iPod Nano Class Action Suit

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

Several readers report on a class action lawsuit (http://www.redherring.com/article.aspx?a=14092&hed=Nano+Owners+Sue+Apple+&sector=Industries&subsector=EntertainmentMedia) filed by users regarding Apple's new iPod nano device.

The lawsuit charges screens on the tiny flash-based digital audio players “scratch excessively during normal usage, rendering the screen on the Nanos [sic] unreadable, and violating state consumer protection statutes… and causing Plaintiff class members to incur loss of use and monetary damages.”

iPod screen scratching complaints have been previously reported. Apple dismissed (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2005/09/20050928124906.shtml) the issue in a previous comment stating that the nano was made of the same materials as the 4th Generation iPod.

Apple was previously sued (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2005/06/20050602195408.shtml) by iPod owners due to battery failure and performance.

[Lacero]

Apple always royally screws up like this. It's like they didn't learn the lessons from their 1G and 2G iPods, and are doomed to make the same mistakes with the nano and the video iPods.

Only the 4G and minis had the best scratch resistance. Shame for Apple.

[mlrproducts]

Thats funny, my nano is fine. And what? They want a share of the profits? Hell i bet the RIAA is backing these suckers.

This won't go anywhere. Why can't people just go out and find a job and earn a living. These people should be shot for frivolous lawsuits (and no, not put in jail, that is a waste of money, they should just be shot).

[plinkoman]

this is ridiculus, the nano screen is made out of the same material every other iPod ever has been made out of, this is just a bunch of greedy bastards taking advantage of the false claims of how easy it scratches.

of note, i have a 3rd gen iPod, you know, the one with the 2 hour battery :rolleyes: and after almost 2 and a half years of owning it, i still get over two days of regular use on one charge. these people are full of it...

[gorbster]

Bloody idiots. They want a refund, a cut of profits AND to keep their Nanos.

It would have been smarter to use all those tens of thousands of dollars going to into the attorneys' pockets, and invest in a decent case for the iPod.

Apple's consumer-base is definitely moving outside the 'intelligent customer' bubble.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go file a class action lawsuit against VW for the scratches on my car.

[drewpage]

I don't understand all this uproar about the Nano scratching. I know people with Nanos and they don't scratch any more easily than any other unprotected iPod. iPods have always scratched easily unprotected. I am on my 4th iPod and I keep it in Apple's iPod carrier when its not in use. Otherwise, it would have scratches all over it. I think people just want to make a few extra bucks at Apple's expense.

[hyperpasta]

If rubbing a nano with a paper towel renders the screen unreadable, then something is wrong. But I have a sneaking suspicion that they exaggerated a bit.

[ZicklePop]

I love Apple but I hope they lose. They need to learn how to make a solid product that DOESN'T SCRATCH. First rule of product making: Don't build it like butter.

[gregarious119]

Don't they lost a certain amount of ground for the case when they choose to spend the money on purchasing an iPod? They didn't have to buy one. Apple didn't force it upon them.

You buy it, it's your own darn responsibility to keep it from scratching. Whoever's putting their nano in their pocket with keys and coins deserves to get it scratched up.

[QCassidy352]

This is nothing but whining. I'm sure it scratches fairly easily, but unless ordinary use actually renders it unusable, which I highly doubt, then this is crap.

[Eevee]

Although the screen is made of the exact material as the other iPods, the screen scratching issue on the Nanos is a very serious problem that Apple has been denying for a while now. I hope this lawsuit will make Apple to correct this problem.

[Kobushi]

Thats funny, my nano is fine. And what? They want a share of the profits? Hell i bet the RIAA is backing these suckers.

This won't go anywhere. Why can't people just go out and find a job and earn a living. These people should be shot for frivolous lawsuits (and no, not put in jail, that is a waste of money, they should just be shot).


I agree. Buncha bums trying to profit from another company's success...the little sycophants.

this is ridiculus, the nano screen is made out of the same material every other iPod ever has been made out of, this is just a bunch of greedy bastards taking advantage of the false claims of how easy it scratches.

of note, i have a 3rd gen iPod, you know, the one with the 2 hour battery and after almost 2 and a half years of owning it, i still get over two days of regular use on one charge. these people are full of it...

I have a Genration 2 iPod, and to this day, it doesn't have a single scratch on the screen. Why? Because I have a cheap little case that has prevented it for the past 3 years! My wife made herself one for her ipod out of some cheap, albeit nice-looking, fabric. Are people really not this self-sufficient that they have to blame everyone else for their lack of vision?

If rubbing a nano with a paper towel renders the screen unreadable, then something is wrong. But I have a sneaking suspicion that they exaggerated a bit.


Buy better paper towels. If anyone bothered to read a manual once in a while, they'd know to use a "soft, lint-free cloth" on just about everything (tv screens, cd's, dvd's, computer monitors, etc)

[yellow5]

People need to quit whining. Buy a case, or don't buy a nano.

Products show wear from use. Get over it.

People are so sue happy nowadays.

[Lacero]

Although the screen is made of the exact material as the other iPods, the screen scratching issue on the Nanos is a very serious problem that Apple has been denying for a while now. I hope this lawsuit will make Apple to correct this problem.
Yes. It might be the exact same material as the older iPods, but Apple is selling millions more nanos and new iPods now. This only exacerbates the problem ten fold. Running a paper towel over a screen should not scratch it. To have it scratch this easily, is simply ridiculous. I hope Apple wises up and makes the necessary improvements. Go back to the mini form factor and materials. There were very few issues of scratches with the minis.

[JOHNGAETANO]

Sure, and today after I drove over my iPod with my truck, my ipod was smashed into a million pieces. Apple has clearly made another faulty product.

GET A LIFE AND A JOB!!!!!!!!!!!

John

[nichos]

Didn't apple say they were going to replace the flawed screens? (http://www.zdnetasia.com/news/hardware/0,39042972,39270655,00.htm)

[plinkoman]

Although the screen is made of the exact material as the other iPods, the screen scratching issue on the Nanos is a very serious problem that Apple has been denying for a while now. I hope this lawsuit will make Apple to correct this problem.

umm, i hate to break it to you, but if its made of the exact same materials, which it is, then it will scratch no easier or no less easy then previous models, you cant have something made of the exact same thing, but responds to stimuli completely different, thats not how things work

[devilot]

My wife made herself one for her ipod out of some cheap, albeit nice-looking, fabric. <snipped and joined two of your responses> Buy better paper towels. If anyone bothered to read a manual once in a while, they'd know to use a "soft, lint-free cloth" on just about everything (tv screens, cd's, dvd's, computer monitors, etc)But even conscientious users savvy with how to take care of tech products have noted scratches coming from soft cloths as well... If that is indeed the case, then that would be why these consumers are upset-- because even upon following the manual's suggestions, the iPod is still getting scratched up (but the paper towel thing is a bit out of line).

[SiliconAddict]

Since I've yet to even see a nano let alone use one at length I'll stay neutral in this. However..I'm dubious of the claim that

"“scratch excessively during normal usage, rendering the screen on the Nanos [sic] unreadable"

Of course with the size of the screen only a couple scratches would be needed to cover up a few lines.... :confused:

Hmmm..

[devilot]

Didn't apple say they were going to replace the flawed screens? (http://www.zdnetasia.com/news/hardware/0,39042972,39270655,00.htm)I believe that that is to do w/ faulty nano screens that crack not just get scratched.

[Sun Baked]

Apple lawyers will probably get this kicked out of state court into the federal court system where it'll die quickly, and thank Bush for signing the Class-Action Fairness Act of 2005.

[MM2270]

Apple's consumer-base is definitely moving outside the 'intelligent customer' bubble.

I suppose this is what happens when you start bringing more Windoze users into the fold. :rolleyes:

And I'd LOVE to see how any lawyer's going to prove that because a plastic screen can get scratched when it comes in contact with sharp devices, it somehow means the product is "defective" Idiots!

[Lertie32]

Hmm... the only thing I wonder about in particular is even though it may be the same material used on the other iPod versions, is it in THINNER form? That could account for some weakness I suppose...

I have a 40G iPod Photo, but it's been in a case since the day I bought it, so I have no point of reference on iPod scratching. It seems to me that Apple should intelligently be able to assess these issues and exchange iPods if needed. IF they're being really unhelpful, a lawsuit may be necessary to get them to refund/exchange these, but I doubt it. I suspect it simply requires time and recognition of a problem trend. People are indeed awfully quick to sue many times.

On the flip side, it's awfully soon for people to be having problem issues with the Nanos that could be attributed to normal wear and tear. I'd be really ticked if I dropped a few hundred dollars on one and it started scratching too easily. If Apple told me tough luck, I could see persuing other options to resolve the matter.

I dunno... I'm on the fence about this one. Too little information available about if, how much, and why the Nanos scratch too easily. Maybe Macworld or somebody will do a lab test or comparison evaluation...

[rosalindavenue]

Apple lawyers will probably get this kicked out of state court into the federal court system where it'll die quickly, and thank Bush for signing the Class-Action Fairness Act of 2005.

Uh, according to the linked article the case was filed in U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California; so its already in Federal Court.

With respect to the merits, the case seems on first glance to be both stupid and greedy; seeking punitive damages and "a share of nano profits."

/defense lawyer

[fixyourthinking]

Buy better paper towels. If anyone bothered to read a manual once in a while, they'd know to use a "soft, lint-free cloth" on just about everything (tv screens, cd's, dvd's, computer monitors, etc)


exactly ... what kinda sh1++y paper tower leaves scratches or swirl marks on even vaseline?

and ... what kind of idiot doesn't protect a $200 - $500 investment?

[fixyourthinking]

Yes. It might be the exact same material as the older iPods, but Apple is selling millions more nanos and new iPods now. This only exacerbates the problem ten fold. Running a paper towel over a screen should not scratch it. To have it scratch this easily, is simply ridiculous. I hope Apple wises up and makes the necessary improvements. Go back to the mini form factor and materials. There were very few issues of scratches with the minis.

Ummm ... no.

Apple has sold almost 20 million iPods and only about 3.2 million Nanos

[plastikimo]

i like Apple and the iPod. I just got my 5G iPod yesterday and its awesome. It came with a very cool pouch for protection against the elements (not drops/abuse/using it as a hockey puck). This means Apple recognizes the problem, and is offering a temporary solution. Its probably safe to say the next iPods will be made out of a different material that is a lot more durable and scratch resistant.

Although it obvious that owning an iPod = owning a case for it, It should have to be that way. There are hundreds of other products that are alot more durable/scratch resistant. The iPod shouldnt need a case.

But one awesome thing about the incluided pouch is that you can still scroll and click through it without taking it out. that is, if you know its relative location. and when you're in the dark, you can see the screen thought the pouch. The only time i take it out is for video/pictures or to flip it around for charging/syncing.

Like i said i have the 5G iPod. If anyone has any questions or wonders about it, you're welcome to ask.

[shawnce]

If rubbing a nano with a paper towel renders the screen unreadable, then something is wrong. But I have a sneaking suspicion that they exaggerated a bit. Orphanage grade paper towels... aka 400 grit. :p

[plinkoman]

Like i said i have the G5 iPod. If anyone has any questions or wonders about it, you're welcome to ask.

your iPod has a G5 :eek:

if they can fit a G5 in an iPod, that can only mean...
G5 POWERBOOKS NEXT TUESDAY!!!! :D

haha, sorry, i couldn't resist :p

[sushi]

From the article: They are asking for a share of nano profits.

To me, this indicates an a suit that is based on greed (plaintiff and lawyers) by trying to exploit a problem with the Nano.

Apple is already replacing Nano's that are scratched.

Sure makes one wonder about their fellow man/woman.

Sushi

[plastikimo]

your iPod has a G5 :eek:

haha, sorry, i couldn't resist :p
yeah , haha, i cought that and fixed it. :rolleyes:

[bit density]

First, I own a 3g and a 4g product. Both of them scratch more than I would like, and more than my cell phone (which I abuse more than my ipods). The new nano's feel different. Feel softer. And they appear different, and it may be just because there is no colorant in the plastic as opposed to my 3g and 4g ipod.

The Nano has two problems. A scratch of the same length and depth as on a larger ipod is MUCH more noticeable on the Nano because the scartch is relatively much larger and noticeable than on a larger Ipod. The second problems is that it feels like there is less hardener in the newer ipods. They feel softer, less brittle, and more likely to scratch. But I am not a materials expert, and I suspect that in the course of the lawsuit we will find out if there has been a change in the composition or manufacture of the plastics.

Lastly. I bought my 3g from fry's as a floor model. To this day it appears less abused than the floor model Nano's at my neighborhood Apple stores. The Nano's are NOT holding up well.

[Kobushi]

Since I've yet to even see a nano let alone use one at length I'll stay neutral in this. However..I'm dubious of the claim that

"“scratch excessively during normal usage, rendering the screen on the Nanos [sic] unreadable"

Of course with the size of the screen only a couple scratches would be needed to cover up a few lines.... :confused:

Hmmm..

There's a difference between "normal usage" and "intended usage". It's perfectly normal for people to jam high-tech devices into purses, handbags, or backpacks. But that isn't necessarily recommended by manufacturers. How often have you seen somebody's krunked-up looking cell phone? Sure they used it "normally" and maybe even dropped it once or twice (also against manufacturer recommendations, but inevitable), but that doesn't mean they should be running around filing lawsuits.

If the screens scratch when coming into contact with the proverbial "soft, lint-free cloth", so be it, apple should make it right. But, given that they are made of the same material, I doubt this to be the case. The only possible explaination I can see is that these easily scratchable screens are made of the same defective material as the cracking screens and should fall under the same replacement policy. I haven't looked at said policy, but usually these things go by serial numbers, not necessarily by cracked screens. The scratchy clan should already be provided for.

[kaada]

Wouldn't you agree that since the nano is smaller than the 4G iPod, it is more likely to put it in your pocket along with change, dust and other stuff, thus scratching the screen?

I've had my black nano for about a month now, and it hasn't got a single scratch, and all I use are the iPod socks I bought for my 4G iPod...

These complaining, blood sucking leeches make me sad... :(

[nomad01]

Buy better paper towels. If anyone bothered to read a manual once in a while, they'd know to use a "soft, lint-free cloth" on just about everything (tv screens, cd's, dvd's, computer monitors, etc)

Yes and I wonder if they are going to start suing because their glasses and sunglasses got scratched.

Would you wipe glasses with a rough paper towel? I wouldn't and guess what... my nano and iPod isn't scratched either.

The nano may scratch easily but it's just asking for a bit more care. It's not defective! From day one, I woudn't have even considered wiping it with a paper towel or keeping it in a pocket with anything else.

[sushi]

Lastly. I bought my 3g from fry's as a floor model. To this day it appears less abused than the floor model Nano's at my neighborhood Apple stores. The Nano's are NOT holding up well.
One problem with display models is that folks who have heard about the Nano's weakness now go to a place where they are on display and purposely test to see if they can scratch the Nano. So display models get beat up more. I've seen folks doing this already. They want to see it the Nano will scratch so they really try to scratch it. Didn't see this type of attempt with other iPods.

Sushi

[Koodauw]

at first I said, I dont really care about scratches on my nano.

Now that the thing looks like it has been used for a year, I will agree with others and say that it does scratch very easily. To easily in fact. I have done nothing but carry it in my pocket like Steve did on the keynote.

If you don't have a nano, let me reassure you scratches are a problem, and if it takes a lawsuit for Apple to sit up and notice, then I say good.

[plinkoman]

...The second problems is that it feels like there is less hardener in the newer ipods. They feel softer, less brittle, and more likely to scratch...

well, i could be wrong on this, but from what i know, something that is softer should be less prone to scratching then something that is hard because what doesn't bend will break (go try and scratch your pillow to see what i mean), so in theory, if the nano is softer, it should have a little more give before scratching the previous iPods

of course, i really have no idea what i'm talking about, so... :p

[narco]

This is ridiculous. I've had my nano for 3 weeks and it has been used every day and it is still flawless. It all comes down to taking care of your purchase. I wouldn't be surprised if this hysteria was started by Creative or other companies who make mp3 players. If you can't beat them, turn a small problem into an uproar.

Fishes,
narco.

[krygiel]

"Originally Posted by gorbster
Apple's consumer-base is definitely moving outside the 'intelligent customer' bubble. "



"I suppose this is what happens when you start bringing more Windoze users into the fold. "

"And I'd LOVE to see how any lawyer's going to prove that because a plastic screen can get scratched when it comes in contact with sharp devices, it
somehow means the product is "defective" Idiots!"

-------------------

I have been reading these threads for a while now while trying to decide what new mac to get, and I am left wondering "have you all lost your minds"????

I have a 60gig ipod. Bought it two years ago. The screen scratches way too easily and it sucks that does. Apple should have fixed this problem. Laptop screen pixels die. OS updates killed the firewire on my last computer....

...basically, Apple hardware sucks (I have had nothing but problems with it over the past few years) and is inexpensive and if it wasn't for the OS and a bunch of talented interface designers, there is no way that I would have anything to do with Apple products. The company needs to spend a little more time on quality assurance and hopefully this lawsuit will remind them of that.

[devilot]

at first I said, I dont really care about scratches on my nano.

Now that the thing looks like it has been used for a year, I will agree with others and say that it does scratch very easily. To easily in fact. I have done nothing but carry it in my pocket like Steve did on the keynote.

If you don't have a nano, let me reassure you scratches are a problem, and if it takes a lawsuit for Apple to sit up and notice, then I say good.I read all the initial reports of scratching and so I vowed not to take my nano out of the Apple shipped plastic wrap until I got a protective screen cover... luckily my screen really does have no scratches; however, I've only had this nano since last Friday, October the 14th and the little center button (in the middle of the click/scroll wheel) already has scratches! My nano is always placed in 1) the Apple nano armband, or 2) in an iKlear mini chamois inside of a case... Somehow it still managed to get scratched. :(

[Lacero]

I wouldn't be surprised if this hysteria was started by Creative or other companies who make mp3 players. If you can't beat them, turn a small problem into an uproar. Could very well be an orchestrated behind-the-scenes move by Apple's competitors. Spread FUD.

[iJon]

Well if Apple would ship the Nano Tubes at the same time they came out with the Nano this problem wouldn't be as huge. Looks like they are stockpiling accessories for the Christmas season. Whether or not you guys agree with Apple, they will probably lose and settle on something.

jon

[LaMerVipere]

This is a good thing.

Apple isn't perfect and it should be held to account for its flawed product.

[Sun Baked]

Uh, according to the linked article the case was filed in U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California; so its already in Federal Court.

With respect to the merits, the case seems on first glance to be both stupid and greedy; seeking punitive damages and "a share of nano profits."

/defense lawyerOoops, keep misreading the courts.

Should be a nice uphill battle for the lawyers filing this.

Should also be interesting to see how this all shakes out, since it'll be how Apple is dealing with these cases in the future.

Definitely not as easy a case to win as the iPod battery lawsuit.

[stefan15]

Sucks that the screen scratches...but really. The Plaintiff is obviously not suffering health problems...he/she just doesn't want to go to work.

[Eevee]

From the article: They are asking for a share of nano profits.

To me, this indicates an a suit that is based on greed (plaintiff and lawyers) by trying to exploit a problem with the Nano.

Apple is already replacing Nano's that are scratched.

Sushi

This is without a doubt an attempt to exploit the problem with the Nano iPod. To demand their money back AND a share of the profits from the sales of the Nano iPod is outrageous.

However, the problem of the screen easily scratched does exist. There were posts on Macrumors and threads on the Apple website about it. It's great that Apple is replacing Nano iPods that are scratched, but this doesn't solve the problem. There are still going to get scratched easily.

