Owners of negative black iPod touches - What are you going to do?

[metalarmed]

It's really annoying having to tilt the ipod touch in order to watch dark scenes. What are the chances that they'll have a major recall if the problem can't be fixed?

[cavemonkey50]

A major recall isn't usually Apple's style. They tend to post in their knowledge base "If you're experiencing issues with black colors on your iPod touch, contact Apple support."

[Arisian]

there are alot of people keeping logs of this

just keep watching the forums

Arisian

[Markleshark]

So its not actually a product wide problem?

[xmx250]

I dunno what i'm gonna do yet buts its making me very annoyed. I feel like i'm watching a cheapo screen. Sometimes i'm even a little hesitant to let people check out movies on the touch cause they are probably gonna think what a POS screen this

[metalarmed]

I'm just afraid that they're going to release new batches with better screens in a month or two and leave everyone with the problem behind. :(

[840quadra]

So its not actually a product wide problem?

No. Mine, and those bought by two colleagues of mine are great with color and sound.

I have no doubts that some are effected, but I believe that there are many without this problem, and quite a few that are being hyper-sensative.

[Markleshark]

I see. Always the same though.

A little more glad mines not shipping till the end of the month, either way, it'd have to be pretty ****ed up for me to complain... This much, anyway.

[madmaxmedia]

[QUOTE=840quadra;4189402]No. Mine, and those bought by two colleagues of mine are great with color and sound.

I have no doubts that some are effected, but I believe that there are many without this problem, and quite a few that are being hyper-sensative.[/QUOTE

Everyone should judge with their own eyes. But my screen is inferior to other PMP screens of this size. I expected better for $400.

If it is a problem with anti-reflective coating (which I believe to be the case), the severity of the problem will also vary from unit to unit (those units that have the problem).

[gloss]

I went by the Apple Store and they agreed to exchange my iPod with a unit from their next delivery. I went home and got a call a couple of hours later asking if I could come back and drop off the defective unit. Apparently Apple has sent out a note asking to have these borked units returned to them for examination, or something like that.

Anyway, I'm now touchless until tomorrow.

[telf22]

I went by the Apple Store and they agreed to exchange my iPod with a unit from their next delivery. I went home and got a call a couple of hours later asking if I could come back and drop off the defective unit. Apparently Apple has sent out a note asking to have these borked units returned to them for examination, or something like that.

Anyway, I'm now touchless until tomorrow.

location?

[Zwhaler]

I just noticed that I have a bad screen. It isn't as bad as some others, though. I am getting a replacement when nearby stores get more in stock (they sold out)

[gloss]

location?

D.C. Metro area. Tysons Corner Apple Store.

[metalarmed]

So if I wanted to return mine and get a replacement, I have 14 days to do so? Do i get charged a restocking fee? I also doubt that they'll have it fixed in 14 days lol. Does warranty cover this problem?

[gloss]

So if I wanted to return mine and get a replacement, I have 14 days to do so? Do i get charged a restocking fee? I also doubt that they'll have it fixed in 14 days lol. Does warranty cover this problem?

I would say that if this is determined to be a manufacturing defect (which is very likely is) it will be replaced promptly.

[caMi]

Gloss, Will you keep us updated on how your new ipod does?

Thanks

[thirdeyeopen666]

I took my 16gb touch to my local Apple store (Chandler, AZ) and was surprisingly met with a good response. I lucked into getting one of the only intelligent people at the store, and he definitely saw the problem. He said to call back on Tues-Fri to see if they've gotten a new shipment and they'll be glad to exchange. They were definitely not willing to acknowledge any sort of widespread problem though.

[AppleFan08]

See though, I dont think getting a replacement right now is going to do any good. Chances are, youll probably get another one with a neg.black screwed up screen. My touch has a serious neg. black problem...i cant even bare to watch any movie with the color black in it.

[metalarmed]

So is there really any point in returning defected ipod touches? I'm afraid that after 14 days, they won't accept exchanges.

[parrotheadmjb]

i just got mine, and it appears that i have "the screen". im keeping mine until I know for a fact that apple is no longer producing "negative" screens or my 30 days at best buy ends. but I hope it can be fixed by software update, turning up brightness appears to do absolutely nothing to the "negative" problem

[hatcher146]

i just got mine, and it appears that i have "the screen". im keeping mine until I know for a fact that apple is no longer producing "negative" screens or my 30 days at best buy ends. but I hope it can be fixed by software update, turning up brightness appears to do absolutely nothing to the "negative" problem

so since you bought from bestbuy you can return it within 30 days opened? is there a restocking fee? do they just give you another one?

