Concern about iMac freezing

[markw10]

I want to purchase one of the new aluminum imacs but am concerned about this freezing issue.

I want to go with the 20" imac. Is this problem with both 20" and 24" or just 24"?

Also, I originally figured it was a driver issue but am now hearing it's a hardware issue. I've heard about some people taking it in for repair and getting a new graphics chipset. Has this been confirmed? I'd at least feel better hoping a new imac would have this newer chipset.

For freezeups is this being only experienced with older 'new generation' imacs or is this also being seen with the latest purchases? When I buy I plan to go with refurbished. I'm hoping with refurbished they would be updated to any new graphics chips.

 

[ImperialX]

This is a hardware issue. It is currently unknown if the really new iMacs are plagued with this issue, however if you get a freezer you can take it back for a new one.

You hsould buy it now. You have a very good chance of getting a good one. This is only effecting a small number of iMacs. Remember people tend to complain on these forums, not to praise.

 

[Cloudane]

My 20" iMac is fine, no freezes (well that's just put a curse on it!)

It does have the uneven backlight, resulting in top-down gradients, but by the sound of it all the 20" ones have that. It's said to be a "characteristic" (rubbish IMO... it's a design flaw, but one I can live with.)

This is a very new model, it's only just coming up to its 14th day so unless I get really narked about the backlight (which hasn't bothered me much the past few days) it will be past its no-return date shortly.