I purchased an iMac MC309LL/A model A1311 21.5" All in one computer. I purchased it 8/28/11 and about 2 months ago it started powering down. I called for support and a Apple Customer Support, I did what they said and now it wont turn on at all.

Question

I purchased an iMac MC 309LL/A model A1311 21.5" All in one computer on 8/28/11. The computer stated to shut down on me every once in a while when I was working on it. I called Apple customer support and a rep walked me through deleting all of my cache files saying it was the prooblem. She then had me do a re-install with the installation disc. After doing that she said to turn my computer off then back on and the computer would want to run some updates an to let them run. I was told to call back if there were anymore problems. The computer turned on for a couple minutes then shut down again and won't turn back on at all now. I took it to the Apple store and they told me it was the main board that delivers power to the computer and it whoulld cost about $550 to replace. I have had this computer for 1 1/6 year and hardly use it. My tech told me the same thing happened to his. Doesn't this mean the equipment could be faulty?
Who keeps track of how many of these are having the same problem and when should there be a recall. I have always used Dells at work. The one I have is 6 years old and works great. I have Compaq laptop at home that is almost 7 years old. I have never had a problem like this before and I can't believe that I spent$1300 for a computer that crashed after 1 yr 6 months. What's worse is that it is my first major Apple product other than my iPod Shuffle.

Answer 1

Sorry to hear of your problem, but any hardware in a computer can fail - that includes the hard drive, the logic board, etc, etc. Fortunately, it usually doesn't happen that soon; however, I've read of hard drives failing within 6 months.
So, since you did not purchase the extended Applecare Protection Plan (3 years coverage), you will need to make a decision to repair or sell it as is. I would always purchase 3 year coverage for an all in one or a laptop because repairs are expensive and at least I'd be covered for 3 years.
We can't speculate on whether there should be a recall or not; these forums are for user to user assistance with technical problems. In your case, there is nothing we can help with since you've already gotten a diagnosis.