iPod touch The Hunt for the Perfect iPod Touch 4th Generation (7 iPods)...

[supermassive]

Either the QC at Apple a.k.a Foxcon sucks that much that nearly every device (none out of 7 without an issue) is defective, or the devices he has got as exchange are out of a stock of already exchanged restocked and in some kind defective iPts (statistically that would make more sense).

Another guy who posted here some days ago had to exchange 5 iPts and his 6th exchange was finally without an issue. That is a chance of 16,7% ! That QC sucks a big time and Apple needs to know this and I'm sure they know, even if the geniuses are advised to claim that they never heard of that problem before. So people need to keep exchanging to give Apple a negative feedback. So that they change something about it!

 

[dave1812dave]

Either the QC at Apple a.k.a Foxcon sucks that much that nearly every device (none out of 7 without an issue) is defective, or the devices he has got as exchange are out of a stock of already exchanged restocked and in some kind defective iPts (statistically that would make more sense).

Another guy who posted here some days ago had to exchange 5 iPts and his 6th exchange was finally without an issue. That is a chance of 16,7% ! That QC sucks a big time and Apple needs to know this and I'm sure they know, even if the geniuses are advised to claim that they never heard of that problem before. So people need to keep exchanging to give Apple a negative feedback. So that they change something about it!

LOL! Don't let a few vocal complainers of "light leaks" and other cosmetic issues lead you to believe that Apple is getting a huge amount of returns on the 4G touch. That's like walking into a busy ER and thinking all of humankind is injured or ill.

 

[MsMerryMac]

It has been said many times that most of forum posts are from unhappy people. This is apparently no exception. I have 12 friends who have the new iPT as well as two in my own household. I have not heard one complaint about any of them. Is it possible that there is a bit of mass hysteria here causing everyone reading these threads to actually look for defects? Trust me, defects in ANY product can be found if you look hard enough . There comes a point when you just realize it is likely and give up your search, being content with the one you have or just ditch the product all together and wait for the next version. But seriously...SEVEN returns? A bit OCD if you ask me.

 

[buckawheat]

Well boo hoo hoo! Somebody has the balls to say that they've had major problems with their purchase, and a Steve Jobs worshipper like yourself can't accept that it's not as perfect as it should be!

Basically, what I'm trying to say is (in the immortal words of "The ****": "Get a Life!"

You deleted and re-wrote this post at least twice and this is the best you can come up with? Yes, get a life, you had one with minimal light leaks, you are going to put a case on it anyway...(but now you will claim you weren't just because you want to be a complainer).

 

[supermassive]

LOL! Don't let a few vocal complainers of "light leaks" and other cosmetic issues lead you to believe that Apple is getting a huge amount of returns on the 4G touch. That's like walking into a busy ER and thinking all of humankind is injured or ill.

Wait .. few, ok I don't have the actual number, you don't have it either!

Neither light leaks nor overheating are just cosmetic issues. Video-Clicking maybe is one, because you can prevent it by turning off wifi. You can't prevent light leaks or overheating, well maybe by not using the iPt at all...

Overheating ain't normal, my iPt doesn't overheat, even when playing 3d-games over an extended period of time (30mins+). Other people's iPts overheat in the home screen already. Overheating can damage the battery, unglue components etc. It's just a sign for something's going wrong. And something s going to break sooner or later.

Light leaks ain't cosmetic either, it's a poorly sealed casing which should be dense and water resistant to some extent. By water resistant I mean, you should be able to apply a screen protector (with solution) not taking the risk to void the warranty by triggering the water sensors inside. I don't mean that you should be able to dip the whole iPt into a bucket of water. You get the point, I think. Besides that its ********** distracting to look at it! And I wouldn't let me dictate which kind of case to use just to hide those light leaks!

I have major light leaks as well and I'm also going to exchange my iPt.

The OP just pointed out the troubles he had finding a more or less defect-free device which he paid a fair amount of money for. And you are verbally attacking him for that?

What's your point?

 

[dave1812dave]

Wait .. few, ok I don't have the actual number, you don't have it either!

Neither light leaks nor overheating are just cosmetic issues. Video-Clicking maybe is one, because you can prevent it by turning off wifi. You can't prevent light leaks or overheating, well maybe by not using the iPt at all...

