Except the 20" has been the new 17" ever since the Alu iMac debuted, so not exactly "high-end" unless you consider all Apple products to be high-end.
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Panel Question imac 20'' (2009)
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Except the 20" has been the new 17" ever since the Alu iMac debuted, so not exactly "high-end" unless you consider all Apple products to be high-end.
Except the 20" has been the new 17" ever since the Alu iMac debuted, so not exactly "high-end" unless you consider all Apple products to be high-end.
most people would consider apple products high-end
The best way to check for contrast shift is to aim your screen up and get down low while looking at the apple symbol on your menu bar. If part of it goes white/pale coloured then you have a contrast shift.
The '09 imac does have a decent horizontal viewing angle but vertical contrast shift is still an issue.
Just tried it. I could not tell from moving the screen, but I could tell a slight contrast shift if I look at the screen from sitting down and standing and vise versa. Very, very slight but it's there. The gray part of the screen gets lighter somewhat. Not noticeable if your not looking for it. Still looks almost as good as my 24 though, just by looking at the two of them I can't see much difference.
dudeman,
I appreciate your input here and I would like to learn more. Personally I find it hard to believe that the 2009 screen would be significantly better than the 2008 screen on the 20" imac, or Apple would have advertised it as a benefit of the new model. Can you provide any links to other people's research that supports your findings?
Clearly you have shown the part numbers are different. Thanks for that info. And clearly your two 20" machines side by side look different, but I would be hesitant to draw any conclusions about all macs from this single comparison. My default position, without any knowledge to the contrary, would be that the screens are actually identical in quality and that the difference you are seeing is perhaps due to the aging of the backlight in the 2008 model. However, I am open to the possibility that you may be on to something, as clearly something is different if the part numbers changed.
Can you offer any quantitative evidence to support your observations, or perhaps links to similar threads by others?
Also: Does anyone have a part number for the 24" screens?
Well I have not seen both 'side by side' as my 20' 2008 model was sent back for a 2009 model.
Apple would not advertise a "improved screen' as a benefit. As this would imply that there was something wrong with the "old screen'. Since they are still trying to sell off the remaining 2008's models, that wouldn't make much business sense.
My 2008 model was less than two weeks old. So CCFL back lighting would not be a issue.
Since the model numbers seem to indicate a newer updated model of screen I doubt that AUO would have the same specs as a previous model number. That would not be plausible. You always look to improve a model with new model numbers. Then again they may also be using multiple manufactures, that is also possible. They did with the 2007 and 2008 models.
As to my "sources' My sources were google. Thats it. I called the company AUO and they didn't tell hardly anything. Other than all of their 2009 models do not use "dithering', and if I would be interested in a batch order for my company. That's about it.
Here is a post of the new 2009 imacs as being 'too bright'.
http://www.macfixit.com/article.php?story=20090330064741656
I don't have any inside info any more than anyone else here. Just my experience of having recently owned a new 2008 model and a new 2009 model, as well as a new 2009 24' for work.
I am just giving my thoughts and opinions and experiences on the subject.
Looking at my 2008 model from a angle the screen "flattened out' and produced a "mirrored' effect. Same thing happened with looking at it from below at a angle. My 2009 model does not have this problem. From looking from the side or from below, I can still see the screen. No mirrored look at all.
The brightness on my 2008 was turned up all the way when I got it, and it needed to be to even be watchable. But the screen was clear looking straight at it.
My 2009 20 brightness is turned to about half way. In comparison, the 2008 model needed to be turned up all the way to have the same level of brightness. Some people said that there 2008 screens were too bright. So my opinion on this is multiple manufactures of TN screens for the 2008 models.
This is probably true for the 2009 models as well.
The brightness and 'sharpness' on the 2009 model is quite noticeable in comparison to my 2008 model. In the Apple store, the same was also true.
Did you confirm this is not simply a typo? Perhaps the ifixit article has a typo in the part number. The reason I mention this is that the link ifixit provides goes to the M201EW02 panel on AUO. This combined with the fact that AUO wouldn't even acknowledge to you that such a part number exists makes me wonder about the possibility of a typo.
What AUO part number did the 2008 use by the way? was it this 201?