[parrotheadmjb]

so since you bought from bestbuy you can return it within 30 days opened? is there a restocking fee? do they just give you another one?

you know i really dont know, but im bankin on them just replacing it once they get the touch in stock, they have a 30 day return, but im not sure if thats only for defective products, which i might be able to argue that it is defective

[Santoanderson]

I have a feeling that this is a very isolated issue. Some assembly worker screwed up somewhere and a thousand units were corrupted. In the long run it will be better for Jobs to just address the issue and answer any complaints, because I can guarantee there will be clueless 15 year old valley girls who won't realize it's a problem and won't complain. Lots of people will just be content with what they've got. But if Jobs gets up onto his podium and issues a nationwide recall, he'll have a flop on his hands.

[winterspan]

I'm just afraid that they're going to release new batches with better screens in a month or two and leave everyone with the problem behind. :(

First of all, if you have the screen problem, TAKE THE IPOD BACK TO THE STORE. It kills me how many people on here just bitch about this problem and say "i dont know if I should take it back... but i hate it" --- jeeez.
Besides, Apple abandoning everyone with the problem and just shipping a new batch to new customers WILL NEVER HAPPEN. Use some COMMON SENSE.

I'm removing my account from macrumors and never coming back here. I feel like Im in 6th grade around here. GOD DAMN

[metalarmed]

First of all, if you have the screen problem, TAKE THE IPOD BACK TO THE STORE. It kills me how many people on here just bitch about this problem and say "i dont know if I should take it back... but i hate it" --- jeeez.
Besides, Apple abandoning everyone with the problem and just shipping a new batch to new customers WILL NEVER HAPPEN. Use some COMMON SENSE.

I'm removing my account from macrumors and never coming back here. I feel like Im in 6th grade around here. GOD DAMN

Calm down. Look, this is the first ipod i've ever bought. I've sure seen many companies leaving early adopters behind, I'm just not sure if apple does. And even if I do take it back to the store, I am most likely going to get another one with the SAME problem. I just want to see apple resolve the problem within the 14 day exchange time frame.

[parrotheadmjb]

First of all, if you have the screen problem, TAKE THE IPOD BACK TO THE STORE. It kills me how many people on here just bitch about this problem and say "i dont know if I should take it back... but i hate it" --- jeeez.
Besides, Apple abandoning everyone with the problem and just shipping a new batch to new customers WILL NEVER HAPPEN. Use some COMMON SENSE.

I'm removing my account from macrumors and never coming back here. I feel like Im in 6th grade around here. GOD DAMN

yea i got mine from a best buy out of town so I'm just waiting for the local best buy to get some in stock to exchange it, but I may wait to let some non-effected iPods to hit stores

[infectbda]

Calm down. Look, this is the first ipod i've ever bought. I've sure seen many companies leaving early adopters behind, I'm just not sure if apple does. And even if I do take it back to the store, I am most likely going to get another one with the SAME problem. I just want to see apple resolve the problem within the 14 day exchange time frame.

I really don't think the problem is so wide spread that the new batches coming in from China this week will also have this problem. I really think most people that exchange this week will find screens that are far better. This is a problem that Apple has to know about, and they are doing whatever they need to do to rapidly correct it. And it's not as if Apple doesn't know it's an issue. They knew about the iPhone price drop complaints right away, so this issue must also be known to them. And I also think that if the problem really was widespread, they would do a recall, or stop shipping units. I think it's a very isolated issue that they know about and have corrected. Next time, for their own sake, I hope that take a little more time, and get these QA issues sorted out.

[sblasl]

Actually, winterspan is right on the mark. I have been watching the discussions/forums/threads here on MacRumors very intently for the past two weeks and these have really spiraled out of control with all of the moaning & groaning as it relates to the iPod touch.

The number of "newbies" that have signed up in September is staggering and winterspan is spot on with his comment "I'm in 6th grade around here". The redundant topics started, the moaning, the inability to spell & punctuate, the redundant topics started, etc. I use to enjoy visiting here, it has become more difficult as of late.:(

I'm removing my account from macrumors and never coming back here. I feel like I'm in 6th grade around here. GOD DAMN

[AppleFan08]

I have an appointment with the Genius Bar at 8:45 tomorrow evening. I plan to exchange it. If there are no more in stock, I will get a refund, then get one in a week or so.

i just got mine, and it appears that i have "the screen". im keeping mine until I know for a fact that apple is no longer producing "negative" screens or my 30 days at best buy ends. but I hope it can be fixed by software update, turning up brightness appears to do absolutely nothing to the "negative" problem

Also, just wanted to clear some things up for parrotheadmjb (and anyone else who thinks this will work)...NO software update that Apple releases would ever ever ever be able to fix this problem. It is a hardware issue.

