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Users report issues with Apple's new Core i7-based iMac

Apple's new top-of-the-line 27-inch iMac with an Intel Core i7 processor has shown up dead on arrival or with a cracked screen for some who have purchased.

In addition to threads on the Apple Discussions support section (1, 2) Engadget also received a quad-core machine that would not boot when taken out of the box.

For some, the iMac chimes when the power button is pressed, but the screen displays nothing. Various users on Apple's support forums have expressed frustration that they returned their iMac and are now waiting an estimated two weeks for a replacement machine.

There are also a handful of reports of cracks on the bottom left corner of the screen of the new iMac. Various customers said the box containing their new system arrived in excellent condition, only to remove the packaging and discover the hardware had been damaged. It has led some to speculate that there is a flaw in the current packaging that causes the screen to crack in the bottom left corner.

"There's no apparent damage to the styrofoam or box so it looks like that's a weak spot in the screen and how they are being packed in the boxes," user 'scopro' said. "Hopefully Apple will improve their packaging for these larger iMacs as it may take until Dec. 7 for my replacement to arrive."

The new 2.8GHz Intel Core i7 860 processor-equipped 27-inch iMacs are available as a $200 built-to-order option, which means they are not available in Apple retail stores. Apple also offers a 2.66 GHz Core i5 750 iMac with a suggested retail price of $1,999. Both quad-core machines began shipping earlier this month and include 8MB of L3 cache.

The newly redesigned iMac includes a large 16:9 screen with a 2560x1440 pixel resolution. It offers a capacity of 16GB of RAM and comes standard with a wireless keyboard and the new Magic Mouse.

Discounted prices on the new iMac systems are available via the AppleInsider Mac Pricing Guide: