purple line on my imac display?

[qnarf]

hey, so there's a pixel thin purple line running vertically on my [pre intel by 2 generations] imac display.
i got the little guy in 2004. it's way out of warranty, and most likely just getting a little old, but it'd be awesome if anyone can tell me a] if this problem is fixable b] if it's a problem that's going to get worse c] if it is [since problems rarely get better] can i just hook up a cheap flatscreen display to it and call it done?
obvs, in a best case scenario, i'd buy a new one, but for the time being, let's say that i'm poor.
thanks!

 

[ego amigo]

it sounds like dead pixels... if its a g-4 then there should be a mini-dvi hookup in the back that can connect you to a new monitor.

 

[qnarf]

thanks dude.
i'm guessing not dead pixels for the following reasons:
-when it first developed, it would come and go.
-it runs in a single pixel length from the very top to the very bottom of the screen. a perfect, purple annoyance. seems a little exact to be a part of the screen dying.
edited to add: it's a gen 1 g5, which i've figured out needs a vga dongle to run an external monitor on.
mostly, i added that so i could type dongle.

 

[TerryJ]

The lines issue is a known problem with this model iMac G5:

(from Wikipedia's iMac page):
"Perhaps one of the biggest criticisms however is with all white (including G5s and Intels) iMacs with serial numbers starting in 'W8.' Many users with these units had permanent vertical lines of color appear on their screens after approx. 13+ months of use. These units tend to have more lines appear over time and the only known remedy is to have the screen replaced. Apple hasn't responded to the issue yet, however there is an online petition of users with this problem as well as a website dedicated to it (http://imaclines.blogspot.com/), both made by users experiencing this problem."

Yes, you can get a mini-VGA dongle and hook up an external monitor. I believe it can only "mirror" screens, it cannot be made a dual monitor setup (without hacks.)

-Terry

 

[qnarf]

thanks terry!
those links are terrifying!
another edit to add:
so... know where i can get cheapish cinema style displays?

 

[MichelleD]

I got a swell flatscreen for cheap (ViewSonic) at MacMall.