iPod iPod Video Scratches

[neonart]

Just a comment for all you "newbie" haters out there. The reason so many newbies are posting on how badly the Nano and 5G scratch is because we are people who recently ordered this product and noticed how badly it scratched after about 3 days. We then went on-line and found this thread about called "Ipod Video Scratches." From there we expressed our concern only to be argued with and accused of lying? For what reason? What do we have to gain? Were not accusing you of working for Apple to promote a new product! Although that makes a lot more sense than your arguments! It scratches, everyone knows that owns one.

While I don't acuse you or anyone of lying, due to the fact you chose your username to be Scratchpod and insist on your claim of a horribly scratched iPod without any photo proof it makes more sense for you to be an iPod/Apple hater than for any of us to work for Apple. Sorry if it's not the case, but you've made it seem that way.

Again, we'd like to see photos of these problems.

Saying everyone that owns one knows they scratch is also inacurrate. Myself and other confirmed long time members of this forum have no problems.

 

[JDOG_]

Well said. The influx of new users with peculiar stories is a bit...peculiar.

but totally p0wned nontheless

 

[Crypty]

I just got a 30gb Ipod video and yes it does scratch way too easily. Had I actually bought this thing I would have been extremely ticked off but I got it from f-r-e-e-i-p-o-d-s.com so that lightened the blow a bit.

I had heard about the nano scratching and that was a real turnoff for me back when I was going to buy one. I heard apple said it was a defect among the first ones etc etc.
I didn't expect this to be the case with the new video ipod. Surely they would fix such a(admitted) defect. I guess not. I've had this thing for only a few hours. It's been in my hand, and in and out of its case about 3 times in total. I can't say for sure where along that period of 10 minutes it got scratched, but I can tell you that I have OCD when it comes to my electronics and keeping them in top shape.

Also I think it's a little absurd that some people are denying it, blaming the user, and saying it scratches just like any other portable device. This is not true in the least. I have owned MORE than enough electronic devices make this call.

I even see people requesting photo evidence as if someone would lie about getting scratches on their ipod. Is this a braggable happening? I don't think so.

Here's your photo evidence.

The scratches really glare up in the sun and make it impossible to watch videos. I guess I have to store my ipod in a zero gravity containment cell with silly putty walls until I can get ahold of some displex and a boxwave protector.

(For anyone who was wondering, www.boxwave.com has the most incredible scratch resistant protectors I have ever seen. I've used the same one on my PDA for years and still have not a single scratch. To my knowledge they do not yet make a 5g protector, but should soon as they do have a nano one.)

It's a shame to see apple go with poor quality materials on their biggest product. The only thing the company had going for them was sleek designs and high quality but I guess I can cross off the latter now. Not that everyone will feel the same way, just sharing my opinion.

 

[matticus008]

The scratches really glare up in the sun

See, the problem is the glare, not the scratches. Even without the scratches, it's impossible to see an iPod in the sun. We all know what scratched iPods look like, we're waiting for something horrendously marred by, apparently, the air itself, based on many of the complaints we've been getting.

That's an excellent picture though to make the point that the cases or other pieces of fabric are NOT guilty of causing this supposed damage. Those scratches are too short and on too different arcs to have been caused by the case or by running a cleaning wipe against it. There's something else making those short marks. Thanks for the pictures, though, it's a better attempt than most.

And I really am tired of people harping on "poor quality" materials. It's just not true. Even if it gets scratched, it really has nothing to do with the quality of what's used. Everything has a less than desirable property--it doesn't make it a low quality piece.

 

[drater]

I just got a 30gb Ipod video and yes it does scratch way too easily. Had I actually bought this thing I would have been extremely ticked off but I got it from f-r-e-e-i-p-o-d-s.com so that lightened the blow a bit.

I had heard about the nano scratching and that was a real turnoff for me back when I was going to buy one. I heard apple said it was a defect among the first ones etc etc.
I didn't expect this to be the case with the new video ipod. Surely they would fix such a(admitted) defect. I guess not. I've had this thing for only a few hours. It's been in my hand, and in and out of its case about 3 times in total. I can't say for sure where along that period of 10 minutes it got scratched, but I can tell you that I have OCD when it comes to my electronics and keeping them in top shape.

