Did the 20" iMac screen issue ever get fixed?

[garrett222]

I've been reading threads in here about problems with the colors or something on the 20" iMacs. I wanted to buy one, but wasn't sure if the problem still existed or not.

Help! i want one this weekend. I looked at mini's, but...

Mini - 2Ghz, 2 GB ram, $799 + key/mouse = $999 approx
Monitor 22" dell = $349 So the total was aroun $1350

iMac - 2.4 ghz with a 4GB ram and dedicated video = $1499.

Anyway...so is the 20" iMac still damaged goods????

[Cypher]

I don't know if they have replaced the panels in the 20" models. I bought one back in Aug07 when the aluminium model was launched. My main issue is with the reflections in the glossy screen, the other problems aren't too big a deal for me. I normally sit directly in front of my screen so the poor viewing angles aren't a problem, mine does suffer slightly from slightly lighter washed out colours at the bottom of the screen, but if I hadn't read about the problem before hand I'm not sure I would have spotted it.

The new mini may well be launched next week at WWDC so it may be worth holding off for another week before making your decision.
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Phil

Mac Mini 2.53GHz - iMac 2.0Ghz - Macbook Pro 2.4GHz - iPad 1 32GB 3G
6TB Netgear Ready NAS NV+ - 6TB Drobo S

[Pleiades]

I wouldn't say that the 20" iMac was ever 'damaged goods', it was more of a comparison between the screen on the previous 20" iMac (the white ones), and the screen on the aluminum ones. Apparently Apple changed manufacturers, and the screen is of slightly lesser quality. Frankly, I wouldn't have noticed it unless I was able to see them side by side. I think Apple went with a slightly less expensive screen so they could produce an iMac at $1199 with a 20" screen, where previously the 20" iMacs started at $1499.

Also, to not throw a wrench in anyone's system, but if you compare the MacBook screen to a MacBook Pro screen, you'll see a quality difference as well. Viewing angles on the MB are significantly less than the MBP.

I'd suggest seeing in person before making any decisions. What might bother another user, might be unnoticeable to you.
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MacBook Pro 1.83GHz Core Duo, 2GB RAM, 250GB HD, Dell 802.11n card, 1.4TB external
MacBook 1.83GHz Core Duo, 2GB RAM, 60GB HD
iMac 1.83GHz Core Duo, 2GB RAM, 160GB HD, 1TB external, EyeTV Hybrid

[TonyMontana]

I worked with one and didn't notice the quality of the unit until I watched some reviews and demo's. I went back to the unit and verified what I saw in the review as to the lesser build quality and perceptible visual flaws. If you need a color correct monitor then the newer 20" iMac is not for you. Other wise it is a beautiful machine.
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MacMini 2.0GHz C2D (2009)
MacMini 2.16GHz Intel Core Duo
Dell Mini 10v *OSX 10.6.4*

[Excommie]

Mine is a beautiful, awesome display. I was reluctant to buy it after reading online reviews, but I have absolutely no problems. My wife is more "color aware" than I am, and she loves the display too. We do watch DVD's on it, look at photos, I edit home videos.

Buy one, if you really don't like it - take it back.

[tales]

If you work with color the Matte screen is better, I was looking at the new iMacs when a "genius" asked if i worked with color. I told him my wife is a graphic designer he said "its not the best choice" Many people had returned them!

They have great features & are priced well, but not a good choice for my wife
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iMac 3.06ghz 27" 4gb ram C2D 1TB/LaCie d2 1T
mini 2.3ghz 8gb ram i5 500GB 2TB LaCie
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[miniconvert]

20" iMac uses a TN based panel where as the 24" is using IPS. The difference in quality is striking when they are sitting side by side. The 24" iMac produces more vivid colors and better contrast. You could probably calibrate a lot of the differences out but you could never fix the viewing angle difference.

Like I said, you probably can't tell the difference if they apart. A lot of mini users buy TN based panels and are quite happy. If you own a 22" widescreen for example there is a 99.99% chance you have a TN based panel.
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Intel Mac Mini, 1.83 C2D 2.5GB, 80GB, Combo Drive
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iPod Touch (1st Gen)

[tales]

When working with colors the lighting in the room will have a major affect on the color. Thats why Apples cinema displays are "antiglare hardcoat" which is matte.

Thats a big help for professional photographers who have to touch up photos/flesh tones, and Pantone cant help them. The glossy screen can look good with movies, but still produce glare, even indoors with natural sunlight.

Most Professionals will use a ViewSonic or LaCie display before a glossy one. JMO.
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iMac 3.06ghz 27" 4gb ram C2D 1TB/LaCie d2 1T
mini 2.3ghz 8gb ram i5 500GB 2TB LaCie
TV2