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#1 |
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Kasper's Automated Slave
Join Date: Nov 1997
Posts: 6,171
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Apple sued over defective iMac displays
Apple is facing a new class-action lawsuit claiming the company’s iMac displays start to show unwanted vertical lines, which Apple is refusing to fix under warranty.
Florida resident Aram Hovsepian filed the 13-page complaint in a Northern California court last week on behalf of himself and "thousands" of other customers who purchased iMacs with the "latent defect." According to the suit, faulty transistors and/or connections are causing the vertical lines to appear.* Hovsepian alleges Apple is aware of the problem and thus is committing consumer fraud through its negligence in addressing the issue. “Apple failed to warn consumers about the common design and manufacturing defects with iMac display screens,” the complaint says.* “Instead Apple remained silent knowing its iMac display screens would malfunction while consumers purchased iMacs, made warranty claims arising from the vertical lines on the display screens, and made out of warranty repairs related to the vertical line problem.” Attorneys for Hovsepian are seeking compensatory damages in the form of reimbursement plus interest for the faulty hardware, along with attorneys’ fees and expenses.* The complaint further alleges that the one-year display warranties are “invalid and not enforceable." “Apple has wrongfully denied warranty claims as untimely or based on other grounds despite the root cause of the vertical lines being a manufacturing and/or design defect,” the complaint says. The lawsuit does not specify the iMac model(s) alleged to have the display defect, but implies that the issue plagues models sold in both 2006 and 2008.**The last major overhaul of Apple’s iMac line came in mid-2007, with the now-familiar aluminum body and black-rimmed display design. |
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#2 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 24
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I would love to join this suit but being in Australia rules me out.
Mine became completely unusable. |
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#3 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 157
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Quote:
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#4 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Denver, CO USA
Posts: 130
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This is why you buy AppleCare.
1. Buy AppleCare and get Apple to fix your machine whenever it breaks.
2. Sell your Mac when it is 2.8 years old and buy a new one. 3. Goto 1. |
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#5 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 402
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Uh yeah, that's definitely not acceptable.
And frankly I think that Applecare warranty sucks. People pay a premium for Macs as it is. Apple's nickel and diming everything is going to come back and bite them in the ass. |
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#6 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,208
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WTF is that? Those cat's eyes are buggin' out!
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Once you go Mac, you never go back!
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#7 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,208
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That ass has been chewed for years.
Once you go Mac, you never go back!
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#8 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 19
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My iMac had this problem once, and was out of warranty.
A friend, who is an electrical engineer was able to fix this problem. The problem was basically with the cable from the Mac itself to the display (i.e. the display was fine), and sloppy work on a connection. If the problem with my iMac was this problem (and there is no evidence to the contrary), Apple could fix every Mac with this problem very easily. |
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#9 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: California -- New York
Posts: 189
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AppleCare is incredible. They replace everything, for free, no questions asked. I have had 2 entire computers replaced by apple for very minor issues (and sometimes software, not hardware issues). AppleCare is the best computer warranty I've ever seen, the only company that I know that beats it is Logitech.
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#10 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 23
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Me Too
I have the original Intel 17" iMac with 5 vertical lines on it as of today. The first one appeared 6 months out of warranty. I called Apple soon after the first one appeared, and they would not help me. I didn't expect them to, but once in a while I have had them do out-of-warranty work for me so I thought I'd give it a try.
By the time the 4th line appeared, I went out and bought a new HP2003 monitor and the special cable that Apple makes to hook it up to the iMac. That was expensive to do, but not nearly as expensive as replacing the screen. As for the poster who mentioned AppleCare... I read a lot about this on the web -it is impacting tens of thousands of users at least, and the screens that are being replaced under AppleCare are also malfunctioning in the same way in many cases. This was one super defective Apple product -an LCD's lifetime should be measured in years not months. I for one will not buy an iMac again. I am really looking forward to the new MacMini. If it is souped up enough (CPU + graphics) I will not be looking back -or at bright vertical lines anymore. |
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#11 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 23
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Bongo -what specifically did he do? I am not at all afraid to bust the thing open if there is something useful I can do. did he just clean and reseat stuff, or did he have to replace components?
