iPod touch What the hell?!? iPod Touch REQUIRES registration!?!

[mkaake]

It's engraved.



1) You're uneducated on these issues, and only showing yourself as ignorant to anyone who knows better.

2) You should have the sense not to say things like that even if you thought they were true.

I'm pretty sure most of the reaction you're currently drawing is related to your response, and quoted above - many people here are honestly curious why you have a problem with registering your device to update Apple's warranty database. Your response, in return has been: "you're uneducated; you don't know what you're talking about", etc.

It's actually kind of amusing to read, because it sounds like someone who's been cornered because he can't answer a question that he's acting like an authority on. "Well, I can't be bothered to teach you about it, if you haven't taken the time to read about it yourself. You should already know. You're ignorant. You..."

Anyhew, it would go a long way to improve the thread if you just explained to people what your issue is. Personally, while I was annoyed that I had to connect to iTunes before I could use my touch - as mentioned before, for the App store and Music store to function, Apple needs to know your Apple ID. *Shrugs shoulders*. I've already got an Apple ID, so they're not gaining any additional information about me other than I own an iPod Touch; which they would have learned as soon as I used the App store for the first time anyway. What's more, they now know my purchase date for any warranty work that I may need, and they have my iPod's serial number on file in the event that it's ever stolen. I don't see any loss of privacy that's occured.

 

[Wolfpup]

I'll say AGAIN, for at least the third time, I don't give a rats ass if someone is ignorant right now. I'm not here to bring up to speed 3/4 of a forum on basic privacy/consumer protection issues. I should be nicer about it, I should take the time to explain, but I'm having a bad-a pretty darned bad week, the majority response to this thread is beyond asinine, not remotely what I'd expect from Macrumors, and I really don't feel like dealing with it.

And no, I got the exact same mixture of ignorance BEFORE I called anyone ignorant, so I seriously doubt that really matters.

I'd still like ACTUAL SUGGESTIONS on how to get rid of the thing if anyone has any.

Even aside from the forced registration/activation issue, I can't stand it's interface. Not practical for me.

I'd also like this to be a warning for anyone who DOES care about these issues, or is on the fence about whether the Touch/iPhone's interface will work for them. (In retrospect, this thing can't possibly work as a PDA for me, as it can't even serve my media playback needs very well...my brilliant idea was eventually I could use this as a PDA and iPod...but it's not really doing either well enough).

 

[David G.]

People, have some dignity. Help Wolfpup out would ya. geez.

 

[Dimwhit]

I'd still like ACTUAL SUGGESTIONS on how to get rid of the thing if anyone has any.

Ummm...sell it? Is it the 32GB?

 

[whooleytoo]

Ummm...sell it? Is it the 32GB?

It'll be very hard to sell it; now that he's already registered it. Why did he go and do that?

(whooleytoo runs away and hides under a rock in a dark cave many miles away!!)

 

[jallenclark]

help

For being as smart as you claim to be I don't understand how you don't know what your options are. You can resell it on ebay or craigslist or a site of your choosing. I am sure if you went in to a store and complained enough they would give you store credit but I see this as an issue since you want to boycott Apple.

With the amount of time you have spent calling 3/4 of the forum ignorant, you could have easily just listed a few of your reasons. You either obviously don't have any and just want to sound smart or you just like pissing people off. It definitely has nothing to do with time.

Comparing Microsoft's DRM to Apple activation doesn't make any sense either. If you want to compare something make sure they are similar in some way. Why don't you go ahead and compare a Mac Book to a refrigerator?

 

[Wolfpup]

I don't want to sell, I want my money back. I'm assuming I could get my credit card to refund it, but I just don't want to mess with it, and I can't find Apple's procedure for ditching the thing.

Oh well :-/

 

[840quadra]

I'll say AGAIN, for at least the third time, I don't give a rats ass if someone is ignorant right now. I'm not here to bring up to speed 3/4 of a forum on basic privacy/consumer protection issues. I should be nicer about it, I should take the time to explain, but I'm having a bad-a pretty darned bad week, the majority response to this thread is beyond asinine, not remotely what I'd expect from Macrumors, and I really don't feel like dealing with it.

And no, I got the exact same mixture of ignorance BEFORE I called anyone ignorant, so I seriously doubt that really matters.