Overheating ain't normal, my iPt doesn't overheat, even when playing 3d-games over an extended period of time (30mins+). Other people's iPts overheat in the home screen already. Overheating can damage the battery, unglue components etc. It's just a sign for something's going wrong. And something s going to break sooner or later.

Light leaks ain't cosmetic either, it's a poorly sealed casing which should be dense and water resistant to some extent. By water resistant I mean, you should be able to apply a screen protector (with solution) not taking the risk to void the warranty by triggering the water sensors inside. I don't mean that you should be able to dip the whole iPt into a bucket of water. You get the point, I think. Besides that its ********** distracting to look at it! And I wouldn't let me dictate which kind of case to use just to hide those light leaks!

I have major light leaks as well and I'm also going to exchange my iPt.

The OP just pointed out the troubles he had finding a more or less defect-free device which he paid a fair amount of money for. And you are verbally attacking him for that?

What's your point?

You'd think after half a dozen exchanges, he'd call it a day and buy a zune or at LEAST just get his money back, as the quality of the touch obviously isn't up to his standards. I've got high standards myself, yet I have ZERO issues with my touch. Zero, nada--no light leaks, no bad battery life, no dead pixels, no screen discoloration, no ANYTHING to gripe about. (Of course the camera blows, but I KNEW THAT before I bought it, and that's a SPECS issue; NOT a defect)

I'm no Apple fan, but between my wife and I, we've got 11 ipods and only ONE was returned within a few days of purchase due to an issue with it not working with one app (white pages), even after an OS refresh. (weird, but true)

 

[Consultant]

Damn, the hunt for the perfect forum without OCD folks continues.

That may be a true statement, but YOU are an unreasonable customer.

After the 3rd "defective" unit, you should have just taken a refund and wait it out until Apple is able to meet your requirements for quality... but that would require that you NOT have an entitlement mentality that believes that you should have a flawless iPod Touch NOW.

Exactly.

 

[supermassive]

... I've got high standards myself, yet I have ZERO issues with my touch. Zero, nada--no light leaks, no bad battery life, no dead pixels, no screen discoloration, no ANYTHING to gripe about. ...

So you can consider yourself lucky for having no issues but they definitely exist! The OP didn't exchange his iPts just for fun cos its no fun at all.

Now if you had to exchange your flawless iPt for the yellow tinted one of the OP(or light leaks or overheating, whatever), you would just take it and it wouldn't bother you at all? If you can honestly affirm this question, only then you're in the position to critizise his behavior.

The number of times he exchanged his devices and whether he's entitled to or not is a whole different story. But it clearly shows that there seems to be a big number of junk in the iPt 4G production.

 

[GoodBoy]

You'd think after half a dozen exchanges, he'd call it a day and buy a zune or at LEAST just get his money back, as the quality of the touch obviously isn't up to his standards. I've got high standards myself, yet I have ZERO issues with my touch. Zero, nada--no light leaks, no bad battery life, no dead pixels, no screen discoloration, no ANYTHING to gripe about. (Of course the camera blows, but I KNEW THAT before I bought it, and that's a SPECS issue; NOT a defect)

I'm no Apple fan, but between my wife and I, we've got 11 ipods and only ONE was returned within a few days of purchase due to an issue with it not working with one app (white pages), even after an OS refresh. (weird, but true)

I still don't get your point. Just because you were more lucky with iPods doesn't mean anyone else won't get them defective. As far as I can see iPod touch 4gen is more defective than any other previous gens. Doesn't mean every single unit is defective, but seem like there are more defective ones than usual. That's a fact, gonna argue with this? And calling light leaks or overheating some minor issues is really pathetic.

 

[Alaerian]

Doesn't mean every single unit is defective, but seem like there are more defective ones than usual. That's a fact, gonna argue with this?

If this is a fact, I'm sure there is industry proof of that floating around. Please cite your source.
Go ahead, we'll wait.

 

[skiltrip]

If this is a fact, I'm sure there is industry proof of that floating around. Please cite your source.
Go ahead, we'll wait.

Maybe he shouldn't have said "fact". But indicators certainly support the "more than usual" claim. I posted an iPod touch microphone test/review on YouTube (actually demonstrating how good it was in windy outdoor conditions), and I've already had a couple private messages from people asking me if my new touch has the clicking in video issue. Examples where people have exchanged up to 7 touches in order to finally get one without clicking or light leaks certainly support the "more than usual" claim as well.