Also I think it's a little absurd that some people are denying it, blaming the user, and saying it scratches just like any other portable device. This is not true in the least. I have owned MORE than enough electronic devices make this call.

I even see people requesting photo evidence as if someone would lie about getting scratches on their ipod. Is this a braggable happening? I don't think so.

Here's your photo evidence.

The scratches really glare up in the sun and make it impossible to watch videos. I guess I have to store my ipod in a zero gravity containment cell with silly putty walls until I can get ahold of some displex and a boxwave protector.

(For anyone who was wondering, www.boxwave.com has the most incredible scratch resistant protectors I have ever seen. I've used the same one on my PDA for years and still have not a single scratch. To my knowledge they do not yet make a 5g protector, but should soon as they do have a nano one.)

It's a shame to see apple go with poor quality materials on their biggest product. The only thing the company had going for them was sleek designs and high quality but I guess I can cross off the latter now. Not that everyone will feel the same way, just sharing my opinion.

well that made sense.
1. your ipod looks like someone put it through the a dryer cycle. People here are talking about hairline scratches from normal usage, these are huge scratches (from what they seem).
2. you already admitted that you don't care about the product because you got it for free.
3. apple used more expensive material on the new ipod (have you not read the entire posting?). Its design is supposed to slim it down but have better resistance to cracking...unfortunately it seems like it is more prone to hairline scratches while achieving this.
4. If the "only" thing apple had going for them was its sleek design, then why does it look so nice?
5. How come you're so easy to say that apple's high quality is gone because in YOUR opinion they have a product that doesn't please you (which you didn't pay for). FYI, apple also makes computers! Its the newest thing! check it out. And their design and quality is better than any other computers on the market, and this includes their operating system.

But thanks for the input.

 

[cheekyspanky]

It's almost like Apple is paying some of you guys to defend it no matter what anyone says!

I've been disappointed with my iPod to an extent - the screen does mark far easier than my 3G model, and the phone interference issue (likely to be down to the newer in house developed click wheel from what I've heard) are things I don't feel I should expect on a product that is designed to be portable and used in various, sometimes hard-wearing environments.

This iPod has its flaws, just like any product does, some people are more concerned about these flaws than others. I wouldn't say there's a need to try and ridicule peoples opinions in this case, even if you don't happen to fully agree with them.

Ultimately the £275 I paid for the iPod I will earn back in just over a day of working so I can afford to care less about my iPod than many others who have had to save up for a long time for theirs. I still recognise though, that this product is much less durable than near enough any mobile phone I have ever used. If Apple do ever bring out a mobile phone I'll definitely choose to avoid it!

 

[Crypty]

well that made sense.
1. your ipod looks like someone put it through the a dryer cycle. People here are talking about hairline scratches from normal usage, these are huge scratches (from what they seem).

These are hairline scratches, and you are seeing what they look like when they catch the light. Yes, you are right, it really is that bad.

2. you already admitted that you don't care about the product because you got it for free.

That is not true, and next time you are looking to make a valid point, do it with my statements in their original context. I said the fact that it is a poor quality product is easier to take being that I got a good deal on it, and in that manner, it's still worth it, scratches or not. Had I paid 300 I may have just returned it which is of course I'm not going to do with my FREE ipod for obvious reasons.

3. apple used more expensive material on the new ipod (have you not read the entire posting?). Its design is supposed to slim it down but have better resistance to cracking...unfortunately it seems like it is more prone to hairline scratches while achieving this.

They should have learned from their mistakes and found a suitable material before releasing it, and upsetting many. As far as I can see from real life observation, there is no difference in the 'scratchability' of the nano and 5g

4. If the "only" thing apple had going for them was its sleek design, then why does it look so nice?
The only thing the company had going for them was sleek designs and high quality but I guess I can cross off the latter now
5. How come you're so easy to say that apple's high quality is gone because in YOUR opinion they have a product that doesn't please you (which you didn't pay for). FYI, apple also makes computers! Its the newest thing! check it out. And their design and quality is better than any other computers on the market, and this includes their operating system.
An item this big should undergo extensive testing. I would never believe that they did not know of the scratch problem prior to releasing it. That said, they should have found a better material. Also, I am aware this is a mac forum and there is bound to be a level of bias, but why do you feel the need to force your opinions out as facts on an unrelated subject? Oh, you sense that I am disloyal to apple, so I must he an apple hater?


