Generous Replacements for 5G iPods?

[macguymike]

Generously replace does that mean because the Hardware sucks? WEll guess what i haven't been using my 5g because i'm stressed out over the scratches. I'm waiting on an invisibleshield meaning this thing is not seeing any usage.

Heh. I'm in that same boat. *hands you an oar* 😉

 

[ruffas]

this amazes me..

• Apple release iPods and each one has some form of problem, battery life, scratches, dead pixels etc the world complains !
• We hear rumours that Apple are aware of problems and owners panic and wonder how they can swap thier potentially faulty iPod for a new one.
• iPod is still one of the most limited players on the market (no radio, direct recording, WMA (it matters to a lot of people) ).
• Millions of people have no idea what an iPod is or what to do with it once they have it..
• People still buy the bloody things in thier millions.

Makes no sense...

I won't be buying a 5G for a while (if at all).. There are far more flexible video playing devices on the market.. 'Happy' with my Nano for now...

 

[Chappers]

Millions of people have no idea what an iPod is or what to do with it once they have it..

So millions of people are walking around with iPods but not listening to them.

 

[Aliquis]

Well, is anyone also a little disgruntled or just a little dissappointed that the 5Gs don't come with power adaptors?

 

[nagromme]

It would help if Apple didn't seem to be using cheaper materials to drive down their costs and simultaneously make iPods more "disposable".

Something has changed. Perhaps it's the same polycarbonate, but the nano is DEFINITELY more scratchable than my 4G iPod was. Cases were NOT available on Day One for the nano... it's easy to say "buy a case", but what do you do when there are NO cases available?

I truly think it's more easily scratched now than it used to be.

The solution, I think, is obvious: Concentrate on making iPods that are more durable, even if it means they're more expensive. (Watch-face crystal!) And make sure cases are available the SAME DAY as the iPod is.

A case is a good suggestion (and a few were available almost immediately), but it's hardly the only solution. Just don't touch hard/sharp things to your iPod. I went caseless for a couple weeks with my iPod and I simply kept in a pocket by itself instead of mixed with other objects. No scratches. OR accept scratches--many portable device owners do. Offering cases right alongside the device IS better, but calling it a necessity is very subjective.

Improvement is always good, though, and if all this stink makes my next iPod even stronger, that's no bad thing!

Now, if Apple is covering something up here--if it's the "same" surface material in some technical sense, but actually a different TYPE of that material--or some irrelevant underlying material is the same while the actual SURFACE material is different.... or some other such deception... then that makes Apple's statements essentially lies, and I'll be the first to call Apple on it. I'd even support a lawsuit if for no other reason than to discourage such lies in future.

I hope Apple is not lying here--it would be a stupid mistake that didn't mesh with their other recent moves. All they'd have to do is say "we changed the plastic for various reasons. Some find that it scratches more easily, and that may affect your decision to use a case." They didn't have to say the plastic was the same as the previous generation if that was pure deception. I hope it's not.

And the "bad batch" possibility remains, as does the "much ado about nothing" theory. I figure we'll know for sure when we see what happens over the next months. If Apple discovers a bad batch, we'll hear of it.

Well, is anyone also a little disgruntled or just a little dissappointed that the 5Gs don't come with power adaptors?

I like that my Photo came with the power adapter--but since my Mac is Folding@Home 24/7, charging is no problem 🙂 I've rarely used the adapter. It's nice connected to a dock which is permanently connected to my stereo... but once I started using a case I stopped using the dock. So making those things optional is OK with me. From my perspective, if more than half of them don't get used anyway--which is my guess--then it's a waste of resources to make them standard.

 

[MacTruck]

Seriously folks, in this day and age of technology why can't apple make an ipod that doesn't scratch? It quit rediculous that upon removing my 5G ipod from its brand new packaging that I have to apply screen protectors on the front and back to keep it looking normal. Heck I did that and still scratched the damn screen just from applying the covers. Then there was a tiny tiny piece of lint under the protector so I pulled it off to apply another one and that lint scratched the screen too.

