Apple issues firmware update for new iMacs
Apple, which encountered some problems with the screens on its new 27-inch iMacs when first shipped, has issued a firmware update to deal with part of the problems being seen on those units.
There were a number of issues with the initial shipments of the new, larger 27-inch iMacs. Some were arriving DOA, some were arriving with cracked displays and display cases, and others were manifesting a problem with flickering displays. The firmware update just issued is intended to deal with that last problem according to an eWeek story. The first two, according to sources, were simple problems with packaging for the new unit and have been addressed by updating the shipping materials.
The firmware update issued yesterday applies to graphics firmware on ATI Radeon HD 4670 and 4850 graphics cards. The models included were a subset of the new iMacs introduced on Oct. 20 of this year. The quad-core models were very slow to ship, especially those needed to replace damaged units and on Dec. 13 Apple said, “The new iMac has been a huge hit and we are working hard to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience or delay this may cause our customers.â€
This firmware update may or may not be associated with a class action suit about persistent problems with iMac screens. In that case, a New York federal judge just dismissed a potential class action lawsuit which alleged that Apple continued to manufacture their popular iMac screens without disclosing certain manufacturing defects to its customers. The judge said that the allegations were too general to be considered. The problems may or may not be related, but they certainly appear to be some of the same issues with some of the same hardware.
Either way, it would appear that Apple is now trying to repair the problems, albeit a little late, which should be of some consolation to iMac owners that are experience issues. Let us know if you have had difficulty with these flickering display issues and whether or not the new firmware update solved those problems for you.
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