Pressing the quote button works much better than slapping together fragments of my post in a manner you are able to refute.

 

[matticus008]

They should have learned from their mistakes and found a suitable material before releasing it, and upsetting many. As far as I can see from real life
[...]
An item this big should undergo extensive testing. I would never believe that they did not know of the scratch problem prior to releasing it. That said, they should have found a better material. Also, I am aware this is a mac forum and there is bound to be a level of bias, but why do you feel the need to force your opinions out as facts on an unrelated subject? Oh, you sense that I am disloyal to apple, so I must he an apple hater?

They did find a suitable material. They're using it. It's the same plastic as the 4G iPod and it scratches the same as the 4G iPod. It's a ridiculous claim to demand "something better" when fixating on the one problem people can complain about and neglecting the MANY reasons why polycarbonate is the superior choice in this situation. If you examine a 4G closely, you will see extensive surface scratching just as you do here. The newer iPods are more obvious because they're shinier and they have the mirror effect of a clear layer on top.

And it's foolish to think that there was no testing and consideration beforehand. Of course Apple knew it scratched. EVERYONE knows it would scratch--you don't have to be a genius to know that plastic is pretty easy to scratch. Since you can't eliminate that problem, why wouldn't you go with a material that eliminates all the problems you can avoid? Every material choice is a compromise. I'm not defending Apple, I'm defending people who make things. If Apple had gone with another plastic, like acryllic, people would be complaining about cracks and chips and warping, and if acrylic aquariums are any indication, discoloration over time. You can't have it all, and no matter what Apple chose, someone would be complaining about it.

There just isn't a perfect material. There's also nothing better for the price. They chose the prices based on a great deal of marketing research and decision-making, and raising the price significantly for something that didn't scratch as easily (but ultimately would still scratch) isn't worth it. Having worked with many kinds of plastic, I can see why this one was chosen. It's a softer plastic, but it's a stronger, lighter, better plastic. It's much easier to remove the light scratches people complain about than it would be on another plastic, or heaven forbid, glass. I'm glad that they chose this plastic, because it's the best, and its problems are fewest and easiest to remedy.

 

[drater]

well that made sense.
1. your ipod looks like someone put it through the a dryer cycle. People here are talking about hairline scratches from normal usage, these are huge scratches (from what they seem).

These are hairline scratches, and you are seeing what they look like when they catch the light. Yes, you are right, it really is that bad.

2. you already admitted that you don't care about the product because you got it for free.

That is not true, and next time you are looking to make a valid point, do it with my statements in their original context. I said the fact that it is a poor quality product is easier to take being that I got a good deal on it, and in that manner, it's still worth it, scratches or not. Had I paid 300 I may have just returned it which is of course I'm not going to do with my FREE ipod for obvious reasons.

3. apple used more expensive material on the new ipod (have you not read the entire posting?). Its design is supposed to slim it down but have better resistance to cracking...unfortunately it seems like it is more prone to hairline scratches while achieving this.

They should have learned from their mistakes and found a suitable material before releasing it, and upsetting many. As far as I can see from real life observation, there is no difference in the 'scratchability' of the nano and 5g

4. If the "only" thing apple had going for them was its sleek design, then why does it look so nice?
The only thing the company had going for them was sleek designs and high quality but I guess I can cross off the latter now
5. How come you're so easy to say that apple's high quality is gone because in YOUR opinion they have a product that doesn't please you (which you didn't pay for). FYI, apple also makes computers! Its the newest thing! check it out. And their design and quality is better than any other computers on the market, and this includes their operating system.
An item this big should undergo extensive testing. I would never believe that they did not know of the scratch problem prior to releasing it. That said, they should have found a better material. Also, I am aware this is a mac forum and there is bound to be a level of bias, but why do you feel the need to force your opinions out as facts on an unrelated subject? Oh, you sense that I am disloyal to apple, so I must he an apple hater?


Pressing the quote button works much better than slapping together fragments of my post in a manner you are able to refute.