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#12 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: California -- New York
Posts: 189
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Quote:
For when your computer is in the shop, ask to speak to a manager about purchasing a "refreshed" computer. It's basically an open-box computer that you purchase at full price, then return within 14 days with no restocking fee (since it is already open-box) and full refund. Use time machine to turn the new machine into a clone of your old one, and you're good to go. |
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#13 |
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Stoneham MA USA
Posts: 64
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I find it impossible to believe that apple is refusing to fix computers that have this problem, and are under warranty.
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#14 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 383
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Come on, everyone, Steve's sick - don't add stress to his life by complaining about little screen defects. Just buy a new Mac.
Seriously, though, I assume the new iMacs will be LEDs, which won't have the screen issues that have plagued the last generation (or two) of iMacs. I have a first generation iMac G5 that's never had a screen problem (over 4 years old). I don't know why Apple's newer designs have all the screen issues - because they made too many compromises to make them thinner? |
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#15 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Paradise
Posts: 404
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Quote:
If you really want to make it happen, work yourself into a rage before hand-- get really angry about this problem and how it has affected you. Spend at least an hour whipping it up. Then, go into the store when it is crowded, ask to talk to the manager, and try your hardest to express yourself without attacking the person you are talking to. Based on how effectively they defused me one time, I am sure they have training in this and will do what it takes to make you happy and not cause a scene in the store. (If you do actually cause a scene, all bets are off; nothing gets done that way!) |
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#16 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: California -- New York
Posts: 189
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That's not what the suit is about if I'm reading this correctly. My understanding is that Apple won't fix out-of-warranty, and that's what the suit is about, considering that they allege that "the one-year display warranties are “invalid and not enforceable."" That claim is complete bogus, and the suit will fail. honestly, i don't know why appleinsider is reporting this suit without a clause mentioning how retarded the suit is.
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#17 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 66
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i have a 17" iMac 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo iMac...
No Apple Care. After about 20 months the dreaded lines appeared. (i pretty much knew what this meant as a friend as a 17" G4 PowerBook with the same thing http://eicolab.com.au/2008/07/24/bri...ley-powerbook/ ). My iMac didn't fall within the serial numbers that Apple oh so graciously decided had the defect. Knowing how Apple treat "known issues" (i.e. censor, edit or erase their discussion forums if those pesky customers are getting on their nerves!) i called them up and eventually i was able to speak to someone who could make a decision, and after much pleading (a shameful amount) they made an exception and they logged my serial number so it came up as non-chargeable repair when i took it in. All fixed. i'm the last person to praise Apple (i just use them because of the software i use and the interface...all the wanky hipness doesn't appeal to me whatsoever...) but at least someone on the phone was able to help me out, there an then. But all in all, they should be far more accommodating and supportive. Not everyone can afford Applecare after spending £750+ on a computer. And if you're buying a premium product you certainly don't expect hundreds of users to have the same issue with what is fundamentally a design or manufacturing flaw...! They should acknowledge issues far earlier, and not slyly brush them under the carpet, washing over them with their glitzy propaganda and knowing ignorance. |
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#18 |
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1
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I hope apple loose, than I have a chance of replacement - even in Germany. It is the same product and other judges will follow...
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#19 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,208
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Never had a problem in 3 years with my 20" white iMac with its gorgeous matte screen.
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Once you go Mac, you never go back!
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#20 | |
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Global Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: .US
Posts: 9,128
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Quote:
I have no problem with keeping a Mac for longer than three years, though I've generally needed to sell for money or needed to upgrade for specific uses anyway. |
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#21 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 141
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20" iMac 2Ghz Core Duo purchased Feb 2006: No issues to date. Contemplating a 1TB upgrade...
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#22 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 457
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Apple should replace these screens and kiss your ass while doing it. Jobs can get replaced by Balmer.
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#23 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 3
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BS they are refusing repairs.
