What the hell?!? iPod Touch REQUIRES registration!?!

[Wolfpup]

Am I missing something here? My Touch would do NOTHING out of the box-it required syncing with iTunes. Okay, that's a bit odd, but okay.

But...when I connected it, my only options were to register it, or "cancel/later/whatever". When I did that, it just gave me a log-in/register screen for an Apple account...and that was it. There was NO way around that process that I could see.

I went ahead and registered it, because what choice do I have? I can't return in. But...wow. I would NEVER have bought that had I known. I've been using an iPod since 2003, but I would have switched to something else (and I will, when this thing goes)...unless I'm totally missing something.

I like iTunes, but I can always use Juice or whatever it's called for my podcasts.

[Eric Isaacson]

Why are you so opposed to registering?

[manuminhas]

Why does it matter? it only takes like a 1-2 minutes.

I'm getting my iPod touch 2nd generation Thursday :D!!!!!!! I ordered it but I'm having trouble waitinggggggg

[-Dark Angel-]

Yeah, these newish ipods are requiring registration for activation. I bought my mom that fatty nano and it required itunes activation. Not a big deal though, didn't take that long to set up.

[NT1440]

its not like its forcing you to buy anything, just apple wanting to know that its products are being used.

[Wolfpup]

Wow. What astounding responses. I'm pretty shocked.

Well I wasn't given a choice. I would *NEVER* have bought this had I known, and I'm done with Apple products after this. I was buying a Macbook Pro after the update, but forget that. This actually surpasses Microsoft's DRM/sleaziness.

[Hamiltonian]

Yeah, these newish ipods are requiring registration for activation. I bought my mom that fatty nano and it required itunes activation. Not a big deal though, didn't take that long to set up.
I don't have an iPod Touch yet, but I can definetely say this is incorrect info about the Gen 3 nano (fatty). I just got one of these for my mom, and was greeted by that annoying register screen in iTunes (unlike other posters here, I totaly agree with the OP that it is very off-putting). I cliked the "Later" button or whatver it was called on the bottom left hand side. I think the next time it asked me to register the button changed to "Never" and I clicked that. Then it came up with a screen that asked for an Apple ID and a link to register a new one. But at the bottom there was an option to click "No Apple ID account" and it then stopped asking for one.

I too would be disapointed if the've now changed this with the iPod Touch.

[Funplex]

Im just confused at why you're so pissed that you have to activate it.

[Chundles]

Wow. What astounding responses. I'm pretty shocked.

Well I wasn't given a choice. I would *NEVER* have bought this had I known, and I'm done with Apple products after this. I was buying a Macbook Pro after the update, but forget that. This actually surpasses Microsoft's DRM/sleaziness.

All the registration does is update Apple's warranty info server so that it's more accurate with the purchase date of the product.

Have a whinge why don't ya?

Honestly, what a massive over-reaction to a situation. Did you get a rip in a your tin-foil hat and let in some cosmic background mind-control radiation at some stage?

[Wolfpup]

I don't have an iPod Touch yet, but I can definetely say this is incorrect info about the Gen 3 nano (fatty). I just got one of these for my mom, and was greeted by that annoying register screen in iTunes (unlike other posters here, I totaly agree with the OP that it is very off-putting). I cliked the "Later" button or whatver it was called on the bottom left hand side. I think the next time it asked me to register the button changed to "Never" and I clicked that. Then it came up with a screen that asked for an Apple ID and a link to register a new one. But at the bottom there was an option to click "No Apple ID account" and it then stopped asking for one.

I too would be disapointed if the've now changed this with the iPod Touch.

If you still get one, let me know if you find away around it-if there is I won't be so pissed off-but it's nothing obvious that I could see.

Dang, not sure what I'll switch to. I don't think the Zune requires this, but I'm not a fan of the desktop software (at least not the previous gen version). Not sure if Sony's little players require special software, or if you just drop files on them like a disk drive or what.

Im just confused at why you're so pissed that you have to activate it.

I really don't want to go through all the reasons right now, but I'm pretty horrified by how many posters on here don't immediately see all the issues involved.

[Gymnut]

I really don't want to go through all the reasons right now, but I'm pretty horrified by how many posters on here don't immediately see all the issues involved.

Perhaps I'm out of the loop here, but care to elaborate on the "issues involved"?

[JML42691]

Dude, I too am flabbergasted by how much you care about this. Would you mind informing us of what "the man" will do to you by registering your iPod so Apple can update the warranty information? Just because you have to register it you would actually not buy it?

What exactly are you smoking, I thought people stopped smoking that stuff decades ago.:rolleyes:

[Funplex]

I really don't want to go through all the reasons right now, but I'm pretty horrified by how many posters on here don't immediately see all the issues involved.


.....Apple is stealing our souls to power their doomsday device??

[Nermal]

I agree with the OP that registration should not be compulsory. What if you buy an iPod while on holiday with no Internet connection and try to synch it with your laptop? If the information here is correct, you wouldn't be able to use it. A music player should not depend on an Internet connection.

[Wolfpup]

Anyone know if I have recourse to get rid of this thing? I *should* since obviously I do not accept their licensing agreements.

All the registration does is update Apple's warranty info server so that it's more accurate with the purchase date of the product.

Have a whinge why don't ya?

Honestly, what a massive over-reaction to a situation. Did you get a rip in a your tin-foil hat and let in some cosmic background mind-control radiation at some stage?

I feel so sorry for you that you're this clueless. I really do not feel like getting in to some argument-just get yourself educated, or lay off the pathetic jokes. You're just looking ignorant to anyone who understands the implications of this.