No its not acceptable and apple should replace them. They need to just make an ipod that is not scratch prone. Oh wait they did, its called and ipod mini. Why can't they go back to those materials?

 

[nagromme]

Plot thickens?

Consumer Reports--although they give the new iPods great reviews--says that the nano AND the 5g are both made of different material (contrary to Apple's statement) from previous iPods. Material that can "easily" be scratched by a mere fingernail (as some posters here have said before), unlike other iPods.

I don't consider it likely that Apple would tell a really stupid, easily-disproved lie about this. But I'd say the same of Consumer Reports, whatever their many flaws (believe me, I know) may be. I'd be amazed if they made a statement like that without trying the same tests on an older iPod in a controlled manner.

Assuming CR is right, a simple "bad batch" wouldn't likely explain a problem in common with BOTH the nano and 5g. That's one heck of a big batch.

It's also hard to make this fit with posters who have said you CANNOT scratch the nanos with a fingernail. And those who own both the new and the old and say there IS no difference. (Is there a small "good batch"? 😛 )

http://www.consumerreports.org/main/detailv4.jsp?CONTENT<>cnt_id=802095&FOLDER<>folder_id=162691

I have to ask--do these fingernail scratches rub off? (Test with a NON-abrasive cloth, please 😛 ) Because there's a difference between scratch damage and "writing like a crayon."

I keep thinking my AlBook has been scratched... but the marks rub off easily. Exactly what is happening when people say iPods are "easily scratched by fingernails?" Is it really plastic that's SOFTER than a fingernail, so the fingernail digs up the surface slightly? Or is the fingernail leaving a mark that sits ABOVE the surface (not a true scratch, and probably removable)? Really, either one sounds weird to me. And a screen that can truly, "easily," be permanently damaged by a fingernail could easily be harmed by many cases as well. (Protective film may be the best bet.)

In any case, whether there's a real problem or not, I can see this affecting sales some. There's certainly enough negative buzz to make me wonder, if I were shopping for a player now. I'd prefer to "wait and see" and be certain one way or the other.

Then again, Apple seems to be unable to meet demand anyway. This may NOT hurt sales after all.

On a positive note: Consumer Reports' conclusion is strongly in favor of the new iPods:

"only those who need a player with a radio or voice recorder need turn to other brands"

 

[MacTruck]

Something has changed. Perhaps it's the same polycarbonate, but the nano is DEFINITELY more scratchable than my 4G iPod was. Cases were NOT available on Day One for the nano... it's easy to say "buy a case", but what do you do when there are NO cases available?

This is a fact. I have a 4G 60gb and a 5G 60gb right here in front of me and i can tell you the 5G is made of softer plastic on the front. They are not the same material despite what is being said. Way to go apple for making the new ipod even MORE scratch prone.

 

[qevlhma]

5g

I actually do not normally post, but I think this is important.

I like everyone else thought Apple was telling the truth.

I never wanted a nano, but I did want a 5g.

I went out yesterday and bought a 60 GB 5g video enabled ipod.

The actual video is great, the form factor is wonderful.

I kept it in the provided case and I was very VERY careful with it.

Just putting it in and out of the provided case casused MANY scratches on the screen. This is obviously a lot harder to ignore than on a music only player.. as I am trying to watch the thing.

I took it back and swapped it for a new one and bought screen protectors.

I went home and applied them.. setting the ipod on a really lush towl and.. i honestly felt like I was doing surgery.

Here is where it gets bad.

1) the current screen protectors distort the video. (obviously nobody noticed this when it was non vid.. but the protectors that glue on degraded the video quality to the point where I could not deal.

2) By the time I finished the application I noticed that the body of the ipod was scratched TERRIBLY again..

I was being SUPER careful.