I'd still like ACTUAL SUGGESTIONS on how to get rid of the thing if anyone has any.

Even aside from the forced registration/activation issue, I can't stand it's interface. Not practical for me.

I'd also like this to be a warning for anyone who DOES care about these issues, or is on the fence about whether the Touch/iPhone's interface will work for them. (In retrospect, this thing can't possibly work as a PDA for me, as it can't even serve my media playback needs very well...my brilliant idea was eventually I could use this as a PDA and iPod...but it's not really doing either well enough).

I could also agree that many of your responses to other peoples questions could also catagorized as asinine. It is obvious that you are not going to get the help you so poinontly highlighted in bold, so you should move on, and stop the interaction that appears to stress you out.

I agree with your security concerns with the registration process, however you incorrect in your theory that it is illegal. I do agree with it being unethical in some regards, but it is Apple's choice with regards to the software license they provide with this product.

Contact Apple, tell them that you do not agree with the software license. However since you have activated it (based on your comments on it's interface and software), you will likely be subject to a fee because you did activate and started using the product.

Unless you can work magic with the folks at Apple, you are stuck with paying the restocking fee, or selling the device privately.

 

[Wolfpup]

For being as smart as you claim to be I don't understand how you don't know what your options are. You can resell it on ebay or craigslist or a site of your choosing.

Gee, I never would have thought of that. I'm also not calling 3/4 of the forum ignorant (or at least didn't mean to, as I'm assuming this thread is just attracting people who don't know any better), I'm calling 3/4 of the people responding to this thread ignorant. That's just a statement of fact. I am QUITE surprised by it to be honest. I'd expect tech-oriented people (and people interested in Apple products) to be a lot more educated on these issues.

I am sure if you went in to a store and complained enough they would give you store credit but I see this as an issue since you want to boycott Apple.

I don't have a store to go to.

Comparing Microsoft's DRM to Apple activation doesn't make any sense either. If you want to compare something make sure they are similar in some way.

You're claiming they're different? HOW? The only way I see that they're different is Microsoft's is anonymous, Apple's isn't. Microsoft's is (supposedly) legal, though how Apple thinks they're skirting the legality issue I have no idea.

 

[qtpie36963]

Purpose

These forums are to inform others on good or bad things going on with apple or any other electronics (i.e. cameras, software, etc..) or issues out there. A forum is first and formost a discussion. So if you throw something out there that 90% of people are curious of your reasoning, they are gonna ask. Then you get defensive and won't open up for a discussion. You may not be educating people... rather opening their eyes to a new thought... If you don't feel like discussing your views or opinions.. why post??

But your constant refusal to shed light on your views seems like a way to cover your butt as if you don't really have a reason and just wanted to complain about it. And if that was the case that's fine just say so.

There is no reason for people to jump down your back for your opinion, as there is no reason for you to call them uneducated, ignorant, or down right REFUSE to explain... You're right, you don't have to but why not?

If you wanna boycott Apple, that's your choice. If you wanna try and get rid of your iPod.. again your choice.

So why don't we return to the reason for forums and have a discussion!

 

[Funplex]

I'll say AGAIN, for at least the third time, I don't give a rats ass if someone is ignorant right now. I'm not here to bring up to speed 3/4 of a forum on basic privacy/consumer protection issues. I should be nicer about it, I should take the time to explain, but I'm having a bad-a pretty darned bad week, the majority response to this thread is beyond asinine, not remotely what I'd expect from Macrumors, and I really don't feel like dealing with it.

And no, I got the exact same mixture of ignorance BEFORE I called anyone ignorant, so I seriously doubt that really matters.

I'd still like ACTUAL SUGGESTIONS on how to get rid of the thing if anyone has any.

Even aside from the forced registration/activation issue, I can't stand it's interface. Not practical for me.

I'd also like this to be a warning for anyone who DOES care about these issues, or is on the fence about whether the Touch/iPhone's interface will work for them. (In retrospect, this thing can't possibly work as a PDA for me, as it can't even serve my media playback needs very well...my brilliant idea was eventually I could use this as a PDA and iPod...but it's not really doing either well enough).

I use the first gen iPod Touch as a PDA just fine and dandy. Since for a "bizarre-o" reason you refuse to register with Apple so that they can A. Get a general idea of who is using the iPod and B. Use such simple information to better improve the product to meet the future needs of said people, you're not going to use it forreeeeevvverrrrrr.