[plinkoman]

This is ridiculous. I've had my nano for 3 weeks and it has been used every day and it is still flawless. It all comes down to taking care of your purchase. I wouldn't be surprised if this hysteria was started by Creative or other companies who make mp3 players. If you can't beat them, turn a small problem into an uproar.

Fishes,
narco.

to that i have little doubt. about a year ago, i was talking some of my freinds into getting iPods, and one of them asked her parents about getting one for christmas and her dad almost said no because he had heard something about their batterys going bad and things of the sort. that just shows you what one well placed rumor will do to a popular product, and i'm quite sure creative knows this too, to think they wouldn't exploit something like this would be quite foolish

that said, all my freinds have iPods now, and none have battery, or scratching problems ;)

[TMay]

If any of you care to look (and I have both the 60GB 5gen and the nano), the face of the housing covers the LCD display. The housing is more than likely made of polycarbonate (Lexan is a trade name for polycarbonate).

You can check this for yourself. Hold it up to a strong light and look at it sideways parallel to the screen. It's clear from the surface for about 20 thousandths of an inch.

Yeah, mine are getting little scratches, and I don't normally use a case, and I live in the desert, and I work in a machine shop. So, I'll probably get used to polishing with a high quality plastic polish and a soft cloth.

Case dismissed.

[Lord Blackadder]

I really hate lawsuits. Really.

Personally I sympathize about the screen issues, but I'm afraid I disagree about the scratching.

[~Shard~]

Apple, like any other company, shouldn't be allowed to get away with releasing faulty products, however this seems a bit excessive, as if the people have a greed motive more than anything. Wanting a cut of the proifts? GIve me a break. :rolleyes:

In the end though, if this makes Apple revsit and refine their Quality Control procedures, we'll all benefit from it in the future. :cool:

[Eevee]

In the end though, if this makes Apple revsit and refine their Quality Control procedures, we'll all benefit from it in the future. :cool:

Exactly...Thank you Shard

[greenstork]

If the ultimate outcome forces Apple to make better, more scratch resistant products, then it's hard for me to complain.

I've been on the other side of the fence, when I had a problem with an Apple product that I wanted them to rectify - having purchased an extremely loud Dual G4 Power Mac MDD. Like every other mega corporation, they denied any problem existed for months before offering a fix to an increasingly growing pool of disgruntled consumers, whose only recourse was to tarnish them publicly.

Big companies like Apple don't listen unless you yell loud enough, as hard a concept as that may be for many of you Apple apologists on this thread. I'm not saying the lawsuit is justified, I don't own a nano. But I'm not going to slander the class action seekers because I don't really know. In my experience, Apple will do everything in their power to shut these people up, keep away the bad press, and then release a next gen iPod with a much tougher screen.

It might end up being good for consumers in the end although I'd rather see companies like Apple respond without having to sue them.

[oskar]

I love Apple but I hope they lose. They need to learn how to make a solid product that DOESN'T SCRATCH. First rule of product making: Don't build it like butter.
That's just plain stupid. If people don't like the product then they shouldn't buy it. If they did like it and buy it and feel they deserved better, I'm sure they could get a replacement, refund or exchange. But wanting Apple's profit is just wrong and obviously an act of greed.
Apple should charge them for wasting their time. :rolleyes: :p

This won't go anywhere. Why can't people just go out and find a job and earn a living. These people should be shot for frivolous lawsuits (and no, not put in jail, that is a waste of money, they should just be shot).
I didn't want to say it so thanks for saying it. :)

How sad how people want to make money off other's success. I think it would be good if they could just get their money back in return for the faulty nano of course. Nothing more.

[madmaxmedia]

Apple always royally screws up like this. It's like they didn't learn the lessons from their 1G and 2G iPods, and are doomed to make the same mistakes with the nano and the video iPods.

Only the 4G and minis had the best scratch resistance. Shame for Apple.

I read somewhere here that the Nano and 5G use polycarbonate, which is the same material used for the 4G (and maybe 3G.) The previous ones used something else (maybe lucite?)

Maybe it is the same material, but because there is a clear layer over the nano and 5G scratches are more noticeable, I don't know.

They do see easier to pick up scuffs, but I'm not really sure. Some website should buy 5 or 6 brand new iPods (1 from each generation), and do some elaborate test. Woo hoo

[MM2270]

If the ultimate outcome forces Apple to make better, more scratch resistant products, then it's hard for me to complain.

…It might end up being good for consumers in the end although I'd rather see companies like Apple respond without having to sue them.

I suppose I see your point. but I guess we'll have to wait to pass judgement to see if this case really has any merit. If it does, the plaintiffs are doing themselves a HUGE disservice by asking for a cut of the nano profits. That immediately raises alarms in me. And if it does that for me, I'd have to believe the courts may be suspicious of their motives as well.

I'm not gonna say that the iPod is an indestructible beast, but if you take care not to abuse it, it can stay in pretty good shape for a long time. I still have a 1st gen 5 Gig iPod that has very few blemishes on it. I have a 30 GB iPod Photo as well, and it's nearly in pristine shape. I don't have a nano, but I know a few folks who do, and they seem to be relatively scratch free, so I just don't know what to think. I suppose it's incumbent upon the lawyers and their plaintiffs to prove that there is a real defect here.

[greenstork]

That's just plain stupid. If people don't like the product then they shouldn't buy it. If they did like it and buy it and feel they deserved better, I'm sure they could get a replacement, refund or exchange. But wanting Apple's profit is just wrong and obviously an act of greed.
Apple should charge them for wasting their time. :rolleyes: :p

I'm sure if the people that made up this lawsuit could get a refund, they would. I agree that asking for a cut of profits is just stupid but Apple stands hard and fast by their return policy, which is something like 15 days. Once that money is in their pocket, forget about it, it's already included in their next quarterly profit report to investors and they're sure as hell not giving it back to you.

I suppose I see your point. but I guess we'll have to wait to pass judgement to see if this case really has any merit. If it does, the plaintiffs are doing themselves a HUGE disservice by asking for a cut of the nano profits. That immediately raises alarms in me. And if it does that for me, I'd have to believe the courts may be suspicious of their motives as well.

I'm not gonna say that the iPod is an indestructible beast, but if you take care not to abuse it, it can stay in pretty good shape for a long time. I still have a 1st gen 5 Gig iPod that has very few blemishes on it. I have a 30 GB iPod Photo as well, and it's nearly in pristine shape. I don't have a nano, but I know a few folks who do, and they seem to be relatively scratch free, so I just don't know what to think. I suppose it's incumbent upon the lawyers and their plaintiffs to prove that there is a real defect here.

I agree that the motives are suspect, given the request for profits. But if there is a legitimate gripe, I can empathize wiith the customers' frustration that leads up to class action lawsuits.

[Lacero]

I read somewhere here that the Nano and 5G use polycarbonate, which is the same material used for the 4G (and maybe 3G.) The previous ones used something else (maybe lucite?)
You're probably right. The old iPods scratched really easily so it may have been lucite.

[AP_piano295]

Wow has anybody ever herd the term I think thou protesteth to much (i doubt that is the exact quote and prostesteth is probably spelled wrong dont want to get you apple spell checkers up in arms) Apple uesers are the more defensive about their computers than most mothers are with their children.
Dont get me wrong I love apple they make high quality products that are easy to use and have alot of style. Yet I am running with the belief that apple (correct me if I'm wrong) is run by humans and not divine creatures incapable of making mistakes.
Here is a fact that I personally have noticed the nano and its screen scratch very easily my friend with a 3rd gen ipod just got a nano. He treats neither of these machines with an extreme reverence but the 3rd gen is still almost scratch free (though a little dirty) and the new white nano is riddled with hairlince scratches all over including the screen. I am also under the impresion that the nano's and the 4th gen ipods are not made from the same materials. I belive that the nano is coated in a clear plastic resin with the purpose of protecting the machine and the screen (correct me if im wrong this may only be on the new ipods)
Just because people decide to sue apple does not mean they are digging for money. It means they payed over 200 dollars for a product that has a significant fault and they are trying to do something about it. I personally dont think they really deserve money however. If Apple makes a product with a fault that can be avoided then I say blame falls on the consumer. You can avoid scratching (though with the nano it can be difficult) and you can get a case I think apple has made a mistake by producing a product that cant handle being put in a pocket without being scratched to death but that is their choice. Consumers need to relazie that this is not a durable (cosmetically speaking) and avoid any situation that may scratch their machine.

and can anyone tell me why macrumors wont allow me to indent?

PS-Wanting a cut of the profits is nuts they might deserve a replacement but not a cut of profits that makes no sense.

[iEric]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

Several readers report on a class action lawsuit (http://www.redherring.com/article.aspx?a=14092&hed=Nano+Owners+Sue+Apple+&sector=Industries&subsector=EntertainmentMedia) filed by users regarding Apple's new iPod nano device.



iPod screen scratching complaints have been previously reported. Apple dismissed (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2005/09/20050928124906.shtml) the issue in a previous comment stating that the nano was made of the same materials as the 4th Generation iPod.

Apple was previously sued (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2005/06/20050602195408.shtml) by iPod owners due to battery failure and performance.

Filed from the same people who sued Starbucks for making their coffee...hot. :D

[Temujin]

I love Apple but I hope they lose. They need to learn how to make a solid product that DOESN'T SCRATCH. First rule of product making: Don't build it like butter.

That's the second rule :rolleyes:

[iEric]

I love Apple but I hope they lose. They need to learn how to make a solid product that DOESN'T SCRATCH.

Yea they should definately make it out of cement next time. What were they thinking - using plastic and metal..pshhhh. :p ;)

[iEdd]

This is just crap. If apple lose too much money here, well lets just say we'll all be using pirated x86 on crappy pcs.
My year and a bit old ipod 3G 20GB has 2 hairline scratches on the screen. I put it in a case (a slide in one that can scratch it :p). I can see apple's warranty in future will say that scratches are not covered at all (maybe in a big red sticker on the box :rolleyes: ), unless it started out that way.
Excuse me while I sue panasonic. (I put a baseball bat through my tv, I thought it was invincible. I will have nothing less!)

[crackrock]

My 3G is scratched to hell... but it still plays music!!!

[Mike Teezie]

Jesus, this is ridiculous.

I dropped my keys the other day. They fell onto the trunk/boot of my car, and scratched my beautiful black paint a little bit.

It's not really noticeable, but I'm suing somebody for it.

It times like these when I feel safe knowing I have the ultimate grasp of what's really important, like scratches on an mp3 player.

If I could make this bigger, I would: :rolleyes:

[fixyourthinking]

Could very well be an orchestrated behind-the-scenes move by Apple's competitors. Spread FUD.

ON the money - some had traced the IP of the initial thread starter in the Apple discusiion boards to be in the offices of Creative Technology.

[Sun Baked]

Maybe Apple will just be forced to make the section of cleaning LCD screens and iPods RED and include the common "Never use a paper towel to clean these plastic surfaces."

Of course including an anti-scratch coating on these plastic surface will probably also make them happy -- until that coating starts chipping off. :(

[~Shard~]

Exactly...Thank you Shard

No problem, it just makes sense, and is a good thing for everyone.

That being said, I do feel like some people are being a bit excessive when it comes to this whole matter. My iPod's screen is scratched and the side has a little nick in it, but guess what - it still plays music. That's its function, and it performs its function, so do I really care in the end? No. :cool:

[StarbucksSam]

Good. It's about time that Apple has to respond to issues with the shiny materials they make their products with looking a LOT less shiny about three hours after purchase. I've been waiting for this for YEARS.

Edit: I did not notice the part about taking percentages of the profits. That is obscene and there is no basis for it. However, I do think it's fair that Apple does something to compensate these users.

[EricNau]

I think Apple should pay them in Apple gift cards - just enough to get them a case.
Anybody hear about the "Gap" lawsuit? Apparently, some Gap workers sued the Gap for making the workers buy Gap clothes (because they wanted their workers to look good). So instead of the Gap giving them money they gave them gift-cards to the Gap! :rolleyes:

[WoofJoe]

My wife is hard on her iPods. She's on her 5th, a black Nano (she's gone through a 1G, 3G, 1G mini and 2G mini).

Her Nano is scratched (mostly from being loose in her purse when she's not using it) but it's far from unusable because of scratches. In fact, it's no worse off then either of her white iPods (the mini was tough).

I think one of the reasons her Nano has held up relatively well, despite the abuse, is because she never wipes it clean. Think about it, you'd never wipe your brand new car clean with a dry paper towel.

I've cleaned it though. First with a damp, windexed towel, then with scratch-removing car polish, and finally with spray-on car wax. Once clean, it looks pretty new.

My Nano is spotless. No, I don't have a case. I only use the lanyard headphones with it, which prevents the face of it from coming into contact with anything.

I'm surprised by all this scratch business, the likes of which I haven't seen since the 1G iPod. I'm wondering if a lot of people replaced their iPod mini with a Nano, unaware of the fragility (when it comes to scratches) of the white iPod.

Would I like the iPod to have a scratch-resitant surface? Yes! Am I going to sue Apple over it? No. Maybe next time I'll simply vote with my wallet.

[seriypshick]

Maybe apple should make the screens out of some strong type of glass.
I'm sure those won't "scratch".

[Jesus]

Jesus, this is ridiculous.

I dropped my keys the other day. They fell onto the trunk/boot of my car, and scratched my beautiful black paint a little bit.

It's not really noticeable, but I'm suing somebody for it.

It times like these when I feel safe knowing I have the ultimate grasp of what's really important, like scratches on an mp3 player.

If I could make this bigger, I would: :rolleyes:


I know, it is, these people are the lowest form of life.

[amberashby]

Give me a break. We need legal reform in this country in a bad way. This sort of thing ends up costing Apple in legal fees which ultimately ends up being paid by customers like ME!

[Creased_Nikes]

How many of you guys have Nano's?...Heres my story

I bought my 4G Nano the day they got to the Apple store. I loaded some songs and had a quick use. Then, with not one scratch on her I wrapped her in an eye-glasses cloth and put in safe storage until I could get my hands on a case. It came in the mail last week and got the case on fine. But trying to get the screen protector on right scratched the four corners of the screen...So the screen protector scratched the screen...

Heres to fours scratches on my Nano. :rolleyes:

[EricNau]

Give me a break. We need legal reform in this country in a bad way. This sort of thing ends up costing Apple in legal fees which ultimately ends up being paid by customers like ME!
Not to mention taxes!
Michael Newdow comes to mind trying to get rid of the Pledge of Allegiance. The supreme Court already sent him away, now he's at it again. He needs to be stopped, the pledge is not unconstitutional, period!
Ha ha - Now the secret service is investigating him because he was crossing out "In God we Trust" on money, on TV! Idiot, it's illegal to deface money! (especially on TV) :rolleyes:

[AP_piano295]

I know, it is, these people are the lowest form of life.

OMG they said something against apple they dont deserve to live in the scum on the botom of my shoes.

[javiercr]

I love Apple but I hope they lose. They need to learn how to make a solid product that DOESN'T SCRATCH. First rule of product making: Don't build it like butter.

exactly, and ALL ipods scratch too much, yes it is made of the same material as other iPods and that material scratches too much compared with any material used in mobile phones for example.

they have to make them pretty but they can't be made like butter

[joenathan]

You Yanks are bloody pathetic. Compensation culture is getting rife in Europe and it's because of your "make a dollar out of nothing" perogative. It makes me sick. You can't live for free - put something in to get something out.

Apple don't deserve being sued as much as OJ simpson didn't deserve to get off innocent.

[Xacttech]

Is anyone here against a screen that doesn't scratch? Is there anyone here that would prefer, not to have a case on their iPods?

this is a no brainer for me...

Why should you have to put a skin on your ipod? They're UGLY, and cover up a beautiful device!

What's the point of making a great looking product if you can't show it off?

I've had a 3G since it came out, and I've never bought a case for it, I just let it be, why? Cause I don't want to cover it up, and don't think I should have to. Does it have scratches, You bet! But I'd rather rock a scratched ipod then a skin (although I do keep it in the case that came with the ipod when it's stuffed in a bag etc. I think the "stock" case caused most of the scratches)

Anyway, my point is if this forces apple to make a housing that is more scratch resistent I'm all for it. They in my opinion have denied a serious issue since Generation 1.

[leftbanke7]

Not to mention taxes!
Michael Newdow comes to mind trying to get rid of the Pledge of Allegiance. The supreme Court already sent him away, now he's at it again. He needs to be stopped, the pledge is not unconstitutional, period!
Ha ha - Now the secret service is investigating him because he was crossing out "In God we Trust" on money, on TV! Idiot, it's illegal to deface money! (especially on TV) :rolleyes:

I beg to differ about the pledge not being unconstitutional but that is not the point of this thread.

As it was pointed out already, the key phrase in all of this is "portion of all nano sales". Take this phrase out and it sounds like a legit lawsuit. Add it in there and it looks like a colossal money grab.

[bousozoku]

You Yanks are bloody pathetic. Compensation culture is getting rife in Europe and it's because of your "make a dollar out of nothing" perogative. It makes me sick. You can't live for free - put something in to get something out.

Apple don't deserve being sued as much as OJ simpson didn't deserve to get off innocent.

Who are you calling you? :D

Relax a moment. We don't like the sleazebag lawyers who file these claims any more than you do. Most Americans don't agree with it. It's easy to generalise, especially when you haven't lived here but it's a minority of people going into these kinds of things and truly, the lawyers are the only people who really make good money.

[EricNau]

You Yanks are bloody pathetic. Compensation culture is getting rife in Europe and it's because of your "make a dollar out of nothing" perogative. It makes me sick. You can't live for free - put something in to get something out.

Apple don't deserve being sued as much as OJ simpson didn't deserve to get off innocent.
Like you analogy there.

[OS X Factor]

Are you serious? A bunch of people who are too cheap to buy cases for the nano, and most likely stuck the damn thing in their jeans pocket - are concerned that their iPod scratched?

Boo-freakin-hoo.

This is the biggest pile of legal bedwetting I've ever seen.

[AP_piano295]

Is anyone here against a screen that doesn't scratch? Is there anyone here that would prefer, not to have a case on their iPods?

this is a no brainer for me...

Why should you have to put a skin on your ipod? They're UGLY, and cover up a beautiful device!

What's the point of making a great looking product if you can't show it off?

I've had a 3G since it came out, and I've never bought a case for it, I just let it be, why? Cause I don't want to cover it up, and don't think I should have to. Does it have scratches, You bet! But I'd rather rock a scratched ipod then a skin (although I do keep it in the case that came with the ipod when it's stuffed in a bag etc. I think the "stock" case caused most of the scratches)

Anyway, my point is if this forces apple to make a housing that is more scratch resistent I'm all for it. They in my opinion have denied a serious issue since Generation 1.


Im up with that why buy this sweet looking toy if nobodys going to see anything except a crapy rubber case. Plus the cases are like four feet thick
:p

[fklehman]

Buy better paper towels. If anyone bothered to read a manual once in a while, they'd know to use a "soft, lint-free cloth" on just about everything (tv screens, cd's, dvd's, computer monitors, etc)

Quite true. You shouldn't use anything to clean you iPod's LCD that you woudn't use on your laptop's LCD. Both are equally sensitive. But then I'm sure most people understand that. I'm ot trying to start a fight, honestly, but I don't remember this issue seeming big enough at any point to warrant a class-action suit. I know some of the sites have reported sporadically on damaged nano LCDs, but the coverage has been sporadic, not constant. And if there was a widespread issue you can bet the rumor/mac sites would be harping on it. In fact, I seem to recall Apple taking the initiative and replacing a number of damaged screens that were part of a bad batch. Maybe someone can clear up this misunderstanding if I have the wrong impression, but this lawsuit seems overblown to me, given my current understanding of the situation.