[MySaturdaySelf]

well. if you have a spam email address (mine is @live.com), and a grandcentral telephone, plus a paypal virtual card, you should be ok with any website asking your information. anyway, you should feel comfortable with apple. This ipod touch 2g is my first ever ipod product, i think itunes, although eat a little bit resource, do help me sync better with the ipod. and I don't even want to jailbreak it now.

[NT1440]

Anyone know if I have recourse to get rid of this thing? I *should* since obviously I do not accept their licensing agreements.



I feel so sorry for you that you're this clueless. I really do not feel like getting in to some argument-just get yourself educated, or lay off the pathetic jokes. You're just looking ignorant to anyone who understands the implications of this.
explain these supposed implications then why dontcha. You seem aweful paranoid.

[hellomoto4]

"OH NOES I DUNT WONT 2 REG MI IPOD COZ IT SCARZY"

Get over it.
Apple aren't going to hunt you down.

[dukebound85]

i agree with the op. i also hate how you have to have an apple id (that makes you supply a cc) to download free things from the music store. it didnt use to be like that if i remember right

[Funplex]

I feel so sorry for you that you're this clueless. I really do not feel like getting in to some argument-just get yourself educated, or lay off the pathetic jokes. You're just looking ignorant to anyone who understands the implications of this.

Seriously, Just make a gmail address and register via that means.

I'd love to know why having to register is really bad. I've had iTunes since it first came out, and I've had ipods since 2006 and I've never heard of anything bad happening to registrants---

Unless it was that MSNBC commercial where they put out brand new bait iPods and waited for people to walk off with them (instead of returning them to lost and found or the police) and they used phony iTunes software CD's to track down and speak to the people who stole the iPods to see why they took them.

But of course... that happened for a reason-- they took those ipods, and didn't buy them.

[stevehp]

I'm confused as well...I, for one, understand how important privacy is on the net, but this seems like a non-issue to me...

Any respectable business likes to keep track of how many of their products have been used vs. sitting in a warehouse...I don't see the problem

If you want to toss the touch, I'll take it off you :)

[NT1440]

um, ive never had a credit card listed on my account, and i can dowload all the free stuff i want....

[stevehp]

i agree with the op. i also hate how you have to have an apple id (that makes you supply a cc) to download free things from the music store. it didnt use to be like that if i remember right

that's untrue...You do not need to supply a CC for free stuff/redeeming certificates, etc

[dukebound85]

that's untrue...You do not need to supply a CC for free stuff/redeeming certificates, etc

really? i have been unable to figure out that

[Ish]

Tried to register the new nano but objected to having to fill in how old I was. It's not particularly secret or anything, but why should I have to fill it in if I don't want? Wouldn't accept the registration without filling that detail in so I haven't registered it. It still works.

[NT1440]

Tried to register the new nano but objected to having to fill in how old I was. It's not particularly secret or anything, but why should I have to fill it in if I don't want? Wouldn't accept the registration without filling that detail in so I haven't registered it. It still works.

:confused:what the hell is that registration form? I never had to fill in anything like that, and are you sure its REQUIRED?

[whooleytoo]

I'm 100% with the OP. Given how woefully unwilling/unable companies have been to keep customers' information safe, the less information one has to give them, the better.

(Not to mention I'm getting a bit sick and tired of Apple's various spamming techniques, from the "buy quicktime pro" splash screen that used to appear when you launched QuickTime, to the "buy the latest iLife" reminders, to the random prompts to log into iTunes if you're browsing it without logging in; or the ".Mac is now MobileMe" update alert, with no cancel/opt out/get bent option....etc.. etc..)

[mlemonds]

to OP:

http://thesportinglife.net/wp-content/uploads/2006/05/chill.jpg

i just got my prescription filed today

[stevehp]

really? i have been unable to figure out that

Ya, just sign up for an account and under credit card of choice, select "none."

I do it all the time...

[hellomoto4]

to OP:

http://thesportinglife.net/wp-content/uploads/2006/05/chill.jpg

i just got my prescription filed today

LOLLLL nice.

[Wolfpup]

"OH NOES I DUNT WONT 2 REG MI IPOD COZ IT SCARZY"

Get over it.
Apple aren't going to hunt you down.

No one thinks they are. You don't get it. I've always registered my Apple stuff. THAT'S NOT WHAT THIS IS ABOUT.

I'll ask again-any way to get rid of this thing?

[NT1440]

No one thinks they are. You don't get it. I've always registered my Apple stuff. THAT'S NOT WHAT THIS IS ABOUT.

I'll ask again-any way to get rid of this thing?

THEN TELL US WTF ITS ABOUT.

all we see is you freaking out and no explanation.,

[bostonte]

This really is very simple.

You need to "register" the device to your iTunes account so your iTunes username/password can be activated on the Touch so the WiFi Music/App Store works.

Whether or not you have issue with that, to each their own.

I suppose Apple could/should make it optional and just not activate the store -- but then we'd see post after post of "OMFG WIFI store doesn't work - Apple sux!".

They're heavily promoting the on-device music/app store features, so it's probably in their best interest to make it as hard as possible to not properly setup/activate the Touch and end up not being able to use those features.

[hellomoto4]

THEN TELL US WTF ITS ABOUT.

all we see is you freaking out and no explanation.,

I second that.

[mlemonds]

THEN TELL US WTF ITS ABOUT.

all we see is you freaking out and no explanation.,

agreed PLZ EXPLAIN so we can get to the bottom of this thread and move on.

go take a shot (bourbon works wonders,) relax and come explain

[ChristopheJD]

Oh so because of this, this stops you from buying Apple products? You have a low tolerance level. Deal with it, and enjoy your Touch, if that's still possible with your attitude. This alone is a waste of time. I may be new to Apple products, but I think its definitely fine whether I need to register or not. I think registering also registers your iPod in the sense that they know they will have to start the warranty at that date.