It's not a typo. That would be a pretty big typo seeing that they actually have taken the 2009 20 apart. Also I highly doubt that Apple would use the same part or parts for their new 2009 models as prominent as a screen.
The reason is that AUO usually only talks to manufactures of computers, not the general public. That info is reserved to companies that they do business with. Secondly, Apple usually signs a confidentially agreement with the companies or company they are partnered with. AUO is no exception. Especially if Apple has a exclusive to that said product. Which is usually the case with Apples partners.
Case in point is that Apple released the specs for the Nvidia 9400m before Nvidia did. And Nvidia makes the product.
Also: Does anyone have a part number for the 24" screens?
I was at my electronics retailer today. They had a 24" 2009 iMac (2.93/GT 120) that wasn't locked into an Apple promo video - so I checked the panel make and model info. That iMac has this panel:
manufacturer: 0610
model number: 9C96
And, the other day I posted my panel info. My 2009 20" panel has the same manufacturer code:0610. So, can I logically conclude from this that the manufacturer of the panels for both my 20" iMac and the 24" model are the same? If yes, both would have to be AU Optronics, or both LG/Philips, wouldn't they? Anyone?
Nice monitor test
If you want to test for contrast shift, etc, go to this thread and look at the 4 color patches. I have never seen such a simple and effective test. On a TN panel, all the colors will shift as your viewing angle changes. For example, start by looking straight on at the screen, see the blue and purple patches on the left, then move your head down so you are looking somewhat up at the screen. At a certain angle the purple patch will start to lose it's red component and become more blue. Eventually the two patches will become an almost identical shade of blue. THis does not happen on the 24"
https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/4030968/
I went to the Apple store yesterday and pulled up this page on both the 24" and 20" imacs (2009). The 24 shows almost no change at all in the four color patches when viewed from any angle (actually pretty amazing). The 20" shows drastic shifts at any angle greater than about 30 degrees from center.
The test very clearly and easily demonstrated the difference between the IPS and TN panel. It has nothing to do with the number of bits, just the technology used.
I just bought a mid 2007 20" refurb. Haven't decided if I'm keeping it yet. Just set it up this morning. The same pattern looks at least as good on this monitor as the new 2009 20" with the possible exception of the 2009 being brighter. I do not see any more color shift on the 2007 panel.
So my observations (so far) are that the 2009 screen is not better quality than the mid 2007. I plan to calibrate it using eye1 later and do some more tests before deciding if I will keep this or upgrade to the 24".
The 24" screen is truly amazing. I can't get over how the colors all hold rock solid at any angle, but I've got to admit, the 20" 2007 I'm looking at right now is pretty darn excellent too, at least for a TN.
More later, if I learn any more.
If you want to test for contrast shift, etc, go to this thread and look at the 4 color patches. I have never seen such a simple and effective test. On a TN panel, all the colors will shift as your viewing angle changes. For example, start by looking straight on at the screen, see the blue and purple patches on the left, then move your head down so you are looking somewhat up at the screen. At a certain angle the purple patch will start to lose it's red component and become more blue. Eventually the two patches will become an almost identical shade of blue. THis does not happen on the 24"
https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/4030968/
I went to the Apple store yesterday and pulled up this page on both the 24" and 20" imacs (2009). The 24 shows almost no change at all in the four color patches when viewed from any angle (actually pretty amazing). The 20" shows drastic shifts at any angle greater than about 30 degrees from center.
The test very clearly and easily demonstrated the difference between the IPS and TN panel. It has nothing to do with the number of bits, just the technology used.
I just bought a mid 2007 20" refurb. Haven't decided if I'm keeping it yet. Just set it up this morning. The same pattern looks at least as good on this monitor as the new 2009 20" with the possible exception of the 2009 being brighter. I do not see any more color shift on the 2007 panel.
So my observations (so far) are that the 2009 screen is not better quality than the mid 2007. I plan to calibrate it using eye1 later and do some more tests before deciding if I will keep this or upgrade to the 24".
The 24" screen is truly amazing. I can't get over how the colors all hold rock solid at any angle, but I've got to admit, the 20" 2007 I'm looking at right now is pretty darn excellent too, at least for a TN.
More later, if I learn any more.
I was at my electronics retailer today. They had a 24" 2009 iMac (2.93/GT 120) that wasn't locked into an Apple promo video - so I checked the panel make and model info. That iMac has this panel:
manufacturer: 0610
model number: 9C96
And, the other day I posted my panel info. My 2009 20" panel has the same manufacturer code:0610. So, can I logically conclude from this that the manufacturer of the panels for both my 20" iMac and the 24" model are the same? If yes, both would have to be AU Optronics, or both LG/Philips, wouldn't they? Anyone?
I'm at work and just checked my white 20" iMac. Manufacturer is 0610 and model number is 9C59. It can't be AU Optronics, so maybe LG.Philips since the white 20" is known to have either LG.Philips S-IPS (same panel as the 20" ACD) or Samsung S-PVA panel. Either the manufacturer code is meaningless or some 2009 20" use something other than AUO.
For those of you wishing to find out the panel info, do the following:
1) Go to System preferences
2) Choose Display
3) Choose Color
4) Open Profile
5) Scroll down to number 13
Either the manufacturer code is meaningless or some 2009 20" use something other than AUO.
Maybe the 0610 just refers to something like 'Apple-brand' i.e made for Apple. For those of us who tested for contrast shift - and own/have access to a new 20" iMac, could we perhaps check the make and model info to see if we're looking at the same panel number? This could help to clear up the multiple panel manufacturer theory. Thanks.
Also, you can find out what panel you have by opening terminal and pasting the following command:
ioreg -lw0 | grep IODisplayEDID | sed "/[^<]*</s///" | xxd -p -r | strings -6
My 24" is LM240WU2-SLB1 and manufacturer is 0610, but I've seen this same 0610 code used for AU Optronics, which leads me to think the manufacturer code is meaningless. The model number is what's important.
ioreg -lw0 | grep IODisplayEDID | sed "/[^<]*</s///" | xxd -p -r | strings -6
My 24" is LM240WU2-SLB1 and manufacturer is 0610, but I've seen this same 0610 code used for AU Optronics, which leads me to think the manufacturer code is meaningless. The model number is what's important.
Also, you can find out what panel you have by opening terminal and pasting the following command:
ioreg -lw0 | grep IODisplayEDID | sed "/[^<]*</s///" | xxd -p -r | strings -6
Thanks for posting that. I just tried it on our white Macbook X3100 at work. There are different panel numbers listed in parentheses. Apart from scrolling through loads of data and looking for any mentions of 'display' and 'panel', how do you locate the exact panel the computer has? Cheers. Edit: I figured it out, so disregard above question. Thanks.
If you want to test for contrast shift, etc, go to this thread and look at the 4 color patches. I have never seen such a simple and effective test. On a TN panel, all the colors will shift as your viewing angle changes. For example, start by looking straight on at the screen, see the blue and purple patches on the left, then move your head down so you are looking somewhat up at the screen. At a certain angle the purple patch will start to lose it's red component and become more blue. Eventually the two patches will become an almost identical shade of blue. THis does not happen on the 24"
https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/4030968/
I went to the Apple store yesterday and pulled up this page on both the 24" and 20" imacs (2009). The 24 shows almost no change at all in the four color patches when viewed from any angle (actually pretty amazing). The 20" shows drastic shifts at any angle greater than about 30 degrees from center.
The test very clearly and easily demonstrated the difference between the IPS and TN panel. It has nothing to do with the number of bits, just the technology used.
I just bought a mid 2007 20" refurb. Haven't decided if I'm keeping it yet. Just set it up this morning. The same pattern looks at least as good on this monitor as the new 2009 20" with the possible exception of the 2009 being brighter. I do not see any more color shift on the 2007 panel.
So my observations (so far) are that the 2009 screen is not better quality than the mid 2007. I plan to calibrate it using eye1 later and do some more tests before deciding if I will keep this or upgrade to the 24".
The 24" screen is truly amazing. I can't get over how the colors all hold rock solid at any angle, but I've got to admit, the 20" 2007 I'm looking at right now is pretty darn excellent too, at least for a TN.
More later, if I learn any more.
Well, I did the test and did not see any blocks turning form purple to blue from the top, sides. Only from the bottom. The only way they turned is from viewed from the bottom. I even looked at extreme angles from the sides and top, no color change. They all kept their color.
