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Sweden? Wow it's amazing how the internet allows us to communicate from so many different countries. Well good luck to you, let us know the outcome, it's time for you to enjoy your computer and get work done.
It is likely that it's not impossible to find a machine without the issue you are complaining about.
But, you must keep in-mind that the issue may not be considered a defect as much as just a symptom of the machine's design or component parts.
So, it may be possible that some don't show this symptom, but it is also possible that from a certain perspective, that the machines without the issue are really the "defects" or just flukes / oddities.
Now, I'm not saying that the majority of the machines have this issue. Just that from the discussion here, it would seem that it is possible.
And, if this issue is the norm, then perhaps the ones without the issue are somehow different. Perhaps they have a different display panel, or some other difference.
Perhaps, just perhaps, they were assembled slightly out of spec or something like that.
Basically, I'm just pointing out that what you are searching for in returns may be a more rare instance of a machine that was assembled slightly differently or perhaps slightly improper.
I have carefully went over my entire 24" alumiMac monitor. Have used colorsync to calibrate. There is the slightest - and I do meanslightest of yellowing - almost impossible to see and distributed primarily in the center of the panel fading towards the edges. It is evenly distributed and can only be seen in certain profiles.
It is impossible to see in regular viewing and with calibration.
I do have minimal backlight bleeding at the lower two corners. Pretty even and typical of most LCD panels.
WHile I wish these issues were not present - it is not enough to return the panel for as most would never see this and with calibration - it is impossible to spot.
I did have one blinking pixel that has been fixed using pixelfix.
My only issues is iTunes causing the entire computer to freeze and otherwise shutdown - that I will return the iMac for in the clean install I do tonite does not fix it. To be fair I run this same version of iTunes on my macbook with no issues. So clealry there is soemthing with the various versions of iTunes and the alumiMac causing this.
It is impossible to see in regular viewing and with calibration.
I do have minimal backlight bleeding at the lower two corners. Pretty even and typical of most LCD panels.
WHile I wish these issues were not present - it is not enough to return the panel for as most would never see this and with calibration - it is impossible to spot.
I did have one blinking pixel that has been fixed using pixelfix.
My only issues is iTunes causing the entire computer to freeze and otherwise shutdown - that I will return the iMac for in the clean install I do tonite does not fix it. To be fair I run this same version of iTunes on my macbook with no issues. So clealry there is soemthing with the various versions of iTunes and the alumiMac causing this.
flyinmac said:
I have seen plenty of the white iMacs without this problem. And they all used the same panel as the new ones. Perhaps quality control was better back then when the demand wasn't that high?
Slight backlight bleeding, one or two dead/stuck pixels is something I can easily accept because that's a problem with all LCD panels unless you pay the extra money for quality control.
But it almost seems to me that Apple is using B rated screens that they bought for cheap. Considering how much the NEC display that uses the same panel costs it might not be that far fetched.
It could just be that I'm extra sensitive to those things since I'm always the guy my photographing friends sends their pictures to for final proofing
However, I will follow HLDan's advice and shut up and get on with my work.
All I can say is that I've done the test and I can't see any problems at all. I'm glad too cuz after reading this I was nervous. I've been thoroughly enjoying my baby so if I'm just not perceptive enough to see a problem, ignorance is bliss in this circumstance.
PS...no dead pixels either!
PS...no dead pixels either!
I would suspect that this is probably the case with most. Most likely, they all have similar variations. And, some people will be bothered by it more than others.
The thing that I can tell you about Macs, is that the more time you spend in these forums, the more defects you'll find in your own computer.
Many things would have never crossed my mind with my previous systems if I had not read someone else's complaints.
For example, with the earlier iMac G5 systems, the fan noise was not an issue for me because it was far quieter than any other PC or Mac I had ever owned. And, in all honesty, I had never even noticed the fans.
Then, a whole bunch of people complained because they were not "whisper quiet" as Steve had said they were. And, then suddenly, I could always hear my fans and was constantly aware of them.
Simply put, the power of suggestion had worked. I suddenly had the same problem as everyone else. My machine was noisy (although it was quiet the day before).
Of course, unlike many others, I thought about this occurance, and realized that it was purely mental. My machine was still the quietest Mac or PC I had ever had, and was perfectly acceptable.
These forums have a way of pointing out problems that aren't really there.
Some people are more particular than others. It's just unfortunate when those who are more particular begin to make the others question whether their machine is really bad.