If you are going to complain and whine about how registering is terrible, then provide valid reasons. I think its only bad if too much info is given away. In a sense, it is, but its a product they want to know what and where it'll be used for surveying purposes, and to enhance customer experience (quick warranty identification if you send it in, you don't have to fill out too many forms later). Give us more reasons. You said you have reasons, not just a reason.

[fake1009]

geez these forums are hostile. I thought these forums were made for expressing your views and problems and such. Kinda makes you not want to express anymore.

I don't believe the OP offended any of you guys in his opening post right?

[Gymnut]

Well, it's partly his own fault. Without a valid explanation for his concerns, he's giving off the appearance of making mountains out of molehills. There's certainly more pressing matters and concerns out in the world that carry far more weight than having to register an iPod(My God, you could have been killed.):rolleyes:

[Ish]

:confused:what the hell is that registration form? I never had to fill in anything like that, and are you sure its REQUIRED?

Pic or it isn't true! :) This was trying to register a nano and I've always registered my products but don't remember seeing this before.

[Wolfpup]

Yikes, so other than a handful of people agreeing, not one useful comment? No idea how to return this thing? I'm rather disturbed by this bizarre-o land response.

And yes, I boycott companies with business practices I despise. Apple's just managed to out Microsoft Microsoft on the DRM/sleeze front, so I see no reason to support them. And again, if you don't understand the issues involved, I'm very, very sorry for you, but I don't feel like educating you-I honestly have no idea how you can be interested enough in things to visit a tech site, but not understand these issues. Regardless, that's not what this post is about.

For the record, beyond this which is an absolute deal killer, I *HATE* the interface. I thought having hardware volume buttons would be enough, but so far I'm finding it a pain to operate, and frequently having it do the wrong thing, or nothing at all (it seems to be completely unresponsive for several seconds after changing screens quite frequently). Even for video I'm finding I vastly prefer my 5th gen. For audio it's not even close.

The internal speaker, as others have mentioned, is so quite it's of limited use, though still cool-still probably my favorite feature, and one I wish was standard on media players.

Not quite sure what to do (especially as I can't return it apparently). I assume a 4th gen Nano would work well for me, but I don't want to support Apple's business practices. Not sure that anything else has the feature mix I need (apparently just remembering playback position is rare!)

[jrnewhouse]

Yikes, so other than a handful of people agreeing, not one useful comment? No idea how to return this thing? I'm rather disturbed by this bizarre-o land response.

And yes, I boycott companies with business practices I despise. Apple's just managed to out Microsoft Microsoft on the DRM/sleeze front, so I see no reason to support them. And again, if you don't understand the issues involved, I'm very, very sorry for you, but I don't feel like educating you-I honestly have no idea how you can be interested enough in things to visit a tech site, but not understand these issues. Regardless, that's not what this post is about.

For the record, beyond this which is an absolute deal killer, I *HATE* the interface. I thought having hardware volume buttons would be enough, but so far I'm finding it a pain to operate, and frequently having it do the wrong thing, or nothing at all (it seems to be completely unresponsive for several seconds after changing screens quite frequently). Even for video I'm finding I vastly prefer my 5th gen. For audio it's not even close.

The internal speaker, as others have mentioned, is so quite it's of limited use, though still cool-still probably my favorite feature, and one I wish was standard on media players.

Not quite sure what to do (especially as I can't return it apparently). I assume a 4th gen Nano would work well for me, but I don't want to support Apple's business practices. Not sure that anything else has the feature mix I need (apparently just remembering playback position is rare!)

Sorry your experience with the iPod Touch hasn't been what you hoped for. Personally, my first generation Touch works flawlessly and is an amazing piece of technology. I don't have any of the issues you describe and the sound is just fine. IMHO, it is comparable to the last two generations of the iPod Classic (I have both). Regarding the registration issue, I don't like to have to provide any more information than necessary either, but I understand why Apple would ask for it. Like any business, they want to track purchases and use information to improve their marketing. And, sure, they want you to use iTunes. I don't feel that they have any hidden agendas. Personally, I think part of the reason they do what they do is to help provide that famous "Apple" experience to their customers...in other words, their products just work. I have been using Mac products since 1994, and my overall experience with their products has been excellent. Would I abandon a brand I trust because they want me to register their products or provide a little more information? Hardly.

[Wolfpup]

Sorry your experience with the iPod Touch hasn't been what you hoped for. Personally, my first generation Touch works flawlessly and is an amazing piece of technology. I don't have any of the issues you describe and the sound is just fine. IMHO, it is comparable to the last two generations of the iPod Classic (I have both).

The sound is just fine on mine too...I never mentioned that as an issue :)

Regarding the registration issue, I don't like to have to provide any more information than necessary either, but I understand why Apple would ask for it. Like any business, they want to track purchases and use information to improve their marketing.

Regardless, it isn't even legal, to say nothing of ethical. It's surpassed what Microsoft has been doing for the past 8 years or so.

Would I abandon a brand I trust because they want me to register their products or provide a little more information? Hardly.

That's your choice, but I spent over $400 and wasn't given the choice.

[hogfaninga]

The sound is just fine on mine too...I never mentioned that as an issue :)



Regardless, it isn't even legal, to say nothing of ethical. It's surpassed what Microsoft has been doing for the past 8 years or so.



That's your choice, but I spent over $400 and wasn't given the choice.

I agree you should of been given a choice. While I personally didn't see it as a problem for me, I can see why some might have a problem with it.

None of my business, but if you bought it new, why can't you return it?

[hellomoto4]

All I have to say, Wolfpup, is that you're off your nut.
And I think I speak for most of the posters on this forum.

