Apple's Dirty Little Secret (about iPods)

[Naples Air Center, Inc.]

There is a little problem with the iPod. Check out this site:

iPod Dirty Secret's (http://ipodsdirtysecret.com/)

There is an article at cnn.com that references it:

Apple users threaten to sue computer maker (http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/biztech/01/01/apple.suit.reut/index.html)

At the bottom of the article you find this quote:

The filmmaker, Casey Neistat, said in a note on his Web site, ipodsdirtysecret.com, that he decided to make the film after his unit essentially died in September and he was told the battery could not be replaced. Subsequently, Apple has begun offering a $99 battery replacement service.

Hurray for the little guy. $99 for a battery is a little much, but it is still a victory. ;)

Take Care,

Richard

[Rupert S]

Agreed, apple have had their problem with quality control lately but if the ipod is out of warranty there's no reason them to have to touch it if there's something wrong with it. For the kind of demand apple have, their supply is very small and they can't afford to be bothered with after sales service in products that are out of warranty. If your product is in warranty then they're usually extremely good. If, however you had read the iPod's user manual, you would see that it just has a standard Sony Lithium ion battery which you could easily order direct from sony and replace yourself for a much much smaller price.

[WeatherJinx]

This is so old news (but Richard's never one to let a Apple-bashing opportunity go by ;)).

Apple's replacement battery sells for $99 (with the alternative of a $59 warranty extension) in the US and the company contend that the replacement programme was in planning months before its launch; around the same time as the Neistats' website. Third parties (http://www.ipodbattery.com) also offer a replacement for as little as $49, and always did.

It seems these guys were woefully lacking in the one discipline that film and documentary-makers should value most highly - research. But that didn't stop them from spraypainting much of NYC with graffiti to get their point across.

In the interests of balance, I would advise Prooning iPod users to take a look at the following site: http://www.ipodbatteryfaq.com before getting unduly worried.

Happy New Year to all
Jx

[Naples Air Center, Inc.]

WeatherJinx,

Actually CNN Posted the article on Thursday, January 1, 2004 Posted: 10:17 AM EST (1517 GMT).

If it is old news, then you need to pass that info on to CNN. :p

Take Care,

Richard

P.S. (but Richard's never one to let a Apple-bashing opportunity go by ;) ).

You betya! :ok:

[DC Meatloaf]

I've got a first generation iPod bought on the first day they were offered for sale that's been in use nearly every day for my metro commute and it's yet to even hiccup. I have gone through two sets of earphones though.

Buddy got a new pc version (40gig model...using it to transfer files as well as play music) and it also has performed flawlessly and integrated painlessly with his system. The iPod (and iTunes) has made him put aside his absolute hatred of anything Apple.

It's an amazing little device....

[PPRuNe Towers]

.... interesting timing for the knocking copy with old news. Week before the sub $100 (65 GBP) iPod is launched - hmmmmmmmmm

Rob

[WeatherJinx]

Richard
If it is old news, then you need to pass that info on to CNN :p
The story first broke in late November (http://www.ipodhacks.com/article.php?sid=468) - perhaps you put a little too much faith in CNN's 'finest' not stooping to trawl the net for an old story on a quiet day? Or perhaps Towers has a good point?

Jx ;)

[Naples Air Center, Inc.]

WeatherJinx,

Personally I do not care much for CNN. They have their own agenda and never let the truth get in the way of a good story.

Take Care,

Richard