[Jesus]

OMG they said something against apple they dont deserve to live in the scum on the botom of my shoes.


It's just that these people are intent on getting some free money. I mean, this is there argument; A polished plasric surface scratcges when I put in in my pocket with my keys and some change and it gets scratched, now give me some of your profit and give a new iPod nano to everyone in my family.

I know iPod scratch a bit to easily, but seriously, this is crazy.

Jesus

[nagromme]

My iPod was caseless in my pocket for a couple weeks before my PodSleevz arrived. A year later and it's still nearly scratchless. And made of the same material, according to Apple, as the nano.

I see three possibilities here:

1. Apple knowingly used a DIFFERENT material from past iPods, and then LIED and said it was the SAME. In which case, they should be sued (for a refund at least, and to punish the behavior). This strikes me as unlikely.

or

2. It IS the same material. Apple can EASILY prove that. End of case. Yes, plastic can scratch. Nice try. This means that some USERS are lying about how they treated their nanos. "I scratched it with a gentle touch of my clean finger, and now you can't even read the screen." There may be some of this at work.

or

3. Apple has been TOLD the material is the same, but the manufacturing contractor is doing the lying--or making a genuine mistake even THEY haven't caught yet--and is actually using a different material. Then Apple might be sued, but could in turn seek recompense from company that carried out the fraud or made the mistake. (Or, upon discovering this, the parties involved could make KNOWN what has been discovered, and make things right out of court.)

#3 is the option that doesn't involve anyone being dishonest, so I tend to hope for that.

In addition, if the material IS different, knowingly or not, then it might affect only SOME Nanos. A "bad batch." If that's the case, then I expect the issue to be discovered and a statement to be made by Apple.

[MikeH]

Christ, if the nano is that much of a piece of ****, return it and demand your money back. But this smacks of the "litigation nation" attitude - see a company doing well and sue it...

This isn't the man in the street getting justice, it's a bunch of ambulance chasers and gold diggers out for all thay can get. Screw 'em.

[phd]

I love Apple but I hope they lose. They need to learn how to make a solid product that DOESN'T SCRATCH. First rule of product making: Don't build it like butter.

Get a grip. Don't build it like butter?... put it in a case. ;)

Damn I just scuffed my new Nikes... has anybody else scuffed their nikes?

How about we make a class action suit against Nike :p

Sheesh people these days suck! ;)

[quigleybc]

This is ridiculous. I've had my nano for 3 weeks and it has been used every day and it is still flawless. It all comes down to taking care of your purchase. I wouldn't be surprised if this hysteria was started by Creative or other companies who make mp3 players. If you can't beat them, turn a small problem into an uproar.

Fishes,
narco.



I agree, I bought my nano (white) and then bought a case, of course the cases were not shipping when the nano came out, so I just carried it around in a sunglasses case..no biggie. i think if Steve wouldn't have shown that it is ok to put in the little pocket of your jeans, some of this could have been avoided...

So now I have it in the Speck iSkin, and it's great...no big deal,

[Lacero]

And yet, you guys scream "Buy a CASE, you frikkin' moron!" I mean.. come on.. its a PORTABLE music player, for crying out loud. It should be able to withstand normal usage without deterrierating.
Mymemory would say "how to turn nano into mini" (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=1790424#post1790424). :)

[AP_piano295]

It's just that these people are intent on getting some free money. I mean, this is there argument; A polished plasric surface scratcges when I put in in my pocket with my keys and some change and it gets scratched, now give me some of your profit and give a new iPod nano to everyone in my family.

I know iPod scratch a bit to easily, but seriously, this is crazy.

Jesus

The profit thing is 100% B... S... but a refund would not be crazy apple should make a product with some scratch resistance.

[Loke]

Im gonna do something quite bold, and NOT comment on the thread topic. HOWEVER: Are you guys, who claim people need to buy a case for their iPod to prevent the screen from scratching badly, for real?

I dont know what its like in America, but here in Norway customers have certain rights and privileges. And one of those rights, is that a device like a portable music player is expected to be carried around in jackets, jeans, purses etc. This is the normal usage! And since this is the normal and expected usage, the device must also be able to handle such conditions without being damaged.

Nowhere did Apple say: "If this device is to be carried around in your pocket, you MUST use a case in order to protect it from being scratced. Warranty void if caseless."

And yet, you guys scream "Buy a CASE, you frikkin' moron!" I mean.. come on.. its a PORTABLE music player, for crying out loud. It should be able to withstand normal and expected usage without deteriorating. It really is that simple.

If the iPod do or do not scratch - I dont know. But you guys who keep yelling "CASE!" needs to wake up and smell the coffee...

[plastique45]

Thats funny, my nano is fine. And what? They want a share of the profits? Hell i bet the RIAA is backing these suckers.

This won't go anywhere. Why can't people just go out and find a job and earn a living. These people should be shot for frivolous lawsuits (and no, not put in jail, that is a waste of money, they should just be shot).

Lawsuit is the US' national sport.

[AP_piano295]

My iPod was caseless in my pocket for a couple weeks before my PodSleevz arrived. A year later and it's still nearly scratchless. And made of the same material, according to Apple, as the nano.

I see three possibilities here:

1. Apple knowingly used a DIFFERENT material from past iPods, and then LIED and said it was the SAME. In which case, they should be sued (for a refund at least, and to punish the behavior). This strikes me as unlikely.

or

2. It IS the same material. Apple can EASILY prove that. End of case. Yes, plastic can scratch. Nice try. This means that some USERS are lying about how they treated their nanos. "I scratched it with a gentle touch of my clean finger, and now you can't even read the screen." There may be some of this at work.

or

3. Apple has been TOLD the material is the same, but the manufacturing contractor is doing the lying--or making a genuine mistake even THEY haven't caught yet--and is actually using a different material. Then Apple might be sued, but could in turn seek recompense from company that carried out the fraud or made the mistake. (Or, upon discovering this, the parties involved could make KNOWN what has been discovered, and make things right out of court.)

#3 is the option that doesn't involve anyone being dishonest, so I tend to hope for that.

In addition, if the material IS different, knowingly or not, then it might affect only SOME Nanos. A "bad batch." If that's the case, then I expect the issue to be discovered and a statement to be made by Apple.

That seems very unlikely to me I think its more likely that its the same material with a clear resin covering that shows scratches (and is scratched) more redily than the whatever substance lies inside. I do knot that the 5g ipods have a clear resin covering and as they seem to be very similar to the nano I would think it likely that Nanos also have this covering.

Lawsuit is the US' national sport.

that is very true but they do get things done

[Kernow]

I read somewhere here that the Nano and 5G use polycarbonate, which is the same material used for the 4G (and maybe 3G.) The previous ones used something else (maybe lucite?)

You could be right madmaxmedia, I've had my 2G for 3-4 years now and chucked it in pockets/bags with coins, keys etc and scratching on the surface is minimal. In fact, the rear metal plating is more scratched than the front.

I dropped my keys the other day. They fell onto the trunk/boot of my car, and scratched my beautiful black paint a little bit.
I reversed out of a parking space and hit a post - it scratched the front bumper. If we join up, I think we've got a dead cert class action here. A share of worldwide car sales would do me nicely.

[hvfsl]

Im gonna do something quite bold, and NOT comment on the thread topic. HOWEVER: Are you guys, who claim people need to buy a case for their iPod to prevent the screen from scratching badly, for real?

I dont know what its like in America, but here in Norway customers have certain rights and privileges. And one of those rights, is that a device like a portable music player is expected to be carried around in jackets, jeans, purses etc. This is the normal usage! And since this is the normal and expected usage, the device must also be able to handle such conditions without being damaged.

Nowhere did Apple say: "If this device is to be carried around in your pocket, you MUST use a case in order to protect it from being scratced. Warranty void if caseless."

And yet, you guys scream "Buy a CASE, you frikkin' moron!" I mean.. come on.. its a PORTABLE music player, for crying out loud. It should be able to withstand normal and expected usage without deteriorating. It really is that simple.

If the iPod do or do not scratch - I dont know. But you guys who keep yelling "CASE!" needs to wake up and smell the coffee...

Well I have had enough mobile phones that scratch easily to know I needed a case for the iPod. The iPods may scratch more easily than most devices or it might just be that the iPods look so good that no one can bare any scratches on them. But whatever the case, very few devices you can put if you pocket are scratch proof.

[AP_piano295]

Well I have had enough mobile phones that scratch easily to know I needed a case for the iPod. The iPods may scratch more easily than most devices or it might just be that the iPods look so good that no one can bare any scratches on them. But whatever the case, very few devices you can put if you pocket are scratch proof.

Im gonna go with they look good so people actually care when they start to look crappy cell phones meh no biggy.

[EricBrian]

and ... what kind of idiot doesn't protect a $200 - $500 investment?


I agree with you... the powerbook I bought back in April is still in its original box stored in a bank vault.

[Loke]

But whatever the case, very few devices you can put if you pocket are scratch proof.

Ive got a Siemens SX1 mobile phone. Its screen is not "sunken" (?) into the device, and does in fact cover over half of one side of the device. The screen "touches everything" if the phone is carried in a pocket. And yet, after 2 years it hardly has a scratch. And before you ask, I do not care for it particularly. I use it as a mobile phone is supposed to be used every day. Better yet, this isnt the only phone Ive had which displayed similar resistant screens.


The morale of the story: If Siemens can produce such screens, so can Apple.

I agree with you... the powerbook I bought back in April is still in its original box stored in a bank vault.
HEY! At least it doesnt get scratched! ;)

[EricNau]

My hypothesis...
Once people heard about the flaw in .10% of the screens they thought of it as a good time to get some quick cash.
I'm sorry if your iPod got scratched, but I also wouldn't be surprised if you took your keys to in in hopes that you could sue Apple.

[dfig]

Scratches, Smatches -- just wait until they are sued from customers put into the hospital by walking in front of a car while watching Desperate Housewives on their iPods!

Seriously! I wouldn't condone such a lawsuit, but I bet it will happen. I read two different iPod reviews, ars technica and David Pogue, and both reviewers had incidents of walking into things while engrossed in some video.

Maybe as long as the iPod isn't scratched in the accident, people will be willing to put up with a broken leg, and give Apple the benefit of the doubt!!

Cheers,
dfig

[giveup]

They didn't have to buy one. Apple didn't force it upon them.
U saying does really hurt me. God dam it. Something is not right. You are defending Apple.

[killr_b]

hey all intelligent mac users!

So, I never quite had the urge to post before, even durring the quad-core upgrade waiting.
But after viewing the articles and comments on this and other rumor/ news sites regarding the iPod nano "scratching problem" I just can't help it.

I see people saying that iPod nano's and 4g's are made of a different "more scratch resistant" plastic and I can't stop laughing my a** off.
I of course have an iPod, 3g- no reason for a new one yet, and I just spent 20 minutes rubbing three differnt brands of paper towels on the screen.
NOT ONE NEW SCRATCH HAS APPEARED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The only thing I have noticed is the chrome backings scratch easily. And when in the first ten minutes I scratched the crap out of it I said, with acceptence in my voice, "this is what happens. New things only 'look' new for about 10 min." ;)

I also had no complaint on battery life (depending on who you ask this can be confused with run-time, when it actually means NUMBER OF CYCLES- which lithium ion's only have about 250 of). ALL RECHARGABLE BATTERIES ARE SUBJECT TO CYCLE LIFE!

Any one who thinks iPods scratch easy or have "bad batteries" OBVIOUSLY can't afford the $300 to begin with.
But this isn't news. Most people are experts at avoiding reality! So it's no wonder they don't want to ACCEPT THE LIMITATIONS OF MANUFACTURING and love their beautiful, perfect, scratched iPod.

I love apple products and they respect us as customers. They're not out to screw people, it's just an occurance of REAL LIFE.

Cheers my brothers and sisters!
B

[maya]

I believe many of you are forgetting and masquerading the point in the lawsuit in regards to the screen and the iPod surface scratching easily. Apple "markets" the Nano to fit in your change pocket in your pants, if that is so then the Nano should withstand the day to day use of being put in and being pulled out several times a day without it actually scratching much.

Plus, it has a bright, hi-res colour screen, which is small. A few scratches on that and it renders the screen unreadable, which defeats the purpose of the Nano to begin with.

Don't get me wrong the Nano is great, however you are paying quite a bit for a music player and most of that is going towards its look and interface navigation, if you cannot navigate and keep this thing looking half decent then why even bother with the high price tag.

Does the Shuffle scratch this badly? :rolleyes:

Some of these claims are pure greed, which others are legitimate. This king of over exaggerating will always pollute legitimate claims. That is how class action lawsuits work unfortunately. :(

I have yet to understand why Apple cannot just have a diamond coat on it, instead of the user spending more on a 3rd party solution. This is a case of Apple being cheap and they deserve what comes with it. :p

[scratchy]

i'm very interested in the result of this process: if there is a law in the u.s. that makes you get paid for breaking things, i'll have to apply for a green card...

p.s. :my nick is a coincidence!

[maya]

U saying does really hurt me. God dam it. Something is not right. You are defending Apple.

Many people here not only like, however love Apple Computers. And treat it like one of the family.

People do not factor that Apple Computers is a company looking to make a profit. A simple case of being jaded. ;) :)

[rendezvouscp]

It seems like a lot of people are sick of nano users, but as a nano user I have to speak up.

I received my nano last Monday knowing that it could get really really scratched up. However, I decided that I would be careful with it but not worry too much—it's just a music player, after all, and I bought the nano to fit my lifestyle. Well, it's almost two weeks later, and yes, my nano has scratches that are very typical for iPods (I've owned one since the first generation). I'm not surprised, and there are a few scratches that, while don't inhibit my use, are disappointing. However, I don't think that the nano scratches any more than any other iPod that I've owned; it may be different for others.
-Chase

[dp351]

I'm sorry but this law suit is the biggest bunch of bull hocky I've ever heard of. The Nano does not scratch any more than any othe iPod. I can't imagine how one could scratch the surface to the point where it's not usable unless you used sand papaer.

I went to Best Buy tonight and while I was there I checked the screen of the display model, you know the one that every little kidthat sees it picks up and thrashes around. I even tried to scratch the screen with my thumbnail and it was fine.

These lawyers need to get a life and iPod users need to as well. Yes my iPod Mini has a scratched up screen, but that's because I've never bothered to buy anything to protect it. It still works perfectly and I can see the screen no problems.

[devilot]

I'm sorry but this law suit is the biggest bunch of bull hocky I've ever heard of. The Nano does not scratch any more than any othe iPod. I can't imagine how one could scratch the surface to the point where it's not usable unless you used sand papaer.Do you own one? I own a 3rd gen and a nano... I feel like the nano is more prone to scratching. I went to Best Buy tonight and while I was there I checked the screen of the display model, you know the one that every little kidthat sees it picks up and thrashes around. I even tried to scratch the screen with my thumbnail and it was fine.Have you ever worked sales retail? Others have already mentioned, but I'll echo them-- those display units are often 'defected out' meaning if they look beat up, if they don't function properly, a sales associate will have it signed off by a manager and a new one put out on display. If it was significantly scratched, that store could have easily put a 'fresh' one out on display-- it is not necessarily indicative.

[AP_piano295]

hey all intelligent mac users!

So, I never quite had the urge to post before, even durring the quad-core upgrade waiting.
But after viewing the articles and comments on this and other rumor/ news sites regarding the iPod nano "scratching problem" I just can't help it.

I see people saying that iPod nano's and 4g's are made of a different "more scratch resistant" plastic and I can't stop laughing my a** off.
I of course have an iPod, 3g- no reason for a new one yet, and I just spent 20 minutes rubbing three differnt brands of paper towels on the screen.
NOT ONE NEW SCRATCH HAS APPEARED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The only thing I have noticed is the chrome backings scratch easily. And when in the first ten minutes I scratched the crap out of it I said, with acceptence in my voice, "this is what happens. New things only 'look' new for about 10 min." ;)

I also had no complaint on battery life (depending on who you ask this can be confused with run-time, when it actually means NUMBER OF CYCLES- which lithium ion's only have about 250 of). ALL RECHARGABLE BATTERIES ARE SUBJECT TO CYCLE LIFE!

Any one who thinks iPods scratch easy or have "bad batteries" OBVIOUSLY can't afford the $300 to begin with.
But this isn't news. Most people are experts at avoiding reality! So it's no wonder they don't want to ACCEPT THE LIMITATIONS OF MANUFACTURING and love their beautiful, perfect, scratched iPod.

I love apple products and they respect us as customers. They're not out to screw people, it's just an occurance of REAL LIFE.

Cheers my brothers and sisters!
B

Like I said before the 3rd generations are far more scratch resistant then the Nano (and though I have no first hand expirience I belive the same thing is probably true for the 5g ipod) I think this is because of the CLEAR RESIN THAT THEY HAVE COATED THE NEWEST IPODS WITH. HAS NOBODY HERD OF THIS CLEAR COVERING YET THIS IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE 4G IPODS AND ALL OF THE REST.

[Have.a.nice.Day]

I own a white nano and now after 5 weeks is the back starting to get marked up. I have to say after about 2 hours my 4g and 3g were already scratched up so the nano took a lot longer to show wear and tear.

As for the screen. Ever since my 3g had a scratch on its screen on the 3rd day I had it I've covered all ipods with a PDA micro thin sheet. You can buy a 10 pack for like $5-10 and so longas you put it on right away screen scratches should never be a concern.

As for the rest of the nano front,yeah,holding it in the light I see all kinds of scratches and on the black it would suck as you' see every one of them. But,it's an mp3 player. It's in your hands,on table tops and in pockets all the time...it's part of the deal. They aren't gonna look pretty forever. It isn't like a VCR that sits in a cabinet. If the scratches really ruin the experience for you....don't buy a new ipod til AFTER the case you want is released.

I will say though that,given that Apple knows it takes companies 4-6 weeks to get new cases on the market Apple should have included a clear ' nano-tube' with every nano as a stop gap case. Sure,I can order a Lajo skin today but at this point who cares? After 5 weeks uncovered,,,why bother?

Also,agaisnt Apple. How come cell phones can be made scratch resistent but ipods an't be? My Samsung cell went SIXTEEN months w/o one LCD scratch.

I've had irivers and Creatives that didn't need to be covered either. It was a joy using a Zen micro and being able to enjoy it's looks w/o worrying about scratches. Too bad the software sucked so bad I had to return it.

So,Apple has two choices. Find out how the cell companies make thier phones so durable or include a decent case (and not that slip one that come with 5G's.I mean a skin or a real case).

Heck,walmart is now selling basic skins for $1. They have shuffle,4g's and mini skins all over the electronics department. Why couldn't Apple toss in a cheapo skin just to give us a break til real cases are released? It would add a dollar or 2 max to the ipods cost (on Apples end,not ours).

There is no reason why Apple could not do this.

[Bozola]

I went to the apple store yesterday, prior to the suit and was surprised to see how scratched up ALL of their nano's were. It was really noticeable and worse than ANY ipod on display (even the old 4G). One nano screen was completely unreadable.

I thought to myself... maybe there is SOME truth to the durability of the screen.... :confused: :confused:

[trailblazer]

I don't take my BMW back to the dealer when a scratch appears on my car. Or a paint chip for that matter.

[AP_piano295]

I went to the apple store yesterday, prior to the suit and was surprised to see how scratched up ALL of their nano's were. It was really noticeable and worse than ANY ipod on display (even the old 4G). One nano screen was completely unreadable.

I thought to myself... maybe there is SOME truth to the durability of the screen.... :confused: :confused:

WOW you actually went and looked at some nanos that had been used. That makes you different from 95% of the angry posters who are just happy to say apple makes it that means its an excellent product that is tougher than nails. Show of hands how many of you have actually seen a nano?