My 3g ipod that I have used for 2 years had less scratching than one I had for 1 hour.

This is not only a real problem.. but I just wanted to say that.. I was one of the people calling BS on all of this..

There is without a doubt a real problem.. I hope apple can fix it soon.. I want my 5g back. (I took it for a full refund.)

This is not about a case.. this is not about a protector.. you basically really can just breathe on it and it scrathes and looks like crap.

🙁

 

[Quark]

.
.
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I kept it in the provided case and I was very VERY careful with it.

Just putting it in and out of the provided case casused MANY scratches on the screen. This is obviously a lot harder to ignore than on a music only player.. as I am trying to watch the thing.
.
.
.
I went home and applied them.. setting the ipod on a really lush towl and.. i honestly felt like I was doing surgery.
.
.
.
I was being SUPER careful.

My 3g ipod that I have used for 2 years had less scratching than one I had for 1 hour.

This is not only a real problem.. but I just wanted to say that.. I was one of the people calling BS on all of this..

There is without a doubt a real problem.. I hope apple can fix it soon.. I want my 5g back. (I took it for a full refund.)

This is not about a case.. this is not about a protector.. you basically really can just breathe on it and it scrathes and looks like crap.

🙁

I am having the EXACT same problem and was as careful as you were. I am also having problems with the OS on the 5G ipod. It will lock up (had to reboot several times), it will just stop playing, it will play part of a song and for no reason jump to another song.

I had custom ordered the 60GB 5G iPod from Apple with the engraving. I plan on returning it to a physical Apple store tomorrow and seeing if I can get it replaced and hopefully it won't take long. I think I will lose the engraving though.

Take care,
Quark

 

[qevlhma]

I just wanted to drive the point home that until someone owns one of these and sees first hand.. they really should not assume people are just idiots and causing the damage.

Honestly until I saw it myself.. I thought that.. and I was rather unfair to people.

This is a major problem.. far more so on the 5g since you watch video on it... I could ignore a scratched screen on the nano, as I mostly just would be listening.

🙁

I am going to give apple a call to complain.. everyone else should do the same.. between this and the nano law suit.. I would hope the 6G version is not this terrible.

 

[nagromme]

I hope apple can fix it soon..

If Apple's lying on this--which after professional testing by CR seems like a good possibility--then I think they probably WILL fix it without waiting for the next revision:

* They'll have been caught lying in a blatant way, and will have every incentive to make themselves look good after being caught.

* They'll have the ABILITY to fix it--just choose a different plastic--like the one they used before.

* They can AFFORD to fix it. They're rolling in cash, an the iPod is a profitable line worth spending cash to fix.

* They have incentive to fix it soon: holiday shopping is coming. (But I realize there could be changes to the assembly process needed, which could take time.)

And if Apple is lying, it would be interesting to know what made them try it. It's SO easy to test and prove whether plastic is the same or not. It was a lie (if CR is right) guaranteed to be caught.

The sheer stupidity of that is the major doubt I still have. Apple makes mistakes, but they're seldom THAT stupid.

 

[deanwaterman]

Seriously folks, in this day and age of technology why can't apple make an ipod that doesn't scratch? It quit rediculous that upon removing my 5G ipod from its brand new packaging that I have to apply screen protectors on the front and back to keep it looking normal. Heck I did that and still scratched the damn screen just from applying the covers. Then there was a tiny tiny piece of lint under the protector so I pulled it off to apply another one and that lint scratched the screen too.

No its not acceptable and apple should replace them. They need to just make an ipod that is not scratch prone. Oh wait they did, its called and ipod mini. Why can't they go back to those materials?

I am with you... why not something like the iPod mini? I had a 3G & 4G ipod and always hated the scratches and fingerprints on the back chrome. The iPod mini was the best solution for durability and looks. I might be wrong here, but I think the ipod would look good in aluminum. You also can get different colors which many people appreciate. I myself would take a black iPod if it was black brushed aluminum.