By engraving it (and I'm assuming you never went into an Apple store or similar business to give the iPod a test run-- since you seem to hate the interface as well) you've pretty much committed to the device. They aren't gonna take it back.

This leaves you with no option but to try to resell it on your own accord. It's not impossible, but the fact that it's engraved is going to make it harder (depending on WHAT you had engraved on it.)

I could sit here all day and assume what you put on there (Be it your name, address, phone number, email, catchy catch phrase, SSN, a colorful obscenity, or a nursary rhyme) but it's whatever you had put on it-- that will lower the value a bit.

If you did put some private info, you may be out of luck-- as going to a jeweler in an attempt to get them to engrave over it to render it unreadable may not be possible.

Your best option to sell it, is to put it on ebay, or put out an ad on Craigs List. You won't make back what you paid for it, but if you can sell it, at least you can get some of it back.

 

[Wolfpup]

These forums are to inform others on good or bad things going on with apple or any other electronics (i.e. cameras, software, etc..) or issues out there. A forum is first and formost a discussion. So if you throw something out there that 90% of people are curious of your reasoning, they are gonna ask. Then you get defensive and won't open up for a discussion. You may not be educating people... rather opening their eyes to a new thought... If you don't feel like discussing your views or opinions.. why post??

For exactly the reasons stated in the first thread. I'm not here to educate people, for the FOURTH TIME. Read up on these issues on your own. I did not post because I wanted to argue with people who don't understand privacy and DRM issues.

I use the first gen iPod Touch as a PDA just fine and dandy. Since for a "bizarre-o" reason you refuse to register with Apple so that they can A. Get a general idea of who is using the iPod and B. Use such simple information to better improve the product to meet the future needs of said people, you're not going to use it forreeeeevvverrrrrr.

By engraving it (and I'm assuming you never went into an Apple store or similar business to give the iPod a test run-- since you seem to hate the interface as well) you've pretty much committed to the device. They aren't gonna take it back.

Except that they didn't give any warning that this required activation/registration prior to purchasing it, nor do they give any information on how to return it if you're not willing to submit to their agreements.

 

[Dimwhit]

I don't want to sell, I want my money back. I'm assuming I could get my credit card to refund it, but I just don't want to mess with it, and I can't find Apple's procedure for ditching the thing.

Oh well :-/

Pack it up and return it from where you bought it. Assuming you're within the 14 days (or whatever the store policy is where you bought it). They may charge you a restocking fee, but you also might be able to argue your way out of it.

 

[NT1440]

jesus pup, if your going to call us ignorant over and over and over again, tell us why it is. You still havent answered why exactly this is a problem from your POV and instead are just flinging mud around. We are ignorant because we dont understand why this is stressing you out? I'm srry that we dont all think like you but that doesnt make us ignorant. We are simply curious as to why registration seems to be such a big deal to you.

 

[Funplex]

jesus pup, if your going to call us ignorant over and over and over again, tell us why it is. You still havent answered why exactly this is a problem from your POV and instead are just flinging mud around. We are ignorant because we dont understand why this is stressing you out? I'm srry that we dont all think like you but that doesnt make us ignorant. We are simply curious as to why registration seems to be such a big deal to you.

Agreed.

I'm sorry the options aren't to the OP's liking, but stomping your feet won't make it happen.

 

[Wolfpup]

Pack it up and return it from where you bought it. Assuming you're within the 14 days (or whatever the store policy is where you bought it). They may charge you a restocking fee, but you also might be able to argue your way out of it.

As I've said it's from Apple, so I don't know how to go about getting rid of it, unfortunately. I would have returned it had I just gotten it from Amazon or whatever.

 

[jallenclark]

help

Listed here it clearly states you cannot return it once it is customized:

http://www.apple.com/legal/sales_policies/retail_us.html

If you called them you might be able to tell you wish to return it because you do not agree with the licensing agreement you need to sign. There are exceptions for people who disagree with software licensing. I don't know how they would handle the ipod touch, I am pretty sure the first few people up the ladder will tell you that it can't be returned.

 

[G4DP]

You can't return it!

Wolfpup, you say it is engraved?