[Wolfpup]

I agree you should of been given a choice. While I personally didn't see it as a problem for me, I can see why some might have a problem with it.

None of my business, but if you bought it new, why can't you return it?

It's engraved.

All I have to say, Wolfpup, is that you're off your nut.
And I think I speak for most of the posters on this forum.

1) You're uneducated on these issues, and only showing yourself as ignorant to anyone who knows better.

2) You should have the sense not to say things like that even if you thought they were true.

[MaxPower49]

can't you just register with a fake name/email if it that big of a deal to you?

[Hmac]

Wow. What astounding responses. I'm pretty shocked.

Well I wasn't given a choice. I would *NEVER* have bought this had I known, and I'm done with Apple products after this. I was buying a Macbook Pro after the update, but forget that. This actually surpasses Microsoft's DRM/sleaziness.


Wow indeed. WAY over the top. I simply don't understand your objections, and comparing registration to DRM doesn't even make sense.

Anyway, you're making a lot of noise, but I suspect it's all smoke and no light. "Never buy another Apple product" ? Once you get over your rant, I doubt that's true.

[Wolfpup]

can't you just register with a fake name/email if it that big of a deal to you?

Requiring "activation" of any kind is the issue. I typically would register something like this.

Wow indeed. WAY over the top. I simply don't understand your objections, and comparing registration to DRM doesn't even make sense.

As near as I can tell, this is more invasive even than most other "activation" DRMs, and it's certainly the same type of thing. What they're requiring here is worse than what Microsoft does-and I first switched to Apple products BECAUSE of what Microsoft does, as did many others.

[quote\Anyway, you're making a lot of noise, but I suspect it's all smoke and no light. "Never buy another Apple product" ? Once you get over your rant, I doubt that's true.[/QUOTE]

As I've said, I attempt to avoid companies with questionable business practices. Apple makes nothing I can't get elsewhere, so no, of course I won't be supporting them again.

[whooleytoo]

:p Macrumors has officially gone nuts.

One poster says he doesn't want to register his product, and now he has 20 posters demanding an explanation!

"WHY? WHY DON'T YOU WANT TO REGISTER? WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU? WHY ARE YOU SO OBSESSED ABOUT THIS? YOU MUST TELL ME WHY THIS IS AN OBSESSION WITH YOU!! TELL US! TEEELLLLLLLLLLL USSSSSS!"

The OP is the only sane person in this thread*.

(* I went nuts ages ago)

[Amt]

Am I missing something here? My Touch would do NOTHING out of the box-it required syncing with iTunes. Okay, that's a bit odd, but okay.

But...when I connected it, my only options were to register it, or "cancel/later/whatever". When I did that, it just gave me a log-in/register screen for an Apple account...and that was it. There was NO way around that process that I could see.

I went ahead and registered it, because what choice do I have? I can't return in. But...wow. I would NEVER have bought that had I known. I've been using an iPod since 2003, but I would have switched to something else (and I will, when this thing goes)...unless I'm totally missing something.

I like iTunes, but I can always use Juice or whatever it's called for my podcasts.

What do you have against registering it? =|

[mkaake]

It's engraved.



1) You're uneducated on these issues, and only showing yourself as ignorant to anyone who knows better.

2) You should have the sense not to say things like that even if you thought they were true.

I'm pretty sure most of the reaction you're currently drawing is related to your response, and quoted above - many people here are honestly curious why you have a problem with registering your device to update Apple's warranty database. Your response, in return has been: "you're uneducated; you don't know what you're talking about", etc.

It's actually kind of amusing to read, because it sounds like someone who's been cornered because he can't answer a question that he's acting like an authority on. "Well, I can't be bothered to teach you about it, if you haven't taken the time to read about it yourself. You should already know. You're ignorant. You..."

Anyhew, it would go a long way to improve the thread if you just explained to people what your issue is. Personally, while I was annoyed that I had to connect to iTunes before I could use my touch - as mentioned before, for the App store and Music store to function, Apple needs to know your Apple ID. *Shrugs shoulders*. I've already got an Apple ID, so they're not gaining any additional information about me other than I own an iPod Touch; which they would have learned as soon as I used the App store for the first time anyway. What's more, they now know my purchase date for any warranty work that I may need, and they have my iPod's serial number on file in the event that it's ever stolen. I don't see any loss of privacy that's occured.

[Wolfpup]

I'll say AGAIN, for at least the third time, I don't give a rats ass if someone is ignorant right now. I'm not here to bring up to speed 3/4 of a forum on basic privacy/consumer protection issues. I should be nicer about it, I should take the time to explain, but I'm having a bad-a pretty darned bad week, the majority response to this thread is beyond asinine, not remotely what I'd expect from Macrumors, and I really don't feel like dealing with it.

And no, I got the exact same mixture of ignorance BEFORE I called anyone ignorant, so I seriously doubt that really matters.

I'd still like ACTUAL SUGGESTIONS on how to get rid of the thing if anyone has any.

Even aside from the forced registration/activation issue, I can't stand it's interface. Not practical for me.

I'd also like this to be a warning for anyone who DOES care about these issues, or is on the fence about whether the Touch/iPhone's interface will work for them. (In retrospect, this thing can't possibly work as a PDA for me, as it can't even serve my media playback needs very well...my brilliant idea was eventually I could use this as a PDA and iPod...but it's not really doing either well enough).

[David G.]

People, have some dignity. Help Wolfpup out would ya. geez.

[Dimwhit]

I'd still like ACTUAL SUGGESTIONS on how to get rid of the thing if anyone has any.

Ummm...sell it? Is it the 32GB?

[whooleytoo]

Ummm...sell it? Is it the 32GB?

It'll be very hard to sell it; now that he's already registered it. Why did he go and do that? :p

(whooleytoo runs away and hides under a rock in a dark cave many miles away!!)

