you might be clear. I will hold for another week or so and see if another update emerges. Fingers Crossed.

Well, here's my story. I have been experiencing what I describe as the "noise band", a band 2-3" wide across the screen, located near the top, bottom or the middle of the screen (lasts just a second or less). It happens very infrequently and was always cured by the sleep/wake after 5 seconds procedure (I would do the sleep/wake after 5 secs. procedure after the first noise band or flicker). I may have experienced one blackout, but can't say for certain as it was so brief. I have not experienced the screen distortions or dock relocations described by some. My machine was a week 50, ordered Black Friday and received 12/11. My thinking was to wait until Apple resolved the issue before taking any steps, unless the problem worsened. I installed the firmware update, reset PRAM and SMC and did the extended AHT (no issues). The only successful action was the sleep/wake after 5 secs. procedure, although it was a temporary fix. I use the iMac every day and put it to sleep overnight rather than power off. Otherwise, the machine was flawless. When it appeared a solution from Apple was not at hand, I decided to call AppleCare (1/3) and report the issue and get a case number, simply to be on record in the event of a recall or other repair action. The AC rep was very friendly and professional. After taking my info, he got a Product Specialist (PS) on the line (also friendly and professional) who knew of the issue. He suggested I request a replacement since the machine was less than 30 days old. I inquired about a repair option and told him I had been following this forum and read of replacement machines with the same issues. He stated a repair would involve "replacing the logic board and some cabling" and suggested again that a replacement machine would be a better option since my machine was apparently "DOA" right out of the box (his term). Even though it was not my intent to send the i7 back, I decided to do it anyway. I got the distinct impression it was what they wanted me to do, even though they didn't come right out and say, "send it back, fool". The PS got a sales rep on the line who finished the actions with me. Within a few minutes, I had my Fedex mailing label e-mail. So I packed the i7 up and delivered it to Fedex today (1/4). The PS told me the new machine should ship in 5-7 business days after the return had been received by Fedex (Apple is notified when Fedex does their receiving scan and that triggers the replacement machine order to the factory). The returned i7 is shipped to Apple in Elk Grove, CA (for refurbishing, I assume). The only new info to me was the PS referring to replacing the logic board and cabling. So I'm back to my 2007 20" iMac (wow, what a shock after the 27" i7) until the replacement arrives. I have faith Apple will solve this problem and make everything right.

The last thing I want to do is receive a second that has the same problem.

I guess this is the issue, ill call in tomorrow and send forth.

my i7 ordered on xmas day that would ship on JAN 12th was shipped today, JAN 5th.

I think apple is really "out of business" with this new imacs, despite the 2 weeks shipment on the site the people seem to know the problem and is refusing to buy it know.

as soon as i get the bill i'll let you know the serial number.

Shipped mine back december 23rd and they are supposed to be sending me a new one on january 12th... Thankfully I got to speak to a really nice apple rep on the phone and she sent me a FREE IPOD SHUFFLE for my troubles... which is cool and all but I'd much rather be jammin out to music on my 27 inch... I really hope this one isnt defective otherwise its getting returned Im gonna laugh if the problem ends up being something stupid noone thought it would be like the bluetooth mouse interfering with somethin or whatever... ekqrjnfljhberwhkubfiuw,kenfhjklbrjkbfnkl3 LAME!

I heard from an Apple representative here that the screens have been updated on the Imacs produced after the 2 week delay. He didn't give me any specifics, but mentioned something about a display chip. Someone else heard anything similar?

Nevertheless, he felt confident about that the Imac's are now fixed, but then again. The guy was a salesman, perhaps he was just good at his job. :P

That is incorrect information as I received my iMac on December 28, after the 2 week shipping delay and mine has exhibited the same problems. What strikes me as so peculiar is that the issue comes and goes without context - the machine may be cold or warm, running intensively or barely working.... It's a mystery to me, and I presume to Apple as well.