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How widespread is this screen flickering problem?
- Thread starter gwhitta
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I did some research and noticed other mac computers in the past had flickering problems and were fixed by firmware updates.
Not to mention those who accuse every single person who doesn't go along with their anti-Apple rants of being "fanboys" just because they're not experiencing similar problems.
In case the fanboy comments were directed in any way toward my posts I've had problems a plenty in the past. I had to return my 24" iMac a few times before they got it right for screen issues (gradient, then flickering). I have NOT had any such problems with the i7.
Oh, and not to mention it's a little hypocritical of you to accuse those simply reporting they're not having problems of "personal attacks" and then turn around and do exactly that back to them with the childish name calling.
I hope Apple is able to resolve your issues, really.
I've had a few flickers and and one blackout. I restarted and haven't seen any flickers and no blackouts.
I'm wondering if some of these flickering problems could stem from the circuit that one uses. I have many items plugged into the plugs on that circuit. I know in the past I've had to turn off a large TV whenever I used the microwave or it blew a circuit.
I would suspect that the 27" screen requires more power to run. The Computer itself may also use more power as well.
I'm wondering if some of these flickering problems could stem from the circuit that one uses. I have many items plugged into the plugs on that circuit. I know in the past I've had to turn off a large TV whenever I used the microwave or it blew a circuit.
I would suspect that the 27" screen requires more power to run. The Computer itself may also use more power as well.
While I have a i7 on order, my friend received his i5 this week and it started to flicker today. Read on the support forums that a person reset his PRAM and it fixed it temporary( came back in 6 hours). Had my friend do it and so far no flickers.
With resetting the PRAM apparently working to temporarily fix the issue, could this point to a firmware/software problem? As if it was hardware, resetting the PRAM wouldn't have an effect would it?
With resetting the PRAM apparently working to temporarily fix the issue, could this point to a firmware/software problem? As if it was hardware, resetting the PRAM wouldn't have an effect would it?
Dude, you seriously need to chill, my post was not directed at you (I don't even remember reading any of your posts and have no idea who you are), but, given your response, perhaps it should have been. I didn't "accuse those simply reporting they're not having problems of 'personal attacks'" - you literally just made that up out of whole cloth, which seems pretty rabid to me. (Or perhaps you're confusing me with someone else you're already very angry at?)
That being said, to be clear, my comment was directed at people who say things like "This is an isolated problem, it only happens to 1 in 100,000 iMacs (I've seen that posted here, literally), these machines are fine, it's not a problem and you shouldn't act like it is, you can't post that!" when they have absolutely zero knowledge of the relevant facts (e.g., how many machines actually have the problem - if you're not in management at Apple support or another dept. with access to inside information, you have no idea other than that there are hundreds of reports on the Apple forums alone, and that doesn't account for the huge majority of people who don't post there).
This place is filled with fanboys who attempt to censor posts and threads (e.g., the poll about which someone was asking) about problems with Apple products and will defend every Apple product and every decision they make as if it were their own mother's - I don't know if you're one of those people, but if you are, I feel sorry for you and I hope you can soon make some connections in life that allow you to affiliate your identity with something more real than a huge corporation that doesn't know or care you exist - otherwise (and in any case), please do chill out and have a mellow rest of the day.
I'm not sure if I left a reply on this thread or not, since there were so many, even one of my own.
But keep in mind that these kinds of things get really magnified online.
I mean, usually, not very many people go on forums to say that they're machine is working fine as they expected it to.
So, that leaves the bad stuff, which people love to complain about.
So I Think that it's not very widespread.
I don't know if you know this, but Apple are actually using the most expensive technologies to make that screen.
a 24" version of that screen at dell, costs 1700$.
So, there's something to keep in mind there.
And I think that if it was VERY widespread, and lets just say 50% of the computer sold at Apple had it, this would be much more serious. And since news sites like CNET, Engadget, etc. aren't really addressing that issue much, then I'd say that you're good to go.
And also, keep in mind that every single company had these kinds of problems. Not every single machine made can be perfect.
But keep in mind that these kinds of things get really magnified online.
I mean, usually, not very many people go on forums to say that they're machine is working fine as they expected it to.
So, that leaves the bad stuff, which people love to complain about.
So I Think that it's not very widespread.
I don't know if you know this, but Apple are actually using the most expensive technologies to make that screen.
a 24" version of that screen at dell, costs 1700$.
So, there's something to keep in mind there.
And I think that if it was VERY widespread, and lets just say 50% of the computer sold at Apple had it, this would be much more serious. And since news sites like CNET, Engadget, etc. aren't really addressing that issue much, then I'd say that you're good to go.
And also, keep in mind that every single company had these kinds of problems. Not every single machine made can be perfect.
I don't know how many machines are affected but I know that mine is not. I also know I do not blindly worship at the Church of Jobs. I've had my share of problems with Apple computers in the past. I had a 20" Core Duo iMac (my first Mac) that I didn't buy Applecare for and the logic board died 6 weeks past the one year warranty.