And finally, the fact that I bought two new iPod touches, one 8GB and one 32GB, and they both have clicking in video also demonstrate to me that there are more problems happening than one would usually expect.

 

[Alaerian]

Maybe he shouldn't have said "fact". But indicators certainly support the "more than usual" claim.

I'm sorry, but I just don't believe this to be true until I see a press release or industry report. I firmly believe that if the problem is that widespread, you'll see some type of recompense. Apple seems to have done fairly well with that in the past over similar issues, like defective GPUs in iMacs.
However, I think it's neither correct nor fair to assume that the issue is widespread when there are MANY factors and numbers that are not known, including sales figures, defects found at the plant level, returns/exchanges via stores and websites, etc. Just because people are posting on the forums that they have issues (whether OCD or not) does not mean that other people aren't completely happy. For all you know, there are millions upon millions of other people that haven't posted, making the people with "problems" in the extreme vast minority.

 

[GekiRed]

You deleted and re-wrote this post at least twice and this is the best you can come up with? Yes, get a life, you had one with minimal light leaks, you are going to put a case on it anyway...(but now you will claim you weren't just because you want to be a complainer).

FYI, where did I say that I even owned a ipod touch with a light leak issue? I'm still waiting for mine to arrive from Michigan which my friend is sending to me on my behalf.

And yes, if it did come with defects, I would have no hesitation in exchanging it, no matter how many times until I got a defect-free product!

And I have every right to make a complaint about a product if it didn't do as it was advertised or had defects when I got it!

One more thing, I may have edited this post to add a link at the bottom of the post, but I didn't delete said post... Is it me or do you have a touch of the sour grapes because I called you out on insulting one of the thread posters?

 

[Link2999]

If this is a fact, I'm sure there is industry proof of that floating around. Please cite your source.
Go ahead, we'll wait.

My first gen iPod Touches (had 4 total, started out with 2, one was my brothers, then replaced due to major software issues) were all in perfect condition. Have a 3rd gen in the house that is near perfect (unnoticeable light leak on top left corner). So lets see...

Previous Generation iPods:
5/5 were in manufactured in great condition

Current Generation iPods:
0/7 were manufactured in great condition
1/7 was manufactured in satisfactory condition
6/7 were manufactured in poor condition


In other news, awhile back I noticed that there was a yellow tint towards the upper left of iPod #7, I found out that this is due to light leaks under the glass panel. There are slivers of light (a mm or 2) that I'm able to see when I tilt the iPod, that are positioned in the top-left portion of the screen as well as the top-left-side portion of the screen that projects a light over the display. This causes slight discoloration of the screen (blander colors commonly seen on whites). As of this moment I'm sticking with #7 due to the lack of major light leaks, dead pixels, overheating, etc. I also haven't noticed any clicking when WiFi was turned on, although I wasn't in range of any networks. If anything I'm glad of the position of the discoloration because when holding the screen to play movies or games, the discoloration would be located in the lower-left portion of the screen and my eyes tend to focus on the top portions. The only real time it bothers me is when I'm on safari and look for it (which now that I know it's there, it's hard not to look for it). The discoloration is not nearly as bad as iPod #1.

 

[dave1812dave]

6/7 were manufactured in poor condition

according to your standards. I doubt the average person would have rejected ALL of the touchs that you received "in poor condition".

 

[GoodBoy]

In other news, awhile back I noticed that there was a yellow tint towards the upper left of iPod #7, I found out that this is due to light leaks under the glass panel. There are slivers of light (a mm or 2) that I'm able to see when I tilt the iPod, that are positioned in the top-left portion of the screen as well as the top-left-side portion of the screen that projects a light over the display. This causes slight discoloration of the screen (blander colors commonly seen on whites). As of this moment I'm sticking with #7 due to the lack of major light leaks, dead pixels, overheating, etc. I also haven't noticed any clicking when WiFi was turned on, although I wasn't in range of any networks. If anything I'm glad of the position of the discoloration because when holding the screen to play movies or games, the discoloration would be located in the lower-left portion of the screen and my eyes tend to focus on the top portions. The only real time it bothers me is when I'm on safari and look for it (which now that I know it's there, it's hard not to look for it). The discoloration is not nearly as bad as iPod #1.

