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

I really don't think the problem is software-related that can be addressed by an OS update. A deeper level software update by tweaking something in drivers or firmware might provide a solution to mask the problem for now. Even so, I will still be skeptical on its long-term effectiveness when the system gets older.

Has anyone heard if a the "later batches" of 27" iMac's are okay?

The serial number beginning with the third number in.."9" followed by the next two. The latest I've seen on these postings is 946, (I have 941). Anyone with a later model still having issues?

Having the exact same experience on my new 27" iMac.
Started happening on about day 5 of ownership.
Took it down to the apple store, where they ran several load tests–could not replicate the jumping screen of course. After digging in and seeing some recorded font error messages in the directory, they thought it had something to do with that. Possibly migrating fonts from an older G5 tower. (They had not heard of any issues with this computer at that time) Cleaned out and reloaded fonts, still happening. Can't seem to tie it to any particular app. I do have a 2nd 20" cinema screen attached, which is not effected when the flickering/jumping starts. The only saving grace is that a restart usually clears it up for a few days. Seems like a hardware issue to me.

Just an update to my situation (last posted about way back on [page four][1] of this thread).

[1]: http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=10513900#10513900

The majority of the time, my iMac is running fine, without any flickering. However, the issue has not disappeared completely, and appears to happen when the machine is 'cold'. Once the machine has been awake and in use for 10-15 minutes, the flickering goes away.

As there has been a lot of debate over possible causes and solutions, I actually haven't done anything to try to solve the issue. I appear to be lucky in that what flickering I get is infrequent (until this morning, I actually hadn't seen any since my last post, which was almost three weeks ago) and doesn't last for long. For the moment, I'm willing to live with the issue -- but I'm sure glad I signed up for Applecare, just in case the problem does eventually get worse than it is.

So, in a sense, this post isn't really adding much to the conversation. Still, I figured it was worth tossing in an update to my particular situation.

Hi all, new to the apple mac and considering getting the i7 model - moneys in the bank. At the mo tho, thats exactly where its staying as I am tracking 3 reported issues with this hardware:
- performance issues (flash)
- yellowing at bottom of screen
- lines/distortion of screen.

there is no way for 1600 uk notes I am parting with money until I am sure the issues are resolved. What I dont understand is why people are even attempting to diagnose the issue - just return it and leave that to apple engineers no?

I havent heard anyone get a response from Apple or any official statment, has anyone?

I contacted Apple though their chat to ask about these issues before I buy and was merely told that they dont speculate on issues and I would be covered by the warranty. Understand their reluctance but doesnt fill me with confidence.

Lastly, having read the forums there seems to be a strong leaning towardds taking out the extended care - any real reason for this?

For those in the UK that dont know,regardless of warranty you are covered against manufacturing defects for 5 years from date of purchase under the consumer credit Act and can claim costs of repair etc if the item is not "durable" in relation to cost and branding. I would say at £1600 and from Apple I would expect this to be fault free for at least 3 years. Given this, is there any point in the warranty for UK customers?

As I say, PC user looking to migrate to MAC so I can undertake iPhone development but these issues with the i5/i7 are making me nervours!

+"Has anyone heard if a the "later batches" of 27" iMac's are okay?+
+The serial number beginning with the third number in.."9" followed by the next two. The latest I've seen on these postings is 946, (I have 941). Anyone with a later model still having issues?"+

Got my i7 today (Nov. 23). It's a 947. Only used it for an hour. So far - no flicker. I won't feel comfortable that mine isn't busted for at least a week.

Ordered it Nov. 10, shipped from Shanghai on Nov. 18, delivery estimate was Nov. 24 (to US mid-Atlantic), but arrived a day early (Nov. 23). Pretty quick shipping for Standard shipping.

Dear customers

who Apple might lose very soon if it doesn't get the turn around.
I got the iMac 27 inch replaced by a new one last week... AAAAND who wonders: it is flickering! even more than before!!! Wow. This is seriosly my fourth Apple product within one year which is faulty: 1. MacBook Pro 15 inch late 2008 (unibody) manufacturing issues (five times) and now mainboard had to be replaced, 2. iPhone 3G Display totally off centered (twice!) and silent switch broke off, 3. iMac 27 inch (twice) 4. time capsule 1tb with a faulty hard drive... ????
THIS IS IT. I am switching. To something else but Mac. After seven years.

I am also considering to complain to what we call "Verbraucherschutz" (consumer protection) in Germany.