[jallenclark]

For being as smart as you claim to be I don't understand how you don't know what your options are. You can resell it on ebay or craigslist or a site of your choosing. I am sure if you went in to a store and complained enough they would give you store credit but I see this as an issue since you want to boycott Apple.

With the amount of time you have spent calling 3/4 of the forum ignorant, you could have easily just listed a few of your reasons. You either obviously don't have any and just want to sound smart or you just like pissing people off. It definitely has nothing to do with time.

Comparing Microsoft's DRM to Apple activation doesn't make any sense either. If you want to compare something make sure they are similar in some way. Why don't you go ahead and compare a Mac Book to a refrigerator?

[Wolfpup]

I don't want to sell, I want my money back. I'm assuming I could get my credit card to refund it, but I just don't want to mess with it, and I can't find Apple's procedure for ditching the thing.

Oh well :-/

[840quadra]

I'll say AGAIN, for at least the third time, I don't give a rats ass if someone is ignorant right now. I'm not here to bring up to speed 3/4 of a forum on basic privacy/consumer protection issues. I should be nicer about it, I should take the time to explain, but I'm having a bad-a pretty darned bad week, the majority response to this thread is beyond asinine, not remotely what I'd expect from Macrumors, and I really don't feel like dealing with it.

And no, I got the exact same mixture of ignorance BEFORE I called anyone ignorant, so I seriously doubt that really matters.

I'd still like ACTUAL SUGGESTIONS on how to get rid of the thing if anyone has any.

Even aside from the forced registration/activation issue, I can't stand it's interface. Not practical for me.

I'd also like this to be a warning for anyone who DOES care about these issues, or is on the fence about whether the Touch/iPhone's interface will work for them. (In retrospect, this thing can't possibly work as a PDA for me, as it can't even serve my media playback needs very well...my brilliant idea was eventually I could use this as a PDA and iPod...but it's not really doing either well enough).

I could also agree that many of your responses to other peoples questions could also catagorized as asinine. It is obvious that you are not going to get the help you so poinontly highlighted in bold, so you should move on, and stop the interaction that appears to stress you out.

I agree with your security concerns with the registration process, however you incorrect in your theory that it is illegal. I do agree with it being unethical in some regards, but it is Apple's choice with regards to the software license they provide with this product.

Contact Apple, tell them that you do not agree with the software license. However since you have activated it (based on your comments on it's interface and software), you will likely be subject to a fee because you did activate and started using the product.

Unless you can work magic with the folks at Apple, you are stuck with paying the restocking fee, or selling the device privately.


http://forums.macrumors.com/image.php?u=47064&dateline=1165207334&type=profile

[Wolfpup]

For being as smart as you claim to be I don't understand how you don't know what your options are. You can resell it on ebay or craigslist or a site of your choosing.

:rolleyes: Gee, I never would have thought of that. I'm also not calling 3/4 of the forum ignorant (or at least didn't mean to, as I'm assuming this thread is just attracting people who don't know any better), I'm calling 3/4 of the people responding to this thread ignorant. That's just a statement of fact. I am QUITE surprised by it to be honest. I'd expect tech-oriented people (and people interested in Apple products) to be a lot more educated on these issues.

I am sure if you went in to a store and complained enough they would give you store credit but I see this as an issue since you want to boycott Apple.

I don't have a store to go to.

Comparing Microsoft's DRM to Apple activation doesn't make any sense either. If you want to compare something make sure they are similar in some way.

You're claiming they're different? HOW? The only way I see that they're different is Microsoft's is anonymous, Apple's isn't. Microsoft's is (supposedly) legal, though how Apple thinks they're skirting the legality issue I have no idea.

[qtpie36963]

These forums are to inform others on good or bad things going on with apple or any other electronics (i.e. cameras, software, etc..) or issues out there. A forum is first and formost a discussion. So if you throw something out there that 90% of people are curious of your reasoning, they are gonna ask. Then you get defensive and won't open up for a discussion. You may not be educating people... rather opening their eyes to a new thought... If you don't feel like discussing your views or opinions.. why post??

But your constant refusal to shed light on your views seems like a way to cover your butt as if you don't really have a reason and just wanted to complain about it. And if that was the case that's fine just say so.

There is no reason for people to jump down your back for your opinion, as there is no reason for you to call them uneducated, ignorant, or down right REFUSE to explain... You're right, you don't have to but why not?

If you wanna boycott Apple, that's your choice. If you wanna try and get rid of your iPod.. again your choice.

So why don't we return to the reason for forums and have a discussion! :)

[Funplex]

I'll say AGAIN, for at least the third time, I don't give a rats ass if someone is ignorant right now. I'm not here to bring up to speed 3/4 of a forum on basic privacy/consumer protection issues. I should be nicer about it, I should take the time to explain, but I'm having a bad-a pretty darned bad week, the majority response to this thread is beyond asinine, not remotely what I'd expect from Macrumors, and I really don't feel like dealing with it.

And no, I got the exact same mixture of ignorance BEFORE I called anyone ignorant, so I seriously doubt that really matters.

I'd still like ACTUAL SUGGESTIONS on how to get rid of the thing if anyone has any.

Even aside from the forced registration/activation issue, I can't stand it's interface. Not practical for me.

I'd also like this to be a warning for anyone who DOES care about these issues, or is on the fence about whether the Touch/iPhone's interface will work for them. (In retrospect, this thing can't possibly work as a PDA for me, as it can't even serve my media playback needs very well...my brilliant idea was eventually I could use this as a PDA and iPod...but it's not really doing either well enough).