I have iPod touch 3rd gen an mine also has discoloration in exact same place (left top corner). I don't know what it is, as my iPod doesn't have light leaks, so it's not becasue of that. This top left corner is somewhat slightly shadowed, as if there was some sort of led malfunction. Also, it's not dirt or any residue left on the screen, because yellow tint is invisible when viewing from different angles. I agree it's most noticable on Safari and whites. While being somewhat irritation-trigger, I'm not going to replace my iPod, as I may have got the worse one, so I better not give this a chance especially that other than this minor tint issue, my unit is perfect. On the other hand, I wouldn't tolerate light leaks as they are very distracting when using iPod at night and/or udner low light room conditions.

 

[GoodBoy]

according to your standards. I doubt the average person would have rejected ALL of the touchs that you received "in poor condition".

And according to yours, you wouldn't have exchanged any of them in spite of having major defects... You're just a perfect dream customer for Apple.

 

[Alaerian]

major defects.

Subjective.
A major defect to you isn't major to other people.

 

[Link2999]

according to your standards. I doubt the average person would have rejected ALL of the touchs that you received "in poor condition".

Yet all of my previous generation iPods were perfect to my standards, all 5 of them. I believe that the average person isn't as observant. Although I do admit I am OCD about my electronics so I tend to look over them for defects more often than others.

 

[Carouser]

And according to yours, you wouldn't have exchanged any of them in spite of having major defects... You're just a perfect dream customer for Apple.

That's funny, I read most people saying "If it wasn't to my standards, I would exchange it. If none of the exchanged products were to my standards, I would accept a refund, particularly before I went through 7 iPods." Go figure.

 

[dejo]

Maybe he shouldn't have said "fact". But indicators certainly support the "more than usual" claim.

"More than usual" in terms of percentage or just sheer numbers? Since the devices are selling more than in the past, it's easy to see that the number of defective units would increase, even if the percentage remained the same. The same cannot be said about the percentage though. And here-say and conjecture are not the basis for determining this value.

And finally, the fact that I bought two new iPod touches, one 8GB and one 32GB, and they both have clicking in video also demonstrate to me that there are more problems happening than one would usually expect.

Anecdotal evidence normally carries much more weight than empirical evidence, even if it seems illogical.

 

[Link2999]

I have iPod touch 3rd gen an mine also has discoloration in exact same place (left top corner). I don't know what it is, as my iPod doesn't have light leaks, so it's not becasue of that. This top left corner is somewhat slightly shadowed, as if there was some sort of led malfunction. Also, it's not dirt or any residue left on the screen, because yellow tint is invisible when viewing from different angles. I agree it's most noticable on Safari and whites. While being somewhat irritation-trigger, I'm not going to replace my iPod, as I may have got the worse one, so I better not give this a chance especially that other than this minor tint issue, my unit is perfect. On the other hand, I wouldn't tolerate light leaks as they are very distracting when using iPod at night and/or udner low light room conditions.

Tilt your iPod to see if you have any light leaks under the glass, light is supposed to enter under the screen, coming up. If light is leaking under the glass (over the screen) from the side, it could be causing the discoloration.

 

[GoodBoy]

Since the devices are selling more than in the past, it's easy to see that the number of defective units would increase, even if the percentage remained the same.

How do you know that? We don't know how good or how bad touch 4gen is selling compared to previous gens. The lack of official numbers doesn't change the fact there are more bad opinions about touch 4gen here on macrumors compared to what it was after premiere of touch 3rd gen, as far as I remember. Of course we need to wait for more information.

 

[supermassive]

If this is a fact, I'm sure there is industry proof of that floating around. Please cite your source.
Go ahead, we'll wait.

Yo wanted a quote? Here we go ..

I agree with you. The only thing that sucks is that I have light leaks but its not to big of a deal. ...

thx i will try that
my ipod has a bit of light leak does that matter? or do i run risk of dust getting under screen because of it?

Don't know yet. But it has a worse light leak than the one before. I just noticed the app data from restore to backup is still there once I login!
EDIT: Yes, it has the clicking problem.

I too have a light leak issue except mine is on the left side near the volume buttons. You can see 3 light leaks. ....

Yeah I have the light leak on mine as well. Kind of disappointed seeing it as I bought it only 2 hours ago.

My 32gb 4-gen also has a small light leak near the volume buttons. ...

Mine also has a light leak above the volume controls. Maybe half to 3/4 of an inch. …

Ugh, finally found a 64gb in my city, and it has a few light leaks. I can notice it in normal lighting too. But in the dark, it's really really annoying, especially when watching a video. Gonna exchange it as soon as they get more in stock.