As previously mentioned I sent my mid-2007 24" iMac in under Applecare (oh yeah, I invested in it for the second Mac) 4 separate occasions. The first one had a smudge on the LCD panel. The replacement had a horrible left to right gradient and its replacement had a bad inverter which caused horrible flickering. Finally, I sent it in in September when the HD crashed.
That said, I am experiencing no issues with the i7 (knock on wood) and I vote so on every poll I see. I am not opposed to them in any way. I don't believe in poll-closing conspiracy theories. I am really pleased with this machine thus far.
I agree with the poster above who notes the fact that most of the people who post to user forums are those with problems seeking solutions or camaraderie. This is how I came to these forums initially.
I'm not saying there is not a "fanboy" contingent as well because there is. I just wanted it to be clear that not everyone who is reporting no problems at all with their i7/i5's falls into that category. I got the impression (apparently mistakenly judging by your impassioned reply) that you were insinuating this. If I was wrong about that, I'm sorry.
I'm still hoping that Apple sorts out every single issue for you and everyone else experiencing problems as soon as possible.
Problem-free quad-core iMacs exist.
Good thread at Apple Support Forum.
People,
There is a quite comprehensive screen flickering thread on Apple Support. They have also link to a quite well done survey and statistic.
It looks to me that they have less moderating controls and censorship.
The newest gossip? Production line stopped and the graphic card being fixed.
Tom B.
People,
There is a quite comprehensive screen flickering thread on Apple Support. They have also link to a quite well done survey and statistic.
It looks to me that they have less moderating controls and censorship.
The newest gossip? Production line stopped and the graphic card being fixed.
Tom B.
Actually Tom, I posted to that thread that people should tweet and post to their Facebook accounts about this in order to avoid their friends and family getting one of the defective machines (until Apple fixes this, of course), and my post was promptly removed by the moderators - as in, within minutes. This gives me the impression they are actively watching and obviously to at least some degree censoring the discussion.
Oh, and SaSaSushi, no worries and no hard feelings, given the level of vitriol between the fanboy and anti-fanboy crowd here, I'm guessing there were some interactions with other posters that led up to that. I have no doubt that there are plenty of 27s out there that are not malfunctioning (at least not yet...), though as I said, I don't give much credence to assertions that the number with defects are a minuscule fraction given the number of reports we've seen. For my part, I took my i7/16GB/2TB with both noticeable yellowing and the flickering back to the Apple store for a gift card on the 14th day, and was waiting for word from Apple that this has been fixed. That doesn't seem to be coming though, and I need a new machine by year end, so I may give up and use the gift card for a Cintiq and get either a Pro or a Windows box. {Sigh}
That could well be true, considering the shipping date I've been given for my i5 replacement:
Estimated Shipping: 21 Dec, 2009
Estimated Delivery: 30 Dec, 2009
Grr!
Phil
New to the forums...Got an i5 2 weeks ago and it has occasional blackouts
ok..I've been following the thread...good to hear some computers are not affected...but for those of us who are and just want things to work perfect (not an unreasonable expectation after paying over $2k here in Canada
)...what should one do about computers that are affected? In my case I have seen the screen go to black for a second about 5 times so far but nothing else...no screen distortions, no yellow tinges etc just an occasional brief blackout...is the consensus that a software upgrade will fix this? or is it for sure a problem with the darn video card? Can I expect the problem to get worse? Or the only solution is to take it back to FutureShop- they have a 2 week return policy or have Apple fix it?
Is it confirmed that production has been stopped to fix problems?
Sorry about so many questions but the thread got a little off topic there for a few replies...I'm hoping this is a a forum where clear minds prevail
so..what should owners of faulty computers do? what's the best thing to do?
For those whose machines are perfect. Congratulations.
thanks
thefandangoguy
ok..I've been following the thread...good to hear some computers are not affected...but for those of us who are and just want things to work perfect (not an unreasonable expectation after paying over $2k here in Canada
)...what should one do about computers that are affected? In my case I have seen the screen go to black for a second about 5 times so far but nothing else...no screen distortions, no yellow tinges etc just an occasional brief blackout...is the consensus that a software upgrade will fix this? or is it for sure a problem with the darn video card? Can I expect the problem to get worse? Or the only solution is to take it back to FutureShop- they have a 2 week return policy or have Apple fix it?Is it confirmed that production has been stopped to fix problems?
Sorry about so many questions but the thread got a little off topic there for a few replies...I'm hoping this is a a forum where clear minds prevail
so..what should owners of faulty computers do? what's the best thing to do?
For those whose machines are perfect. Congratulations.
thanks
thefandangoguy
I also have a shipping date of December 21st for my i7 that I ordered on Saturday. Though it delivers by xmas eve.
