Is this dust or something else? IMac2011

[AnaNic]

Hi Guys,

I want to buy an old iMac - 2011 would be perfect, I think 2009 is too old. What do you think.

I have two offers - one 2009, 16 gb, 2 tb, i5 2.6 - it is ok, nothing on the screen etc. There is a small dent on the bottom of the silver part, the metal one, very little visible, but other wise it worked ok.

The second one - 2011, i5, 2.7, 1 tb, 16 gb. This one is a little bit cheaper, maybe 40 dollars, but I went on such a low price because of an issue with the screen. As I hope you can see from my pictures, there are some lines. They are visible only on grey image. I tried an online pixel test, and also watch movies etc for a bit and they are not visible then. Only on grey. I offered a price, the guy said the would ask around and investigate the issue (he actually said he did not know about it, I find it a little bit disturbing) and then emailed me after a week saying that he would agree with a cheaper price.
I have a friend that worked for an Apple reseller and he said the could clean it if it is dust. But I also read that it can be the display due to hit. What do you think?
Should I take the first or the second, or look for a third?

I want it for Ms Office, I won't make photo editing or anything, only that I need to keep 4-6 windows opened and I am beginning to blind on my MacBook Pro 13.

Thanks for helping.

 

[IWT]

Thank you for your post and the detail accompanying it.

My comments may seem harsh, but you asked for responses, and I don’t intend any offence.

The 2009 model is way too old in my view and has limited specs.

The 2011 model is much better specced but has an unknown problem or problems and is also seven years old.

Taking all these into consideration, I personally wouldn’t buy either.

I think that a newer model with at least the specs of the 2011 Mac, and no obvious problems should be sought.

I fully understand that people have many claims on an already tight budget and that such fiscal restraints may make my advice a challenge to accomplish, but that’s my view.

Ian

 

[Raz0rEdge]

You don't say how much you would buy these 2 machines for and honestly I wouldn't buy either. As Ian mentioned, both are old. Depending on your budget you probably want to go for a new refurbished machine.

 

[AnaNic]

You don't say how much you would buy these 2 machines for and honestly I wouldn't buy either. As Ian mentioned, both are old. Depending on your budget you probably want to go for a new refurbished machine.

2011 425 usd and 2009 480 usd

 

[IWT]

My opinion hasn’t changed. In fact, I think the asking prices tend to bear me out.

Why would anyone drop the price on the better specced and - relatively - newer Mac to less than for the older model?

Give both a miss and follow Ashwin’s advice.

Sorry.

Ian

 

[AnaNic]

My opinion hasn’t changed. In fact, I think the asking prices tend to bear me out.

Why would anyone drop the price on the better specced and - relatively - newer Mac to less than for the older model?

Give both a miss and follow Ashwin’s advice.

Sorry.

Ian

Thanks,
There are two sellers. The one that sells the new one seem to be pretty well off. The iMac was actually a little bit more expensive around 570 USD, but when I raised the display problem, he did some reserach (i.e. how much he would pay to have it clean - if it is dust or replace it) , and I did mine, and we came to this price.

Anyway, either I buy or not, do you think that is dust or it may be something else.
Thanks

 

[Raz0rEdge]

If you are intent on buying that vintage iMac, the front glass is held in place by magnets and you can remove it and clean up any dust that might be there. I think 2012 or so after, the glass is glued. If that's not dust or damage to the LCD, then fixing that is going to cost more.

 

[ferrarr]

Give ifixit.com, https://www.ifixit.com/, a look and see if their Repair Guides look like something you may want to attempt?