Greyish Smudge marks behind the glass screen.

@Vectorkraft,

that makes two of us!

The best part is that in the last four weeks, that's how long is has been since I bought my MSI laptop, Windows 7 has proven to give me all I have asked for it.

OS X is very good and performed impressively but the hardware did not measure up.

My iMac, on top of the screen problem, runs VERY hot and therefore I was not willing to take the risk with another pretty toy from apple.

Also, I am no longer buying any apps for my iMac and will not invest in anything apple unless they offer us a buy-back deal which, at this scale, not even apple can afford.

I just wish that those iMacs had never seen the light of day because all they really achieved was killing Flash which was another stupid idea.

Thanks for the memories apple, it was quite the ride and I won't forget it!

Hit the nail right on the head. I went through numerous iMac's it was either dead pixels for me, or hazy/cloudy/smoke. Not knowing that the same LG panel is used in the iMac and their 27" cinema display, I had purchased a mac pro / cinema display figuring that would be the end of it, unfortunately it wasn't and my cinema display had to be repaired by way of having another LG panel installed, so it's just a matter of time before this replacement panel decides to act up, I have no doubt in my mind that it will, and it will most likely be right when my applecare expires.

Very sad isn't it, I can & do use Windows, but I really don't like it, not that I really like OSX lately either, but if I need another computer it would be a PC with Win7, if the time comes & Win8 is the only option... I guess I don't really need a computer. 😟

Ok Guys - After review numerous threads, this option worked for me. For those who do not have warranty, I called and spoke with Customer Relations Rep in Cupertino CA, explained my issue in a calm and moderate voice After being placed on a long hold (30 mins) they came back on the line granted my wishes. My iMac is now in for repair.

Also speaking with one of the Tech's from the Genius Bar, She stated they will acknowledge defected devices that are related to bad manufacturing under something called Good Will. I'm not sure why they mad me go through all the hassle that I did, I'm just happy they are now taking care of this issue.

Maybe this will work for all.... Best of Wishes and Good luck.... Remember to be Polite and have little patience.

Hey, Daryl:

I did the same thing. To Apple's credit, I got the same result you did: an out-of-warranty LCD replacement. To their detriment, the clouding came back.

The only difference now is that it comes and goes. I'm guessing it has something to do with the heat of the processors.

Hopefully your outcome will be differnet. Good luck and what not.

Has anyone on here had the same success at getting areplacment without warranty IN the PACIFIC region??? Australia , New Zealand etc?

I can't even contact them...if you go online to start a contact they give you 2 options...pay b/c it's out of warranty or provide paperwork to show they are wrong...and/or it's an exception b/c it WAS purchased recently or it's under the hard drive recall or some other recently bought APPLE product is not working with the machine...

I can't find a GENIOUS bar or whatever anywhere in the region...

either that or they are making it hard to find a different way to contact ...

very clever screening

Well taking your lead once again I am on the phone speaking w Apple ...have just been told that

1 it is difficult but replacements are being done on a case by case basis

2 no replacements are being done in our region!!!!

aaaaaand have just been put on hold....and got to speak with superviser and

GOT IT yayyyyyyyyyyyy

they will replace out of warranty...

I've had about three replacements, my iMac is now out of warranty and despite the grey smudges technicly it, like all of my iMacs before it, it hasn't skipped a beat. I did buy a HP laptop as a back up but I hardly use it, my iMac desktop is still going strong and even though I said I wouldn't, when it comes time to update (which may be a few years yet) I'm going for the new super thin all in one iMac desktop, I don't like the windows operating system and unfortunately I'm stuck on Macs, grey marks and all.

I have been reading many posts on the subject of grey smudges on the iMac's dispaly and when it's all said and done, there doesn't seem to be any recourse in getting Apple to come clean and admit there is a serious problem here! If one doesn't have Apple Care it appears we are stuck with the diffective units. Heck, Apple won't even talk to you on the phone without collecting money from you first!

I find this all very distasteful and am frustrated to no end with Apple. I just wish they would stand behind their product and replace the displays. However, from what I have been reading from you, this won't fix the problem as it appears to be a design flaw. Only a new machine seems to be the solution and that isn't going to happen.

A new machine isn't necessarily the solution either as I was given a new machine by Apple after going through LCD screens on my old iMac. All I can say is that my new iMac (12-2012) has lasted longer but I will need to make that call for a new LCD screen. And of course I got the AppleCare again.

I brought my mid 2010 21.5 iMac to Genius Bar today at my local Apple Store due to the grayish screen smudges in the upper corners of my screen. I'm on the last year of Apple Care (expires Jan 2014). The Genius documneted the problem as "screen contamination" and said the LCD would be replaced free of charge under Apple Care. They did not have any LCD's in stock so they let me bring my iMac home until they get the part in. I was informed I would be called and emailed as soon as the part arrives. They told me when I get the notice the part arrives, to just bring in the iMac, no appointment required for the repair. I was told repair will take about 48 hours.

Based on feedback that this problem can reoccure even with the replacement LCD, I will be looking out for it before my Apple Care expires next January.

I would hope with all the issues with this being documented, that replacement LCD's are better sealed to prevent the dust build up between the glass layers.

I'm planning of placing a PC filter material on the lower air intake after the repair is done to see if it helps prevent the issue again.

I noticed that the Genius when making notes on the repair, ran his fingers accross the air intake at the bottom of the iMac looking for dust build-up and noted it on the report. I do belive that the air flow from the fans are pushing dust particles to the top of the screen and static electricity is pulling them in between the layers of glass. This is a design flaw in the iMac that should be corrected for all that are experiencing it.

I will also add that I do have a laser printer within a couple of feet of my iMac. But the dust from it is not a good reason for the screen contamination. This is a design flaw in the iMac cooling systems and the seal on the LCD screen layers.

Update: I got a call today that the replacement LCD screen is now in stock. I took my iMac back and left it for the repair. I'll update back when I pick it up after repair is completed. I'll try to get more information on the problem when I pick it up.

Hello scienide09, like you I am without Apple Care. I called Apple Support Canada and they say there is no recalls or any recourse other than take it to the Genius Bar and have them look at it. It doesn't appear that Apple is admitting any responsibility in this issue. I have sickened by it all as I saved for years to own an Apple computer and was so proud when I finally got one! I was telling everyone how great it was to own an Apple iMac and that it's the way to go. Now this issue arises and Apple seems to be without support for an obvious design flaw.

Update. I got my iMac back from the Apple Store yesterday. The LCD was repalced under Apple Care. The replacement process took less then two days. Screen is now smudge free. I have 10 months left on my Apple Care and will monitor the screen very carefully for it to happen again.

I tried to get some info about the problem from the Apple Store employee. All I could get is it is an LCD seal problem and according to him, it's not a very common problem.

Seams to have similar or same problem. I see it only with white backgroudn and to me it's more braun then gray. Interessting, it is only above the DVD Slot and to me, it looks like dirt on the backend glas. I have apple care and will go to repair it.