RSSApple Relaxes Return Policy on iPod
By Ed Oswald | Published October 26, 2005, 2:34 PM
In what appears to be a preemptive measure, especially considering a recent lawsuit surrounding the iPod Nano's alleged scratching problem, Apple has alerted its partners to accept returns for any video iPod that is experiencing hardware failure.
According to information obtained by Apple enthusiast site AppleInsider, this could even include failures that may have previously been attributed to customer abuse.
"For a short period of time, Apple will be evaluating all forms of hardware failure on the recently announced fifth-generation iPod," the note to partners reads. For the moment, no known problems affect the newest iPod, but Apple is taking no chances.
Last week, Apple was sued over the scratching issue over which many iPod Nano owners have been complaining to the company. In the suit, which could become a class action, Apple was accused of negligence.
"Rather than admit the design flaw when consumers began to express widespread complaints about the screen's propensity to scratch easily and excessively, Apple concealed the defect and advised class members that they would need to purchase additional equipment to prevent the screen from scratching excessively," the filing said.
To its defense, Apple claimed the plastic used for the Nano is the same as what was used on fourth generation iPods, which have received no complaints.
According to AppleInsider, the problems led Apple to ship the new video iPod with a basic sleeve case in the box, and the same concept is being considered for future incarnations of the Nano.
gee isn't that nice of apple to let you return hardware that fails ... they sound like every other company under the sun that has this weird new thing called a 90-day warranty.
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|its iPod and not called video iPod no matter if it has video capability
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|The point is that this change affects the new iPod, which is often differentiated by the word "video." Especially since 3G, 4G, 5G is pretty cryptic.
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|why do you care so much about the name? does the new case go with all ipods, or just the vpod?
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|I bought and installed an invisible shield for my 5G video iPod and it works great. Super visibility with the vids. It's the same plastic used on helicopter blades. It's not Apple's fault that people don't take protective measures. People should take responsiblity for their actions. Sort of like the lady that sued the fast food company because the coffee was too hot!
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|why doesn't apple just wrap every new ipod in this super plastic instead of hiring lawyers to fight the case?
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|Because then people would whinge and b**** about the price, instead of the scratches. F'ed up society we live in.
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|The point is - why should you be forced to buy something extra to keep the unit in a useable state.
I have an Ericsson T39 phone that I have had for at least 3 years, this lives permanently in my pocket with my keys - the case is scratched to as anything, but there is not a mark on the screen. So it is possible...but of course Apple just want to sell you some extra stuff (or get the license fees from 3rd parties for the stuffthey sell you).
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|Scratches on your screen does not prevent the iPod/Nano from playing music, which is it's designed intent. I agree that it hampers your ability to use the product, but there IS a measure of both personal and corporate accountability here.
And BTW, my 4G iPod's screen scratches just as easily...but since the screen is recessed on it, it makes it less prone to the motion that would causes the scratches... Just a thought.
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|Apple should make the plastic a little harder. I went to an apple store to check out the newest ipods and such.
They were all scratched to hell. It looks like people have been coming in there and intentionally were scratching the nanos and ipods.
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|Ah, but the plastic is thinner, ignorant fools. It scratches like no ones business.
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|Ahhh, their all heart.
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|I'm expecting some kind of "Video iPod explodes after 2 months of use" headline eventually...
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|Better yet: www.ipodblewoffmyballs.com
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|why not call it "vPod?"
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