Apple came just short of apologizing for hardware problems in its new iMac all-in-one computers.
Without acknowledging reports of hardware issues, Apple merely said it regrets any current delays in shipping the computers. "The new iMac has been a huge hit and we are working hard to fulfill orders as quickly as possible," an Apple representative told CNET. "We apologize for any inconvenience or delay this may cause our customers."
Reported problems in the 27-inch iMacs include flickering displays, cracked glass, noisy or yellow-tinged screens and drive failures. A Web site has been erected to document the problems, based on problems being discussed in Apple's official forums. There's a Flash-based testing utility, plus the results of a survey, showing that most visitors suffered flickering displays. Computerworld says cracked screens received the most media attention, but turned up sparsely in Web designer Scott Pronych's tests (I'd guess that people with cracked screens don't need to go online to figure out what's wrong).
The half-apology from Apple is vintage behavior for the Cupertino company, which rarely admits when one of its products is faulty. During the summer, Apple got a heap of negative attention when reports of exploding iPods popped up around the world, made worse when the company tried to hush those affected (Apple eventually launched an investigation, facing pressure from the European Union).
In the case of the iMacs, however, Apple seems willing to replace the faulty products. Pronych said Apple replaced his own computer, which arrived with a cracked screen, and there have since been no issues.
Apple hasn't said when the shipping schedule will return to normal, but the Apple Store shows a two-week delay on shipping new 27-inch iMacs. I guess an IOU makes a better stocking-stuffer than a broken machine.
