Strange cursor distortion and cursor glitch

Question

On my iMac G5 20" Revision a my cursor flashes a sort-of distorted shadow when it's dragged over web links and text fields. This happens when the arrow cursor switches to the finger or the text cursor; there is a moment in this transition when the cursor blinks a larger, pixelated version of itself that trails just behind the actual cursor. It's mostly noticeable in places with darker backgrounds (anything other than white) such as web pages and the iTunes quick search field (which is surrounded by that brushed metal-looking background).
At first I thought this problem was restricted only to web browsers, but I've since noticed it occurring systemwide.
What could this be? A hardware problem?
Regards,
Marc

Answer 1

Hi again, Marc —
"I fear a hardware problem... What should i do?"
  (1) Contacting AppleCare or an Apple-Authorized Service Provider (AASP) strikes me as a good way to proceed. Are you still within the initial warranty, or have an AppleCare Protection Plan in force? If so, I don't see a down-side to this: if the problem isn't solved during the conversation, you'll be given a case number for use at an AASP — limited to authorized hardware problems — or for future reference. If the problem persists, your subsequent call(s) may be forwarded to higher-level support folks.
I'm having a hard time envisioning a hardware problem that'd follow only your cursor's path — but I'm no "Genius."
  (2) Hardware?   If it were the graphics card or display, I expect you'd observe more uniform behavior. You may want to read through the graphics sections of the iMac G5 Developer Note. (I think this is the right link for your model...)
  (3) I recommend that you search &/or post about this in the Using your iMac G5 &/or Your iMac G5 display forum(s). Other owners of your model should be able to help identify this if it's a ~known hardware-related issue.
  (4) Although this problem probably seems comparatively "minor," you may also want to check and confirm whether your model falls in the serial number range for the iMac G5 Repair Extension Program for Video and Power Issues.
  (5) Speaking generally, Apple Hardware Test includes component testing of the logic board and video, but not of the display module. I'd suggest you run AHT in Extended Test; then, if all components pass, further in looping mode. But, based on our dicussion so far, I tend to suspect software...
  (6) Software.   I'm out of ideas for the moment about another software-related cause that would only relate to cursor behavior. I looked through several ADC documents, but most of the command stuff is beyond me. Perhaps another participant...
  (7) "...the cursor-problem is system wide and not safari-specific."   Yes, I understood that — sorry I wasn't clear. I was trying to suggest you consider whether the behavior correlates to high memory (RAM: physical and virtual) usage. Activity Monitor can aid in determining this.
  (8) "Unfortunately all screenshot-program i tried, do not take picture of the cursor... ."   Did you try using Grab's Capture »» Timed Screen feature?
Good luck!
Dean
      I edited this message. Please note that you can refer to ¶ #s in lieu of long quotes...