Why does display look posterized?
Until the hard drive failed, I've had zero problems with my Apple refurbished iMac Core 2 Duo 2.16 20" (Sept. 2006 - FA589LL/A - EMC 2118). After removing the drive, the desktop/photos look like I've applied a Photoshop posterized effect (see below link). There is also a slight pink cast to the menus. Please note: there are no lines, weird pixel defects, dead pixels, or any performance issues.
Troubleshooting: I do not have an external display to test it, but a screen shot shows no defects (see below link). I've checked the contrast setting under Universal Access, zapped the PRAM and the Apple Hardware Test reported "No trouble found." The first three diagnostic LEDs are on and not flickering. An Apple Genius did their proprietary Hardware Test, and again no trouble found. When I jokingly handed him my Torx 8, he politely declined. He said Apple no longer fixes these models, and it would be best to sell it off for parts. That's really a shame because it's such a solid machine.
Has anyone heard of this issue before? For example, if I could honestly say it is most likely a bad cable or wire, then perhaps I can get a better price for it from someone who repairs and resells IMacs?
Posterized desktop: http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m258/...
Screen shot: http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m258/...
Thanks!
Is this a good question?