Um, I believe I'll post how I see fit, thank you very much. I will also say what I please considering it is a forum and not a non-fiction book.
Seems like someone didn't take their prozac this morning.
Um, I also believe you have pushed your opinions on us as well, so why shouldn't I do it?
I'd like to also point out what matticus said about those scratches, "Those scratches are too short and on too different arcs to have been caused by the case or by running a cleaning wipe against it. There's something else making those short marks. Thanks for the pictures, though, it's a better attempt than most."
And you still are admiting that because this ipod, which you got for free, is making you believe that the quality of mac products is obviously diminished because of it. Wow, that's a bold statement.
And if you are going to say that I obviously assumed you to be a mac hater, why didn't you quote me on that one, yet you desire me to quote you on specific things?
My opinions will always be with force if they are my opinions, because that's life. Did you make the rules? I'll say what I please just like you will.

p.s. to think that apple didn't test this product is just idiotic.

 

[Crypty]

Um, I believe I'll post how I see fit, thank you very much. I will also say what I please considering it is a forum and not a non-fiction book.
Seems like someone didn't take their prozac this morning.

Sorry man, I had to do it. Gets me a little angry when people take what I write and change things around so that they can better themselves in a supposed "intellectual argument."

And on the topic of the plastics, I would be curious to see what source originally said that the 4g and 5g has the same plastic. I'm sitting here with a 3g a 4g and a 5g. I cant so much as scratch the 3g or 4g with my fingernail no matter how much pressure I put on it, but with very very little force i can create a minor scratch on the 5g with my fingernail. I'm not going to press hard and see what happens because I would like to preserve my 5g as best I can but I can only imagine how deep the gouge would be.

I really don't think its the same plastic at all, and it's not quite as simple as polycarbonate. There are numerous ways to make "polycarbonate" so just because both are polycarbonate, doesn't mean they are both the same plastic.

 

[drater]

Sorry man, I had to do it. Gets me a little angry when people take what I write and change things around so that they can better themselves in a supposed "intellectual argument."

And on the topic of the plastics, I would be curious to see what source originally said that the 4g and 5g has the same plastic. I'm sitting here with a 3g a 4g and a 5g. I cant so much as scratch the 3g or 4g with my fingernail no matter how much pressure I put on it, but with very very little force i can create a minor scratch on the 5g with my fingernail. I'm not going to press hard and see what happens because I would like to preserve my 5g as best I can but I can only imagine how deep the gouge would be.

I really don't think its the same plastic at all.

Matticus wrote: "They did find a suitable material. They're using it. It's the same plastic as the 4G iPod and it scratches the same as the 4G iPod. It's a ridiculous claim to demand "something better" when fixating on the one problem people can complain about and neglecting the MANY reasons why polycarbonate is the superior choice in this situation. If you examine a 4G closely, you will see extensive surface scratching just as you do here. The newer iPods are more obvious because they're shinier and they have the mirror effect of a CLEAR LAYER on top. "

And I wasn't rearranging what you said, I was using what you said to defend an opinion...MINE!

 

[Crypty]

In which case they traded off long term appearance and durability for a shiny top layer.

One way or the other I am very disappointed with what they have done here, as are many others.

 

[drater]

In which case they traded off long term appearance and durability for a shiny top layer.

One way or the other I am very disappointed with what they have done here, as are many others.

so because it gets hair line scratchest it isn't durable? that makes sense....
If you'll actually look at what other people are saying and other forums through out the internet, you'll see the ipod is stronger the way it is...less prone to cracking...that's a fact. Personally, I'd rather have an ipod with less cracks than scratches...but that's just me.
And my ipod 30gb video looks friggin' great.
In the end the only problem apple did was go with the black one without looking at the how much "hairline" scratches appear.

Oh, and to say it AGAIN (as i did earlier before you were even a member here) the ipod does more than just look pretty. I'd substitute vanity over technological advances for a cheaper price.

What'd I gain with the new ipod:
Video, bigger screen, 10gb for the same price.

What'd I lose:
The fact that I might (in my case) go out and buy some displex, iclean, ice creme or anyone of those cleaners to clean my ipod once every other month...maybe (so far, no).

But I will give you this...its logical, clearn on white (like the ibook) scuffs don't show up....clearn over black...that's a different story.

 

[Crypty]

Well it's not just about the appearance. Im pleased with the function, but the scratches on the screen make it pretty hard to watch videos and thats right where its nice appearance conflicts with it's function. The white one gets the same scratches on the screen, where it's not white.

