Week 16 iMac -- 1st Replacement. (Pictures)

[mtnDewFTW]

Hey guys, so I got my iMac today, and gotta be honest with you, a little disappointed with Apple.

I got this machine replaced because of 4 seasons: loud HDD and fans, yellow tint, and backlight bleeding. And I got the same machine back, with even more defects.

The computer came to me in a horrid condition. It had black fingerprints ALL over it. I had to clean the damn thing before I could even start using it! Anyway, after that, it took me to the Welcome to OS X screen, and I chose to restore from my TM backup, and it didn't go through. After the progress bar reached the end, it said 'one minute remaining' or something like that, and that minute turned into an hour. So I called AppleCare. But since they were closing in like 20 minutes, the person I talked to didn't give a crap. So it ended up screwing up the OS, and I had to do a clean install and move everything back manually.

So lets see.. the HDD is still loud, not as loud as before, but I can definitely still hear it working. Fans not so much though, which is very nice.

The screen is still yellow as hell, however the backlight bleed isn't as bad now, although it's still there. But that's not a big deal, my TV which a also uses IPS technology has that same thing when it's on a black screen.

However, with all the good, there's always bad. The glass over the screen has a REALLY annoying scratch on it. I can't see it most of the time, but it stands out when I'm viewing something bright. It has that very colorful effect to it, so it's hard to ignore it. And also the power button is out of place, but that I don't really care for that much, I'm sure it'll pop back in there at some point.

Oh and if someone knows if there's a way to get rid of that SMALL scratch on the screen, PLEASE let me know.

I will not be getting this machine replaced. I'll either wait until Apple is officially done ********ting everyone and actually fixes the screens once and for all. Or just wait for the next gen to come out and hope for a new computer for free.

P.S. I'd like to mention that I've been with Apple for a little while now. Probably not as long as most of you, but somewhere around 3-4 years. This is actually the first Mac I have gotten replaced and the first one that has had SO many issues. Of course I've owned many iPods, some have died on me, but I have far less expectations for an iPod. I don't know what's happening to Apple, but I don't like it.
And I'm truly starting to get disappointed with them, especially after browsing this forum.

 

[kernkraft]

If Apple returned your computer with scratches and all sorts of smudges, the first step should be to take good pictures to record the incident and to report it to them as soon as possible.

The same applies to the remaining faults. If they haven't fixed all the problems, keep complaining. Keep things in writing and collect correspondence for future references.

Usually, after a certain amount of repairs, Apple tends to replace the whole computer. But you obviously have to stand up for yourself and archive all these problems too. How would you prove otherwise that the scratches were caused by them and not you?

The leak needs to be sorted, first I would focus on that.

 

[mtnDewFTW]

If Apple returned your computer with scratches and all sorts of smudges, the first step should be to take good pictures to record the incident and to report it to them as soon as possible.

The same applies to the remaining faults. If they haven't fixed all the problems, keep complaining. Keep things in writing and collect correspondence for future references.

Usually, after a certain amount of repairs, Apple tends to replace the whole computer. But you obviously have to stand up for yourself and archive all these problems too. How would you prove otherwise that the scratches were caused by them and not you?

The leak needs to be sorted, first I would focus on that.

I didn't give it to them to get it fixed, they sent me a new one. I would understand if this was a repaired machine, but this is a BRAND new machine.

 

[sheareb]

I didn't give it to them to get it fixed, they sent me a new one. I would understand if this was a repaired machine, but this is a BRAND new machine.

I think this sentence confused:
"And I got the same machine back, with even more defects."

 

[IndustrialSpace]

I didn't give it to them to get it fixed, they sent me a new one. I would understand if this was a repaired machine, but this is a BRAND new machine.

Sounds like they sent you a refurbished machine, not a new one.

I don't doubt that those who elect to have a replacement are sent refurbished models, evne though you initially bought a new computer. To Apple, if you're sending them a "used" computer, you will get one in return in a similar condition.

 

[mystikjoe]

Sounds like they sent you a refurbished machine, not a new one.

I don't doubt that those who elect to have a replacement are sent refurbished models, evne though you initially bought a new computer. To Apple, if you're sending them a "used" computer, you will get one in return in a similar condition.

i have yet to open an apple product that didn't look perfect while opening. it must be a refurb.

 

[Btom]

Sounds like they sent you a refurbished machine, not a new one.
.......

+1

At the same time this would explain why we are not swamped by refurbished 27' iMacs (they are directed back for all the whiners) and why so many people have to replace 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 times and eventually settle for less (they circulate faulty units between themselves and stop, when get tired)!

Please, please tell me I am just a paranoiac!

Tom B.

 

[fhall1]

i have yet to open an apple product that didn't look perfect while opening. it must be a refurb.

All of my refurbed Apple equipment has looked perfect out of the box too....don't assume.

 

[mystikjoe]

All of my refurbed Apple equipment has looked perfect out of the box too....don't assume.

who are you to tell me what to do? keep buying your refurbs!

 

[mtnDewFTW]

Actually, I took a closer look at what I thought was a scratch, but it was just a piece of lint stuck onto the screen, from the side where I can't clean it.

And I really hope they didn't send me a refurbished one. I mean.. it came in a new box. Even if they did, eventually I'll ask them to replace every broken part anyway, so it's their time and money, not mine.

 

[mtnDewFTW]

Sounds like they sent you a refurbished machine, not a new one.