I have been buying Apple products since 1979 (honestly!) I even have a copy of the famous "Redbook".

I cannot express strongly enough my dismay at this iMac video issue. I have longed for this machine ever since I decided I would wait on my upgrade (to a newer iMac) for a quad-core "box". Well, here it is, and there is a problem with it (sigh).

I do not expect perfection - even from Apple. I do, however, expect honesty and integrity. For Apple to claim that they have never heard of this problem (when broken iMacs are brought back to the store for replacement) is disingenuous at best, or subterfuge.

Apple - your loyal (and not so loyal) customers do NOT demand perfection. They demand honesty, and deserve to be treated fairly. It is your fiduciary duty (I am a stock holder) to recognize and correct this widespread problem with the newest iMacs. We expect to be told what is going on, and what you are doing to correct this issue.

I, for one, am ready and willing to pay for a fully dressed i7 iMac. I will not purchase this until resolution is clear with this problem. I imagine that there are many similar customers out there.

In closing, I implore you to "do the right thing". Speak to your (typically) very loyal customers as to the current state of affairs with the iMac 27 inch video distortion issues, and give us your resolution plan.

Thank you...

lordrobert wrote:
Dear customers

who Apple might lose very soon if it doesn't get the turn around.
I got the iMac 27 inch replaced by a new one last week... AAAAND who wonders: it is flickering! even more than before!!! Wow. This is seriosly my fourth Apple product within one year which is faulty: 1. MacBook Pro 15 inch late 2008 (unibody) manufacturing issues (five times) and now mainboard had to be replaced, 2. iPhone 3G Display totally off centered (twice!) and silent switch broke off, 3. iMac 27 inch (twice) 4. time capsule 1tb with a faulty hard drive... ????
THIS IS IT. I am switching. To something else but Mac. After seven years.

I am also considering to complain to what we call "Verbraucherschutz" (consumer protection) in Germany.

Ouch! Can you post what batch number the second machine is from?

Well, after several sleepless nights, I cancelled my I7 order. I really wanted it, but man - logic finally prevailed and I decided to wait at least 3 months to see if all of these problems are addressed and resolved. I've been an Apple Patriot since the Apple IIe (early 80's) and have been through many Apple products through the years and converted many people from Windows to Mac. Hopefully this is a temporary anomaly for Apple (albeit it's going to be very expensive to work through) and be back on the purchase wagon soon.

still no problems here (fingers crossed)...my serial number ends with 9 46 so from what I've read here that means the 46th week in 2009...I'm curious to know if others with 46th week or later machines are having this problem...Please post your serial numbers (the 9 and the 2 numbers following it) if you are having these problems so that we (by we I mean us users, I don't work for Apple) can try and pinpoint this thing. If all the people having problems have machines from the same weeks while others are unaffected then it would suggest that the early batches have some kind of hardware issue not affecting the new batches. If this is the case and we make Apple aware of it
#1: it would put a lot of peoples minds at ease and
#2: who knows they might even recall any machines with serial numbers from those bad batches.

I really think its important that we start posting our digits (so to speak lol)...even those of us currently (and hopefully) unaffected...this info might help some people who know what to do with it and ultimately help us all.

KJH - does your unit get extremely hot on the back? I touched a bunch of iMac at the Apple Store and all were warm. Mine is so hot that I can't keep touching it or I'll burn myself. The flickering appears to be getting worse too.

Jerry D wrote:
Well, after several sleepless nights, I cancelled my I7 order. I really wanted it, but man - logic finally prevailed and I decided to wait at least 3 months to see if all of these problems are addressed and resolved. I've been an Apple Patriot since the Apple IIe (early 80's) and have been through many Apple products through the years and converted many people from Windows to Mac. Hopefully this is a temporary anomaly for Apple (albeit it's going to be very expensive to work through) and be back on the purchase wagon soon.

Jerry, I appreciate your willingness to contribute, but I would ask that only people who have purchased a machine (faulty or otherwise) contribute to the thread. Your angst over your purchase - although important to you - doesn't help those of us who have machines and are experiencing problems.

Unfortunately you can not be helped MarkyJ. You are not acting in a rational manner by continuing to order what is clearly a defective product. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.

Jerry D, on the other hand is acting in a perfectly rational manner. In addition he has every right to post on this public forum. You on the other hand, have no right to, "ask that only people who have purchased a machine (faulty or otherwise) contribute to the thread."

Problematic hardware will not be solved by this thread. However, sharing thoughts and ideas may help people make better informed decisions.