I use the first gen iPod Touch as a PDA just fine and dandy. Since for a "bizarre-o" reason you refuse to register with Apple so that they can A. Get a general idea of who is using the iPod and B. Use such simple information to better improve the product to meet the future needs of said people, you're not going to use it forreeeeevvverrrrrr.

By engraving it (and I'm assuming you never went into an Apple store or similar business to give the iPod a test run-- since you seem to hate the interface as well) you've pretty much committed to the device. They aren't gonna take it back.

This leaves you with no option but to try to resell it on your own accord. It's not impossible, but the fact that it's engraved is going to make it harder (depending on WHAT you had engraved on it.)

I could sit here all day and assume what you put on there (Be it your name, address, phone number, email, catchy catch phrase, SSN, a colorful obscenity, or a nursary rhyme) but it's whatever you had put on it-- that will lower the value a bit.

If you did put some private info, you may be out of luck-- as going to a jeweler in an attempt to get them to engrave over it to render it unreadable may not be possible.

Your best option to sell it, is to put it on ebay, or put out an ad on Craigs List. You won't make back what you paid for it, but if you can sell it, at least you can get some of it back.

[Wolfpup]

These forums are to inform others on good or bad things going on with apple or any other electronics (i.e. cameras, software, etc..) or issues out there. A forum is first and formost a discussion. So if you throw something out there that 90% of people are curious of your reasoning, they are gonna ask. Then you get defensive and won't open up for a discussion. You may not be educating people... rather opening their eyes to a new thought... If you don't feel like discussing your views or opinions.. why post??

For exactly the reasons stated in the first thread. I'm not here to educate people, for the FOURTH TIME. Read up on these issues on your own. I did not post because I wanted to argue with people who don't understand privacy and DRM issues.

I use the first gen iPod Touch as a PDA just fine and dandy. Since for a "bizarre-o" reason you refuse to register with Apple so that they can A. Get a general idea of who is using the iPod and B. Use such simple information to better improve the product to meet the future needs of said people, you're not going to use it forreeeeevvverrrrrr.

By engraving it (and I'm assuming you never went into an Apple store or similar business to give the iPod a test run-- since you seem to hate the interface as well) you've pretty much committed to the device. They aren't gonna take it back.

Except that they didn't give any warning that this required activation/registration prior to purchasing it, nor do they give any information on how to return it if you're not willing to submit to their agreements.

[Dimwhit]

I don't want to sell, I want my money back. I'm assuming I could get my credit card to refund it, but I just don't want to mess with it, and I can't find Apple's procedure for ditching the thing.

Oh well :-/

Pack it up and return it from where you bought it. Assuming you're within the 14 days (or whatever the store policy is where you bought it). They may charge you a restocking fee, but you also might be able to argue your way out of it.

[NT1440]

jesus pup, if your going to call us ignorant over and over and over again, tell us why it is. You still havent answered why exactly this is a problem from your POV and instead are just flinging mud around. We are ignorant because we dont understand why this is stressing you out? I'm srry that we dont all think like you but that doesnt make us ignorant. We are simply curious as to why registration seems to be such a big deal to you.

[Funplex]

jesus pup, if your going to call us ignorant over and over and over again, tell us why it is. You still havent answered why exactly this is a problem from your POV and instead are just flinging mud around. We are ignorant because we dont understand why this is stressing you out? I'm srry that we dont all think like you but that doesnt make us ignorant. We are simply curious as to why registration seems to be such a big deal to you.

Agreed.

I'm sorry the options aren't to the OP's liking, but stomping your feet won't make it happen.

[Wolfpup]

Pack it up and return it from where you bought it. Assuming you're within the 14 days (or whatever the store policy is where you bought it). They may charge you a restocking fee, but you also might be able to argue your way out of it.

As I've said it's from Apple, so I don't know how to go about getting rid of it, unfortunately. I would have returned it had I just gotten it from Amazon or whatever.

[jallenclark]

Listed here it clearly states you cannot return it once it is customized:

http://www.apple.com/legal/sales_policies/retail_us.html

If you called them you might be able to tell you wish to return it because you do not agree with the licensing agreement you need to sign. There are exceptions for people who disagree with software licensing. I don't know how they would handle the ipod touch, I am pretty sure the first few people up the ladder will tell you that it can't be returned.

[G4DP]

Wolfpup, you say it is engraved?

Well then to be blunt your screwed. It clearly states on the pages that engraved items are non returnable/refundable.

"Please make sure that everything is spelled correctly as your engraved order can't be returned."

As for what to do with it? The less said the better.

[Dimwhit]

Listed here it clearly states you cannot return it once it is customized:

http://www.apple.com/legal/sales_policies/retail_us.html

If you called them you might be able to tell you wish to return it because you do not agree with the licensing agreement you need to sign. There are exceptions for people who disagree with software licensing. I don't know how they would handle the ipod touch, I am pretty sure the first few people up the ladder will tell you that it can't be returned.

Except that he already agreed to it by registering it (I think). So he'd be screwed there, too.

If that's the case, returning it is not an option. Your best bet is to sell it. But if you had it engraved, that will lower the value a bit.

[nick9191]

I don't understand your objection to registering a simple free account. You don't have to give them any credit card details unless you wish to purchase music.

Your not ever going to buy an Apple product again because you had to register something? I'm sorry but I think you can see why people are flaming you.

You cannot return the iPod since you customised it, or unless it is broken. You bought it, it works perfectly well, your only choice is to sell it. Everything about Apples return policy, and iPod set up guides are available on their website. You could have found this information before making an expensive purchase, you chose not to.

If its not customised, and you've managed not to scratch it yet, then return it, and leave this forum as its obvious you have nothing to contribute, and wish to bash a perfectly good product over something completely unimportant. The free account you set is more help than hinderance. Not only does it allow you to use the cool genius feature within iTunes and on your iPod, it allows Apple to respond to you and track your messages easier should you need to contact them.