I say if the machine meets your expectations, then great. Keep it, and be happy with it.
But, if it doesn't meet your expectations or needs, then you need to decide whether you...
1) Got a defective unit
or
2) purchased the wrong computer for your intended uses (or desires).
Many times the issue is simply that someone purchased the wrong computer for themselves.
People in music production studios seek ultra quiet machines. That should be the first thing they think about.
People in photo editing professions seek the most accurate and true video screen. And, that consideration should come before the rest of the computer when making decisions.
Other people can take a slightly noisier computer and slightly lower video quality in exchange for raw performance.
You just have to decide what is right for you, and then buy based on those needs.
Myself, I needed something comparable to an iMac in performance. But, I also needed something that I could easily open and blow the dust out of every month.
The environmental considerations outweighed my desire for a compact and pretty computer.
So, I went with the Mac Pro since I could pop the cover off anytime I want and blow the dust out.
To do the same with an iMac would just about require taking it in for service and paying them to dismantle and clean it every month.
Given the likeliness that dust would end-up between the glass cover and the actual LCD screen during reassembly (and knowing that it would annoy me), I chose to go with something I could clean myself in 30 seconds for free.
The ability to clean the system and keep it running in my environment for many years (didn't want it to die from lack of airflow) was my primary purchasing decision.
The Mac Pro was the only current product in Apple's line-up that met that need.
For the person who needs consistent video / photo quality, I would also propose going with a machine with an external monitor.
In that case, I would propose one of the 3 below:
1) Mac Pro with a high-end LCD or for the most consistent a pair of CRT screens.
2) Mac Mini with a high-end LCD or for the most consistent a CRT screen.
3) iMac with either an external high-end LCD or for the most consistent an external CRT screen.
In this case, the screen should come before the computer.
You have to pick the most important and most crucial component first. Then, build around that.
I have seen plenty of the white iMacs without this problem. And they all used the same panel as the new ones. Perhaps quality control was better back then when the demand wasn't that high?
Slight backlight bleeding, one or two dead/stuck pixels is something I can easily accept because that's a problem with all LCD panels unless you pay the extra money for quality control.
But it almost seems to me that Apple is using B rated screens that they bought for cheap. Considering how much the NEC display that uses the same panel costs it might not be that far fetched.
It could just be that I'm extra sensitive to those things since I'm always the guy my photographing friends sends their pictures to for final proofing
However, I will follow HLDan's advice and shut up and get on with my work.
I'm not sure if I've read anything that says that these are definitely the same displays used in the white iMacs. But, it is possible.
It is also possible that while being the same manufacturer that they are slightly different revisions of the original LCD panel.
Since Apple isn't making the panels themselves, it is possible that the manufacturer has altered their production to some degree.
Another possibility is that the glass cover is altering your perception some. For example, if I put a piece of glass over a piece of paper, the paper's appearance will change slightly.
So, it could be that if you took the glass off of the computer that your perceived change may go away.
Well the problem did exist on the white model as well. So that rules out the glass cover. And the model number of the panel is exactly the same, however the model number might not include the revision number.
However, as I said, I haven't seen any of the white ones with this issue myself, I only discovered it since I was having the problem with my new iMac and did some research.
Oh well, I'll find out if my replacement has the issue in about a week. If there's a 50/50 chance then my odds are looking better now.
Well the problem did exist on the white model as well. So that rules out the glass cover. And the model number of the panel is exactly the same, however the model number might not include the revision number.
However, as I said, I haven't seen any of the white ones with this issue myself, I only discovered it since I was having the problem with my new iMac and did some research.
Oh well, I'll find out if my replacement has the issue in about a week. If there's a 50/50 chance then my odds are looking better now.
Well, hopefully you'll find the replacement model more tolerable.
I wish you the best there
So... do you want to trade iMacs with me?
I somewhat feel like a spoiled brat for complaining about this, but I worked hard for my computer and I've waited a long time for the new model, and I can't help but to feel disappointed. I can take slight variations in colors, but this isn't slight variations to my eyes.
Would you mind taking a photo of your screen as well? Give me some hope man!
Swap my nice perfect screen for a yellow one? Hmm.. tough decision!
If the yellowing is particularly noticable then you're quite right to get it swapped tbh. Especially if you're doing any colour sensitive work.
I'll perhaps get my camera out later, if i do i'll take a quick pick of the screen. Do you want any particular colour? Dark grey?
This is a photo of my screen, I see absolutely no problems at all.
Just kidding!