My buddy had this same exact issue with this intel 17" white imac, took it into the apple store, they fixed it for free because they said it was a known issue. He didn't even have applecare! Now if we really want to harp on Apple ignoring known issues, lets talk about the first make of the 30" displays... I'd like to meet some people who still own them from the first batch and don't have the blue/green artifact issue? Apple refuses to acknowledge there was an issue, yet the 2nd batch they made didn't have the issue? |
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#24 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 13
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Quote:
This isn't the first problem Apple has had w/ quality control, nor the first time they've been recalcitrant to admit to or fix their mistakes. A swift kick in the ass, rather than a nibble, may encourage them to change their MO. |
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#25 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 503
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Quote:
That said, I had a problematic MBP that did NOT have Applecare. Apple still replaced it for what some would consider minor issues. Needless to say, I was impressed with the service.
File Encryption Tools Built Into Your Mac
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#26 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: PRESTON, UNITED KINGDOM
Posts: 6
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Same here! Bought in May 2005. Only had a problem once with it when EyeTV for DTT caused a Kernal Panic. I did buy last year the 24" iMac 2.8Ghz and promptly sent it back. Loved the speed. Hated the display.
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#27 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 859
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My iMac G5 is three years old, same display used in the original (white) Intel Macs. No problems whatsoever. According to the text above, which may be out of context, but it indicates Apple honored warranty repairs and even honored out of warrany repairs, so what is the problem? The text also said the claims were denied for other reasons, even though they claim it was from the failing LCD.
I was recently at the Apple store and saw some of these Macs that people claim were having problems with. Almost all of them were dirty and beaten to shit. One girl said her PowerBook no longer recognized the AC. It was pretty dirty and scratched. Then she opened it! 10x worse! There were so many stains on it that it looked like she spilled on it everyday. No wonder it is not working. That is why there are warranties, so people don't screw a company out of repairs for an old product. I like the "thousands" of people claim with no evidence, and they cannot even indicate which iMac model! Dipshit lawyers. |
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#28 | ||
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Posts: 79
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Quote:
Quote:
Last edited by oneaburns; 01-05-2009 at 09:10 PM.. |
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#29 |
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Gabberland
Posts: 24
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I had the same issue
with iBook G4, but it was only 1 line almost at the left edge so it did not bother me much - then I got white Intel iMac and gave that laptop to my parents - they do not mind that one line either. What is bugging me now is that something happened to the attachment of the iMac body to the stand and the screen does not hold the position - always falls down and I have to have a plastic cube behind the screen to hold it straight. Does anybody know how to fix this issue? I could not find any help on any forum - the wall mounting bracket is for 24' iMacs only. :-(
Marquiz d' Gabber von Gabberaarde
... and Windows Vista... ... fails on the Moon... ... 6x slower! |
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#30 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: California -- New York
Posts: 189
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Quote:
Apple isn't your babysitter, it is a company that needs to make a profit. |
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#31 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,208
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Quote:
Everyone chant now: Bring back matte! Bring back matte!
Once you go Mac, you never go back!
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#32 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: California -- New York
Posts: 189
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Truly, the premium isn't too much if you really look at the feature diff. And you're paying for an amazing UE. That's a large part of what apple is, UE (user experience).