[~Shard~]

I don't take my BMW back to the dealer when a scratch appears on my car. Or a paint chip for that matter.

Exactly - it's all part of the fun of using and enjoying your purchase. If you really want to protect your nano, get a case - if you really want to protect your car, don't drive it. ;) Seriously though, if there are significant defects, of course Apple should be held accountable, but I think there are definitely some individuals out there who have unrealistic expectations or are too picky. I don't really think one side is right or wrong in this situation...

[~Shard~]

Show of hands how many of you have actually seen a nano?

I've seen a nano. Although they're so small you have to get up real close to get a good look. :p ;)

[NVRsayNVR]

Here's my 2 cents about the matter...

I have a black nano and by just touching the front of the thing with my finger left hair scratches. These can be buffed out. No problem. Now, if you are NOT going to use a protective case and a paper towell to wipe your little precious gem clean, you deserve scratches!

C'mon people...Use your head!!! Common Sense is FREE!!

Why litigate? Oh....And please don't put ANY iPods in your pocket with other items that might harm it's lustrious finish. Treat it rather like contacts and put them in protective cases! DUH!

[EricNau]

I believe many of you are forgetting and masquerading the point in the lawsuit in regards to the screen and the iPod surface scratching easily. Apple "markets" the Nano to fit in your change pocket in your pants, if that is so then the Nano should withstand the day to day use of being put in and being pulled out several times a day without it actually scratching much.

Plus, it has a bright, hi-res colour screen, which is small. A few scratches on that and it renders the screen unreadable, which defeats the purpose of the Nano to begin with.

Don't get me wrong the Nano is great, however you are paying quite a bit for a music player and most of that is going towards its look and interface navigation, if you cannot navigate and keep this thing looking half decent then why even bother with the high price tag.

Does the Shuffle scratch this badly? :rolleyes:

Some of these claims are pure greed, which others are legitimate. This king of over exaggerating will always pollute legitimate claims. That is how class action lawsuits work unfortunately. :(

I have yet to understand why Apple cannot just have a diamond coat on it, instead of the user spending more on a 3rd party solution. This is a case of Apple being cheap and they deserve what comes with it. :p
If "a few" scratches make the Nano's screen unreadable for you, My Unc is an optometrist, and he can fix that for you ;)

The Shuffle's don't have screens, and if I understand correctly, most people are complaining about the screens (as you discussed in red), so it is hard to make a comparison there.

I would like to point out that, Apple is providing cases with the video iPods now for a reason. I'm not saying that I agree with people suing apple over some scratched iPods (or even complaining about it). But Apple knew they had to protect themselves with this new one.

[Cinch]

Charges has been file in a class action law suit, accusing Apple Computer of creating a defective product. Plaintiffd charge that the color screen of the new iPod Nano scratches repeatly. Longer use will render the device useless, well before its "intented" lifespan. The merit of the class action suit is strong, because the number of people who have joined is growing by the day. However, the greatest strength that this suit has is its lack of large compensation demanded by plaintiffs. Most plaintiffs simple want this problem resolve to a point where they feel that they got their money's worth.

Apple responds to this class action suit has been calculated. They are taking full advantageous of all the legal trick that is available to them. I believe, that they have a two plan strategy: 1) tackling the suit with all the legal road block that they can harness in the hope for a small settlement and 2) the accounting department is assessing options e.g. the cost of a total recall or the cost of settling the law suit with each individual. My feeling is that they will produce a plan where they will recall the iPod Nano but with one big caveat i.e. they will leave it to the customer to initiate this process. This plan had worked in the past e.g. the power pack of the Titanium Powerbook was done this way, and the results is perhaps the least expensive option that Apple could have chosen.

Many of the people involve in the suit undoubtably have unreasonable positive scenarios opf the final outcome. In all likelihood they will have their demand meet. It it certainly cheaper to pay for repairs than it is to finance a school of lawyers. The really interesting question on everyone's mind is, will Apple go out of their way to service their customers. I think they will do what I stated above, and perhaps a little bit more. They will most likely design a fix for this problem and quickly roll out a new version. All is will have benn forgotten when newer bling floats in front of our eyes.

Like many product litigation cases, those few who voices their compaint will get serve. Although, most of them will feel disappoint in their reward in light of their hard effort. Apple is a large company with a 50billion market cap., and like most large company, it will deploy the best legal fight and create the best possible outcome for itself.

[ericschmerick]

So, I've never been involved in a lawsuit in my life, and I'm not involved in this one, but I wouldn't mind a free replacement nano. My is scratched to hell from "normal use".

I own an ipod mini that's maybe 2 years old (? I dunno - I bought it when they came out), and it has essentially zero scratches. I bought the nano a few weeks ago, and it got its first scratch about 90 seconds after I owned it.

I thought I saw a small smudge or tiny fleck of somehting on the screen, so I used a soft cotton cloth to wipe it, and there was a single small but noticable scratch as soon as I did. I thought "damn, brand new and I'm such an idiot - there must have been some hard little piece of dirt on there."

About 6 hours later, I put the nano in the cloth (I think soft) pocket of my shorts, all by itself, while I worked out. 20 min on the stairmaster, 20 minute of simple stuff like situps. At the end of that, when I pulled my nano out of my pocket - to my horror - there were about 100 microscratches on the screen.

Since then it's pretty much leveled off.

Now, I really don't care that much. The screen is usuable - but it's not that great any more. But I really do think the fragility of the screen is ridiculous. I wasn't expecting something I could throw around and scratch with a paper towel, but gee I also wan't expecting something so fragile that I HAD to buy a protective case. I want to use JUST THE DEVICE - I like the size and look of the nano just as it is. If the device can't stand alone without being damaged, then there is something wrong.

Those on this board who are having the "gee, you shouldn't beat up your nano then" reaction either don't own one, or are anal retentive enough to avoid scratching this very fragile device.

I have utterly no knowledge about whether the nano scratches more or less than the other similarly constructed ipods, I just know this is ridiculous.

[EricNau]

Charges has been file in a class action law suit, accusing Apple Computer of creating a defective product. Plaintiffd charge that the color screen of the new iPod Nano scratches repeatly. Longer use will render the device useless, well before its "intented" lifespan. The merit of the class action suit is strong, because the number of people who have joined is growing by the day. However, the greatest strength that this suit has is its lack of large compensation demanded by plaintiffs. Most plaintiffs simple want this problem resolve to a point where they feel that they got their money's worth.

Apple responds to this class action suit has been calculated. They are taking full advantageous of all the legal trick that is available to them. I believe, that they have a two plan strategy: 1) tackling the suit with all the legal road block that they can harness in the hope for a small settlement and 2) the accounting department is assessing options e.g. the cost of a total recall or the cost of settling the law suit with each individual. My feeling is that they will produce a plan where they will recall the iPod Nano but with one big caveat i.e. they will leave it to the customer to initiate this process. This plan had worked in the past e.g. the power pack of the Titanium Powerbook was done this way, and the results is perhaps the least expensive option that Apple could have chosen.

Many of the people involve in the suit undoubtably have unreasonable positive scenarios opf the final outcome. In all likelihood they will have their demand meet. It it certainly cheaper to pay for repairs than it is to finance a school of lawyers. The really interesting question on everyone's mind is, will Apple go out of their way to service their customers. I think they will do what I stated above, and perhaps a little bit more. They will most likely design a fix for this problem and quickly roll out a new version. All is will have benn forgotten when newer bling floats in front of our eyes.

Like many product litigation cases, those few who voices their compaint will get serve. Although, most of them will feel disappoint in their reward in light of their hard effort. Apple is a large company with a 50billion market cap., and like most large company, it will deploy the best legal fight and create the best possible outcome for itself.
But look at the numbers they've sold. That would take a lot of money. Well, at this point either way they are going to be bad one someone's list. If Apple recalls all of the Nanos, there will be some who say "Ha! Apple admitted they made a faulty product." On the other hand, if Apple doesn't recall them all the other people will say "look at the faulty product apple has made."

[swingerofbirch]

Right before Apple announced the extended logic board repair program for the iBook, I spoke to someone very high up at Apple, I can't remember her name but she was the rudest person I've ever spoken to, she said she worked directly for Steve Jobs. Anyhow she told me that they would not fix my iBook that had a fourth broken logic board. So anyhow, I said well there's a pending class action law suit, it looks like a lot of people have this problem. "Lies. All lies," she said. She said something to the effect that she was sick of people like me and the others filing frivolous lawsuits. She said Apple had no knowledge of systematic iBook failures, three days later, they apparently did.

Ironically, Apple has filed a fair share of its own lawsuits, just Google: "Apple files lawsuit"

Apple makes great products in general, support is good in general, but every once in a while the ego of the company and Jobs runs up against reality, which is good for both Apple and consumers.

[EricNau]

Apple makes great products in general, support is good in general, but every once in a while the ego of the company and Jobs runs up against reality, which is good for both Apple and consumers.
I think maybe people expect more from Apple? Lets face it, if one of the many other mp3 players out there got scratched, we probably wouldn't care (infact it might make them look better :p ). But really, Apple makes such beautiful products that people like to keep them that way.
I really am debating with myself if I agree with the lawsuit or not. Part of me says "get a case and leave Apple alone," but the other half of me says "if I had a Nano, and it got scratched, I would probably be upset also."

[knapkin]

I have a feeling that there is a bad batch of clear resin on some of the nano's.

Before I bought mine, I went to an apple store and took my fingernails to one of the black nano's there. I was unable to create a scratch. So I bought one and have been keeping it unprotected in my jeans pocket for a couple of weeks now... Not one scratch. This leads me to believe one of the two following reasons for all of the complaints:

1) There was a bad batch of plastic used on some of the nano's that is softer than it should be.

2) People who say it was scratched with a soft cloth cleaned it after taking it out of their pocket with keys, loose change, and other hard metal objects.

I for one believe 1).

[bellis1]

I've beat the crap out of a 17" G4 powerbook, whoever said anodized aluminum doesn't dent. I have a scratched up g4 ibook missing every rubber foot, including the 2 screen ones. And now I have an ipod nano that matches the other two. Unlike the powerbook and ibook I really do have to take special care with the nano and cannot put it in a pocket with keys, change, mobile phone, etc. or it will become unreadable within another month. You know what I have that is isn't scratched though? A bright and shiny iMac G5 which sits proudly on my desk. Now if I could only get that thing in my pocket I'm sure I could give it a few scars to brag about.

-almost forgot that my shuffle broke. The stupid slider on the back no longer functions.

[avus]

Right before Apple announced the extended logic board repair program for the iBook, I spoke to someone very high up at Apple, I can't remember her name but she was the rudest person I've ever spoken to, she said she worked directly for Steve Jobs.

I don't know what your motive is for posting this other than an attempt to damage Apple's public image, but you don't remember her name? I think your credibility is zero.

[EricNau]

I have a feeling that there is a bad batch of clear resin on some of the nano's.

Before I bought mine, I went to an apple store and took my fingernails to one of the black nano's there. I was unable to create a scratch. So I bought one and have been keeping it unprotected in my jeans pocket for a couple of weeks now... Not one scratch. This leads me to believe one of the two following reasons for all of the complaints:

1) There was a bad batch of plastic used on some of the nano's that is softer than it should be.

2) People who say it was scratched with a soft cloth cleaned it after taking it out of their pocket with keys, loose change, and other hard metal objects.

I for one believe 1).
Apple already admitted that .10% of the nanos had a problem (peoples screens were cracking). I am guessing that batch is larger than expected, and the people complaining about scratches just haven't been rough enough to crack the screen...yet.

[MacWhispers]

1. The nano is made of the same polycarbonate, with the same hardening coating as the prior two generations of full-size iPod, and the current video-enabled iPod. Therefore, any materials characteristic is precisely the same as these other product variants.

2. All iPod models since the beginning of the product have been a bit susceptible to light cosmetic damage from abrasion. This can be noted by scnning messagboards, including Apple's own, back 4-years. 'Scratched iPod' is not a new topic.

3. The sales pace of the iPod line has been accelerating. Thus, the newest models get into many more owners' hands much more quickly than earlier times. So, the initial raw number of new owners for any new iPod is relatively huge.

4. A large percentage of the new owners have never owned an iPod, this being their first experience.

5. iPod owners, as a group, are hugely more web-centric in their lifestyle than the general public. If something gets posted to the web, iPod owners, en masse, quickly know about it.

6. Freak-boy, with the smashed nano screen put up his gory pictures and whiny complaint about "bad screens."

7. A wave of iPod owners (expecially newer nano owners) suddenly stopped, walked to the nearest lamp or sunny place, and started micro-examining their iPod at close range in careful lighting... squinting... browsw furrowed... searching out the nasty 'scratches.'

8. Pow. Mass hysteria. Suddenly wave after wave of folks began squinting at their iPods, suddenyl discovering newly seen scratches, and postign their observations to the web. ... which, of course, caught the attention of even more folks... who then began squinting at their own iPod, finding 'scratches,' and then posting even more tales of woe to the web.

9. All iPod models, from Day One, have been prone to surface abrasion damage, as it's the nature of clear-coated polycarbonate. There is no such thing as a 'scratch proof' polycarbonate surface coating... well, there is, it's just not clear. As the coating compounds get harder (something around a Rockwell Scale hardness in the high-30's), the coating becomes noticeably less transparent. Polymer chemists are burning brain cells the world over trying to increase the transparency of harder coatings. As it happens, Apple (and everyone else) adopts the slightly harder coating. So, while Apple is saying 'the same coating' regarding the nano and prior models, it's more likely the nano coating is very slightly harder than the one used, say, two-years ago.

In other words, this is a perfect example of web-inspired hysteria... nothing more. Period.

[EricNau]

Right before Apple announced the extended logic board repair program for the iBook, I spoke to someone very high up at Apple, I can't remember her name but she was the rudest person I've ever spoken to, she said she worked directly for Steve Jobs. Anyhow she told me that they would not fix my iBook that had a fourth broken logic board. So anyhow, I said well there's a pending class action law suit, it looks like a lot of people have this problem. "Lies. All lies," she said. She said something to the effect that she was sick of people like me and the others filing frivolous lawsuits. She said Apple had no knowledge of systematic iBook failures, three days later, they apparently did.
I don't know what your motive is for posting this other than an attempt to damage Apple's public image, but you don't remember her name? I think your credibility is zero.
Every time you call up someone do you remember their name - I don't. And for the record - I'm sure there are a lot of people that work "directly for Steve Jobs."
I once talked to someone from AOL who said he worked directly for the President of AOL (I know not the same as CEO, but...). He was very unhelpful. I wanted to know why they offered free AIM accounts offering 2GB or e-mail storage, while paying AOL customers only got 100MB. He just said he AOL offered 2GB, I double checked, to this day it is still 100MB :eek:

[knapkin]

Apple already admitted that .10% of the nanos had a problem (peoples screens were cracking). I am guessing that batch is larger than expected, and the people complaining about scratches just haven't been rough enough to crack the screen...yet.

This could be. I don't remember if it was the lcd that was cracking or the plastic cover. If it was the plastic cover, I agree that these may be symptoms of the same underlying cause. Then the solution is easy. If you have a scratched nano, stress it until the screen cracks. Anybody willing to test this theory? ;).

[EricNau]

This could be. I don't remember if it was the lcd that was cracking or the plastic cover. If it was the plastic cover, I agree that these may be symptoms of the same underlying cause. Then the solution is easy. If you have a scratched nano, stress it until the screen cracks. Anybody willing to test this theory? ;).
Not I!
Well...I don't even have a Nano - Anyone want to give me one? ;)

[avus]

Every time you call up someone do you remember their name - I don't. And for the record - I'm sure there are a lot of people that work "directly for Steve Jobs."

The poster didn't just "call up" someone. It was specifically mentioned as "someone very high up at Apple" so that she should have identified herself and the position at Apple. Read a post more carefully next time.

[Staffroomer]

I'm going to sue Apple too! Because they keep making cool stuff I can't afford!!! :mad:

[iZoom P5]

Well after reading everything, a few thoughts come to mind:

- Are most of the complaints coming from white or black nanos? From what I've seen in person, black seems to show more because well its black. A white scratch on a black iPod is going to be severly more noticeable than a white scratch on a white iPod unless you scratch a white iPod it shows up black (I wouldn't know I've only had a 2G blue mini, which never got complaints from me about scratching)

- As long as it doesn't impact the FUNCTION of the product, cosmetic damage doesn't phase me that much. My car has thin paint which is easily susceptible to scratches, but it still drives great and I don't notice the scratches while driving much like I don't notice what the iPod looks like at all while playing music (this may change because of watching video, but only time will tell).

- None of the above would matter regardless, because if Apple were forced to share Nano profits, they would get their money right back by releasing the $25,000 6G iPod that encased in pure diamond!! Guaranteed never to scratch!! Hey it sucks they covered all the I/O ports but at least its scratch-free. The ultimate non-functional, product gawking experience in a way only Apple could deliver. Now available in 1 and 2 GBs :rolleyes:

[ericschmerick]

Dude, have you ever seen an ipod nano that's been in someone's soft cotton pocket for more than 10 minutes? It's hilarious how many people on this forum seem to be speaking authoritatively about this issue who clearly have never seen a nano in the wild.

I'm routinely accused of having the lowest level of attention to detail among my circle of friends. I don't know if I've ever squited at anything in my life - I'm too lazy. But believe me, I have to tilt my nano to the peoper angle in the sun to see THROUGH the thicket of scratches and read the screen. The source of the scratching is none other than a couple of hours in my soft, clean, otherwise empty cotton pant pocket.

It's good to know folks like you, who personally witnessed the apple resin being manufactured, are here to calm the mass histeria though. I feel better already.



7. A wave of iPod owners (expecially newer nano owners) suddenly stopped, walked to the nearest lamp or sunny place, and started micro-examining their iPod at close range in careful lighting... squinting... browsw furrowed... searching out the nasty 'scratches.'

8. Pow. Mass hysteria. Suddenly wave after wave of folks began squinting at their iPods, suddenyl discovering newly seen scratches, and postign their observations to the web. ... which, of course, caught the attention of even more folks... who then began squinting at their own iPod, finding 'scratches,' and then posting even more tales of woe to the web.

[age234]

Get rid of class-action lawsuits altogether, that's my opinion, at least against companies over product functionality issues. If you don't like your Nano scratching, then don't buy one. Let the market decide how scratch-resistant the coating should be. Stop the interference by the bumbling judges. If it's too easily scratched for the money, then people won't buy them, and Apple will get a clue. The courts should have no say in this in my opinon.

What they should do is put in the end-user agreement something about scratches, and by turning on the iPod for the first time, they are bound by the agreement. Heck, put in there that by turning the iPod on, they agree not to participate in a class-action lawsuit against Apple. A company can put anything they want in the end-user agreement. And if the user turns the thing on, they're bound by it. Lovely things, contracts.

[bousozoku]

...
Show of hands how many of you have actually seen a nano?

I've played with a couple of them. They didn't seem terribly good or bad but it was probably too early to tell. I don't have incredibly faith in Apple's ability to protect beyond reason but at least, they're dealing with the situation.

[ozlow]

I spent 8 dollars for 1 touch scratch remover on Ebay. It's by Novus. It rules. It's made for car plastic, but rocks on my iPod screen. Plus, you can get a huge bottle! Go stratch crazy! rub it out.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NOVUS-Plastic-Scratch-Remover-Polish-Cleaner-2oz-New_W0QQitemZ4413131989QQcategoryZ20606QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[EricNau]

The poster didn't just "call up" someone. It was specifically mentioned as "someone very high up at Apple" so that she should have identified herself and the position at Apple. Read a post more carefully next time.
Everyone always identifies themselves when working for a company - if they don't you should check the number you dialed. This is nothing new. Just because they tell you their name doesn't mean you should write it on a Post-it, stick it to your forehead, and keep it for the rest of your life.
I read the post and understand it completely. My point was just because someone may have forgotten the name of whom they were speaking to, doesn't mean they are making it up. I've talked to people before working at High positions (as noted above with AOL), and I couldn't remember their name if you pointed a gun to my head.
BTW - I didn't "just call up" the worker for AOL - he called me.