I got my iMac 24" last Thursday and when I booted it up the first time I got a real chock. Everything was yellow! My black and white shots looked like they had been edited with heavy sepia effect. My heart stopped beating there for a second.
The first thing I did after registering was to run a calibration. I now have 9 different iMac profiles and none of them helps me to reduce the problem completely.
I actually called Apple today and they didn't know of the problem (right...). I will get a replacement unit if I like, but I don't think it will be better. They will have to correct the problem first. Risk is it gets worse!
I have an ACD 20" and it looks more uniform but overall I prefer the colors and contrast of the iMac better.
I have attached my "best" ICC profile. Prepare for a chock! Your eyes have to get used to it, it will most likely look very dark and cold at a first glance.
Hope it helps
/ Jacob
Just kidding!
I got my iMac 24" last Thursday and when I booted it up the first time I got a real chock. Everything was yellow! My black and white shots looked like they had been edited with heavy sepia effect. My heart stopped beating there for a second.
The first thing I did after registering was to run a calibration. I now have 9 different iMac profiles and none of them helps me to reduce the problem completely.
- The color sync profile called "iMac" that Apple ships as default with the iMac is completely crap. I couldn't use the computer for ten minutes with that one... Everybody with an iMac 24" should re-calibrate unless there is a big variation in the screens that makes mine so yellowish with this profile.
- All iMac 24" out there have this problem more or less. I've looked at 6 different versions and they all had it, and all of them was far worse than mine (although the photo looks very bad the camera amplifies the effect).
- I have approx. 1 dm of lighter blueish area to the left and the rest of the screen has a slightly darker yellowish color cast. I have calibrated using the right part of the screen with best results.
- Once calibrated right, I do not notice the effect unless I look for it, and I am starting to learning to live with it.
I actually called Apple today and they didn't know of the problem (right...). I will get a replacement unit if I like, but I don't think it will be better. They will have to correct the problem first. Risk is it gets worse!
I have an ACD 20" and it looks more uniform but overall I prefer the colors and contrast of the iMac better.
I have attached my "best" ICC profile. Prepare for a chock! Your eyes have to get used to it, it will most likely look very dark and cold at a first glance.
Hope it helps
/ Jacob
This is a photo of my screen, I see absolutely no problems at all.
Just kidding!
Wow! That looks terrible. I'd return it, because I'd think you could get better. This monitor looks similar to my first one. My replacement doesn't really have the yellow tint, just the annoying jump in brightness on the left (which it looks like this one does too). I plan on using mine for a few days and if I still can't take it, I'll do a refund or MacPro.
Apple has been screwing up its ColorSync profiles a lot lately. The 15.4" SR MBP has a very yellow (almost green) looking display out of the box. The default gamma correction on the 20" aluminum iMac is so bad that makes the display look like an old CRT with the brightness cranked well beyond acceptable levels. And the 24" aluminum iMac, like you said, looks sepia.
I bet I scared many prospective iMac 24" buyers with my amplified shots up there...
"In real life" this computer really rocks and I barely notice the gradient while working normally. The whites are really pure white and photos looks magnificent with the color sync profile I attached above.
So in all I am very happy with this machine. I could live with it as it is, but as a perfectionist I will probably try one more before settling down.
/ Jacob
"In real life" this computer really rocks and I barely notice the gradient while working normally. The whites are really pure white and photos looks magnificent with the color sync profile I attached above.
So in all I am very happy with this machine. I could live with it as it is, but as a perfectionist I will probably try one more before settling down.
/ Jacob
My guess is that they won't correct it until they switch to another display. The support has been friendly and polite to me, but they didn't want to investigate the issue at all. They only said that "this is not normal". Don't they have any database with previous reports to search through? It's obviously a common problem, and with so many iMac owners it has to be commonly reported as well.
From my long history dealing with well documented and common problems with iMacs since the first G5 model, Apple doesn't usually acknowledge that they have heard of an issue until it comes to the point of them issuing a public statement and formal recall or extended service bulletin.
Until that point, the techs will tell you that they have never heard of that problem before.
Yeah, I realize that they won't say "Yes, this is a very common problem, about 30% of our iMacs has this" but they really shouldn't act like they have never heard about it either because in this age of global communications on forums and such (including their own) the word gets around really fast. What good is costumer support if they officially know far less about an issue than what the costumer can read on a forum?
Seems like the only way to get a word out of them is to put up a website about the issue.
I think it will only hurt them in the end to pretend that their products doesn't have any issues.