[jallenclark]

I don't understand your objection to registering a simple free account. You don't have to give them any credit card details unless you wish to purchase music.

Your not ever going to buy an Apple product again because you had to register something? I'm sorry but I think you can see why people are flaming you.

You cannot return the iPod since you customised it, or unless it is broken. You bought it, it works perfectly well, your only choice is to sell it. Everything about Apples return policy, and iPod set up guides are available on their website. You could have found this information before making an expensive purchase, you chose not to.

He had to register with Macrumors.com to post, maybe he should boycott the site

[Felldownthewell]

Wow, this thread has made me come out and make my first post here in nearly a year.

First things first, yes apple should not require anyone to register anything except things that require contracts (iPhone, warranties, etc).

However, this isn't an uncommon practice. It has been a long time since I've installed windows, but I remember having to register that as well. It doesn't make it right, of course, but it is worth noting.

More importantly, you gave your credit card info (name, number, expiration date, and mailing address) to the VERY SAME COMPANY you refuse to give your age? If you paid cash in-store for it I would understand wanting to stick to your privacy, but they already have far more information than they would ever get from a registration form.

As for returning it, you obviously wanted it when you took the time to get it engraved; it wasn't an impulse purchase. Just because you didn't study the interface enough before you purchased does not mean you're entitled to a refund for a product you have opened, personalized, and used. Sell it on craigslist if you can, and if not, just suck it up. You made a bad decision, don't pass the buck to apple, live with it.

[Dimwhit]

However, this isn't an uncommon practice. It has been a long time since I've installed windows, but I remember having to register that as well. It doesn't make it right, of course, but it is worth noting.

Interestingly, Apple does NOT require registering the OS like Microsoft does. You can bypass it and never send it in. (At least the last time I checked.)

[rdowns]

I'm having a hard time understanding your issues. You already own an iPod so you were aware of Apple's policies. Given your stance on registering/privacy issues, why the hell did you buy a touch? Surely you did your homework. And you can't return it. It clearly stated it when you chose to engrave it. Your choice is to keep it or sell it at a loss.

[MattZani]

Wow, isnt this the biggest over reaction in the world.

Register the Damn Product, i enjoy doing it, that way if its stolen, i can say its stolen, and with a few details, they can pull up the serial no. and blacklist it.

As for not liking the interface, you DIDNT go in store and try one? try a buddies etc? how can you do things wrong? its one of the simplest UI's around, you cant really make a mistake.

Now, for getting rid of it, im sure a Member here would accept it for a discount, since its engraved, and thats the only way you'll get out of it, Apple WILL NOT accept it back, and a Credit Card wont work, since theres nothing wrong with the Product, it functions perfectly.

[PeteB]

I too am having problems in understanding the OP's position (and the OP's inability to explain himself in a rational manner.

http://www.somersoft.com/forums/gallery/data/506/medium/Do-not-feed-the-troll.jpg

[Trip.Tucker]

Wow. What astounding responses. I'm pretty shocked.

Well I wasn't given a choice. I would *NEVER* have bought this had I known, and I'm done with Apple products after this. I was buying a Macbook Pro after the update, but forget that. This actually surpasses Microsoft's DRM/sleaziness.


Do you have a mental breakdown when a website produces an unwarranted popup?

[whooleytoo]

I give up. :p

The collective has spoken. Resistance (to registration) is futile. You will be assimilated. Your details will be uploaded into the collective.

http://records.viu.ca/~soules/medi402/walker/borg1.GIF

Why will you not register? Resistance is futile.

[840quadra]

You're claiming they're different? HOW? The only way I see that they're different is Microsoft's is anonymous, Apple's isn't. Microsoft's is (supposedly) legal, though how Apple thinks they're skirting the legality issue I have no idea.

Again,

What Apple is requesting from it's user base on the iPod touch is not illegal, as you are given the choice to accept or decline their request.

http://forums.macrumors.com/image.php?u=47064&dateline=1165207334&type=profile

[wordmunger]

1. The OP is completely justified in saying that requiring registration is a bad policy.

2. The OP shouldn't have registered the product if he thought that was a bad policy.

3. In that event, I suspect that Apple would have taken the product back.

All that aside, I thought the OP said that he hadn't agreed to Apple's terms and conditions. If that's true, then I think he can still reasonably request that Apple take the product back.

And I agree with all the posters who said the OP was dumb to have the iPod engraved without determining for sure that he wants the product.

But most importantly, and aside from all this, the original question is a good one: Is there any way to get around Apple's forced registration of the iPT? Does anyone know?

[goosnarrggh]

I have never used the newest iPod Touch. However, by my recollection, with all my previous iPods it has always been possible to click cancel at the registration prompt and still end up with a fully functional device - that's not possible with your device?

If the Cancel button doesn't work, the short answer is you should probably just fill in a bunch of bogus information. Any correctly formatted email address, regardless of whether it actually exists or not, will probably work.

as you are given the choice to accept or decline their request
The OP claims that the product is unusable unless the request is accepted. Furthermore, the product is un-returnable, despite no warning that the product would be unusable without accepting a supplimentary agreement, namely, the requirement to submit personal information. Sounds like a pretty clear cut example of coercion to me.

2. The OP shouldn't have registered the product if he thought that was a bad policy.
Did the OP claim to have registered the product? I admit I was skimming the thread, but I don't reacll having read that.

[max1018]

I agree with the OP, I don't think you should have to register to get this thing to work. I did with my touch and I wish I hadn't because I think Apple detected I was running Windows and they came to my house and killed my family.

