Greyish Smudge marks behind the glass screen.

Just discovered the same thing on mine, top right has smudge marks from the inside. I also have a slight yellow tint on the screen at the bottom. I really don't want to give the machine in right now as it works beautifully apart from the screen no other issues. Though this is new machine just 2 weeks old its serial number is that of a week 44 one (India does not get a lot of love from apple). Thinking of waiting for known resolutions (for both the tint and the smudges) before taking it in.

I have also noticed what look like heat streaks growing at the top left and right of my 2009 24" iMac screen.
The aluminum frame gets so hot at times that it's too hot to touch, except very quickly. Especially in the upper left corner, where the fan blows the excess heat.

I believe these screen streaks are actually burn marks made by the heat. They were not there at first, but they continue to grow as time goes on.

My fans all run at the correct default speeds for this model, but I believe the frame gets way too hot, and I think my screen has been damaged from the heat.

I am going to report this to Apple as well, and will report back with any new info.
DD

swapnonil wrote:
I have a 21.5 iMac bought in November 2009.

There appears to be numerous greyish smudge marks behind the glass screen on the top left hand corner.

Can someone please post a picture of this anomaly?

visible on the top right (sorry about the bad picture quality its the best my phone can do). these are from the 21.5" iMac.

http://cid-e554810ea1986a90.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/Public/DSC00007.JPG

Same problem here with iMac 21.5 bought 1st Dec 2009.

With a week or so marks appearing in top left corner spreading inwards, and later more appearing around all edges.

Casing does not get hot, only mildly warm after long use. It looks like a static smear of very fine particles. Gradually increasing.

Still within the 90-day warranty, contacted Apple. Guy said he could only deal with software issues and gave me a number for local reseller who could deal with hardware problems.

Called them, they said this problem is not covered by warranty, I have to bring the machine in and there will be a charge to clean the inside of the screen.

Not happy. Very not happy. Is this going to be a regular trot for me?

And if I buy the AppleCare warranty - does that still not cover having these design defects rectified?

Not going to go away quietly on this. These machines don't come cheap.

But it should be covered in warranty ? no ? I don't think theyre stains on the inner side of the glass, more likely burn marks on the screen or something. A screen replacement is the fix I think, which is covered. I'm not sure however I haven't given mine in, I do not have the time at the moment. I had requested a refund via email instead and haven't heard back from apple, and my dealer wasn't happy when I mentioned a refund, they're more than willing to fix the screen though and said its covered.

Message was edited by: greenthunderleaf

At this point I don't know. Just reporting what happened.
Not in London at the moment so there's no store near me, bought it online.

Have to keep hassling Apple. Don't understand what this 'not covered by warranty' is all about.

Things are meant to be 'fit for use' when they are sold, or money back. That's the law.

Have the same problem with my 21.5" iMac purchased just after release in october.

Didn't notice it in the first two months (had a dark wallpaper) but the smudge streaks, left corner, are getting worse.

I had the same problem with my old 20" iMac, matte screen, but that happened after two years (no Applecare then).

Guess I have to make a call soon, bummer.

I recently bought a second-hand 24" iMac (less than a year old) and noticed the same screen staining being described here. Yesterday I took the glass screen off (surprisingly easy) and repeatedly cleaned the inside of the screen with a mixture of white vinegar diluted in warm water and also a light mix of window cleaning fluid. It took about four goes at cleaning, putting the screen back on and checking the results, removing and repeating the process. I can honestly say that so far as I can see the results are perfect. Whether this state lasts or not remains to be seen.

I used the windscreen sucker from my TomTom SatNav. Put it in the centre, just under the iSight and pulled gently. Glass is held by magnets and has some guide pins so it's easy to reposition it correctly - was surprised how light the glass was. While I was in there I also did the screen for good measure. Took a bit of time to make sure there were no streaks left behind so have plenty of kitchen paper towelling and a lint-free cloth handy.
Edited to add that I obviously switched off and unplugged before doing any of this!

Message was edited by: Paul_31

@Paul_31 In your case the smudges are on the glass, and yeah maybe I should try your suggestion, but what if it's (behind) the screen itself.

I mean, I had they same problems with a matte iMac, no cover glass to get dirty at all?

Paul -

thanks for the advice 🙂 - looks like I might be giving this a go.

conradzoo -

Looks very much to me like my stains are on the back of the cover glass. If this is going to be a continuous problem, I need some solution other than trips to the hardware support every 3 months, and losing a week's work every time - and having to pay for it!

Message was edited by: IanSn - afterthought

Hi conradzoo
The OP seemed to describe screen staining that was the same as I'd had so I'm only suggesting how to clean the front and back of the cover glass and the front of the LCD screen. If it's behind the screen then that's a different problem and I haven't got a clue how to fix that 🙂

I have the same problem with my Mid-2007 24" iMac.
It had got worse over the past 8 months, to the point where it has spread half way down the screen in the middle and bottom right hand corner.
Went into the local genius bar today, the guy said he had seen similar before but not with the pattern I had. They have kept it and are going to replace the LCD and he said they may also replace the glass panel too. All being done under Apple Care.

Just an update on this - I took the computer in to the Apple store. The genius took a look at it and decided to replace the LCD. He said it looked like burn marks and checked to make sure the screen saver was activated. To me it didn't look like an image burn at all. Perhaps, as others have mentioned, it was due to excessive heat. Though, I have not noticed the case getting hot. Anyway, they replaced the screen and less than 24 hours later I had the computer back. The new LCD is perfect, no light backlight leak issues, no yellowing issues, and no greyish 'burn' marks. I'm very satisfied with the service and I would suggest if you are seeing marks on the screen, bring it in to the apple store and have them check it out.