Judging by the results of this poll and my own experience with a 24" aluminum iMac that absolutely does not have this issue I can't really blame Apple for claiming ignorance of this "fault".
This is a totally subjective issue at any rate. It seems to me that those in this thread complaining of this issue simply dismiss the vast majority NOT experiencing it as being oblivious to it or not 'visually skilled' enough to perceive it.
For my part I'm not going to be so ignorant as to suggest that those who DO experience the issue are imagining it. I see the photos and I can see what you are describing. I am just saying that on my own display this does not occur in the slightest bit.
As for a "defective display" on all of the 24" iMac panels I have to say it can't be the case unless mine is a freak. If THAT was the case then 79% of the poll respondents wouldn't agree with me. You can't just pass it off as visual ignorance for the rest of us, sorry.
I would strongly urge all to do a detailed color calibration of their Macs at any rate. I finally did one today after 2 weeks with my new iMac and it is night and day improved image quality.
This is a totally subjective issue at any rate. It seems to me that those in this thread complaining of this issue simply dismiss the vast majority NOT experiencing it as being oblivious to it or not 'visually skilled' enough to perceive it.
For my part I'm not going to be so ignorant as to suggest that those who DO experience the issue are imagining it. I see the photos and I can see what you are describing. I am just saying that on my own display this does not occur in the slightest bit.
As for a "defective display" on all of the 24" iMac panels I have to say it can't be the case unless mine is a freak. If THAT was the case then 79% of the poll respondents wouldn't agree with me. You can't just pass it off as visual ignorance for the rest of us, sorry.
I would strongly urge all to do a detailed color calibration of their Macs at any rate. I finally did one today after 2 weeks with my new iMac and it is night and day improved image quality.
I would be very happy if it turns out that the 79% actually doesn't have this issue. Because in that case it would mean that my chances of my second replacement not having it are fairly big.
But you have to agree that it is somewhat strange that several people has gotten several replacements and they all had the issue. What are the odds of that if the number of units without it are 79% or more?
This poll isn't an accurate measurement for sure. But lets say that these numbers are indeed correct and about 20% of the iMacs has the issue. That's a whole lot of iMacs and it's certainly nothing to sneeze at. I would think that the failure rate of the other components are far less than that.
However, I suppose that the number of people who complain about the screen vs the number who complain about failing hard drives is far less, so as far as Apple's statistics goes it's probably a non-issue. And it probably costs them less money to replace them than to improve quality control.
Agreed. The default profile is just terrible. I don't get why they keep shipping machines with such horrible calibration.
Do they really expect everyone to know how to calibrate their screens?
Sadly, calibration doesn't solve this issue.
Like I said I am not calling you a liar and I AM very sympathetic to your situation. Mainly, my objection was to the notion that this a universal problem due to Apple's choice in panels. That I have evidence to refute.
It IS very bizarre that those who do experience it are experiencing it in their replacements as well.
I concede that any results gleaned from a little poll done in this forum are hardly an accurate microcosm for the entire iMac world but they are interesting.
If it helps I can tell you mine was manufactured in Shanghai between 8/13 and 8/19 and I am assuming uses the same LCD panel as your own. I see what is being described in the photos here and try as I might cannot duplicate the condition on my own machine.
I'm hoping you'll get a replacement like my own.
My first iMac was built in Shanghai between August 20-22. My replacement was built between Sept 1-3. Both have the same exact issue. The left 1/4 of the screen is brighter and whiter than the rest of the screen. This poll says I should I should try a 3rd replacement...but I'll probably just send it back and stop wasting my time. I'm on the fence.
I've produced one more Colorsync profile, this time I believe it reduces most of the yellow tint problem on my iMac (the left part is now more blueish and has weaker light but it is easier to live with.
Displays are different and it might look crap your 24" iMac. It will also take some time for the eyes to get used to it as it is much bluer in comparison to the default profile.
Have fun
(I have accepted a replacement and will be notified when it has arrived in the store. I will return here and tell you if it is better..)
Displays are different and it might look crap your 24" iMac. It will also take some time for the eyes to get used to it as it is much bluer in comparison to the default profile.
Have fun
(I have accepted a replacement and will be notified when it has arrived in the store. I will return here and tell you if it is better..)
Yeah, I've tried that too. But I wasn't very pleased with it. The difference in colors will indeed be less noticeable, but the "dirty" look of the middle of the screen was still there for me, and the color temperature was too low for my work.