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#33 | |||||
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 662
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Quote:
same rules for AppleCare, just instead of 1 year it's either 2 or 3 depending on the item Quote:
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I wish there had been a reply address so I could point out the dozens of messages that were nothing but folks talking about boycotts, picket lines, calling applecare not stop to complain about the issue etc. those were 'technical' answers either. but they weren't deleted. Not as much as you think. Yes there will be folks that buy it and never use it. Then again, there will be someone that buys it, has something go wrong and it's way more than the cost of the AppleCare fee. true story as an example. about 4 or so years ago I bought a used laptop from a neighbor. It was just over a year old and he wanted a new one cause he got a job doing some editing work and this one wasn't quite going to cut it. I think it was the first macbook (or maybe an ibook). I had it about 3 months and suddenly the thing goes dead. I'm freaking of course. I take it in to a shop around the corner cause there wasn't an Apple Store in my area but this guy was a certified Apple tech. He tells me, after some testing, that my power port was blown. Not common but it does happen. And so the computer isn't getting power and the battery went dead. Now here is the catch. Labor, he tells me is $100 minimum and the part is $600. Not even if I figure they double the real cost of the labor and mark up the parts a good 25%, that's still like $500 to fix my laptop. Ouch. But then the guy says he's going to make a call. Turns out that my neighbor bought AppleCare on the computer and being that it was only about 15 months old it was covered. So I got the whole thing for free. And they even swapped me for a new battery and a new power adapter in case the port damaged messed up either one. So for like $250, I got like $750 in labor and replacement parts for free. Worth it in my book Moral of my story. Apple was out $500 for my repair. Which would be 'balanced' by you and the guy next to you that bought the same computer with AppleCare and never needed it. probably happens more than not. and if you aren't a total dick about it, the folks in the stores will often just swap you things like batteries, power adapters, headphones, dock connector cables etc. especially if the purchase was pretty recent so you can go home without waiting for a genius. depends a bit on the store but it does happen. they have offered it to me and I've seen it happen to others. |
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#34 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 8,461
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Quote:
"The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield, and government to gain ground."
—Thomas Jefferson Proud AAPL stock owner. |
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#35 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 8,461
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Quote:
"The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield, and government to gain ground."
—Thomas Jefferson Proud AAPL stock owner. |
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#36 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Posts: 79
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Quote:
iPhone 1stGen, iPhone 3GS, AppleTV, Aluminum MacBook, 24" Cinema Display
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#37 |
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 2
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I have a friend who had this problem with his HP laptop after a few months. He went out and bought another and within a few months it happened again. So whoever makes the screens is probably responsible. Perhaps Apple and HP used the same manufacturer.
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#38 |
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Banned
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 27
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Some things don't last forever
Like one of the other posters above, I work for an AASP and have done so for over ten years now.
I for one think that Apple has been very good at acknowledging manufacturing flaws and offering extended repair programs to correct these issues. There are just certain types of people who throw their toys out of the baby stroller because their out-of-warranty product develops a fault. It's always Apple's fault in their minds. It's always a design flaw. Actually it's just a lottery. Some people just draw a short straw. Just like cars, some of them develop faults when they get to a certain age. Others may last for 20 years plus. This is the inherent nature of today's complex technology. People need to get real. They don't make these things to last forever. It's guaranteed to work for one year and then anything you get after that is a bonus. It's a sad but true fact. This is the way many industries work. Computers are a consumable product, just like a car. It's going to get worn out. Some faster than others through variables out-with the manufacturers' control. You are supposed to buy a new one on an average of every three years. It's not Apple's fault if you can't afford to do that. Apple isn't a charity. It's a business. |
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#39 | |
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Banned
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 526
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Quote:
My brand new iMac 24" bought in June had networking problems from the 1st day but it took me a while to determine it was not random and definitely only on this model. I even have 2 older iMacs to compare it to. I got perpetual phone support but Apple refused to do an on-site that would have clearly shown what the fault was. All I got told was reinstall, reinstall, reinstall which I just knew was cr@p. The problem finally surfaced as a known issue in this forum and on Apple's own forums. I still could not get an onsite. Finally my power supply blew 6 months into the warranty, now with 2 faults Apple agreed to do an onsite. Soon as I contacted the service technician he knew exactly what I was talking about, he does several a week. He fixed the network card but the power supply failed again. At this point I told Apple I had paid for AppleCare and expected to get it and I didn't want to see this machine again. They finally agreed to a replacement. Since I had to transfer my set-up by devious means from a carbon copy of the old drive, I have been struggling to get my new machine back into the same working order I had the old one. OSX sucks at system transfers. Now the network is dropping off again. Only it isn't doing it when I am watching, so I can't be sure it is the old problem back. |
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#40 |
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Western N.Y.
Posts: 94
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i'm thankful that my 8 year old 17" G4 Lampstyle imac that I'm typing this on is still working great...no lines or anything. Runs Leopard great.
I like the matte finish and the ability to move the screen up, down and sideways......may it last forever....! Frank D.
He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose....
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