I don't doubt that those who elect to have a replacement are sent refurbished models, evne though you initially bought a new computer. To Apple, if you're sending them a "used" computer, you will get one in return in a similar condition.

That would actually make a lot of sense, but the serial number said when it was made, which is week 16 (this month) and also I tracked the shipping and it came straight from Shanghai, China.

And I sorta doubt that Apple would waste all this time to put on a show for every person who gets something replaced. And also get FedEx into it.

 

[swee5420]

I have a week 16 too, the same dust under the panel, but i manage to get it ou myself, its pretty easy.

1. get a suction cup
2. When the imac is still standing screw the suction cup at either upper corner.
3. pull the glass panel out.(they are stick by magnet only)
4. use a microfiber to stick that dust out.
5. when you are happy enough, just stick back the glass panel.

 

[mtnDewFTW]

I have a week 16 too, the same dust under the panel, but i manage to get it ou myself, its pretty easy.

1. get a suction cup
2. When the imac is still standing screw the suction cup at either upper corner.
3. pull the glass panel out.(they are stick by magnet only)
4. use a microfiber to stick that dust out.
5. when you are happy enough, just stick back the glass panel.

Thank you! I actually thought of doing that, but I need to go get the suction cups first. I mean it's literally 1cm of dust, so at some point I'll get it out.

 

[alanwong]

I got this machine replaced because of 4 seasons: loud HDD and fans, yellow tint, and backlight bleeding. And I got the same machine back, with even more defects.

Have to say I can't see the yellow tinge on your first photo. Mine was much much worse...

 

[mtnDewFTW]

Have to say I can't see the yellow tinge on your first photo. Mine was much much worse...

the yellow tinge is barely even there. I mean, seriously I can't see it unless I LOOK for it. That's why I don't care enough to even call Apple and say anything. If it gets worse over time, then I'll do something about it, while I'm still covered with AppleCare.

I'm sorry to hear that it was worse hopefully Apple gave you a better one

 

[fhall1]

who are you to tell me what to do? keep buying your refurbs!

I'm the guy who's telling you you're no expert on new vs. refurb apple equipment....keep spending your extra money on new!

 

[IndustrialSpace]

+1

At the same time this would explain why we are not swamped by refurbished 27' iMacs (they are directed back for all the whiners) and why so many people have to replace 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 times and eventually settle for less (they circulate faulty units between themselves and stop, when get tired)!

Please, please tell me I am just a paranoiac!

Tom B.

I said this a while ago and no one believed me. You're not paranoid.

 

[G-Force]

I have a week 16 too, the same dust under the panel, but i manage to get it ou myself, its pretty easy.

1. get a suction cup
2. When the imac is still standing screw the suction cup at either upper corner.
3. pull the glass panel out.(they are stick by magnet only)
4. use a microfiber to stick that dust out.
5. when you are happy enough, just stick back the glass panel.

I can't recommend this. I tried this with my 24" iMac which had dust behind the glass after a repair and it got a lot worse.

I said this a while ago and no one believed me. You're not paranoid.

I've always though this was the case with Apple computers. It seems like they just repackage them and use them for customers who want new machines.

 

[Kingcodez]

Just keep complaining and complaining and complaining. Make them give you a loaner machine while they fix that one, even try bringing it down to the apple store and make a scene.

I used to make scenes with my girlfriend and get real loud and they cave in pretty quickly.

 

[lefse]

That would actually make a lot of sense, but the serial number said when it was made, which is week 16 (this month) and also I tracked the shipping and it came straight from Shanghai, China.

And I sorta doubt that Apple would waste all this time to put on a show for every person who gets something replaced. And also get FedEx into it.

I used to sorta doubt that too. But after receiving three lemon-iMacs, where the last two were promised to be checked by technicians before being shipped, I have no illusions regarding how Apple conducts itself regarding these cases. The last one was a week 14, if the serial number does not lie.

I was also told that the second iMac would be sent to California, as they thought this problem was fixed. At first I believed them, but after receiving the third (and worst one), I could do nothing but smile at that idea.
The support staff is probably being told worse lies than the customers, and use this as a pretence to taking the issue seriously.

In my case they did offer a refund - which I accepted. And as long as everyone gets that option I suppose Apple will manage to stay away from outright fraudulent behavior.

 

[mtnDewFTW]

I used to sorta doubt that too. But after receiving three lemon-iMacs, where the last two were promised to be checked by technicians before being shipped, I have no illusions regarding how Apple conducts itself regarding these cases. The last one was a week 14, if the serial number does not lie.

I was also told that the second iMac would be sent to California, as they thought this problem was fixed. At first I believed them, but after receiving the third (and worst one), I could do nothing but smile at that idea.
The support staff is probably being told worse lies than the customers, and use this as a pretence to taking the issue seriously.

In my case they did offer a refund - which I accepted. And as long as everyone gets that option I suppose Apple will manage to stay away from outright fraudulent behavior.

but the thing about this that I don't get is.. even if they aren't brand new, why isn't the screen fixed? Actually I remember someone posted a bulletin about why the screens are yellow, and it actually made a lot of sense to exactly why they can't fix this issue. But then again, no one can be sure that this persons observations are right. That's why I don't really freak out over the screen. It's obviously a issue which they don't know how to fix, for now anyway, so I'll wait out until they do and get a screen replacement.