I'm taking mine back because of two light leaks. Would hate for moisture to seep into these unsealed areas and trip Apple's moisture detector, thereby voiding the warranty. Since I have 90 days to return it, I'm in no hurry.

Here's a heads up. Light leaks are not covered. They are actually normal for iPod touches. My current iPod touch has MAJOR light leaks on the sides but the Genius bar people said it's NORMAL. And I went five different times with five different people. ...

...
also, My ipod has the "light leak" among some other problems but I just realized somehow I accidentally picked the wrong option for the problems. Somehow it said something about turning off while using...so am I going to get the same iPod back and they are going to try to fix a non-existing problem? Or will I just get a completely new iPod (which is want I need/want/deserve)
...

I would but I want a case to cover up some of the faint light leakage my ipod has. Hopefully the 2nd ipod im getting tomorrow will fair better.

...
And finally, my Touch suffers from light leakage from the corner where the volume buttons are and down in the opposite corner. Yeah I can live with it, a case might cover it up, but it is noticeable, even in a lit room when you put your hand over it. ...

I have the same light leak problem too, shouldn't worry about it. The screen is glued to the glass...
...

I have a light leak on my ipod touch 4 around the volume buttons. It is a little less than in inch in height. should i go to apple a replace it?

My touch had one running the length of the volume buttons on the left, and a dot of light coming from the right. Went to the genius bar, got a replacement on the spot - took 15 mins total. So if you want to do it, do it. It's fast.

The replacement I got still has a light leak, although less than my first. It's about the length of one of the volume buttons but on the right side, near the middle. I'm debating bringing it back for another replacement right now. Might wait a bit.

I checked the iPod touch 4th gens they have on display, and 2/8 had the problem.

I have a light leak (and the video clicking issue). I went today to get a replacement (I've been calling, and they finally have the 32GB back in stock), and they told me that
1) I need to make an appointment online to see the Genius Bar and
2) If I wanted to get it replaced right then and their, I'll need to pay the restocking fee.

On top of that, the people who were 'helping' me (if you could call it that) were unattending and unhelpful. I wish I had purchased this from somewhere other than the Apple Store so that I would be treated properly.

Absolutely, yes.

I returned my unit for light leaking on the right side. You as a customer pay a premium for Apple products and should expect the highest quality. If it is not up to your standards then take it back, you shouldn't settle for a product with any defect when you're dropping major cash.

I have the light leak at the volume buttons as well, but stopped by Best Buy today and got a Belkin Grip Vue case (they were also opening boxes with a bunch of Griffin cases but I didn't feel like sticking around, however they had the silicone and the hard cases in there according to staff). It completely covers the light leak and is a decent rubberized sleeve until I get the folio type case that I am waiting to be made!

I have the light leak around the volume buttons and if it were a real problem I would exchange it, but since there is no way for dust to get between the glass and the screen and since my Belkin Vue covers the volume buttons anyway why sweat it?

I know there are lots of threads about the light leak, but if there's a light leak what do I do ? I bought it at Target, so do I exchange it at Target or at Apple ? Thanks in advance.

Overall, I'm happy. I'm babying it right now, really bad. The display, I noticed instantly. I have a light leak above one volume button. It gets really hot at the top of the back of the device. The sync cable was extremely nerving to put in. Required a lot of force. HD video, I'm assuming it automatically records in it, looks grainy on my ipod after recording. Semi low light conditions though.

Other than those 3 things, I like it a lot. Now I need a case.

So I have a question. I ordered from their online store and plan on installing it myself. I do have a small light leak on the top left of the screen. by getting the shield wet and applying it to the screen, will the water enter the ipod and damage it?

J...
it does have a light leak by the volume buttons but it's rather small and I'm not going to exchange it just for that. the screen doesn't distort under pressure, it doesn't get scalding hot when syncing, and the top corner of the screen doesn't come up and down

...

Mine has light leaks, the screen can be pushed up and down in the corner, the battery is draining fast, AND there are annoying clicking noises in the video.

So as to not start a new thread... what if I have light leakage on my Touch? Is that a reason for return without restocking fee?

 

[Alaerian]

Yo wanted a quote? Here we go ..

No. I said I would wait for industry proof.
Go ahead, look again. We'll keep waiting.