 

[drater]

Well it's not just about the appearance. Im pleased with the function, but the scratches on the screen make it pretty hard to watch videos and thats right where its nice appearance conflicts with it's function. The white one gets the same scratches on the screen, where it's not white.

now you own a white one too?
obviously there is no folding with you at all. I say, I own a white one, had it for about 3 weeks now, no scratches on it and I use it just like everyone else , maybe more(go on the subway with it, work, night classes, everywhere).

 

[Crypty]

now you own a white one too?
obviously there is no folding with you at all. I say, I own a white one, had it for about 3 weeks now, no scratches on it and I use it just like everyone else , maybe more(go on the subway with it, work, night classes, everywhere).

I don't own a white one, but as far as I know, the plastic over the LCD on both color ipods is clear.

 

[Scratchpod]

Scratchpod

This is my first Apple product, that is why I am a "newbie" to posting on this site. I have to say that this experience with Apple products hasn't been the best. So maybe I am someone who is bashing Apple, but I can only base what I know on my experiences. I know that they won't take back or exchange the Ipod. I also know that it scratches extremely easily. I have the black one, so maybe people with the black ones notice the scratches more? I'm just putting in my two cents...

 

[lolex]

I even see people requesting photo evidence as if someone would lie about getting scratches on their ipod. Is this a braggable happening? I don't think so.

Here's your photo evidence.

It's a shame to see apple go with poor quality materials on their biggest product. The only thing the company had going for them was sleek designs and high quality but I guess I can cross off the latter now. Not that everyone will feel the same way, just sharing my opinion.

Honestly, this was not the kind of scratches happened to my video ipod, but I 've experience once I droped a brand new CD on floor and inevitablly stepped it, that marks happened to my CD was very identical to those on the photo ( I'm not a CSI, though a big fan of this Show), I don't dare to say there's any abusive things connected to, the viewer would interprets, but it's really huge scratches and lucky me I don't have this happens to mine.

 

[protocol5757]

Need valued advice.

I am now the proud owner of my very first Ipod. The 5G was so enticing I could not resist. Anyway, I am somewhat dumbfounded. The reason I say this is because I have read all about the nano scratching and what not and thought for sure this problem would not plague my new 5G. I received my shinny new black ipod yesterday. I was so excited I had to tear open the box and connect that puppy to the computer and get some music on her. To my surprise I noticed that there were some scuffs. To be fair they are not scratches but scuffs. I tried to clean them off with a very soft cloth and low and behold they got worse. I then did a google search and discovered this forum. My question to you guys is do you think this is a defect or this is just the way it is. I love the sound quality but like some of you I am anal about how my stuff looks. I don’t expect her to stay in pristine condition but I would at least think that a few weeks should go by before I get that inevitable scratch or dent. I know it just adds character! I have fourteen days to decide to exchange her for another but if the new one is going to exhibit the same problem what is the use. I have ordered the invisiblesheild thing and hope this helps. I have to say that it is rather disappointing that it scratches so easily.

 

[nimin]

Proof

Since there are absolutely no pictures from the people claiming that their new iPods got scratched within hours, I am pretty sure that those complaints are FAKE.

Probably the new strategy of desperate marketing people from Sony or Creative or from companies trying to sell protective covers.

Now can anyone prove me wrong?

Four days after purchase. One time in my pocket and every time after in the sleeve that apple provides in the box. Actually not as mad about the scratches as I am about the fact that it randomly drops the 60gb of music/video/pics every other time I sync with itunes. Yay.

 

[protocol5757]

Called Apple, no help!

Hey Guys,

I called apple to see if there was anything they could do for me regarding the ipod scratches. All they said was, "scratches are normal wear and tear and are not a reason for an exchange." If anyone has had better luck I would love to hear about it. I read and article about how apple was exchanging Ipods regardless of the reason, just to let you know this is not the case in the US. I like my ipod but I am very concerned whether these scuffs or scratches will get worse and eventually ruin the readability of the display. My question to you guys, is do you think this is a manufacturing defect? Either way apple is not acknowledging that there is a problem. If anyone is experiencing problems with scratches please call apple and let them know. When I called them they acted as if they had never heard of this before. If there is a class action law suit for the nano maybe we should jump on the band wagon for the g5's.