The ones viewed in the store turned at any angle, am i right? So what does this mean? Different manufactures most likely.
I did the same test at work on my 24' and the did the same test. All colors did stay the same.
The advantages between a 2007 and 09 are much more than the screen. I have not seen the 2007 screens, but if they are like the 08's than I cannot see how you can justify keeping it.
My 2009 screen looks fantastic. Regardless. Viewing angles is almost on par with my 24 at work. I really don't know what you guys are looking at but I cannot tell a big difference at all in screen quality or contrast. Other than the size.
Well, I did the test and did not see any blocks turning form purple to blue from the top, sides. Only from the bottom. The only way they turned is from viewed from the bottom. I even looked at extreme angles from the sides and top, no color change. They all kept their color.
The ones viewed in the store turned at any angle, am i right? So what does this mean? Different manufactures most likely.
My 2009 screen looks fantastic. Regardless. Viewing angles is almost on par with my 24 at work. I really don't know what you guys are looking at but I cannot tell a big difference at all in screen quality or contrast. Other than the size.
Could I ask you to post your panel number? Then we'd at least have a direct comparison of two 2009 20" panel numbers. Thanks in advance.
Could I ask you to post your panel number? Then we'd at least have a direct comparison of two 2009 20" panel numbers. Thanks in advance.
just got mine from the terminal method above. (yes, its an 09 20")
LM201WE3-TLF7
Color LCD
2007 panel calibrated
Because the 2007 with 2600 pro is only 849 from Apple refurb when you can find them. There were a few last week. What can beat this deal?
Yes, the purple only shifts blue when viewing from below. Some other colors shift more from the top. For example the yellow will go orange from the top, gray goes black from bottom but white from top. Read the whole thread in that link if you would like more details.
I have tested the 2009 20" at my the store and at my library and it appears identical in regards to the degree of color shift for all the patterns.
If you are seeing a difference perhaps you really did get a different panel in your 2009 than the two I have tested on.
Yesterday I calibrated th 2007 20" using eyeOne. After calibration to 6500K 2.2 gamma I measured maximum brightness at 304 cd/m2. It was 340 before calibration but the blue channel was too weak to maintain accurate grayscale at this power so overall brightness had to go down on red and green to match. The specs for the panel are 300 cd/m2 so seems to be right on. I measured contrast ratio of 889:1, specs are 1000:1. Was able to achieve deltaE less than 2 across the board. Display looks really nice now.
I will measure the brightness of the 2009 today.
Well, I did the test and did not see any blocks turning form purple to blue from the top, sides. Only from the bottom. The only way they turned is from viewed from the bottom. I even looked at extreme angles from the sides and top, no color change. They all kept their color.
The ones viewed in the store turned at any angle, am i right? So what does this mean? Different manufactures most likely.
I did the same test at work on my 24' and the did the same test. All colors did stay the same.
The advantages between a 2007 and 09 are much more than the screen. I have not seen the 2007 screens, but if they are like the 08's than I cannot see how you can justify keeping it.
My 2009 screen looks fantastic. Regardless. Viewing angles is almost on par with my 24 at work. I really don't know what you guys are looking at but I cannot tell a big difference at all in screen quality or contrast. Other than the size.
Because the 2007 with 2600 pro is only 849 from Apple refurb when you can find them. There were a few last week. What can beat this deal?
Yes, the purple only shifts blue when viewing from below. Some other colors shift more from the top. For example the yellow will go orange from the top, gray goes black from bottom but white from top. Read the whole thread in that link if you would like more details.
I have tested the 2009 20" at my the store and at my library and it appears identical in regards to the degree of color shift for all the patterns.
If you are seeing a difference perhaps you really did get a different panel in your 2009 than the two I have tested on.
Yesterday I calibrated th 2007 20" using eyeOne. After calibration to 6500K 2.2 gamma I measured maximum brightness at 304 cd/m2. It was 340 before calibration but the blue channel was too weak to maintain accurate grayscale at this power so overall brightness had to go down on red and green to match. The specs for the panel are 300 cd/m2 so seems to be right on. I measured contrast ratio of 889:1, specs are 1000:1. Was able to achieve deltaE less than 2 across the board. Display looks really nice now.