[generik]

Quite true. You shouldn't use anything to clean you iPod's LCD that you woudn't use on your laptop's LCD. Both are equally sensitive. But then I'm sure most people understand that. I'm ot trying to start a fight, honestly, but I don't remember this issue seeming big enough at any point to warrant a class-action suit. I know some of the sites have reported sporadically on damaged nano LCDs, but the coverage has been sporadic, not constant. And if there was a widespread issue you can bet the rumor/mac sites would be harping on it. In fact, I seem to recall Apple taking the initiative and replacing a number of damaged screens that were part of a bad batch. Maybe someone can clear up this misunderstanding if I have the wrong impression, but this lawsuit seems overblown to me, given my current understanding of the situation.

Strawman argument...

Realise this.. your laptop's LCD is not the outer part of the laptop that is constantly exposed. For the iPod however.. it is.

[ericschmerick]

So, you don't believe in class-action lawsuits, but you believe contracts are a "lovely thing"? Judges are bumbling, and the courts should have "no say" in these kinds of matters? Fascinating. Logic too deep for me I'm afraid.

But I can't resist. When two parties to one of your "lovely" contracts disagree, how shall the disagreement get resolved? By bumbling judges I presume.

For a moment I thought you were simply making an argument against "class action" lawsuits, but it's clear from your further comments that you have contempt for the whole of the legal system, save for the lovely contracts themsevles.

Get rid of class-action lawsuits altogether, that's my opinion, at least against companies over product functionality issues. If you don't like your Nano scratching, then don't buy one. Let the market decide how scratch-resistant the coating should be. Stop the interference by the bumbling judges. If it's too easily scratched for the money, then people won't buy them, and Apple will get a clue. The courts should have no say in this in my opinon.

What they should do is put in the end-user agreement something about scratches, and by turning on the iPod for the first time, they are bound by the agreement. Heck, put in there that by turning the iPod on, they agree not to participate in a class-action lawsuit against Apple. A company can put anything they want in the end-user agreement. And if the user turns the thing on, they're bound by it. Lovely things, contracts.

[trailblazer]

I don't take my BMW back to the dealer when a scratch appears on my car. Or a paint chip for that matter.

simple as that people. it's going to get scratches...live with it.
dont expect beautiful visibility in the sun... no LCD is like that...

[knapkin]

simple as that people. it's going to get scratches...live with it.
dont expect beautiful visibility in the sun... no LCD is like that...

To continue the analogy...

I think people are upset because their BMW's are getting scratched after they take the time to hand wash them with a nice soft cloth (if the complaints are true).

[trailblazer]

(wasn't just saying BMW's, but any car.)
if you expose a car to the elements, it gets dirty in the first place. theres no way around not getting scratches, nicks, things like that in your car.
Same goes for a nano. It's just wear and tear, live with it..
I own both a BMW and a Nano.

[knapkin]

I completely agree about the wear and tear aspect of it. However the complaints that worry me concern scratching when wiped with a lint free cloth and the sort.

However, I would also argue that if driving through the rain scratches your car and/or windshield you should definitely take it back to the dealer. I find this use comparable to putting your nano in a clean cotton pocket.

[oskar]

But we know it isn't like that. I would really like to see this get somewhere and see how these people prove that the iPod nano becomes unusable with scratches. Let them ridiculize themselves complaining about a tiny unusable mp3 player. To me it just seems that these people are looking for a way to screw Apple. If Apple already admitted they had problems with a percentage of nanos and were going to resolve the problem, I don't think they wouldn't want to just refund or give these people a new iPod.
The bad thing is that we rarely find out who these people are and see what their claims were actually based on, and or if they were right or not.

[TheMonarch]

Lawsuits like this make me think Adam Corolla's idea of one lawsuit per decade is a good idea... "Oh, you wanna sue the Doc. cuz he left scissors in your insides and you've now got a massive infection in you? Well sorry, you used up your lawsuit suing Apple for a scratched iPod." :rolleyes:

[googolplex]

Can we see some pictures of these Nanos which were rendered "unusable" by this?

[MacWhispers]

Dude, have you ever seen an ipod nano that's been in someone's soft cotton pocket for more than 10 minutes? It's hilarious how many people on this forum seem to be speaking authoritatively about this issue who clearly have never seen a nano in the wild.

I own a black 2GB and a white 4GB, and carry one or the other virtually everywhere I go... in my jeans watch pocket.

When viewed with the same sort of casual attention everybody normally gave to their normal iPods, prior to the hysteria that started everybody to squint and stare-really-hard, they're both similarly scratched to any of the other 20 or so iPods I've used through the years.

Oh, and I make my living working every day with China manufacturers on these exact issues... including spec'ing and evaluating polycarbonates and coatings.

There may have been a batch of badly coated outer nano shells slip out, repsonsible for the handful of worst, most-obvious 'scratch' issues... I have no clue. But, the bulk of photos I've seen posted by scratch whiners are of the scale I have seen since the first iPod on my own iPods.... and are perfectly within the bounds of reasonable expectation given any reality-based understanding of the materials involved.

[erikw]

Having purchased 2 nanos at the same time, same store, same shipment, I've have noticed differences in how the surface of each nano has fared. Both nanos have had lives inside Apple iPod Socks. One of the two did well with the sock, only showing minor swirls on the surface from occasional fingerprint removal. The other has vertical lines etched into the face from the ribs of the iPod Socks. iPod Socks are suggested by Apple as a solution for protecting the nano, yet in this case, one of two seemingly identical nanos was scratched by that product.

Is the nano unusable? Not so far. But it has taken a tremendous amount to care and delicate handling to keep the scratching to a minimum. The image is somewhat obscured, especially when viewing photos. (Since the nano doesn't connect to a TV for photo viewing, the screen is the primary viewer.) Over a short time, I expect one of the two nanos will become scratched to the point that the photo viewing will not be a viable option. It may not be the primary use for most people, but I actually do carry a lot of photos.

I guess my point is that the argument about whether or not a nano scratches beyond use is somewhat subjective. And it appears to me that not all nanos are necessarily created equal. Is it worth a lawsuit? In my small sample, 50% of nanos purchased seem to be prone to the issue hand. I'll need to wait and see what percentage a larger sample yields. ;)

These are iPods number 5 and 6 in our household, and I will say the previous 4 have been more durable and resistant. And yes, we now have cases for the nanos, as we have for 3 of the 4 siblings.

[PCMacUser]

I have a Genration 2 iPod, and to this day, it doesn't have a single scratch on the screen. Why? Because I have a cheap little case that has prevented it for the past 3 years! My wife made herself one for her ipod out of some cheap, albeit nice-looking, fabric. Are people really not this self-sufficient that they have to blame everyone else for their lack of vision?
My 60gb photo's screen is pretty scratched up... why? Because I use the Apple-supplied slip case for it. It's so snug that any foreign objects that get inside of it (ie, tiny bits of dust, etc) cause scratching. Meh. Would I sue em for it? Nah, I'm not American :-P

[applesticker]

yes the ipod is beautiful but as a product designer one should know that putting polished polycarbonate on the front and a chrome effect back to the product is a receipe for disaster for portable electronics. These finishes are highly unsuitable for everyday life, that is why a lot of electronic's manufacturers give their surfaces a slight egg shell or matt finish as it hides the scratches but it does reduce the shininess of the product :P. I love my iPod and i have have had two (a first gen and a 4th gen) but Apple needs to toughen up the product.

How about brushed metal or bead blasted airgrade aluminium the material used in the powerbooks for the back. But how about apple just including an ipod sock with each iPod for protection, it wouldn't cost the earth and would be fun, especially if people could choose the colour at the counter or just got the silver one in the box. Apple should really be taking steps to ensure that this didn't happen, if those of you remember the better imac, the g4 one with the rather unique arm, it had a matt finish on the base which was good and didn't show scratches.

[rdowns]

Here's my 2 cents about the matter...

I have a black nano and by just touching the front of the thing with my finger left hair scratches. These can be buffed out. No problem. Now, if you are NOT going to use a protective case and a paper towell to wipe your little precious gem clean, you deserve scratches!

C'mon people...Use your head!!! Common Sense is FREE!!

Why litigate? Oh....And please don't put ANY iPods in your pocket with other items that might harm it's lustrious finish. Treat it rather like contacts and put them in protective cases! DUH!

Common sense is not common practice.

[matticus008]

You know that saying, "a watched pot never boils?" Well, to paraphrase, "an examined iPod is always scratched."

News flash: The fine "scratch" pattern you see in direct sunlight isn't an indication of a defect. It *comes* that way. Cars have it, plexiglass window dividers have it, as do iPods, glossy cell phones, iBooks, bottles of shampoo, CD cases, hardcover books, Nalgene bottles, metal dinnerware, dinner plates, and basically anything shiny. As the polish wears off, the factory buffing starts to show through.

Everything MacWhispers has said about the materials has been pretty much right on the money. I've never seen an iPod that didn't have a fine layer of scratches on it. It's much harder to detect on the 4G, where the polycarbonate was tinted white as opposed to the nano and 5G which have a transparent layer on top of a colored backing. This transparent layer makes the iPod surface a mirror, but shows scratches more easily. But those scratches aren't any worse than any other iPod...they just appear more distinct because of the reflective properties.

Exposure to natural elements and hazardous environments (clean pants pockets included) causes fine scratches. Microfiber cloths actually become one of the most hazardous things for glossy surfaces because they trap dust and debris and turn into an abrasive material if not properly cleaned and stored after each and every use.

[Hattig]

I think that Apple should just sell 'iPod Polishers' on their website and make more money from the issue.

Fact is, anything plastic will scratch easily if it is in contact with abrasive or pointy metal things.

I have a nano. It is scratched, after 6 weeks, to the point where the screen is starting to appear a little smudgey. I haven't taken any particular care with it, but I haven't put it into a pocket with my keys, which would certainly gouge it to bits.

Fact is - black shows scratches more, higher resolution screen will get affected by scratches more. Core functionality - that of selecting and playing music, is not affected unless you can't read slightly distorted text, and that issue is more with the user than the player.

Many of these people are saying that it happened really quickly. In that case, return the player within the period of time you have to return it. Oh, but they'd lose a little money on the deal due to 'restocking fees' (yeah, like Apple could restock a scratched iPod nano).

I think this is a lawyer trying to jump on the lucrative class-action lawsuit train.

However I think the nano should have come with a small protective case with a hole in the bottom for the earphone cable. It would have given Apple a safety net - "they didn't use the protective case" (they wouldn't have, and you know it).

Me? I might buy one of those plastic polishing kits you can buy for a few dollars. Anyone recommend a particular brand? Maybe Apple could offer a free 'iPod Polish' in their stores with this stuff.

But even conscientious users savvy with how to take care of tech products have noted scratches coming from soft cloths as well... If that is indeed the case, then that would be why these consumers are upset-- because even upon following the manual's suggestions, the iPod is still getting scratched up (but the paper towel thing is a bit out of line).

Paper towels are by definition abrasive - they are used to clean things as well as mop up spills, and abrasive materials do both better. Have you ever used one to blow your nose in lieu of a tissue or hanky? Yeah, it makes your nose sore if you do it a couple of times.

Anyone rubbing a paper towel over their nano is asking for trouble, in my opinion.

Using a soft cloth on my nano resulted in ZERO extra scratches. Maybe their hands are so greasy that the grease streaks look like scratches to them, and rubbing a cloth over that would make them more linear and scratch-like.

[teemu]

There seems to be a bunch of people even on this forum having problems with their nanos scratching heavily. Yet I haven't seen a single picture of nano where the screen would have been rendered unusable. Sure I have seen few photos of the black nano having couple of thin scratches but nothing that would make the gadget completely unusable. If scratching is as widely spread problem as is claimed someone ought to open a thread about nano scratches on the picture gallery section where we could collect evidence that this is an actual problem.

As I don't own a nano yet I can't really tell whether this suit is justified or not but the fact that they're asking for a share of the profit is ridiculous. I mean if the court finds for the plaintiff and they are given a share of the profit wouldn't that be on the expense of the other nano users who now - by court decision - own a defective gadget?

[generik]

Please stop jumping to NASDAQ/APPL's defense all the time.

Apple probably spends more a month funding their legal department in a month than *anyone* here makes in his/her entire lifetime, please dedicate your time to something more worthy... for you may someday accumulate more wealth in your lifetime than does Apple legal in a month!

Having said that, I'm happy to see Apple getting sued. Don't get me wrong, I do love Apple products.

But let me sum up my experience with my iPod(s):

1st iPod: iPod 4G 20GB player.
When it first arrived, I was so excited to get it. Opened the box.. wow.. it's so great all and all, until one day I was sitting at my desk and looking at the light from my desklamp reflected off the LCD display.

Apparently the screen was either forced on or something, because you can see the tension causing the middle of the screen to reflect light in a multitude of ugly colors (go try it on a cheapish calculator by poking your finger nails on it, that's exactly what I meant).

The screen looked outright ugly in moderately bright light, so I called the Apple helpdesk, and ended up speaking to one of their staffers who spoke with a really strong indian ascent (I'm in Australia, maybe they outsourced support for Aussie call centres to india) that it is normal.

Ah well, guess I will have to *suck it*.

2nd iPod: iPod Photo 30GB

As it was, a couple months later the cheaper version of the iPod Photo was released, and gosh, it was pretty affordable!!

So off my first iPod went.. on eBay.. never to be seen again. Ordered the new iPod Photo, screen was significantly better definitely.. until I synched in my music collection, and discovered to my horror. Goodness, it sounds CRAP!

I brought it back to the nearest NextByte (Authorised retailer) and after spending sometime with the staffers, I left.. I'm not really one who likes to argue, and that staffer is probably doing his job. Besides I doubt he knows nothing about music probably.

Anyway there has been quite a few incidents of this being reported on iPod Lounge and Headfi.org, of how some iPod Photo units have a "tin can" like song for musical tracks. It sounds absolutely heinous. I was so happy to leave my iPod sitting on my desk collecting dust.. for FOUR MONTHS. No way wiill I subject my ears to that kind of abuse.

3rd iPod: iPod Photo 60GB

Anyhow I decided to give them a chance again, and finally a player that I'm happy with. But 3 weeks later the video iPod came out. Damned you Steve Jobs!! :D

I'll probably get the vPod... not so soon, but at least until after Apple pulls up its socks and actually starts to spend somemore money delivering, instead of sitting there expecting to sucker consumers for ever.

Apple wants to be a premium brand, fine.. I'm good with that.
Apple wants to cosy up to consumer market.. fine, it sounds reasonable.
Apple wants to charge a premium, and cut costs/corners on what it delivers? That is not fine by my book.

Just look at how the firewire cable was removed from the package... and now with the vPod, look at how the usb wallplug is conveniently dropped as well.

For ****'s sake, a firewire cable was probably... $2? Mind you, these things are insanely cheap in China. The wallwart? Probably $5-$10? Fanbois might go "no way!", but tell me, what's the difference between the Apple wallwart and any other generic one? Essentially none, it might look nicer, but the nicer plastic at best will only cost $1 more. The same step down transformers and stuff inside... the same stuff that caught fire on some powerbooks, mind you.. the same low quality junk.

Hence, Apple should get sued more. You want to charge more, you jolly well make sure you deliver.

[matticus008]

There seems to be a bunch of people even on this forum having problems with their nanos scratching heavily. Yet I haven't seen a single picture of nano where the screen would have been rendered unusable. Sure I have seen few photos of the black nano having couple of thin scratches but nothing that would make the gadget completely unusable. If scratching is as widely spread problem as is claimed someone ought to open a thread about nano scratches on the picture gallery section where we could collect evidence that this is an actual problem.

As I don't own a nano yet I can't really tell whether this suit is justified or not but the fact that they're asking for a share of the profit is ridiculous. I mean if the court finds for the plaintiff and they are given a share of the profit wouldn't that be on the expense of the other nano users who now - by court decision - own a defective gadget?

This is a good idea. A Nano picture thread to document this "problem."

That strange rustling sound you are now hearing is the sound of people moving lights around and finding the most exaggerating angle to take pictures of their scratched nanos. If the results are unsatisfactory, people will start rubbing them on wool sweaters or carpet, just to achieve the right effect in the photographs.

[SPUY767]

I love Apple but I hope they lose. They need to learn how to make a solid product that DOESN'T SCRATCH. First rule of product making: Don't build it like butter.

Since when the hell is THAT the first rule of product making?

[matticus008]

Since when the hell is THAT the first rule of product making?
And what if you're making butter? Crap, what do we do now?

[SPUY767]

Apparently the screen was either forced on or something, because you can see the tension causing the middle of the screen to reflect light in a multitude of ugly colors (go try it on a cheapish calculator by poking your finger nails on it, that's exactly what I meant).

I don't know how much exactly you know about manufacturing, but manufacturing of anything is an imperfect science. You see, the Earth has, what I like to call, gravity. Things made in a "Gravity Rich" enviroment tend to favor one sode or another. Imagine, if you will, a cup of yogurt with blueberries in it. After a while, the blueberries will all sink to the bottom. The rate that this occurs can be controlled by temperature, but barring the freezing of the solution outright, it will happen. Manufacturing is the same way, polycarbonates in plastics will "clump" together to form pockets of more and less dense areas.

Now, let's take the example of automotive glass. The glass itself in most cars is about as close to flawless as glass can get. The glass in BMW windshields is polished to such a sheen, that water will not stick. Windscreen glass, however, is three layers. Two layers of high strength glass, in between which is sandwiched a thin layer of lexan. Lexan is a plastic, its purpose in auto glass is to prevent the windshield from turning your face into jerky if a rock hits it. Even the windshield in my fine Bavarian automobile suffers from the deplorable refraction of light which you so knowledgelessly speak of. It's a fact of life. All plastics do it. BTW, if you leave your iPod out in a hot car ever, you'll notice that the effect gets worse. The high heat generated inside the car does just enough to excite the molocules in the polycarbonate to the point of mild shifting.

Bottom line, your arguments are foundless and without merit. Bottom line part deux, find something else to whine about. How about you start off with that strange dampness you feel when you stand out in the rain.

[davidgilmour]

I bought a Nano the day on its release and after 3 days it was scratched like hell. Apple did not tell me that it could scratch *this* easily.

If I get the opportunity to get me money back I would do that.

[Warped1]

My nano screen scratched from using a fine eyeglass clothe to wipe away fingerprints. I use this clothe on my glasses and cell phone without any issues.

Bottom line is the lawsuit has merrit and I would return it if they let me.

[RHutch]

I visited my local Apple Store last week and looked at the several Nanos that they had out on display. I have no idea how long they had been on display, but they certainly didn't appear to be unusable or excessively scratched. If they had been out there even a couple days, based on the complaints here, I would have expected the display models to be scratched. I know people at the Apple Store aren't causing scratching by putting them in their pockets, and maybe that says something about the real cause of the problems.

[Kid Red]

Apple lawyers will probably get this kicked out of state court into the federal court system where it'll die quickly, and thank Bush for signing the Class-Action Fairness Act of 2005.

He gets the one check against the growing list of 40+ issues he's screwed us on :rolleyes:

I think the issue is the Nano's size. It's smaller, the screen is smaller and the Nano might be put in places it was not put before resulting in more nickel, dime and quarter scratches. Also, I would NOT be uses PAPER products such as rough paper towels to clean the PLASTIC screen of a $200+ electronic device! Use a microfiber shammy people!!