</sarcasm>

I think this is fitting.

http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/3876/facepalmsmej9.jpg

[spork183]

I don't think I should have to read licensing agreements.
I don't think I should have to try a product before I buy it.
I don't think I should have to explain myself to anyone.
I don't think the Monroe doctrine is relevant...

And anyone who disagrees with me is uninformed, uneducated, and entirely unworthy of my dubious enlightenment.

For someone who holds such scorchingly opinionated views, he did a remarkable job of NOT researching his options before he customized that touch and registered it.

[msbsound]

I am not going to comment directly to the original posters issues with registration, but i do have a question.

There have been a few people who have agreed with the "bad policy" of the ipod touch's forced registration. Do people who feel that way not register any of their electronics? and if so how do you go about things such as warranty repair?

I honestly had put no thought into the issue as I have always wanted my prone-to-have-breaking-parts purchases covered by a manufacturer for a year at least.

Dont mean to hijack this directly, I just find this opposing view and am somewhat curious if it carries over to things such as a laptop computer .

[840quadra]

The OP claims that the product is unusable unless the request is accepted. Furthermore, the product is un-returnable, despite no warning that the product would be unusable without accepting a supplimentary agreement, namely, the requirement to submit personal information. Sounds like a pretty clear cut example of coercion to me.


Right, and the software provider has full entitlement to require software registration as part of their licensing process.

A consumer is also not legally required to accept the terms of the software or the registration process. He was legally able decline those, and return the product . However, it is not clear if he eventually did register the product or not. If he did accept the software agreement, and register, he has waived these rights.


http://forums.macrumors.com/image.php?u=47064&dateline=1165207334&type=profile

[dasikes]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPod; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_1_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5F138 Safari/525.20)




I really don't want to go through all the reasons right now, but I'm pretty horrified by how many posters on here don't immediately see all the issues involved.


.....Apple is stealing our souls to power their doomsday device??

HAHAHAHA!!

I'm really unsure why someone is so upset about this.

[NT1440]

wolfpup, you coming back or have you run away?

(waits for wolfpup to take this comment as the basis of his next response and continue to not answer what his problem is, continuously avoiding the actual topic)

[Quockie]

But...when I connected it, my only options were to register it, or "cancel/later/whatever". When I did that, it just gave me a log-in/register screen for an Apple account...and that was it. There was NO way around that process that I could see.


ummm...right. I think you are entirely talking about two separate things here. What I think is that you were given to complete a registration form, but you were also given a choice of whether to "cancel/later/whatever". I am assuming you hit cancel, so another registration screen pops up. I think that second form is simply signing in your Itunes account or registering for one if you did not have one already. This is my take on this big, misunderstanding mess.

Lastly, maybe I am wrong here. I do not understand this forced registration thing? It seems like many people can get out of it, but not you.

[Funplex]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPod; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_1_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5F138 Safari/525.20)



HAHAHAHA!!

I'm really unsure why someone is so upset about this.


Once Apple knows what kind of work you do--- your age--- and that you're either buying an ipod for the first time or replacing an old one-- THEY OWN YOU! I'm amazed Congress hasn't launched an investigation into the disappearance of all those consumer's souls.

Seriously-- Im glad to provide them with that info, so in the future-- new cool features are added to the iPod so I can make better use of it. I'd love to see some decent drawing programs for the touch-- the ones we have right now are so blocky.

[whooleytoo]

wolfpup, you coming back or have you run away?

(waits for wolfpup to take this comment as the basis of his next response and continue to not answer what his problem is, continuously avoiding the actual topic)

No, wolfpup was the original poster, and it is he (or she) who set the actual topic - "why does the iPod Touch require registration?".

It's you and the others posters who are dragging this thread off topic by incessantly demanding to know why he doesn't want to register.

You don't need to know. You don't need to understand. You don't need to agree with him/her. Wolfpup just wanted to know if there was a workaround for the registration process, and wondered why it's required, and if Apple should make this clear before you purchase it; it's not him/her who's dragging this thread off topic.

[hexonxonx]

Wow. What astounding responses. I'm pretty shocked.

Well I wasn't given a choice. I would *NEVER* have bought this had I known, and I'm done with Apple products after this. I was buying a Macbook Pro after the update, but forget that. This actually surpasses Microsoft's DRM/sleaziness.

I just don't understand what the big deal is. You bought an Apple iPod Touch, it wan't you to register it. What's the problem?

[Funplex]

No, wolfpup was the original poster, and it is he (or she) who set the actual topic - "why does the iPod Touch require registration?".

It's you and the others posters who are dragging this thread off topic by incessantly demanding to know why he doesn't want to register.

You don't need to know. You don't need to understand. You don't need to agree with him/her. Wolfpup just wanted to know if there was a workaround for the registration process, and wondered why it's required, and if Apple should make this clear before you purchase it; it's not him/her who's dragging this thread off topic.

But when he's told no, you can't return it-- or any other answer that isn't the "Yes. Walk into store, return for full refund", then he makes a fuss about how uneducated we are and goes all zany, naturally leading us to wonder wtf is the issue.

[hogfaninga]

wolfpup, you coming back or have you run away?

(waits for wolfpup to take this comment as the basis of his next response and continue to not answer what his problem is, continuously avoiding the actual topic)

Some people might actually have work to do and can't be here all the time. I'm sure he will comeback. He doesn't seem to be someone who is scared of being attacked.

[NT1440]

Some people might actually have work to do and can't be here all the time. I'm sure he will comeback. He doesn't seem to be someone who is scared of being attacked.

It seemed like he was responding every few seconds, and i admit I didnt take into account time zones and work. I technically wouldnt even be on right now but im home sick from school.

[WildCowboy]

I think we're done...there is enough mud-slinging from all sides to go around in here already.