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

Doigman wrote:
Called AppleCare on 1/5 and they recommend me bringing it back to the store and said, "most likely they'll replace it." Didn't see these boards and the problem until after I called. When I brought it back, was told it will take a few weeks before the replacement arrives. I didn't want to get attached to the machine so wanted to unload it ASAP.

At least they were honest about the "few weeks" estimate. I was told by Applecare that my replacement unit would be here in 3-4 days, but that was seven days ago. It has been "prepared for shipment" since Thursday. Pleased, I am not. Can't wait to see if it flickers when it does arrive. It should be a week 01 or 02 unit coming straight from Shanghai. I'll keep everyone posted.

THIS WHOLE SITUATION IS REALLY BAD. I BOUGHT TWO NEW IMACS FOR CHRISTMAS TO UPGRADE AND RETURNED BOTH WHEN I LEARNED OF PROBLEM. WILL WAIT THIS OUT TILL ABSOLUTELY FIXED AND NEW DELIVERIES ARE OK. APPLE STORE SAID THEY HAD NOT HEARD OF PROBLEM. WOW.

Jon,
Did Apple tell you it would be a Week 01 or 02 ?
Thanks.
Dino

"APPLE STORE SAID THEY HAD NOT HEARD OF PROBLEM. WOW."

That alone speaks volumes to me...

How can you tell what week the iMac is? From the serial no.? Thanks in advance for your help:)
Christine

Hi Christine,

In your Serial Number it should look like this... W##53####... fourth and fifth digit together should give you the week number. This would be week 53.

/s0l

Hello everyone,

Just prepared my replacement-i7 for refund. Although very feint the yellow tinge was there. always revealing itself when I check out my song list on iTunes list or read longer bodies of text, large white backgrounds etc...

Some said they saw it, some said only a VERY little bit "you can deal with it!", or some folks even told me it's just my imagination. But quite frankly, having the thought nagging in the back of my head wasn't worth my sanity (and cash).

I'm disappointed and sad (twice for that matter) that it had to turn out this way, but being in the graphic industry, I need the best visual quality I can get. This thing is a speed demon for an iMac, I can tell you that much!!

I wish all who are keeping theirs who have the various symptoms all the best and good luck and hang in there guys! I'm sorry that I couldn't hang in there with you. I'm going back to my old white 2.16ghz to get some stuff done. It's my workhorse what can I say, I guess it wasn't his time yet hehe. Looks like we've got many more deadlines to overcome together.

I'll wait it out until the problems get solved, then we'll see... Just hoping things will get better.

Signing off (for the second time),

/s0l

Thanks very much s0lar!:) So I have a week 50 then. Looking forward to seeing what my replacement iMac will be. I am going to miss this one I am currently using, I tell you! Other than the random flickers & blackouts, it performs FLAWLESSLY!

s0lar, I hear you loud & clear & understand the way you feel. Your being in the Graphic Industry, I can very much see your point. My Yellow Tinge shows up the most when I'm on CraigsList. I guess I should stay off there anyway (like I need to buy something else).:-) Anyway, today my screen started Flickering a lot. So I made the decision to do my first exchange. I may as well join the Club & take at least one exchange Chance. The Flicker annoys me even more than the Yellow. So I took all my Programs off, Unplugged my Peripherals, etc...And of course the screen stopped Flickering & hasn't since. But I'm smart enough to know, nothings changed. It'll come back. So tomorrow I plan to call & set up my exchange with the store I bought it from. Good Luck!
Dino

Dino1956 wrote:
Jon,
Did Apple tell you it would be a Week 01 or 02 ?
Thanks.
Dino

I've been checking the order status for my replacement 27" iMac and it was just finished being built in Shanghai on Thursday. That would make it either a late week 01 or an early week 02. Shanghai time is quite a bit further ahead than the U.S. so it should be a week 02.

For those who wonder why we are constantly talking about what week number an iMac was made, there is a website (here) that tracks late 2009 iMac issues by week number. It is useful to hear what week people's iMacs were made in order to understand if the flickering problem remains in newer units. I suppose once we've all stopped posting here, that would be a pretty good sign that the problem is fixed as well. :^)

I have been delaying my first exchange since I have to Ship it back to B&H in NY. I've had mine since Christmas Day & can't seem to part with it. Both Yellow Tinge & Flicker, but still hard to part with. The best computer I've ever used. I plan to pack it up tomorrow, but it does not Flicker, I may further delay my exchange.

Jon, I am most anxious to hear how your iMac is. You have one hot off the press. Your iMac is our Future!:-) Please let us know ASAP! Thanks & Good Luck.

Dino1956 wrote:
Jon, I am most anxious to hear how your iMac is. You have one hot off the press. Your iMac is our Future!:-) Please let us know ASAP! Thanks & Good Luck.

I will let you know as soon as I have it. :^) Best of luck with your exchange as well. I think if you've enjoyed a flickering iMac, imagine how nice a non-flickering one would be! Keep us posted with how your replacement unit works as well.

Dino I forgot to mention that the floor manager from B&H Video I dealt with was aware of the problem and told me that they had to change the floor model when they first put it out. I checked the build on the floor model and it was week 45 with no problems.

I personally think it has something to do with the screen itself. Apple is holding out because they themselves don't know what batches are damaged until it is reported and then from there they replace those batches of screens based on the build and lot numbers.

This is only an opinion on the issue but I believe it's a valid one.

I'm still at work so no play time with the computer but I did drop it of at home. Tonight I'll have some fun if i'm not to tired.

Rick. Man does this suck! Sorry had to vent, hahaha

I WANT A IMAC 27!!! ** IT!!!


Raul.........I completely understand......Sorry if my post was confusing.

The point I was trying to make is that there will be many who post here who will advise you to return your 27"er, and get a refund, then just wait until the issue is resolved.

Just my opinion, but I don't see that as a real choice. Once you've used the i7, it's really tough to even think about going back to an older model, even for a few weeks.

Right now, we don't even know when the issue will be resolved, it may even be done as we are speaking, but if you do seek a refund, then you will be without the 27 for who knows how long.

I had rather deal with the flickering, since it is purely cosmetic, and does not affect data in any way, I can still work with it.

Apple has been very good about letting a lot of us keep the 27's until new units arrive, and we don't have to go back to our old machines.

If you take the advice of others who suggest you just get a refund, you have to give it up, and go back to the stone age.

As for the lack of information, that has always been Apple's way. It has worked for them in the past, and they are not likely to change. They have admitted to the flickering issue indirectly, and that's probably as much as we can hope for.

Apple still has the best warranties, and customer service in the industry, and will either fix, or replace these machines at some point, so if you hang in there, you will have a perfect machine sooner or later, and a flickering i7 still beats the socks off of anything else in it's class.

Hope your replacement works without the flicker.