[nomad01]

My nano screen scratched from using a fine eyeglass clothe to wipe away fingerprints. I use this clothe on my glasses and cell phone without any issues.


If that's the case then yes, you do have a defective nano. I polished my first nano with a cloth and even my shirt sleeve. The guy I sold it to on ebay asked me if I was certain it had been used because it looked so good.

When I got my new nano (I upgraded from a 2 to a 4GB model) I protected it out of the box. Every ipod I've owned has been susceptible to scratches if it's not treated with kid gloves.

If I buy anything like this that costs a fair bit of money, I protect it. My cell phone gets a screen cover from day one and so does my iPod.

However, if your nano scratches that easily then it's made of softer stuff than the two I've owned.

[true777]

Knowing about the issue, I simply left the protective plastic shield on that the nano came with. I can use the nano just the same with the shield, and it stays pristine underneath. If this thing comes off, I'll just put a transparent cling shield on -- bought one on Ebay that covers the whole nano and looks great. I also got Speck Products' clear hard case, and their white "cloud" case.

I have to say, the metal *back* side scratches like crazy, though. I had the nano simply sit on my desk for a day or two (without touching or moving it), and the moment I picked it up again, it had two scratches across the back side that do bother me.

[mrgreen4242]

After reading through this thread, all I can say is "WOW". I'm always amazed at the number of Apple apologists in an otherwise really intelligent group of people.

I've got a nano, no scratches on on it yet, but we heard about people having theirs scratched from DAY ONE. And all this talk about people putting nanos in their pockets without a case getting 'what the deserve'? I mean, did you guys NOT see the CEO of Apple take a nano out of his pocket without a case on it when they were INTRODUCING the product?

If that isn't an indicator of what they expected normal and intended use to be then I'm not sure what is. I'm not a big fan of lawsuits like this, but it looks like this one is worth taking a look into. I'm not saying they should give nano owners anything, yet, but it is worth looking into more closely.

It makes me a little sad to see people who are part of an otherwise generally a smart, balanced, helpful community be such raving zealots.

[AP_piano295]

YOU SHOULDNT HAVE TO PUT IT IN A CASE need I compare to non apple murchandise? Zen micro went in my pocket with change and everything this in my opinion a vastly inferior music player but the screen managed to stay scratch free. My dad just baught a cheap five gig hd based music player from motorola for about 150 dollars he doesnt treat it like a baby but its screen is still scratch free. Dont give me bull about a case being necesary you shouldnt have to put a case on. If you want it to stay immaculate you can get a case. However you should not have to put on a third party case just so your product remains useable!!!!!

After reading through this thread, all I can say is "WOW". I'm always amazed at the number of Apple apologists in an otherwise really intelligent group of people.

I've got a nano, no scratches on on it yet, but we heard about people having theirs scratched from DAY ONE. And all this talk about people putting nanos in their pockets without a case getting 'what the deserve'? I mean, did you guys NOT see the CEO of Apple take a nano out of his pocket without a case on it when they were INTRODUCING the product?

If that isn't an indicator of what they expected normal and intended use to be then I'm not sure what is. I'm not a big fan of lawsuits like this, but it looks like this one is worth taking a look into. I'm not saying they should give nano owners anything, yet, but it is worth looking into more closely.

It makes me a little sad to see people who are part of an otherwise generally a smart, balanced, helpful community be such raving zealots.

do you use a case?

[swingerofbirch]

Apple seems to be listening....yesterday I called into Apple because my 4g 20 gig (BW) is having major problems, long story short, because I had the same problem with a previous iPod they were very kind and offered me a 5G iPod 30 gig. The woman I spoke to was an iPod product specialist named Kendra...she was very sweet, almost flirtatious..anyhow she said you can choose between white and black, but I will tell you, just like a black car, the black iPod will show scratches much more easily....she actually said 10x more easily..so who knows what that means..but at least this anecdote shows that in general scratching is on the minds of the people at Apple, especially considering the 5G's come with some sort of case.

[Spievy]

Does this mean we can sue our car manufactures for broken or scratched windshields?

[Warped1]

Does this mean we can sue our car manufactures for broken or scratched windshields?

Sure, if a rainy day caused it. ;)

[AP_piano295]

Does this mean we can sue our car manufactures for broken or scratched windshields?

No it means you can sue your car manufactures if the dust in the air causes the paint to peel while driving.

[splintah]

i love my ipod
i love apple products

but i hope they loose this lawsuit

i mean the surface of those ipods REALLY sucks big time
i think they produce it like this so you HAVE to buy a case

the mini was so great
great size
great material
and best seller

why discontinue
now you have one thats slightly too big
and one thats slightly too small
and both have a buttersurface

[Maxx Power]

I'm just glad I talked to numerous people about this Nano problem before any of them ever bought one. They won't ever now.

[devilot]

Does this mean we can sue our car manufactures for broken or scratched windshields?Actually... defective windshields are terribly dangerous.

The 2002 and I believe some of the 2003 MINI coopers/ cooper Ss had a major recall on their windshields as many of them cracked all the way from top to bottom just from normal day-to-day driving.

[latergator116]

The poster didn't just "call up" someone. It was specifically mentioned as "someone very high up at Apple" so that she should have identified herself and the position at Apple. Read a post more carefully next time.

I still don't understand. He forgot the woman's name, what's the big deal? You sound like another apple apologist to me.

[Renegate]

My Black Nano had a scratch on the screen after putting it once in the pocket with a pack of cigars. Since then its in the box waiting for a cover to arrive. I call that scratching easily! Now taking everyones experiences together it does seem obvious that there are some which scratch easily and others which don't scratch so easily. Sounds to me like a batch problem , maybe a problem with different suppliers, a problem with casting or a problem with finishing. Nothing mysterious; hopefully they have identified the problem (as they have with the screen cracks which point either to a material defect or a mounting problem) and are shipping better product now, it seems like shipping times for Nanos are stll very high, maybe thats one of the reasons.

[StarbucksSam]

It's utterly amazing that this strikes that many people so strongly that there is such emotion in this thread.

I must say, having owned the following iPods:

1G 5GB x 2
3G 15GB
4G 20 GB
2G mini 4GB

I have found that ALL of them have been highly prone to scratches. I think the 3G was the absolute worst offender, but to be honest with you, if I hadn't put an iSkin on the 4G, I think that would have been just as bad.

I think the iPod gets some of its value from the cosmetic beauty, and it isn't fair that consumers who pay a high price for a premium product can't put that product through normal use without excessive wear and tear.

I have personally found that the mini is made EXCELLENTLY. I haven't got a scratch on it in six months of using it, and while I keep it in an iPod sock, I am still pretty impressed with the build quality.

I don't know if these users filing this suit have a fair claim or not, but I can tell you that the iPod line in general has been too scratch-prone and I just don't think that's fair.

For those of you who are on the other side of this debate, please don't get angry - it's just my opinion based on my experiences. I try very hard to keep my stuff in good shape, which is why after almost six months my PowerBook G4 doesn't have a scratch on it, my iPod is almost mint, and had my cell phone been better constructed, (it has this thing where the hinge scratches itself), it would be mint too.

I think it's very possible to keep most of your electronics in good shape with little effort, but in this case, it's a lot harder. And that should be fixed.

[Maxx Power]

It's utterly amazing that this strikes that many people so strongly that there is such emotion in this thread.

I must say, having owned the following iPods:

1G 5GB x 2
3G 15GB
4G 20 GB
2G mini 4GB

I have found that ALL of them have been highly prone to scratches. I think the 3G was the absolute worst offender, but to be honest with you, if I hadn't put an iSkin on the 4G, I think that would have been just as bad.

I think the iPod gets some of its value from the cosmetic beauty, and it isn't fair that consumers who pay a high price for a premium product can't put that product through normal use without excessive wear and tear.

I have personally found that the mini is made EXCELLENTLY. I haven't got a scratch on it in six months of using it, and while I keep it in an iPod sock, I am still pretty impressed with the build quality.

I don't know if these users filing this suit have a fair claim or not, but I can tell you that the iPod line in general has been too scratch-prone and I just don't think that's fair.

For those of you who are on the other side of this debate, please don't get angry - it's just my opinion based on my experiences. I try very hard to keep my stuff in good shape, which is why after almost six months my PowerBook G4 doesn't have a scratch on it, my iPod is almost mint, and had my cell phone been better constructed, (it has this thing where the hinge scratches itself), it would be mint too.

I think it's very possible to keep most of your electronics in good shape with little effort, but in this case, it's a lot harder. And that should be fixed.

A good probability beyond 10% of all Nanos to scratch easily is enough for a class action to settle or win. 10% is exactly one order of magnitude beyond marginal (1%, as apple quoted), and in the same order of magnitude of the non-scratching ones (if there were any).

[Xacttech]

Whose side are you guys going to be on when Apple files suit and sues Macrumors?

Crazy huh...

Apple sues more people than people sue apple, over more frivalous items.

That small I believe asian company that was called Applecorp, that produced beatles albums or something (pardon me for not remembering all the details) anyway they had a similar logo to the apple logo, and they had it first! They also weren't in direct compitition with apple. From what I understand over the years they just keep on suing each other.

List:

Apple sues Think Secret
Apple sues three over 'Tiger' Leak (BitTorrent Server Owners)

Apple Computer filed suit yesterday against as many as 25 individuals it accuses of disclosing its trade secrets on the Internet.

"EFF unseals documents showing Apple sues first, investigates never"
ripped from the headlines.

Apple sues student for releasing ipod info

Apple sues powerpage

Apple sues Richard Stallman for use of the word "Emacs"

Apple sues Sotec

Apple sues Developers

Apple sues Intrepid Young Reporter

"Apple sues McDonalds" (haha Joke about Apple suing) (google it)

Apple sues John Doe

Apple sues imac clone

Apple Sued Steve Jobs, before he resigned 20 years ago

Apple sues Sorenson for Flashing

Apple sues FreeType

Apple sues former Contractor

Why apple sues:
http://www.ratcliffeblog.com/archives/2004/12/why_apple_sues.html


Sorry that was only the first ten pages of 3,260,000 articles

Most are repeats, but there are several more (apple vs Microsoft)

So once again, whose side are you going to be on when Apple vs Macrumors hits?

[Photorun]

It's the users, stupid. This seems like just some lawyer's wetdream in the sue sue sue happy US of A. The lawyers are the ones hoping to make out with their fees being paid by winning the settlement, and what is lost, again, is the big business will, as they love to pick on the underdogs not the darlings, see this as another "screw up by Apple" when in fact the Dull DJ didn't hold up so well, my original RIO s***ed a** after a year of jogging (and died), but Apple is held to some godlike standard. I own a 2G iPod, it has some scratches but you know what? I DEAL WITH IT! They're minor, I've put that thing through hell, it's slid across my desk, I've dropped it, it's slid across my seat of my car while hooked to the stereo. It's not built to be impervious to life, clearly anyone hoping this frivolous suit goes through maybe should sue their parents for being born with the ability to get a cut or boo boo from a knife, or hell, sue God if they believe in them for making them so imperfect. The lawyers and people who think this is valid, who want some impossible level of perfection, who clearly aren't realizing other products have the same issues, are a disgrace to the human race. Get a friggin' life!!!

PS My girlfriend owns a nano, works out with it, gee golly it has a little bit of scuffing on it from being dragged to the Y, used in her car, used while jogging in a little sleeve, it doesn't look the same as the day she got it but looks pretty good. And has she complained? NO! She loves her iPod nano, but then again she's got a brain, a clue, and a soul, clearly unlike the people involved in this suit and quite possibly some of the posters in this thread.

[ATG]

My iPod white nano is not scratched at all after.

1. Keeping it in a sock
2. Putting it in a pocket
3. Having it since the start of October
4. Dropping it twice
5. Testing a corner with my fingernail
6. Scratching the label on the back off

I was expecting it to scratch horribly but no, not a chance.

[macridah]

they got to be joking or on the M$ payroll. This case will definitely be thrown out or I'm going to start some class action lawsuits for my watch, tv, car, heck everything.


Stupid lawyers sueing for everything.

[Jon the Heretic]

this is ridiculus, the nano screen is made out of the same material every other iPod ever has been made out of, this is just a bunch of greedy bastards taking advantage of the false claims of how easy it scratches.


The claims are not false.

I actually ordered a protector the first day I got my new nano but the thing is still delayed in shipping. The little thing is so beautiful that keeping it shrinkwrapped for the week I have had it was not an alternative, so I have been using it. Apparently, this was a big mistake.

Even though I have carried it around like it was a egg (raw, not hardboiled), careful not to stick it in my pocket or to even touch the screen, it is BADLY scratched with hundreds of tiny scratches that could not be prevented in normal use. Hell, I didn't use it normally at all --- I treated it with far more care than "normal" --- and yet there are a lot of these tiny scratches. A LOT.

Apple is just plain wrong on this...and saying there haven't been "complaints" is so damn laughable it isn't funny: Maybe they should read the Web, the news articles and the legal briefs? Heads in the sand or disingenuous denial, I don't care; they are just plain wrong.

BTW, my wife has a Mini that I have used since Feb---not a single scratch on it and it has been tossed into my pocket with change, keys, etc. Perfect condition. I have never owned a different iPod, so don't give a flying blankety-blank about the big white ones or whether they get as easily scatched. I own a nano and I know what I have seen. My nano is badly scratched with DELICATE treatment. That's messed up.

I called the Invisible Shield company to scream at them yesterday about their shipment policy since I am still waiting for the protector after a week, but that is neither here nor there. It isn't their fault the nano uses too delicate case materials. Most of my scratches happened in just 3 days of delicate use---this isn't some collector's item that you are supposed to leave in the box. It is meant to be used.

That said, I am also laughing at the uselessness of this class action suit. It will be a total waste. At best, I would get a crappy $25 off coupon on Apple goods or something that doesn't get close to the cosmetic damage my little $250 nano has suffered so fast and so easily. (Like the unused coupon Apple sent me after my iBook charger went up in flames after the warranty period due to inherent defects. Yeah, that goes real far when buying a new $2000 mac.) Apple should just fix the problem and get it over with. It is a real problem boys and girls---if Apple had done product testing with folks other than Stevie they would have known it from Day 1. It doesn't take much to see the results. The class action suit should be dropped; it will only benefit the lawyers---not a single nano user will see those scratches be fixed as a result. But it doesn't mean Apple shouldn't act responsibly.



Blame the victim. Yeah, I know the psychology. If it makes you feel better. Whatever.

My iPod white nano is not scratched at all after.

1. Keeping it in a sock
2. Putting it in a pocket
3. Having it since the start of October
4. Dropping it twice
5. Testing a corner with my fingernail
6. Scratching the label on the back off

I was expecting it to scratch horribly but no, not a chance.

Then you are simply blind. It takes very little to marr the surface of these babies. Of course, I have the black one which more people have complained about. The white ones apparently hide the tiny scratches much better (but they are there).

And why the hell are you dropping it?

[AP_piano295]

The claims are not false.

I actually ordered a protector the first day I got my new nano but the thing is still delayed in shipping. The little thing is so beautiful that keeping it shrinkwrapped for the week I have had it was not an alternative, so I have been using it. Apparently, this was a big mistake.

Even though I have carried it around like it was a egg (raw, not hardboiled), careful not to stick it in my pocket or to even touch the screen, it is BADLY scratched with hundreds of tiny scratches that could not be prevented in normal use. Hell, I didn't use it normally at all --- I treated it with far more care than "normal" --- and yet there are a lot of these tiny scratches. A LOT.

Apple is just plain wrong on this...and saying there haven't been "complaints" is so damn laughable it isn't funny: Maybe they should read the Web, the news articles and the legal briefs? Heads in the sand or disingenuous denial, I don't care; they are just plain wrong.

BTW, my wife has a Mini that I have used since Feb---not a single scratch on it and it has been tossed into my pocket with change, keys, etc. Perfect condition. I have never owned a different iPod, so don't give a flying blankety-blank about the big white ones or whether they get as easily scatched. I own a nano and I know what I have seen. My nano is badly scratched with DELICATE treatment. That's messed up.

I called the Invisible Shield company to scream at them yesterday about their shipment policy since I am still waiting for the protector after a week, but that is neither here nor there. It isn't their fault the nano uses too delicate case materials. Most of my scratches happened in just 3 days of delicate use---this isn't some collector's item that you are supposed to leave in the box. It is meant to be used.

That said, I am also laughing at the uselessness of this class action suit. It will be a total waste. At best, I would get a crappy $25 off coupon on Apple goods or something that doesn't get close to the cosmetic damage my little $250 nano has suffered so fast and so easily. (Like the unused coupon Apple sent me after my iBook charger went up in flames after the warranty period due to inherent defects. Yeah, that goes real far when buying a new $2000 mac.) Apple should just fix the problem and get it over with. It is a real problem boys and girls---if Apple had done product testing with folks other than Stevie they would have known it from Day 1. It doesn't take much to see the results. The class action suit should be dropped; it will only benefit the lawyers---not a single nano user will see those scratches be fixed as a result. But it doesn't mean Apple shouldn't act responsibly.



Blame the victim. Yeah, I know the psychology. If it makes you feel better. Whatever.


You see people a real person who has had this issue he treated it nice and it still got scratched terribly, maybe when you move it the dust in the air causes scratches (im actually not joking) you shouldnt even NEED a case for these and its not that hard to make a durable shell.

[iJon]

Don't know how hard it would be but they should use some quartz covers or something. I'll be damned if my Seiko watch ever gets a scratch...ever.

jon

[dornoforpyros]

It just occured to me. If so many nanos are being scratched to the point of being un-readable then I have one question.

WHERE ARE THE PICTURES?

I've seen pics of cracked screens, but none of the scratched un-readable screens. Just news stories about it....

Seems like some one's making a big stink about nothing.

[Jon the Heretic]

Apple already admitted that .10% of the nanos had a problem (peoples screens were cracking). I am guessing that batch is larger than expected, and the people complaining about scratches just haven't been rough enough to crack the screen...yet.

They admitted to some defective screens that CRACK easily.

In terms of this strictly COSMETIC issue, Apple has acted like they never heard of it. They are admitting nothing. My problems are strictly cosmetic, not functional (well in a single week of using, and carrying it around in a lint-free cloth and treating it like an egg, I wouldn't expect even a defect screen to crack! My screen could easily be defective and I wouldn't know it until I started to use it like a normal person would.)

But having a black nano, even such soft cloths (not paper products! who does that?) that don't scratch my plastic lense glasses -- and even just brushing against my skin! -- have caused hundreds of micro scratches with no effort at all. It took a couple of days at most to see the collective effect of this "more careful than normal use". Wrapping it in plastic or not using it is the only thing that could have prevented this.

Yeah the lawsuit is dumb --- and so is Apple for pretending this isn't a problem for such a premium product.

It just occured to me. If so many nanos are being scratched to the point of being un-readable then I have one question.

WHERE ARE THE PICTURES?

I've seen pics of cracked screens, but none of the scratched un-readable screens. Just news stories about it....

Seems like some one's making a big stink about nothing.


Mine is readable. It is a cosmetic defect only.

[mac_hine82]

People who are crying about scratches make me SICK!

[Jon the Heretic]

People who are crying about scratches make me SICK!

Please post the location of your car(s). Post the address on google or Mapquest. I want to pay some kids to come over and key your car's finish. It is just some scratches, but the pleasure it will cause me will be Priceless.

[devilot]

TYeah the lawsuit is dumb --- and so is Apple for pretending this isn't a problem for such a premium product.Thank you. That is exactly how I feel.