 

[xyouxfailmiex]

you guys are a bunch of babies......okay heres the thing when you buy a item that has known fragile qualities(lets say you bought a big piece of glass) you treat it as if its going to break...well the ipod is a 400 dollar toy ...and i dont know maybe i was raised different ...but i take really good care of mine...ive had mine since the day they were shipped, and theres really no scratches on it...and i take it everywhere, work, in the car, wherever.(although i do not exercise with it, i bought a shuffle for that)...invest in a case for your ipod...put it in the case while you are using it...its not that hard....but for gods sake stop whining about your stupid scratches..its your own fault....

who wants to watch movies outside???...really....who says "i want to watch ernest goes to camp, i think ill go outside"

 

[protocol5757]

Response.

I have no problem taking care of my stuff. My question again is do you think that this is a defect. Obviously some of you are not experiencing the same things as others. I am appalled that after 2 days of ownership, my ipod looks as if I ran sandpaper across the face of it. I have no problems with an occasional scratch; it’s a portable device and is to be expected. I am saying that the polycarbonate or whatever apple used for the front of the ipod looks great but is way too susceptible to blemishes. I often wonder why apple did not go with a more brushed look instead of shinny. Obviously the more shiny the more blemishes show up. No problem, I bought the ipod knowing it was going to be susceptible to blemishes just not so easily. According to apple this has only affected a few of their products but I beg to differ. I think this will affect a lot of other people. Some people wont be bothered by the scratches and to be honest they really don’t bother me its just the principle to the thing now. I feel that they knew they had a problem with the nano and now they have the same problem with 5g and will not acknowledge that there is a problem. Why acknowledge for one device but not the other.

 

[Beagleboy]

Scratches to video ipod and earlier 3G ipod

after purchasing my new video ipod I have used it very sparingly and I have only put it into it's case once. This is due to the exceedingly snug fit and my fear of something abrasive coming between the surface of the ipod and the soft case provided. Until I find a good case, I've been keeping it in a drawer all by itself.

I do have an older ipod, 3rd generation. This ipod was handled very gently, cleaned with only a microfiber cloth and placed in both an iskin case and a lilypod case.

While there are no real scratches that can be felt, there are hundreds of short smeary marks that do not go away when cleaned that may or may not qualify as real scratches.

I expect that I shall see these scratches on my video ipod eventually, and I can live with that.

That being said, I took a picture of these scratches (which I will post later) with a casio pocket camera which has a view screen. The screen on this camera doesn't have these marks at all! And I have been not at all as careful with this camera as I have been with my 3G ipod.

I think that apple should definitely look into finding a superior substance to cover the viewscreens when they come out with their "next big thing".

Wear and tear is something we can best accept well after the first blush of acquistion.

 

[absurdio]

So here's my attempt to reconcile the warring factions of a) people saying "my ipod is scratched" and b) people saying "my ipod isn't scratched, and neither is yours" : Since this thread is about scratches, it naturally draws people whose ipods are scratched and generally not people who's ipods are not scratched (makes sense, right?). So chances are that a very large percent of the people who have posted here have had their 5g ipod get all scratched up. The question is what percentage of all 5g ipod owners have had that experience. Someone earlier made the very good point that even if 100% of people here have scratched 5g ipods, this group might be just 1% of all ipod owners. So a few questions remain:

1) What percentage of all 5g ipod owners are having serious scratching issues (by serious, i mean as someone else said that the 5g "scratched more in the first 24 hours than the 3g in two years," not just faint, normal scuffs)?

2) Sortof depending on that, is this a batch issue or is it universal?

3) If it's universal, is Apple going to do anything about it? I doubt they'll respond to a few dozen kids saying "apple should use better plastic!" but if they have to face another lawsuit like the nano one, maybe they'll update the ipods with a tougher shell? Even if they do, I doubt it'd be before the holiday.

and finally (And most important to me) 4) My 3g broke last week. hard drive is shot to ****. so i need a new ipod...badly. Now I'm cranky enough about there not being firewire support on the new ones, but I can live with that. If the screen self-destructs in thirty seconds, though, I don't know. My 3g (which i had for some two and a half years or so) has a good number of scratches on it, but they're all pretty shallow and never interfered with my use of it. If a 5g is going to look like that in one day, though, maybe I shouldn't get one. Advice?