I hope they sort it out eventually. At this point I might wait until the second generation of the widescreen iMacs before getting my i7, or whatever is out then.
hey guys.. Just wanted to post here mainly for informational purposes.
Our 27" imac Dual core 3.33ghz 8g RAM came in the mail today. Plugged it into the 24" to transfer all of the settings using the migration assistant and just about as soon as that started the screen flickering started. It was REALLY bad.. we had the lines through the screen as well as complete blackouts for about 30 minutes straight.
The computer is about 1 hour into the migration and has since stopped flickering and blacking out.. I was just basically wondering if this problem has fixed itself.
My guess is some condensation on the circuitry that flipped it out. I mean, its freezing here and I can definitely imagine that bringing it from the back of the UPS van (where it was all day) into the house would create some moisture.
Also, how do you figure which batch the computer came from? I have the serial number, which I know probably tells you, but i dont know the format of these serial numbers
Our 27" imac Dual core 3.33ghz 8g RAM came in the mail today. Plugged it into the 24" to transfer all of the settings using the migration assistant and just about as soon as that started the screen flickering started. It was REALLY bad.. we had the lines through the screen as well as complete blackouts for about 30 minutes straight.
The computer is about 1 hour into the migration and has since stopped flickering and blacking out.. I was just basically wondering if this problem has fixed itself.
My guess is some condensation on the circuitry that flipped it out. I mean, its freezing here and I can definitely imagine that bringing it from the back of the UPS van (where it was all day) into the house would create some moisture.
Also, how do you figure which batch the computer came from? I have the serial number, which I know probably tells you, but i dont know the format of these serial numbers
yeah towards start of serial number, find the 9, which is the year, and then the next two numbers are the week right after the 9.
JimAtLaw,
They also edit posts. Two of my posts from yesterday were combined into one, with a friendly advice to "combine quotes", or something. These posts were to different people, written at different times. I don't want to use any language here, but what's up next?? Kicking people out for spelling mistakes, or bad grammar?? Are they nuts??
Tom B.
Yeah, the whole thing is very odd - I was amazed that they would go so far as to remove my post, apparently attempting to keep a lid on this.
To me, after a little more thought, that suggests the possibility of more serious problems - sales seemed to be great in the early days after the release, and initially folks figured these screen issues were a minor hiccup and would be promptly addressed, but it's been a while now, so perhaps they're unable to fix this in the near term (huge order of defective panels?), or all the negative publicity is actually having an effect on sales at this point?
Or perhaps they fear a flood of people returning the units - a lot of people would otherwise probably tolerate occasional flickering and yellowing of the screen, either not knowing that these are defects rather than normal operation, or not wanting to go through the hassle of a return, but with much more publicity, there could be an avalanche of returns.
Or it could all be one overzealous moderator acting alone, though this doesn't smell like that to me. Who knows.
I don't know about the percentages as I said and I do worry about the "yet" part. I'm fully prepared for this thing to start flickering. So far, so good though.
The number of respondents to the polls that I have seen, if the data is accurate, is alarming. However, the last poll that Btom linked to above allows individual posters to post as many results as they like without restrictions. It would be very easy for someone with an agenda (pro or anti) to post false data.
Oh, and regarding the theory of the production line being stopped and faulty parts replaced, my thus far trouble-free i7 is a week 47 machine.
Also, I think polls are in a similar situation to these forums in terms of the people participating. I think there is more reason for those with problems with their machines to be aware of them, seek them out and participate than those not experiencing any problems.
Like I said before, when the freezing issue with the Radeon HD 2600 cards in the 24-inch iMacs reached critical mass, it was a flood of complaints that was widely reported (not just stories about user forums being full of reports) and Apple was forced to officially respond, first with an acknowledgement of the problem and a promise of a pending fix, then with the firmware update that actually fixed it (WAY too long after by the way!).
I suspect the only people that have really hard data on the actual percentage of failing quad core iMacs is Apple and if it is an abnormally high figure I don't expect them to be honest about it until they have to be, unfortunately.
Agreed on all counts, and I hope yours remains trouble free!
I wonder if it's possible to Hackintosh up a Dell M6500 Covet... Have been trying to avoid going all in for the Pro but few other options right now. Hmmm.
I wonder if it's possible to Hackintosh up a Dell M6500 Covet... Have been trying to avoid going all in for the Pro but few other options right now. Hmmm.
SaSaSushi,
Those polls are not scientific and are not safe from manipulations (in both directions). Multiple reports of people being on the second, or third iMac are statistically much more scary (but also not safe from manipulation).
Nature of the screen problems seem to be intermittent and many people may not have experienced, or noticed them YET.
I think that the screen flickering is a good example of the so called teething problems, quite common when manufacturing of a new product is ramping up
In any case they SHOULD NOT BE THERE, and this is the bottom line.
Tom B.
The thing to do is to keep on returning these failing machines until Apple gets it right. Spending close to $2000 for a new computer and getting one clunker, or one clunker after another, is not acceptable.