[metalarmed]

I have an appointment with the Genius Bar at 8:45 tomorrow evening. I plan to exchange it. If there are no more in stock, I will get a refund, then get one in a week or so.

Sweet. Do be kind enough to tell us how it goes. Thanks! :)

[bartyboy]

Also, just wanted to clear some things up for parrotheadmjb...NO software update that Apple releases would ever ever ever be able to fix this problem. It is a hardware issue.

And what data do you have to support this assertion?

[sblasl]

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1134707

Also, just wanted to clear some things up for parrotheadmjb (and anyone else who thinks this will work)...NO software update that Apple releases would ever ever ever be able to fix this problem. It is a hardware issue.

And what data do you have to support this assertion?

[AppleFan08]

And what data do you have to support this assertion?

Hmm...what data do i have to support this assertion...how about the THOUSANDS of people who have iPods with the SAME FIRMWARE that came from the SAME factory that are working fine? If it were a firmware issue, it would seem that everybody who bought an iPod Touch would be experiencing the same problem. Are you suggesting that random shipments of Touches came with defective firmware that makes any dark scene in a movie or show look as bad as they do?

Also, maybe you should read this little post from the apple.com discussion boards: Apple.Com Discussion (http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1134707)This guy makes complete sense. If you search for "negative black effect-iPod touch" or something to that effect, others collaborate with this description of what is causing the problem.

Finally, if this were firmware issue, why would apple be exchanging ipods? Dont you think someone from apple corp. would tell all stores not to exchange ipods and tell customers that itll be fixed with an update? Bartyboy, sit back in your chair, and do a little research before posting a response to this. Thanks.

Also, Sblasl, you beat me to the article lol. I got distracted with the Emmys (im looking for the neg. black ipod shot!)

[mrhockey123]

I hope it's not the case, but the *OLD* iPod Nanos had a serious scratching issue and Apple didn't do much for those affected...they just released less scratch-prone versions.

It must be a simple thing to fix since nobody is complaining about this problem with iphone and that has been out for a while.

As bad as I want my Touch (and I'm pulling my hair out hearing that BB's in the states seem to have them) maybe it's better to chill out and wait until at least the 28th and hope the next batch has been fixed.

[AppleFan08]

It must be a simple thing to fix since nobody is complaining about this problem with iphone and that has been out for a while.

That's because Apple took their time with iPhone production. After all, the iPhone is their new baby in the cellular phone market. As a lot of people are saying around MR, Apple was probably really rushing these Touches to get them in stores, and in the process, corners were cut that absolutely shouldn't have been cut. So yes, it will be an easy thing to fix, but the fix will have to come from the production lines. Until then, my Touch will be going back to China to be recycled into, hopefully, a perfect ipod touch.

[eclipxe]

you know i really dont know, but im bankin on them just replacing it once they get the touch in stock, they have a 30 day return, but im not sure if thats only for defective products, which i might be able to argue that it is defective

They will take it back, no questions asked. Just make sure it isn't in bad condition and you have original packaging, cables, etc.

If you exchange, your 30 day window does not reset. If you get a refund, they will credit back your method of payment (might take a few days for CC purchases). If you get a refund, you can simply buy another and your 30 day window will reset.

You can do that a few times before they start to ask questions - if they do, just go to a different best buy store. I figure I can probably return up to 4 or 5 times...which gives me about 150 days for Apple to acknowledge a problem and get new shipments out. Not too bad I don't think.

[mrhockey123]

Yeah, I guess this is why they tell us never to buy 1st gen Apple products...
I guess a lot of people figured that Touch would be iPhone 1.2. At least I did.

In retrospect, you're right -they must have the factories going 24/7 pumping out iPhones for the US market and the soon to be European markets, plus world-wide release of the Touch. Having said that, it's not like this is Apple's first product launch! You would think they had their QC procedures down pat since these aren't even CLOSE to their first LCDs. They've got so many LCDs in so many products, it just seems ridiculous they would screw up something as simple as AR coating :(

[sblasl]

If you read the thread that I linked to above, the engineer post later in the thread that Apple is using a different process on the ipod touch than what is being used on the iPhone.

It must be a simple thing to fix since nobody is complaining about this problem with iphone and that has been out for a while.


It's people like you that contribute to the cost of products to go up in price. Hope they catch on to your scams and have you charged with fraud.

They will take it back, no questions asked. Just make sure it isn't in bad condition and you have original packaging, cables, etc.

If you exchange, your 30 day window does not reset. If you get a refund, they will credit back your method of payment (might take a few days for CC purchases). If you get a refund, you can simply buy another and your 30 day window will reset.

You can do that a few times before they start to ask questions - if they do, just go to a different best buy store. I figure I can probably return up to 4 or 5 times...which gives me about 150 days for Apple to acknowledge a problem and get new shipments out. Not too bad I don't think.