I will measure the brightness of the 2009 today.
Via the terminal method I have this panel: LM201WE3-TLF7 Colour LCD
To summarise, mmod was: 0610, 9C93 (edited!)
The panel numbers were discussed here:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/665006/
If that info is correct, the panel in my iMac is a 6-bit LG/philips panel using dithering, which was used in earlier iMacs.
To summarise, mmod was: 0610, 9C93 (edited!)
The panel numbers were discussed here:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/665006/
If that info is correct, the panel in my iMac is a 6-bit LG/philips panel using dithering, which was used in earlier iMacs.
My 2009 screen looks fantastic. Regardless. Viewing angles is almost on par with my 24 at work. I really don't know what you guys are looking at but I cannot tell a big difference at all in screen quality or contrast. Other than the size.
Could you post your panel number using the terminal method? At this point, it looks like we have a panel lottery and all the 2009 20" owners with LG.Philips LM201WE3-TLF7 are seeing contrast shift. You may be looking at the good bet in a panel lottery if you are truly not seeing contrast shift.
Conclusion: No difference in 2009 20" imac screen
Well, I'm at the library now on a new 2009 20" imac.
The panel info from the terminal method is:
LM201WE3-TLF7
Color LCD
The measured brightness is 301 cd/m2, Contrast ratio 779:1, uncalibrated. I can't run the calibration sw as limited user.
Bottom line. There is absolutely no measurable difference between the mid 2007 and early 2009 20" imac display panels. No difference in degree of color/contrast shift, and no difference in total brightness. Contrast ratio is nearly identical too.
If iamthedudeman is really seeing differences, he must have a different product. I am convinced the ones I measured perform identically.
Now, I'm going to go measure the brightness of the 24"
EDIT: Hey, isn't this the panel number for the 2008? Interesting. I used the following command to read this.
Last login: Mon Apr 13 10:55:44 on console
splstaffs-imac:~ kidd$ ioreg -lw0 | grep IODisplayEDID | sed "/[^<]*</s///" | xxd -p -r | strings -6
LM201WE3-TLF7
Color LCD
From "about this mac"
Hardware Overview:
Model Name: iMac
Model Identifier: iMac9,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.66 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 6 MB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
Boot ROM Version: IM91.008D.B00
SMC Version: 1.36f3
Serial Number: WQ90440H0TF
From "color profile" line 13
Manufacturer 00000610
Model 00009C93
Because the 2007 with 2600 pro is only 849 from Apple refurb when you can find them. There were a few last week. What can beat this deal?
Yes, the purple only shifts blue when viewing from below. Some other colors shift more from the top. For example the yellow will go orange from the top, gray goes black from bottom but white from top. Read the whole thread in that link if you would like more details.
I have tested the 2009 20" at my the store and at my library and it appears identical in regards to the degree of color shift for all the patterns.
If you are seeing a difference perhaps you really did get a different panel in your 2009 than the two I have tested on.
Yesterday I calibrated th 2007 20" using eyeOne. After calibration to 6500K 2.2 gamma I measured maximum brightness at 304 cd/m2. It was 340 before calibration but the blue channel was too weak to maintain accurate grayscale at this power so overall brightness had to go down on red and green to match. The specs for the panel are 300 cd/m2 so seems to be right on. I measured contrast ratio of 889:1, specs are 1000:1. Was able to achieve deltaE less than 2 across the board. Display looks really nice now.
I will measure the brightness of the 2009 today.
Well, I'm at the library now on a new 2009 20" imac.
The panel info from the terminal method is:
LM201WE3-TLF7
Color LCD
The measured brightness is 301 cd/m2, Contrast ratio 779:1, uncalibrated. I can't run the calibration sw as limited user.
Bottom line. There is absolutely no measurable difference between the mid 2007 and early 2009 20" imac display panels. No difference in degree of color/contrast shift, and no difference in total brightness. Contrast ratio is nearly identical too.
If iamthedudeman is really seeing differences, he must have a different product. I am convinced the ones I measured perform identically.
Now, I'm going to go measure the brightness of the 24"
EDIT: Hey, isn't this the panel number for the 2008? Interesting. I used the following command to read this.
