Stylez Cz said:The Ipod shouldn't scratch this easily for $300, period.
With price is supposed to come quality. It's an unwritten rule, but it's still a rule. Same applies to other places. You go to a restaurant that charges $100 a plate. It doesn't say it on the menu but the service better be better then Mc Donalds. The ipod gets scratched due to poor design materials. Simple.
You do know that microfiber is an abrasive, correct? It is not the same as a lint-free cloth and is not meant for the same applications. It picks up dust and debris and becomes extremely hazardous to many surfaces unless it's brand new.
Polycarbonate is a higher quality material than acrylic. With price, you get that quality. The iPod is tougher with polycarbonate. It is harder to chip, crack, shatter. It resists damage from more chemical agents. It provides better insulation against impacts. It is 25 times stronger. It is EASIER to polish properly. It is also somewhat easier to develop minor scratches (but harder to develop more major cosmetic problems). Since acrylic is not substantially harder to scratch and has all of those other problems, it is an inferior choice. The iPod is made to be tough, not scratchproof. It resists major cosmetic damage, but light scratches are easier to come by. Given that they are also easier to polish out, what's the problem? Where's the lacking quality? Why would you rather have acrylic?
That $100 meal offers better service (Apple's customer service is consistently ranked in the top tier), better food (Apple's products are quality and subject to high testing standards), better presentation (Apple's design is an industry leader). But you know what? That china plate scratches a hell of a lot easier and breaks much more readily than the plasticized material at a $5 buffet.