“In a thread on the Apple Discussions forums that spans nearly 250 pages, users have begun to report conversations with AppleCare representatives who claim a new update is forthcoming,” AppleInsider reports. “A month ago, Apple released a software fix for the flickering issue on the 27-inch iMac, but since then users have said it did not address the problem.”
AppleInsider reports, “One user, Dennis Murphy, said he was told that AppleCare technicians were issued a bulletin on Saturday that stated a fix would be released in about three weeks. The Apple employee was allegedly instructed to collect customer contact information so they can be reached when the fix is released.”
“When contacted by AppleInsider [on] Monday, an Apple representative said the three-week delay was not related to any hardware issues,” AppleInsider reports. “Instead, they said the company has had trouble meeting up with demand for the new system, as some components are in limited availability.”
More info in the full article here.
Are the 27″ iMacs being sold today having the same problem still or have they made sure the computers being sold now are working and the earlier ones are trying to be repaired?
I’d hat to go buy one if I’m gonna possibly be in the same boat as others…
The ‘overwhelming demand’ excuse wearing a bit thin.
This is very un-Apple like and becoming (or, is it already) the most embarrassing problem for the company that promises that their stuff “just works”?
My iMac i7 27″ is working very well. Notice when turning it on, screen isn’t bright white but pale yellow now. Doesn’t seem to be affecting anything and figure a fix for this flaw will be available soon. Having a blast with new iMac!
I had the yellow screen on the iMac I returned for refund. Yellow screen does not equal “Ultimate Display” as advertised. Yes the computer was great, but the screen issues are a problem.
On Fri, Jan 29 it’ll be one month since I ordered my 27 in iMac build-to-order. It’s been delayed shipping 3 times. It’s scheduled to ship Wednesday. They’re so behind I venture to guess that anyone ordering a BTO now would probably have the fix as part of it (if it indeed fixes it).
No problems with my new iMac’s screen. Beautiful computer.
I ordered my i7 the second day, and got it in mid November. It’s not just perfect, it’s phenomenal.
I’d be willing to bet they’ve sold over a million of the new iMacs. . . . We’ll see the “numbers” (MDN word) soon.
iMac 27 i7
no problems
like it
love it
can’t get enough of it
Received my 27-inch iMac with quad-core i7 on November 18, 2009. It’s been in use 7 days/week since. A wonderful computer with absolutely no problems — no screen flicker, no yellow screen or any other glitch.
Fast and with a gorgeous display. Best computer I’ve ever owned, and I’ve owned quite a few.
I too have ordered the 27″ i7 and have the shipping date of 27th here in the UK. Am I the only one putting the shipping date and the 27th event together? At the least I am know expecting it to be delivered with iLife 2010, would love blu-ray as well but not expecting it.
I got my 27″ from the 47 week (W89470SM5RU) batch, I suppose a lot of people miss the quick flickers. I usually see a 1/4 sec flicker every now and then (after heavy flash usage), I’m pretty positive about it being only a software issue as a reboot fixes it.
Haven’t noticed it here.
@Worse and Worse
Re: “This is very un-Apple like and becoming (or, is it already) the most embarrassing problem for the company that promises that their stuff “just works”?”
Apple, like every other major vendor of electronic devices, has had more than one “embarrassing moment.” In Apple’s case, most of these moments are blown far out of proportion because everyone seems to expect Apple to be perfect. Many of the Apple moments were the result of supplier issues – displays, graphics cards, optical drives, batteries, etc. However, some were clearly the result of error or oversight on Apple’s part. And, sometimes, Apple seemed to stonewall for quite some time before stepping up and admitting that they were responsible and taking reasonable action to make things “right” with Mac users.
If I had purchased a 27″ iMac with this problem, then I would be unhappy. However, at this point, I would not classify the 27″ iMac display issue as Apple’s “most embarrassing problem” ever. Assuming that Apple fixes the problem in another few weeks and makes good on repairing/replacing affected iMacs, then it will fade away very quickly.
I would encourage Apple to promote transparency in these matters as much as possible. There is nothing more frustrating to a consumer than being stuck with a defective product and riding the “customer service” merry-go-round.
A bunch of folks I know have no problems whatsoever. A few bloggers can make turn this into a bullshit story. Its nonsense.
I have a 27″ i7 received mid Nov’09 with absolutely none of the problems reported. I also have a 27″ C2D received mid Dec also without problem.
So not everybody is unlucky. Obviously the people with problem machines are talking much more loudly about it.
I hope the problem is fix this summer, I plan to upgrade to a 27 inch after i save the money for it.
This is far from a bullshit story, having been affected by it personally. Apple’s PR response has been woefully inadequate, that’s for sure.
Btw nobody said the fix was software. There’d be no need to collect customer info just for something they can push out over Software Update. At the very least it will be a cable or some other faulty hardware part.
No problems here. 27″ i7 works great. Ordered immediately when first available.
It would seem from reading the post here that the packing problems that seem to have led to the cracked screens have been solved.
I agree with KingMel.
Well said indeed, sir.
I bought two i5 27″ iMacs for coworkers in a design/prepress environment. So far smooth sailing. They love them. Hard to calibrate screen though.