Last login: Mon Apr 13 10:55:44 on console
splstaffs-imac:~ kidd$ ioreg -lw0 | grep IODisplayEDID | sed "/[^<]*</s///" | xxd -p -r | strings -6
LM201WE3-TLF7
Color LCD
From "about this mac"
Hardware Overview:
Model Name: iMac
Model Identifier: iMac9,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.66 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 6 MB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
Boot ROM Version: IM91.008D.B00
SMC Version: 1.36f3
Serial Number: WQ90440H0TF
From "color profile" line 13
Manufacturer 00000610
Model 00009C93
24" imac brightness measurements
Just for comparison, the 2008 24" imac here at the library shows 352 cd/m2 on full brightness and 217 cd/m2 on minimum brightness for pure white patch.
Here's the display info from terminal
Last login: Tue Apr 14 08:23:58 on console
Macintosh-3:~ refappleuser$ ioreg -lw0 | grep IODisplayEDID | sed "/[^<]*</s///" | xxd -p -r | strings -6
LM240WU2-SLB2
Color LCD
From COlor Profile
00000610
00009C8E
From "ABout this mac"Hardware Overview:
Model Name: iMac
Model Identifier: iMac8,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.8 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 6 MB
Memory: 4 GB
Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
Boot ROM Version: IM81.00C1.B00
SMC Version: 1.30f1
Serial Number: QP8410LZZE7
Just for comparison, the 2008 24" imac here at the library shows 352 cd/m2 on full brightness and 217 cd/m2 on minimum brightness for pure white patch.
Here's the display info from terminal
Last login: Tue Apr 14 08:23:58 on console
Macintosh-3:~ refappleuser$ ioreg -lw0 | grep IODisplayEDID | sed "/[^<]*</s///" | xxd -p -r | strings -6
LM240WU2-SLB2
Color LCD
From COlor Profile
00000610
00009C8E
From "ABout this mac"Hardware Overview:
Model Name: iMac
Model Identifier: iMac8,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.8 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 6 MB
Memory: 4 GB
Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
Boot ROM Version: IM81.00C1.B00
SMC Version: 1.30f1
Serial Number: QP8410LZZE7
Uh oh.
As per the title, just a quick anecdote:
This iMac is my replacement - the first unit was crooked. The first unit's panel seemed unbelievably clear, bright and evenly lit. This iMac's panel is clear, but didn't "wow" me like the first one. And it doesn't seem as evenly lit on booting up when the apple logo appears on the grey and blue backgrounds. The dock icons' edges also don't seem as sharp and crisp in comparison. The screensaver options don't look as sharp either.
When I switched this iMac on for the first time, I immediately went for the increase-brightness button (which was already at max.), and I always keep it on full. I didn't do that on the first unit. In fact, it was quite the opposite - I almost never had it at full brightness, more like 70% of max. I didn't check the panel mmod on the first unit, because I was expecting an identical replacement. In retrospect, that might have been a big mistake. Especially, if other users do, indeed, report having a different panel. The supposed 'new' panel was actually the prime reason I didn't go for a 2008 model, even if there was no guarantee the rumors were true.
Of course, a little voice keeps telling me I'm imagining things now that I have model numbers, because the first screen was a direct comparison to my HP laptop's screen (dim and grainy with backlight bleed). This iMac is being compared to the first. Yet, even though this panel looks better than my laptop's, the nagging feeling that I had a different panel before isn't going away. Sigh.
As per the title, just a quick anecdote:
This iMac is my replacement - the first unit was crooked. The first unit's panel seemed unbelievably clear, bright and evenly lit. This iMac's panel is clear, but didn't "wow" me like the first one. And it doesn't seem as evenly lit on booting up when the apple logo appears on the grey and blue backgrounds. The dock icons' edges also don't seem as sharp and crisp in comparison. The screensaver options don't look as sharp either.
When I switched this iMac on for the first time, I immediately went for the increase-brightness button (which was already at max.), and I always keep it on full. I didn't do that on the first unit. In fact, it was quite the opposite - I almost never had it at full brightness, more like 70% of max. I didn't check the panel mmod on the first unit, because I was expecting an identical replacement. In retrospect, that might have been a big mistake. Especially, if other users do, indeed, report having a different panel. The supposed 'new' panel was actually the prime reason I didn't go for a 2008 model, even if there was no guarantee the rumors were true.