Well then to be blunt your screwed. It clearly states on the pages that engraved items are non returnable/refundable.

"Please make sure that everything is spelled correctly as your engraved order can't be returned."

As for what to do with it? The less said the better.

 

[Dimwhit]

Listed here it clearly states you cannot return it once it is customized:

http://www.apple.com/legal/sales_policies/retail_us.html

If you called them you might be able to tell you wish to return it because you do not agree with the licensing agreement you need to sign. There are exceptions for people who disagree with software licensing. I don't know how they would handle the ipod touch, I am pretty sure the first few people up the ladder will tell you that it can't be returned.

Except that he already agreed to it by registering it (I think). So he'd be screwed there, too.

If that's the case, returning it is not an option. Your best bet is to sell it. But if you had it engraved, that will lower the value a bit.

 

[nick9191]

I don't understand your objection to registering a simple free account. You don't have to give them any credit card details unless you wish to purchase music.

Your not ever going to buy an Apple product again because you had to register something? I'm sorry but I think you can see why people are flaming you.

You cannot return the iPod since you customised it, or unless it is broken. You bought it, it works perfectly well, your only choice is to sell it. Everything about Apples return policy, and iPod set up guides are available on their website. You could have found this information before making an expensive purchase, you chose not to.

If its not customised, and you've managed not to scratch it yet, then return it, and leave this forum as its obvious you have nothing to contribute, and wish to bash a perfectly good product over something completely unimportant. The free account you set is more help than hinderance. Not only does it allow you to use the cool genius feature within iTunes and on your iPod, it allows Apple to respond to you and track your messages easier should you need to contact them.

 

[jallenclark]

I don't understand your objection to registering a simple free account. You don't have to give them any credit card details unless you wish to purchase music.

Your not ever going to buy an Apple product again because you had to register something? I'm sorry but I think you can see why people are flaming you.

You cannot return the iPod since you customised it, or unless it is broken. You bought it, it works perfectly well, your only choice is to sell it. Everything about Apples return policy, and iPod set up guides are available on their website. You could have found this information before making an expensive purchase, you chose not to.

He had to register with Macrumors.com to post, maybe he should boycott the site

 

[Felldownthewell]

Wow, this thread has made me come out and make my first post here in nearly a year.

First things first, yes apple should not require anyone to register anything except things that require contracts (iPhone, warranties, etc).

However, this isn't an uncommon practice. It has been a long time since I've installed windows, but I remember having to register that as well. It doesn't make it right, of course, but it is worth noting.

More importantly, you gave your credit card info (name, number, expiration date, and mailing address) to the VERY SAME COMPANY you refuse to give your age? If you paid cash in-store for it I would understand wanting to stick to your privacy, but they already have far more information than they would ever get from a registration form.

As for returning it, you obviously wanted it when you took the time to get it engraved; it wasn't an impulse purchase. Just because you didn't study the interface enough before you purchased does not mean you're entitled to a refund for a product you have opened, personalized, and used. Sell it on craigslist if you can, and if not, just suck it up. You made a bad decision, don't pass the buck to apple, live with it.

 

[Dimwhit]

However, this isn't an uncommon practice. It has been a long time since I've installed windows, but I remember having to register that as well. It doesn't make it right, of course, but it is worth noting.

Interestingly, Apple does NOT require registering the OS like Microsoft does. You can bypass it and never send it in. (At least the last time I checked.)

 

[rdowns]

I'm having a hard time understanding your issues. You already own an iPod so you were aware of Apple's policies. Given your stance on registering/privacy issues, why the hell did you buy a touch? Surely you did your homework. And you can't return it. It clearly stated it when you chose to engrave it. Your choice is to keep it or sell it at a loss.

 

[MattZani]

Wow, isnt this the biggest over reaction in the world.

Register the Damn Product, i enjoy doing it, that way if its stolen, i can say its stolen, and with a few details, they can pull up the serial no. and blacklist it.

As for not liking the interface, you DIDNT go in store and try one? try a buddies etc? how can you do things wrong? its one of the simplest UI's around, you cant really make a mistake.

Now, for getting rid of it, im sure a Member here would accept it for a discount, since its engraved, and thats the only way you'll get out of it, Apple WILL NOT accept it back, and a Credit Card wont work, since theres nothing wrong with the Product, it functions perfectly.