[sblasl]

When people finally wake up and come to the realization that the iPod touch is not an extension of the iPhone product line, it will only be then that they can accept it for what it is and enjoy it.

I guess a lot of people figured that Touch would be iPhone 1.2. At least I did.

[mrhockey123]

When people finally wake up and come to the realization that the iPod touch is not an extension of the iPhone product line, it will only be then that they can accept it for what it is and enjoy it.

What I meant was that since a lot of the hardware is similar, I figured they would have most of the manufacturing kinks out of the system. chill. Not like I'm expecting miracles from the Touch I just want it to be as promised...and I want it now! is that really too much to ask? hahaha

[Madame Defarge]

When people finally wake up and come to the realization that the iPod touch is not an extension of the iPhone product line, it will only be then that they can accept it for what it is and enjoy it.

A faulty iPod?
.....

From Salon.com

One iPhone to rule them all

Hardware techies at Apple are regularly sent from California for intense two-week shifts to the city-sized Foxconn factory in Shenzhen, China where iPods are made and tested. Internally at Apple this is known as "being sent to Mordor."

http://www.salon.com/tech/htww/2007/09/14/sent_to_mordor/index.html?source=rss&aim=yahoo-salon

[druranium]

because i bought an ipod after being a part of the creative wagon.
good post madame...I know that the whole chain of ownership is deeply flawed.
now I am just one of those newbie losers who is waiting for their touch to arrive in the mail and hoping the lcd is quality.
for the 400 price tag.

[kleimocha]

I called Apple Product Support to complain and see if they knew anything about the screen issue, and after being on hold for 35 minutes, the guy said he would transfer me to the iPhone?? department, where promptly they hung up on me. What the heck?

[SuperDaddy]

I went by the Apple Store and they agreed to exchange my iPod with a unit from their next delivery. I went home and got a call a couple of hours later asking if I could come back and drop off the defective unit. Apparently Apple has sent out a note asking to have these borked units returned to them for examination, or something like that.

Anyway, I'm now touchless until tomorrow.

Borked. Awesome reference. ;)

[gloss]

So, I got my replacement unit today (which, incidentally, I'm using to write this while listening to Andrew Bird), and it still has the negative screen issue, although to a much lesser degree. It is, in fact, quite managable, although I've yet to watch anything really dark on it. Much more satisfactory and, for everyday use, good enough to last me until the Truly Fixed batches get out there.

[djloon]

i have never had a problem with apple products before, but i had my blacks looking funny so i googled it and got brought here. anyways i went to apple store today in kansas city,mo in the country club plaza, had an appointment at noon with a genius. he looked at my touch and goes thats how they are, then i showed him a couple of videos online that i noticed it on. so he turned the brightness down all the way and said here fixed. i was like wth? i said well if i cant have my screen bright why have that feature? i then said can i get refunded he said i would have to suck it up best buy cause thats where i bought it. i feel raped :(

[gloss]

i have never had a problem with apple products before, but i had my blacks looking funny so i googled it and got brought here. anyways i went to apple store today in kansas city,mo in the country club plaza, had an appointment at noon with a genius. he looked at my touch and goes thats how they are, then i showed him a couple of videos online that i noticed it on. so he turned the brightness down all the way and said here fixed. i was like wth? i said well if i cant have my screen bright why have that feature? i then said can i get refunded he said i would have to suck it up best buy cause thats where i bought it. i feel raped :(

Well, Best Buy will replace it without question, if that's where you got it. I'd recommend heading that way and giving them Hell.

[AppleFan08]

I called Apple Product Support to complain and see if they knew anything about the screen issue, and after being on hold for 35 minutes, the guy said he would transfer me to the iPhone?? department, where promptly they hung up on me. What the heck?

HAHA wow, the same thing happened to me yesterday! I could barely understand the guy. He was like "ok sir, ill transfer you to the iphone dept." I was on hold after i got out of the iphone dept for about 15 mins, then the guy had no idea what i was talking about as well. After being transfered again i hung up. I then promptly ripped apple a new hole when i filled out the customer satisfaction survey that was emailed to me :D

[slkartmac]

Just got off the phone with apple and they are aware of this problem. After a system restore and still having a negative black screen they will be replacing my 16gb. : )

[AppleFan08]

Ok so I got back from my appt. with the Genius bar a few hours ago and things didn't go as i expected. The genius saw the problem immediately, and agreed that watching videos on it with the messed up screen sucks. of course, they didn't have any 16s there to do an immediate replacement, so i opted to get a full refund (they didn't charge a restock fee) So now i will either get another 16 in a few weeks at BB or Costco, or just go back to Apple. We'll see.