Of course, a little voice keeps telling me I'm imagining things now that I have model numbers, because the first screen was a direct comparison to my HP laptop's screen (dim and grainy with backlight bleed). This iMac is being compared to the first. Yet, even though this panel looks better than my laptop's, the nagging feeling that I had a different panel before isn't going away. Sigh.
As per the title, just a quick anecdote:
This iMac is my replacement - the first unit was crooked. The first unit's panel seemed unbelievably clear, bright and evenly lit. This iMac's panel is clear, but didn't "wow" me like the first one. And it doesn't seem as evenly lit on booting up when the apple logo appears on the grey and blue backgrounds. The dock icons' edges also don't seem as sharp and crisp in comparison. The screensaver options don't look as sharp either.
When I switched this iMac on for the first time, I immediately went for the increase-brightness button (which was already at max.), and I always keep it on full. I didn't do that on the first unit. In fact, it was quite the opposite - I almost never had it at full brightness, more like 70% of max. I didn't check the panel mmod on the first unit, because I was expecting an identical replacement. In retrospect, that might have been a big mistake. Especially, if other users do, indeed, report having a different panel. The supposed 'new' panel was actually the prime reason I didn't go for a 2008 model, even if there was no guarantee the rumors were true.
Of course, a little voice keeps telling me I'm imagining things now that I have model numbers, because the first screen was a direct comparison to my HP laptop's screen (dim and grainy with backlight bleed). This iMac is being compared to the first. Yet, even though this panel looks better than my laptop's, the nagging feeling that I had a different panel before isn't going away. Sigh.
Which model imac are you talking about? Is this a replacement? Sorry, I forget your story. Was the first one defective?
I can definitely relate to that nagging feeling and uncertainty about whether or not the other one was better. That's why I use the eyeOne colorimeter probe and HCFR calibration SW, because I can not trust my eyes to evaluate the image and remember it.
Which model imac are you talking about? Is this a replacement? Sorry, I forget your story. Was the first one defective?
The model is the 2009 20" (see signature). Here's the story on the defective first unit: it's a short thread.
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/677136/
20" & 24" imac panel part numbers. Both LG
A quick search matches this as the panel in the 2009 20" imac (LM201WE3) I looked at today. It is LG, Philips.
http://lcdtech.no-ip.info/en/data/monitor.lcd.panels.htm?pan=LM201WE3
The 24" also has a panel by LG, Philips, (LM240WU2) which could explain why the manufacturer codes match. Who said AUOs were used anyway?
http://lcdtech.no-ip.info/en/data/m...br=&cr=&va=&rt=&int=&dim=&pwr=&blt=&wei=&coa=
A quick search matches this as the panel in the 2009 20" imac (LM201WE3) I looked at today. It is LG, Philips.
http://lcdtech.no-ip.info/en/data/monitor.lcd.panels.htm?pan=LM201WE3
The 24" also has a panel by LG, Philips, (LM240WU2) which could explain why the manufacturer codes match. Who said AUOs were used anyway?
http://lcdtech.no-ip.info/en/data/m...br=&cr=&va=&rt=&int=&dim=&pwr=&blt=&wei=&coa=
The 24" also has a panel by LG, Philips, (LM240WU2) which could explain why the manufacturer codes match. Who said AUOs were used anyway?
I dug up some threads that suggest manufacturer 0610 is AUO, hence my suspicion. However, this could be in error and 0610 is actually LG.Philips.
ifixit
I think ifixit.com is the culprit who got people - including myself - hoping for a new panel. Here's the link. Go to page 2 of the article to see the AU Optronics part number.
http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/First-Look/iMac-20-Inch/658/1
The 24" also has a panel by LG, Philips, (LM240WU2) which could explain why the manufacturer codes match. Who said AUOs were used anyway?
I think ifixit.com is the culprit who got people - including myself - hoping for a new panel. Here's the link. Go to page 2 of the article to see the AU Optronics part number.
http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/First-Look/iMac-20-Inch/658/1
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