Apple Replaces Batteries of 5,500 First-Generation iPod Nanos in Japan

[MacRumors]

CrunchGear notes that Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry has issued a report revealing that Apple last month replaced a total of 5,527 batteries for first-generation iPod nano devices in response to increased publicity generated by the government agency's pressure on Apple to expand its battery replacement efforts.

The ministry also says in the 3 weeks in August after Apple issued that warning on its website (on August 11), the company replaced 4,994 batteries - a big plus compared to June (62 batteries) and July (232) this year.

While a significant increase, the fact that "only" 5,000 batteries have been replaced under the program may simply be a reflection of the age of the devices, which were sold between September 2005 and December 2006 and many of which may no longer even be in service.

Apple has reportedly agreed to replace customers' entire devices should they exhibit verified symptoms of overheating, and it is unclear whether additional customers have come forward to issue complaints of actual overheating since Apple stepped up its commitment to addressing the issue.

Article Link: Apple Replaces Batteries of 5,500 First-Generation iPod Nanos in Japan

 

[ctdonath]

Leads to the question: what are Apple's policies toward battery replacements on aging devices? My Gen 1 iPods Shuffle, Nano and Touch are showing signs of decaying battery life, but are otherwise still delightful devices. If battery replacements compare favorably to buying replacement devices, I might end up doing both (nice to have devices dedicated to particular content like audiobooks or news, while the latest gizmos are more functional).

 

[I is Mac]

Or they can just stop using outdated **** from 5 years ago.

 

[ouimetnick]

Or they can just stop using outdated **** from 5 years ago.

If you just need a music player, the first iPod nano is fine. Apple just needs to use non exploding batteries. Why should someone waste money on a new iPod if the old one works fine and does what they want it too?

 

[I is Mac]

If you just need a music player, the first iPod nano is fine. Apple just needs to use non exploding batteries. Why should someone waste money on a new iPod if the old one works fine and does what they want it too?

I doubt a device that old gets much battery life.

 

[GenesisST]

I doubt a device that old gets much battery life.

FFS, it's 5 years old! Things these days don't last...

I remember my parents Zenith television from 1976. It lasted until 1991, when I wen't to university.

 

[androiphone]

Or they can just stop using outdated **** from 5 years ago.

that's pretty narrowminded I still use mine even though I have an ipod touch now. just because a new device has come out doesnt mean the old one instantly stops working or stops being useful

I doubt a device that old gets much battery life.

well I listened to a 2hr mix yesterday and about 1.5hr of music today and it still has a sliver of battery life in it.

If you just need a music player, the first iPod nano is fine. Apple just needs to use non exploding batteries. Why should someone waste money on a new iPod if the old one works fine and does what they want it too?

exactly the nano is perfect for just music

 

[NewSc2]

Or they can just stop using outdated **** from 5 years ago.

I still use mine regularly. Not all the time, as I have an iPhone with me, but for runs, or in the car it works fine.

 

[spillproof]

Although it my be pocket change to Apple, I'm curious to know how much this is costing them.

I doubt a device that old gets much battery life.

7-8 hours per day, used 3-4 times a week for 2-3 hours at a time, over the past 8 months. It was used heavily in its first 2 years, then sat in a desk drawer until this year.

 

[aarond12]

Or they can just stop using outdated **** from 5 years ago.

Mine works fine in the car. Why upgrade?

Or I can just stop replying to 12-year-olds on message boards.

-Aaron-