IMac early 2008 8800GS video card issue

Question

I have had this machine for 2.5 years and all is fine until 1 day (mid of Nov) that it would not start (blank screen after apple logo).
Nov 19, 2010
I brought it to the Richmond centre apple store in Richmond, BC, Canada (since I have applecare). I was told by the apple genius there he would need to replace the logicboard and the video card with estimates of $1500+ (i was thinking i m so lucky that I have bought applecare). The repair took 1 full week and at the end they only replaced the video card. I was happy to have my imac back (Nov 25, 2010)
Dec 7, 2010
The iMac would not start up again (same symptoms to the first one) except that this time I was able to boot into safe mode (any other modes or from ext HD or DVD will not work). In safe mode, the screen has a huge vertical bars like barcode, so I have no other choice but to bring it back to apple store again (this time to Oakridge Centre in Vancouver, BC). The Apple genius there said there's a problem with the logic board and they will replace it. The repair took 1 day and both logicboard and video card were replaced (Dec 9, 2010).
Dec 30, 2010
The iMac would not start again (blank screen after apple logo). This time I m so frustrated. How can you have repair the machine 2 times, replace most of the machine components and yet the machine would not start. I m losing so much confidence with both the iMac and the technicians at the Apple store. I give the machine a few more chances to boot/cooldown, disconnect to power source. It would boot up after disconnected to the power source for extended time but the screen garbled up as soon as you bring up the dashboard or attempt to use any applications.
Jan 1, 2011
New day of the year and I have to bring the iMac to repair. I ask for either a replacement or a refund as I have no confidence in the machine that I have. The Genius said that we cannot do that but we will take it in and have a look (I have no other choice but to leave it with the hands of the technicians.)
Jan 3, 2011
Apple technician called around 8pm in the evening, he told me the problem was with the LVDS cable that attaches the logic board to the lcd panel. I was very patient (because i seriously don't think it's the LVDS cable) and not let my anger out as he is just a fellow who's trying to fix my computer. Long story short, he told me they don't have the parts and need another 3-5 days.
Anybody has a similar problem? Does it make sense that the LVDS cable can cause the mac not able to boot up?

Answer 1

I agree that policy with regard to replacement of online purchases vs in-store doesn't make any sense. As a customer, this experience would of frustrated me a lot. It's good you were able to eventually get a new iMac but it makes sense for them to try to fix it first before replacing it. I think before the 3rd repair I would've escalated the issue until I got to the store leader. If they understand you need it back quickly, they will usually do their best to make you happy. Of course, not everybody's perfect.
In my experience, if you need to have something soon, you need to politely go up the management chain. I never heard of the first tier employee being able to replace an iMac or do any other kind of replacement. It's always the store leaders and Genius admins that can accommodate these kind of issues.
The store leader is your friend and it's their store's reputation on the line. Ask for his/her email address and vent out your frustration to them. Recommend what you would've done as an AppleCare person to accommodate your issue. It's this kind of feedback that makes them better. Who knows, they may even reward you for your valuable feedback.