[mac_hine82]

Please post the location of your car(s). Post the address on google or Mapquest. I want to pay some kids to come over and key your car's finish. It is just some scratches, but the pleasure it will cause me will be Priceless.

Why would you say something like that? And why wouldn't you do it your self? Scared?

[nomad01]

YOU SHOULDNT HAVE TO PUT IT IN A CASE need I compare to non apple murchandise?

No, you shouldn't have to put it in a case but it makes sense if you want to keep it scratch free.

Just about NOTHING stays in immaculate condition without some kind of protection. My friend has a Nokia 8800 phone that looked "rough" after a few weeks and that cost over 1000 dollars new. Laptops need protection if you're moving them around and you don't want them scratched.

Like I said, mine haven't been really easy to scratch so my experience hasn't been bad with the nano.

If it's true that the nano becomes "unusable" due to scratching then yes, it's a defect. I just can't help but feel that <b>some </b>of this complaining is because people have purchased a "sexy" item that suddenly looks less sexy because it's scratched. Maybe Apple should make something chunky and rugged to appease all people.

Then you are simply blind.

Nice.

[Jon the Heretic]

How can you compare a car to a 200 dollar MP3 player. Besides I drive an old beater F150 so send the kids on over. They better come heavy or not at all then I'm coming for you.

Sounds like that $250 mp3 player (4 gig, dude) might be worth more than your car. (It is definitely worth more than MY car and it still has fewer scratches than my nano).

[TMay]

It appears that most of the problems are with the black nanos and probably the black 5g's, since the contrast of the black against the scratches in the clear polycarbonate seems to be responsible for the phenomenon. Since I was savvy enough to recognize this early, and purchased my nano in white, and my 5g in white, I expect that others will be more than happy to join me in an all white ipod world again, when Apple is forced to stop making them in black because of this lawsuit.

More to the point, the material, polycarbonate, was chosen for its toughness, among other characteristics. To use a harder, more brittle material, that would be more scratch resistant, would more than likely increase chipping and breakage. If the lawsuit assumes that there has been a change in material characteristics, I suspect that the lawsuit will fail.

[Sun Baked]

Please post the location of your car(s). Post the address on google or Mapquest. I want to pay some kids to come over and key your car's finish. It is just some scratches, but the pleasure it will cause me will be Priceless.On the car the paint does come under the 5-7 year warranty, so peeling and delamination is covered by the manufacturers warranty.

People are a little more than annoyed by vehicle paint problems, and the switch to the water-based paints meant we went from extremely durable paint finishes, to paint that sucked for several years and scratched, pitted, and wore rather easily.

But the new water-based finishes did look nicer than the old solvent-based paint until you drove off the lot and drove down the road and started collecting rock chips.

---


Apple has always been a PIA about cosmetic issues.

Though unlike the Cube -- these iPods are having abnormal wear and tear.

Apple know it's a problem, especially if Apple has had their suppliers modify the anti-scratch coating already.

[Jon the Heretic]

On the car the paint does come under the 5-7 year warranty, so peeling and delamination is covered by the manufacturers warranty.


Sounds like a better warranty than Apple's on the nano.

Before mac_hine82 edited it, he wrote "They better come heavy or not at all then I'm coming for you" which suggests although he was made "sick" about people caring about the cosmetics of their pricey new nanos, the very thought of his "old beater F150" getting scratched made him a little threatening. I'm not sure why---he'd have to be a positive nut case to actually post his "car's location" and I'd have to be a complete wacko to pay someone to key his car just because he's so judgmental of other people. No possibility of followthrough except in unreality land. The overreaction aside (he did change the message, so he realized it as well), it illustratrates the point well: People don't like stuff they paid good money for getting all scratched up...even old F150s.

[avus]

I still don't understand. He forgot the woman's name, what's the big deal? You sound like another apple apologist to me.

It is essential to give a proof if you try to make a serious argument about the company's ethic, IMHO.

Honestly, I was going to buy a Nano but I will keep my Mini for a little longer to see how this plays out. If I were an Apple apologist, I would simply cry out that everything is perfect, correct?

Still, this is a very subjective issue, less so than the battery issue, and it is a very difficult case to prove that all the damages were caused by "normal use" and not by people grinding with sandpapers. Again, I am not saying that Apple doesn't have an issue.

[~Shard~]

Don't know how hard it would be but they should use some quartz covers or something. I'll be damned if my Seiko watch ever gets a scratch...ever.

jon


Good thought, I wonder how much more expensive something like that would be...

[tsk]

It seems to me there are two issues people here are discussing: scratching of the screen and scratching of the plastic.

If the Nano is made out of the same material as my iBook, I'm sure they are *impossible* to not scratch. My iBook is filled with tons and tons of *tiny* scratches all over. You do have to look very closely, but they are all over the place. I have also treated my iBook very gently in the few months I had it. I'm guessing the iBook and Nano material is the same and I'm guessing the white material does scratch easily (and is probably even more noticable in black).

As far as the screen, I have no knowledge of it. But it should be able to go in your pocket without fear. I have a digital voice recorder with a plastic face I toss in my pocket and it has yet to scratch. The plastic body has taken a few scratches but nothing on the screen. So I think the screen ought to be more durable than it sounds like it is.

[wmikulic]

I suppose this is what happens when you start bringing more Windoze users into the fold. :rolleyes:

And I'd LOVE to see how any lawyer's going to prove that because a plastic screen can get scratched when it comes in contact with sharp devices, it somehow means the product is "defective" Idiots!

This is not limited to Windoze users, the so-called "Apple Faithful" have also whined over the years about any deterioration in their Apple products. Remember this?

http://originalcopy.com/cube_photo.jpg

It's the Macintosh G4 cube. It was the envy of every Macintosh user in its day. In a photograph, it looks like a beautiful piece of crystal. And in person, it has casting lines in the plastic, which infuriated a great many of those who purchased it. Did the cube still work? Perfectly (although mine had its hard drive die after a few months and Apple sent me a free replacement) but yes, its appearance was not perfect.

Neither will the Nano be, after some use.

But I think Apple could have made some manufacturing improvements over the years. Materials Science is an impressive field, and I know they could have used a harder substance less prone to scratching. Many materials don't scratch except with sharp contact with very hard substances such as corundum. Materials as soft as wood pulp and cotton fibers should not scratch iPods, but they do, and that's the design flaw that should be fixed.

[Jon the Heretic]

Nice.

No seriously; I'd get an eye exam if I were you. You could be a danger to those on the road around you. I DO have corrected vision and I have no problem seeing those hundreds of scratches on my black nano or those at the local Apple store.

This is not limited to Windoze users, the so-called "Apple Faithful" have also whined over the years about any deterioration in their Apple products. Remember this?

It's the Macintosh G4 cube. It was the envy of every Macintosh user in its day. In a photograph, it looks like a beautiful piece of crystal. And in person, it has casting lines in the plastic, which infuriated a great many of those who purchased it.

Verdict is still out on the cube. Apple said it was "casting lines" and maybe they are (I don't own a cube; I DO own a week old nano) but I have read dozens of cube complaints that made me question Apple's claim. (the irregularlity of some of the lines; the fact that sometimes they appeared after use, but not when brand new). Apple could be right, but thier denial of having even heard of complaints about the nano's (in itself a response to some complaints!!!) is a lot like the boy who cried wolf. Love Apple and Apple products, but I wouldn't put it past them to lie through their teeth if it suited their needs (or any big heartless corporation for that matter), especially if they thought they had a chance of deniability.

I do agree about the materials. But even a cursory inspection of this product---much akin to my use of the nano---would have revealed that Houston (um, Cupertino) had a problem. Do they even do product testing? What about all of those abused bunnies we hear about? Ah, nevermind.

As a mini owner too, I had HOPED Apple would go for some sort of metal enclosure again. The durability of the mini's finish is awesome, better than any other iPod release. I am sure they could have gotten the same form factor with aluminum.

[atomwork]

I bought a Nano and love it however it is true that this bloody thing scratches hell easy. I don't want to have it in a case. Apple really messed up here. It looks gorgeous but it is just too sensitive for my taste.

The lawsuite is BS in my view. Sounds like those idiots are just in for the money. I still can ready the display. It just sucks to have the little beauty scratched;)

[Jon the Heretic]

I bought a Nano and love it however it is true that this bloody thing scratches hell easy. I don't want to have it in a case. Apple really messed up here. It looks gorgeous but it is just too sensitive for my taste.

The lawsuite is BS in my view. Sounds like those idiots are just in for the money. I still can ready the display. It just sucks to have the little beauty scratched;)

Totally agree on all points. But only the lawyers will get any money. Apple will never fix the scratch issue on existing nanos even if they lost the suit. Best a current nano owner could hope for is some crappy coupon towards Apple products ($25 to $50 is typical). Kinda worthless to me -- my brand new nano was $250 plus tax and shipping -- and it doesn't make my barely used nano any prettier.

[autrefois]

I agree that the plaintiffs shouldn't be asking for a share of Apple's profits from the nano. If Apple is found guilty, the plaintiffs should be reimbursed for their purchase and/or receive a replacement and/or if deemed appropriate, Apple should be forced to pay punitive damages.

Additionally, people who go defy manufacturer recommendations for proper usage and care should not be reimbursed for any damages caused.

However, Apple shouldn't make products that scratch so easily. If they scratch that easily, they should come with a case to protect them or else be made differently. Any product that scratches easily after minimal, careful usage is defective in the mind of any reasonable consumer. There are even reports (including from devilot76) of nanos scratching after a week despite having a protective case and being handled carefully.

People who say the problem doesn't exist appear in general to be people who 1) don't want to admit Apple can make mistakes and/or 2) think they are superior to the average user and this sort of problem would never happen to them and/or 3) believe that if it didn't happen to them, then there must not be a real problem and/or 4) there is some secret conspiracy against Apple.

This gives a bad name to more open-minded, rational Mac/iPod users who I like to believe are the silent majority among us here in the forums.

I hope that whoever has a scratched nano despite taking care of it and following instructions gets what they deserve—no share of nano profits, just reimbursement or replacement (and possibly small punitive damages only if deemed appropriate). Those who abused their nanos should receive nothing.

[oskar]

I still think this is just an attempt from Apple's competitors to try to lower their holiday sales. I can imagine guys from creative pulling their hair out everytime they hear the quarterly financial results and iPod sales growth every time.

When I got my 4G iPod at first I remember taking caring of it like it was a baby. Once I started leaving it on any surface and throwing it in my backpack (in it's case) it started getting small scratches everywhere. I even remember when I bought a 20GB iPod Apple case for my 40GB because the clerk told me it did fit my iPod. The first day I had my iPod I scratched it with an iPod case, how stupid. The biggest scratch it got was also when I was cleaning it. :p Seriously. I don't blame the quality of my iPod or the plastic it's made with. I blame it on myself for wanting it to stay new and shiny all the time and wiping it clean every 5 minutes. Cleaning it once in a while is okay but I think we're a bit obsessive/excessive from time to time.
My iPod's not like new, but that's why I bought the scratch remover/polish for my current iPod and 5G iPod I plan to buy next week. :D

[Benjamindaines]

there is something seriously wrong with these people. My nephew got an ipod for christmas, his screen is completely smashed (no idea what happened). He has never asked for a new one or complained about it because it still plays the music just fine.

[padrino121]

I can't believe how illogical a good number of these posts are. To apply the same logic I see here comparing it to an old quality issue with the Ford Pinto. When I got hit frim behind my car didn't blow up, therefore there is nothing wrong with the car. With thinking like that it makes me wonder how some of you can breathe unassisted.

[oskar]

there is something seriously wrong with these people. My nephew got an ipod for christmas, his screen is completely smashed (no idea what happened). He has never asked for a new one or complained about it because it still plays the music just fine.

I guess the mind of a kid is a lot more innocent than the mind of the people who think they deserve other people's fortune because they bought an MP3 player and are unhappy about it's quality.
But still, your nephew must have a different iPod since you say he got it for Christmas.

We should just wait and see what becomes of this issue in the next weeks/months. Until I get a nano I really can't say the nanos don't get scratched easily, but the lawsuit demanding profit made from the product kind of gives these people away.

[Benjamindaines]

your nephew must have a different iPod since you say he got it for Christmas.
Yes, it's a 4G (B&W)

[MontyZ]

.

[floatingspirit]

at first I said, I dont really care about scratches on my nano.

Now that the thing looks like it has been used for a year, I will agree with others and say that it does scratch very easily. To easily in fact. I have done nothing but carry it in my pocket like Steve did on the keynote.

If you don't have a nano, let me reassure you scratches are a problem, and if it takes a lawsuit for Apple to sit up and notice, then I say good.

Was there anything else in your pocket? I made the mistake of putting my keys in with my cell phone and the screen has never been the same since! Wont do that again!

I can't believe how illogical a good number of these posts are. To apply the same logic I see here comparing it to an old quality issue with the Ford Pinto. When I got hit frim behind my car didn't blow up, therefore there is nothing wrong with the car. With thinking like that it makes me wonder how some of you can breathe unassisted.

Dude....

[Koodauw]

Was there anything else in your pocket? I made the mistake of putting my keys in with my cell phone and the screen has never been the same since! Wont do that again!

Nope, I just carry it in change pocket just like Steve did in the Keynote. There isnt room for anything else. Except maybe some lint.

[baummer]

Firstly, it's ASSININE to expect a share of the profits from Nano sales. There are no grounds for this whatsoever. Secondly, I believe Apple should do something to appease these defective units, but also plan better for the future in such a way:

- Include a warning card that the screen may become scratched and to use the enclosed lint-free cloth to wipe away scratches.

- Include a soft, lint-free cloth (like you get with glasses).

However, I would not be opposed to using a different material or chemical to treat the screens. Something along the lines of plexiglass or some other strong, but lightweight, plastic material coated with a scratch-resistant solution.

[plastikimo]

- Include a soft, lint-free cloth (like you get with glasses).Its a shame they don't include it, we pay 300 and they cant causgh up a 50 cent rag.

However, I would not be opposed to using a different material or chemical to treat the screens. Something along the lines of plexiglass or some other strong, but lightweight, plastic material coated with a scratch-resistant solution. They should use that crap that toshiba developed for the HD/DVDs for scratch resistance.

Apple should have fixed this problem. Laptop screen pixels die. OS updates killed the firewire on my last computer....
Thats why you buy AppleCare.

[decksnap]

Oh My God! I can't understand this. The bottom line is, if the scratches cause the machine to be unuseable, AND were caused by 'normal' use, then there is an issue. If not, suck it up! They're scratches, not chicken pox. If you REALLY can't read the screen anymore, you have a problem, but I suspect that there are very few people who can say this is the case.

Take a look at your car with the sunlight reflecting off of it- The exterior, the odometer coverings, the radio controls... Scratches! Thousands of them! Millions of tiny scratches!!! They're just staring at you whispering... "sue..sue.. sue..". I never even put my car stereo inside my jeans pocket and it's still scratched up.

Unless it's rendered unuseable, it's all part of buying and using a product. Whoever posted the sneaker analogy is pretty close... They are intended to be worn everywhere, literally on the ground, yet they're still sold in white and in materials that get dirty extremely easily. Where's the outrage? My new sneakers are stained and tinted the first day I wear them.

[maya]

If "a few" scratches make the Nano's screen unreadable for you, My Unc is an optometrist, and he can fix that for you. ;)


I believe you have that analogy reversed. Since my eye sight rating is 20/20 or 6/6 depends if you live in the East or West of the, my sight is perfect. If you cannot see the scratches on the screen and it does not bother you great. I however would be bothered by it, hence the whole purpose of a screen. If you have scratches on your front windshield of your car it makes it annoying to most, not necessary yourself. :rolleyes:

I didn't pay for an mp3 player with a great looking screen and it being marketed as such for daily use for it to be scratches. Same applies for a car, you don't test drive or after owning the car for a few days with scratches on the windshield, you have a warranty period, usually one year.

I dislike people who have to side with Apple for everything they do, geez its like Steve Jobs is giving you some money or an iPod to stick up for them, they have lawyers for that very reason they do not need fans to stick up for they faults and shortcomings. Its a matter of Apple marketing something and being cheap to apply a diamond coat on the product, when they are selling many of these units.

Customer Satisfaction is No. 1, and the Customer is always right., remember that, without customers you have no business. :rolleyes:

[xnu]

I just discovered I own an iPod Nano. And further it has scratches. I think the only thing that would be fair is that Apple grants me 1000 shares of their stock and a lifetime supply of paper towels (since it appears that product was also defective).

[~Shard~]

Oh My God! I can't understand this. The bottom line is, if the scratches cause the machine to be unuseable, AND were caused by 'normal' use, then there is an issue. If not, suck it up! They're scratches, not chicken pox. If you REALLY can't read the screen anymore, you have a problem, but I suspect that there are very few people who can say this is the case.

Take a look at your car with the sunlight reflecting off of it- The exterior, the odometer coverings, the radio controls... Scratches! Thousands of them! Millions of tiny scratches!!! They're just staring at you whispering... "sue..sue.. sue..". I never even put my car stereo inside my jeans pocket and it's still scratched up.

Unless it's rendered unuseable, it's all part of buying and using a product. Whoever posted the sneaker analogy is pretty close... They are intended to be worn everywhere, literally on the ground, yet they're still sold in white and in materials that get dirty extremely easily. Where's the outrage? My new sneakers are stained and tinted the first day I wear them.

I agree with you on the whole functionality aspect (i.e. if it still plays music and does what it's supposed to do, who cares?). I think your example of a car is a good one too. First off, if it has scratches, paint chips, etc., does it mean the car doesn't perform its function? Of course not. Secondly, one could argue that a car is still drivable if it is completely covered in rust, but is that acceptable? This is where the whole "user care" concept comes into play. If you want your item of purchase to be in excellent shape, treat it with care and take the necessary precautions. Simple.

I have no doubts that people have legitimate issues with their nanos, and I think it's reasonable to expect certain levels of quality from Apple, but this whole suing thing is what always gets me - in cases like this it just seems like a bunch of whiners wanting something for nothing, i.e. a share of the profits. Sometimes life ain't fair, get used to it. :cool:

[maya]

Oh My God! I can't understand this. The bottom line is, if the scratches cause the machine to be unuseable, AND were caused by 'normal' use, then there is an issue. If not, suck it up! They're scratches, not chicken pox. If you REALLY can't read the screen anymore, you have a problem, but I suspect that there are very few people who can say this is the case.

Take a look at your car with the sunlight reflecting off of it- The exterior, the odometer coverings, the radio controls... Scratches! Thousands of them! Millions of tiny scratches!!! They're just staring at you whispering... "sue..sue.. sue..". I never even put my car stereo inside my jeans pocket and it's still scratched up.

Unless it's rendered unuseable, it's all part of buying and using a product. Whoever posted the sneaker analogy is pretty close... They are intended to be worn everywhere, literally on the ground, yet they're still sold in white and in materials that get dirty extremely easily. Where's the outrage? My new sneakers are stained and tinted the first day I wear them.

It's a domino effect, if the people are not happy with the outcome of the whole scratch screen issue that the Nano and iPod line has to offer, Apple will be forced to either use a hard coat, different material, or a better plastic for the case. The Mini was perfect, and so was the 3G and 4G iPod line.