Just a wish that will never happen.

 

[MacTruck]

Just called the apples store about getting mine replaced or refunded. The guy told me there was no such policy, I pushed, he gave me to the manager which was very polite and said she would take it back. She actually talked me out of a replacement because she said the new one would get just as scratched up. She did state though that they are made out of the same plastic as all the ipods but I didn't argue since she already agreed to return it.

So I am returning the nano but may hold onto the 60gb video. I love it too much and I already put protective coating on it so it should stay ok. Got a piece of dirt under the coating though, already took it off to replace the coating after a piece of lint got under there. What a pain in the butt.

 

[camomac]

Well, is anyone also a little disgruntled or just a little dissappointed that the 5Gs don't come with power adaptors?

yep. and after reading this thread, and another one on this board,
i will wait until this scratching thing seems to get worked out.

** i too hug my 4G **


5G = No Firewire Also. that too is disappointing!

 

[MontyZ]

.

 

[ksz]

My 3g ipod that I have used for 2 years had less scratching than one I had for 1 hour.

This is not only a real problem.. but I just wanted to say that.. I was one of the people calling BS on all of this..

There is without a doubt a real problem.. I hope apple can fix it soon.. I want my 5g back. (I took it for a full refund.)

This is not about a case.. this is not about a protector.. you basically really can just breathe on it and it scrathes and looks like crap.

🙁

This is exactly my point about the nano (and perhaps the new iPod video) exhibiting a disproportionately high rate of aesthetic degradation, and that is a real problem. People can bury their heads in the sand, but the problem won't go away.

My nano was covered in scratches after 2 days of normal use. Here, once again, are some pictures.

 

[susannahyork]

This is exactly my point about the nano (and perhaps the new iPod video) exhibiting a disproportionately high rate of aesthetic degradation, and that is a real problem. People can bury their heads in the sand, but the problem won't go away.

My nano was covered in scratches after 2 days of normal use. Here, once again, are some pictures.

wow, that really looks like ****.

 

[ksz]

wow, that really looks like ****.

Wanna buy it from me?

(You see, it has virtually no resale value either.)

 

[~Shard~]

Wanna buy it from me?

(You see, it has virtually no resale value either.)

Yeah, that's definitely something to consider - whether it still functions properly or not is one thing, but not being able to resell it is another thing.

 

[ksz]

Yeah, that's definitely something to consider - whether it still functions properly or not is one thing, but not being able to resell it is another thing.

Because resale value is highly dependent on both function and aesthetic condition.

 

[macguymike]

My nano was covered in scratches after 2 days of normal use. Here, once again, are some pictures.

What sort of situations did you subject your nano to, exactly, to have it end up looking like that?

I've seen display nanos at Best Buy that are handled by all sorts of different people daily that looked better than that.

 

[ksz]

What sort of situations did you subject your nano to, exactly, to have it end up looking like that?

I've seen display nanos at Best Buy that are handled by all sorts of different people daily that looked better than that.

I've explained this in the Nano Class Action Lawsuit thread, somewhere in the last 3-4 pages. "Normal Use".

 

[~Shard~]

I've explained this in the Nano Class Action Lawsuit thread, somewhere in the last 3-4 pages. "Normal Use".

Yeah, the whole thing was discussed to death (no offense ksz!) in this thread, macguymike, so there's no need to start rehashing things here. It was an excellent debate (I thought so at least) but there no need for it to spill into other threads.

 

[amateurmacfreak]

exactly my point. that's what i assume they're talking about when they talk of "abuse".

but i'd think the abuse wouldn't count for something as little of an issue as scratches... i'd think it would have more to do w/ dropping them or whatever... i have the 5G 30GB in black, and i've loved it for the 8 days i've had it.. it has scratches, but it hasn't been scratched to the point where it bothers me much at all... i don't think people need to get mad at apple for the scratches, that's your own problem, protect it if you don't want scratches.