I have no clue why Apple took 2 steps backwards on the Nano and 5G iPod line. The made a similar mistake with the Cube. Apple does make mistakes, they are not perfect. :rolleyes:

It's your hard earned money, why do you see fit to protect Apple, they are a company trying to make a profit off you. People who stick up for companies make me ill at times, then several people have posted they experience with a product. :rolleyes:

[~Shard~]

Apple does make mistakes, they are not perfect. :rolleyes:


Absolutely, everyone makes mistakes. And I think this is a good thing that this has received so much attention, as it will cause Apple to revisit their Quality Control and make some changes which will benefit all of us - hopefully. :cool:

[maya]

I agree with you on the whole functionality aspect (i.e. if it still plays music and does what it's supposed to do, who cares?). I think your example of a car is a good one too. First off, if it has scratches, paint chips, etc., does it mean the car doesn't perform its function? Of course not. Secondly, one could argue that a car is still drivable if it is completely covered in rust, but is that acceptable? This is where the whole "user care" concept comes into play. If you want your item of purchase to be in excellent shape, treat it with care and take the necessary precautions. Simple.

I have no doubts that people have legitimate issues with their nanos, and I think it's reasonable to expect certain levels of quality from Apple, but this whole suing thing is what always gets me - in cases like this it just seems like a bunch of whiners wanting something for nothing, i.e. a share of the profits. Sometimes life ain't fair, get used to it. :cool:


If we apply your backing of his example then a scratched pair of glasses, fine crystal, diamonds, etc... will hold they value when scratched up as you can still see with scratched glasses, still drink out of fine crystal and still flash a diamond. :rolleyes:

Apple has posed its self and its products as "top of the chain" as far as the industry is considered, and customers will expect a triple "A" rating from those products for a reason. :)

I would not want to buy a BMW for 100K USD and have it scratched up while leaving the dealership, or have the signal lights fused. If Apple was selling a 20-50 USD mp3 player then I am pretty sure no one would give a dam .;)

I just discovered I own an iPod Nano. And further it has scratches. I think the only thing that would be fair is that Apple grants me 1000 shares of their stock and a lifetime supply of paper towels (since it appears that product was also defective).

I agree that some of the compensation being asked for damages is ridiculous at best. :p :)

People will always be greedy, no doubt. :rolleyes:

[iEdd]

It's the users, stupid. This seems like just some lawyer's wetdream in the sue sue sue happy US of A. The lawyers are the ones hoping to make out with their fees being paid by winning the settlement, and what is lost, again, is the big business will, as they love to pick on the underdogs not the darlings, see this as another "screw up by Apple" when in fact the Dull DJ didn't hold up so well, my original RIO s***ed a** after a year of jogging (and died), but Apple is held to some godlike standard. I own a 2G iPod, it has some scratches but you know what? I DEAL WITH IT! They're minor, I've put that thing through hell, it's slid across my desk, I've dropped it, it's slid across my seat of my car while hooked to the stereo. It's not built to be impervious to life, clearly anyone hoping this frivolous suit goes through maybe should sue their parents for being born with the ability to get a cut or boo boo from a knife, or hell, sue God if they believe in them for making them so imperfect. The lawyers and people who think this is valid, who want some impossible level of perfection, who clearly aren't realizing other products have the same issues, are a disgrace to the human race. Get a friggin' life!!!

PS My girlfriend owns a nano, works out with it, gee golly it has a little bit of scuffing on it from being dragged to the Y, used in her car, used while jogging in a little sleeve, it doesn't look the same as the day she got it but looks pretty good. And has she complained? NO! She loves her iPod nano, but then again she's got a brain, a clue, and a soul, clearly unlike the people involved in this suit and quite possibly some of the posters in this thread.
Thanks, I agree! A lot of people here that are siding with the people suing apple are saying how they should be able to treat it roughly/a litte rough and have it come out perfect. Or are complaining about problems that apple sorted out for them anyway.
I'm not making excuses for apple, but they aren't perfect. Face it. And if their products start taking away their money, they might not want another iPod.
I'm guessing the people suing are pc users anyway ;)

[decksnap]

why do you see fit to protect Apple, they are a company trying to make a profit off you. People who stick up for companies make me ill at times, then several people have posted they experience with a product. :rolleyes:

Well I'm not so much backing Apple as I am backing sellers in general when it comes to things like this. Different materials take beatings differently. I would rather have the option to choose between a rubber-coated indestructible mp3 player and a more delicate, more refined one, than have that choice taken away because a bunch of people sued over cosmetic blemishes. This goes for most products out there.

[~Shard~]

If we apply your backing of his example then a scratched pair of glasses, fine crystal, diamonds, etc... will hold they value when scratched up as you can still see with scratched glasses, still drink out of fine crystal and still flash a diamond. :rolleyes:

I never talked about the item holding its value. Of course it wouldn't. But who buys a car or a piece of technology thinking it will? Technology is obsolete the day you buy it, and cars depreciate the second you preset the radio stations. This is different from diamonds, fine crystal and your other examples - those don't really apply in this situation.

Apple has posed its self and its products as "top of the chain" as far as the industry is considered, and customers will expect a triple "A" rating from those products for a reason. :)

Yep. :)

I would not want to buy a BMW for 100K USD and have it scratched up while leaving the dealership, or have the signal lights fused.

Fused signal lights would be BMW's fault and is something which affects the performance of the car - legally, your signal lights need to work, so this would be BMW's issue to fix. Scratches however, don't affect the function of the car, are not BMW's fault (whether it's your fault or your bad luck) and should not be addressed by BMW.

[maya]

But who buys a car or a piece of technology thinking it will? Technology is obsolete the day you buy it, and cars depreciate the second you preset the radio stations.

Don't say that to Honda and Toyota owners. ;) :)

[~Shard~]

Don't say that to Honda and Toyota owners. ;) :)

Yes, they can be quite dillusional and sensitive about that. Denail is a wonderful thing... ;)

Seriously though, yes, Toyotas actually do have good resale value - my Dad has owned a 1993 and 2003 Camry, the 1993 sold for a nice amount (and still had its original muffler! :eek: ) - however the price still depreciates. Whereas as you could argue diamonds, etc. are assets, cars are liabilities. Money pits to be precise. ;) :cool:

[generik]

Get rid of class-action lawsuits altogether

You are ****ing insane. That's right.

Eroding more of citizenry rights to protect another corporation that is more than capable of defending itself. Listen, if Apple cannot take a few class actions from time to time, it does not deserve to be in business.

Simple.

Leave our rights out of it.

What recourse will we have against manufacturers of dangerous cars, or poisonous drugs, or a whole myraid of other products we buy today, if not for the possibility that consumers can bunch together and take on a bigger legal entitly? NONE.

Leave our rights out of it.

[hyperpasta]

You are ****ing insane. That's right.

Eroding more of citizenry rights to protect another corporation that is more than capable of defending itself. Listen, if Apple cannot take a few class actions from time to time, it does not deserve to be in business.

Simple.

Leave our rights out of it.

What recourse will we have against manufacturers of dangerous cars, or poisonous drugs, or a whole myraid of other products we buy today, if not for the possibility that consumers can bunch together and take on a bigger legal entitly? NONE.

Leave our rights out of it.

I second that motion.

[Plymouthbreezer]

Hey y'all saying this is just people looking for money/new nano's... It's not.
After one week of using my nano, it looks like it's been a kitten's chew toy for months!

And my 3rd gen is still fine (less scratched) after two years...

[generik]

I don't know how much exactly you know about manufacturing, but manufacturing of anything is an imperfect science. You see, the Earth has, what I like to call, gravity. Things made in a "Gravity Rich" enviroment tend to favor one sode or another. Imagine, if you will, a cup of yogurt with blueberries in it. After a while, the blueberries will all sink to the bottom. The rate that this occurs can be controlled by temperature, but barring the freezing of the solution outright, it will happen. Manufacturing is the same way, polycarbonates in plastics will "clump" together to form pockets of more and less dense areas.

Now, let's take the example of automotive glass. The glass itself in most cars is about as close to flawless as glass can get. The glass in BMW windshields is polished to such a sheen, that water will not stick. Windscreen glass, however, is three layers. Two layers of high strength glass, in between which is sandwiched a thin layer of lexan. Lexan is a plastic, its purpose in auto glass is to prevent the windshield from turning your face into jerky if a rock hits it. Even the windshield in my fine Bavarian automobile suffers from the deplorable refraction of light which you so knowledgelessly speak of. It's a fact of life. All plastics do it. BTW, if you leave your iPod out in a hot car ever, you'll notice that the effect gets worse. The high heat generated inside the car does just enough to excite the molocules in the polycarbonate to the point of mild shifting.


Oh please spare me all that OT ramblings. You have not seen how bad it is. I'm surprised you can survive so long driving that "fine" crapmobile of yours if your windscreen indeed has such *good* optical qualities! Under reasonably direct lighting, it looks like a BLOODY CRACK. No less.

It's not with the polycarbonates, it is with the LCD, mind you.

Now repeat after me. iRiver can do it without the same issue. iRiver can do it without the same issue. iRiver can do it without the same issue.

Seems like either Apple is paying for very cheap labour, or can't even shell out decent dough to get good LCD panels. I actually opened that very same iPod up to investigate the cause. The distortion originates from the LCD panel. Not these 'polycarbonates in plastics will "clump" together to form pockets of more and less dense areas' crap.

Shoddy manufacture is shoddy manufacture, by your same argument it is acceptable to receive iPods that has air bubbles within the Lexan casing too!


Bottom line, your arguments are foundless and without merit. Bottom line part deux, find something else to whine about. How about you start off with that strange dampness you feel when you stand out in the rain.

Oh, indeed, so you are likening a consumer's decision to go Apple akin to standing out in the chilling rain? That I agree. In fact if you are worth half as much as you claim to be, perhaps you should start an advertising campaign on the media to spread that point too.

And tell me, what kind of premium product doesn't even have a charger?

It is like buying that same fine Bavarian automobile which you claim to own.. without a cover for your gas tank.

Wah! You can still fill your gas no? You don't need that gas tank panel for the vehicle to operate. Nevermind the fact that someone can conveniently drop a lighted ciggy in and blow up your luxury vehicle, or what have you.

Likewise... in omitting the charger Apple is effectively telling customers, "Oh, we don't give a darn about the occasional need that you have to travel from time to time, we are assuming everywhere you go will have a USB port! And oh yes, it does not hinder normal operation".

Like I said, you can either choose to be truly premium, or be in the ranks of the other consumer crap. There is no middle path in this.

[nemaslov]

I recently bought a new car. My first black one ever which looks so cool when it is clean, BUT is shows the scratches much more than any other car I have ever owned. Even marks from fairly soft cloths show swirls. That's just the nature of black on these things. White is more forgiving. Should I sue Audi for my slightly scratched A3?

And regarding paper towel scratches. PAPER TOWELS ARE NOT SOFT-PAPER IS HARD. They will scratch the iPod and other similer items. Use a soft glasses cleaning cloth or a diaper.

[Keebler]

morons vs. Apple
is how the legal schtick should read!

while i highly doubt the screen is any different than the other models, it probably scratches b/c you can put it more places..ie. jean pockets. it fits everywhere and if it can fit everywhere, you know there will be morons who try to fit it anywhere.

then duh, of course it will scratch.

i think i'm going to sue Toyota b/c my Tacoma gets scratched when I take it deer hunting up trails where I can't drive our car.

moronic punks.

they give us Apple geeks a bad name.

[generik]

Why would you say something like that? And why wouldn't you do it your self? Scared?

Nope, he is not scared. He just doesn't have to prove anything, unlike you.

You see, you were the one who claimed that it is "just scratches" that are "oh so cosmetic" and "nothing functional".

He is just calling YOU bluff, that's all. Eat it troll.

[bittervictorian]

Can't be bothered to read all 11 pages but I've seen 2 people with Nanos and both are now scratched significantly after only a week of use. This is unacceptable.

Add into the equation 3 dead iPod batteries in my immediate family plus an iBook of mine that has had to go in for a new logic board within the fist 6 months and I think Apple has some serious quality control issues.

[generik]

morons vs. Apple

By the same token it can be "unethical corporation vs hapless users".

When you buy the PREMIUM product of a market segment, you do expect it to hold up at least as well as the competition don't you?

[matticus008]

I would not want to buy a BMW for 100K USD and have it scratched up while leaving the dealership, or have the signal lights fused. If Apple was selling a 20-50 USD mp3 player then I am pretty sure no one would give a dam .;)

But that's exactly it, that brand new BMW DOES have very similar scratches on it even before you buy it.

They're just going to laugh at you if you bring it back for scratches. There's no material defect, and to the poster the suggests plexiglass--obviously you don't know all the problems with plexiglass that would cause many more lawsuits.

People are obsessively whining about scratches, when they're no different now than any other iPod. I have NEVER seen an iPod that didn't have fine scratches on it. Yeah, the finish of the new iPod makes them more visible, but they certainly are there.

I have not seen a single picture that demonstrates the level of scratching that people are claiming. The hyperbole in this thread is absolutely incredible.

By the same token it can be "unethical corporation vs hapless users".

When you buy the PREMIUM product of a market segment, you do expect it to hold up at least as well as the competition don't you?

No. The timeless parental chide, "don't touch that, it's expensive" holds true here. The iPod is physically very durable, more so than the competition. It's also been designed to be a mirror and a shiny object. That makes it more susceptible to having its fine scratches be visible.

There is no such thing as a premium MP3 player. A $600 premium watch is one thing, since you can get a watch that tells time just as well for $20. A premium car that is $80,000 gets you from point A to point B just like an $18,000 car. Do you see the price difference here, and the essential distinction between "premium" and everything else? Unless you can get the same MP3 player functionality for $50 or less, the iPod is not a premium anything. I am so sick of this argument. The iPod is a commodity item. End of story. It may not be cheap, but that doesn't make it indestructible.

[MontyZ]

.

[jicon]

Apple makes a bundle on the sales of an iPod... I don't really care if they get sued. That being said, you have to salute the legal system in the good ol' U.S. of A. Anyone have some hot coffee to sell these people?

/Happy I'm north of the border.

[autrefois]

Anyone have some hot coffee to sell these people?

Oh no, you brought up a subject that is almost guaranteed to make any thread deterioriate into craziness.

Anyone interesting in arguing the McDonald's case for the 30 millionth time, please go to this thread (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=126639&highlight=mcdonalds+coffee) or do a search for McDonald's and coffee and post in one of those threads. Pretty please? :)

In my opinion, we already have plenty to argue about without pouring coffee, err fuel, on the flames. :p

[Sun Baked]

Oh no, you brought up a subject that is almost guaranteed to make any thread deterioriate into craziness.

Anyone interesting in arguing the McDonald's case for the 30 millionth time, please go to this thread (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=126639&highlight=mcdonalds+coffee) or do a search for McDonald's and coffee and post in one of those threads. Pretty please? :)

In my opinion, we already have plenty to argue about without pouring coffee, err fuel, on the flames. :pThat case also proves that pouring coffee on your crotch to cool your loins will not work either. :o

[maya]

That case also proves that pouring coffee on your crotch to cool your loins will not work either. :o

Someone has already tried it, as it would seem. ;) :)

[NC MacGuy]

I've bought a 5G 1st gen, 20G 2nd gen, 2 3rd gen.'s 20G, 4G Nano and yes, a 30G 5th Gen. I can honestly say that the nano's do SEEM to scratch easier. I'm not sure if it's 'cause they're so small and it really shows up or they in fact are made w. a less durable material. I've had the new 5th Gen. for a few days now and can't seem to reproduce the same scratch susceptability as the Nano. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the nano - long battery life, svelt formfactor, nice display but darn it - the scratches! One thing I think was an oversight was the lack of a decent case at the products release. I for one am still waiting for an Agent 18 case or something similar to house my wee little one and offer 100% functionality. Every iPod I've bought has always had the option of case availibility at purchase, and I usually buy one. My nano is still housed in an "invisible shield" which I don't really like but it does keep it safe until an abundance of cases hit the market and are available.
I'm not one for lawsuits but it seems every Apple product released gets a bit cheaper. I still have powerbooks that were made in Ireland that are working - albeit slowly - while my 2nd Taiwanese 15" PB 1.67 GHz has had multiple problems, including crappy jumpy trackpad that Apple denies is crappy. My 3rd Gen. IPods came with case, wall charger, dock, cable and firewire which can be nice if needed for a bootable disk. The 5th gen came with a REALLY cheap case, a USB cable, CD, headphones - that's it. The Nano came with even less.
I've been an Apple user for going on 18 years and the quality is slipping. Face it people, I've been a rider on IPod 3rd gen. battery settlement, Powerbook settlements and various product recalls. If there is a problem, many people will be happy the filers of the suit took action and I'm sure many of the "take the scratches and shut-up" will jump aboard as the settlement papers hit their mailboxes.
I've always applauded Apple innovation and one thing they've always had over competitors was quality which has taken a backseat recently.

[VanMac]

Buy better paper towels. If anyone bothered to read a manual once in a while, they'd know to use a "soft, lint-free cloth" on just about everything (tv screens, cd's, dvd's, computer monitors, etc)
Exactly. Hate to see that their butts look like with the toilet paper they use ;)

[generik]

No. The timeless parental chide, "don't touch that, it's expensive" holds true here. The iPod is physically very durable, more so than the competition. It's also been designed to be a mirror and a shiny object. That makes it more susceptible to having its fine scratches be visible.

There is no such thing as a premium MP3 player. A $600 premium watch is one thing, since you can get a watch that tells time just as well for $20. A premium car that is $80,000 gets you from point A to point B just like an $18,000 car. Do you see the price difference here, and the essential distinction between "premium" and everything else? Unless you can get the same MP3 player functionality for $50 or less, the iPod is not a premium anything. I am so sick of this argument. The iPod is a commodity item. End of story. It may not be cheap, but that doesn't make it indestructible.

Really?

If you are not paying for the brand, then what are you paying for here? Erm, don't make me laugh, but quality? Or maybe Kualetty?

I
I'm not one for lawsuits but it seems every Apple product released gets a bit cheaper. I still have powerbooks that were made in Ireland that are working - albeit slowly - while my 2nd Taiwanese 15" PB 1.67 GHz has had multiple problems, including crappy jumpy trackpad that Apple denies is crappy. My 3rd Gen. IPods came with case, wall charger, dock, cable and firewire which can be nice if needed for a bootable disk. The 5th gen came with a REALLY cheap case, a USB cable, CD, headphones - that's it. The Nano came with even less.

It never is cheaper, if you'd observe Apple products, they do not fall in price, a newer product merely takes the place of an older one and it stays in the same price point.

What you meant to say however, is it has been getting cheaper for Apple to produce these Powerbooks. Same with these iPods.

If you thought your Powerbook was bad, wait till you see the newest ones, these are now made in China.

[swingerofbirch]

It never is cheaper, if you'd observe Apple products, they do not fall in price, a newer product merely takes the place of an older one and it stays in the same price point.

What you meant to say however, is it has been getting cheaper for Apple to produce these Powerbooks. Same with these iPods.

If you thought your Powerbook was bad, wait till you see the newest ones, these are now made in China.
Maybe that explains why i have a WORKING yes i repeat WORKING powerbook 160 used on a regular basis, and went through 4 ibooks with faulty logic boards (and still got screwed by apple even after extended repair...really long story)

but i guess everythign is being made in china, i guess they have to make it there to remain competitive, doesn't quite fit in with their laid back california image..making products in a country that can't guarantee basic human rights or wages

making ipods is not revolutionary...making in the united states and employing americans for good factory jobs that are part of american culture..THAT would be revolutionary..the US acts like a 3rd world country..we export raw materials to china in exchange for buying back tvs and computers

that's why apple has to go out of their way to say designed in california on everything...it's a bit telling and histrionic and rather rude to the chinese who really have to deal with the logistics of making ipods

[matticus008]

Really?

If you are not paying for the brand, then what are you paying for here? Erm, don't make me laugh, but quality? Or maybe Kualetty?

Find me an iPod competitor that offers the same specs at the same price as a nano. As for quality, yes. It has a nicer screen than anything in its class, a higher capacity, better audio reproduction, a better design, and it can still play music after being run over twice by a car. Got anything in mind with better quality?