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iPod Nano now shipping with protective sleeve
comment: 73 | Friday, November 11 (2005) 09:42AM | Posted by Austin Vaughan
Thanks to DAPreview's review of the iPod nano (along with every other review on the web), it looks like Apple has finally got the message.

a) Yes, it really does scratch too easily. But you already knew that, didn't you, Mr. Jobs.
b) That ain't cool.
c) And... hey, this is America, we will sue your stingy ass.

So, the Nano is now shipping with a simple neoprene sleeve similiar to the one that's already included with the new iPod (see HERE). But what about those of us who already bought one? No word on that just yet. Give them a call... beg, threaten, or whine... my guess is, they'll probably send you one. Of course, if you've actually touched your Nano by now, it's much too late...
source: fscklog (via TUAW)
Comments

debilio

Comments: 192
 		Nov 11 (2005) 10:20AM  

Well, better that than nothing I guess..



Allen
Location: Dub Vee Ooo
Comments: 1511
 		Nov 11 (2005) 10:36AM  

But it still doesnt really fix the problem... is the nano even usable through this case? didnt think so...



Dominic
Location: Ireland.
Comments: 2396
 		Nov 11 (2005) 10:53AM  

how generous



zip22

Comments: 1809
 		Nov 11 (2005) 11:06AM  

allen, you can still play/pause, skip, power off, and probably adjust the volume through it. not 100% functional, but not as bad as you made it seem.



Donnie

Comments: 247
 		Nov 11 (2005) 11:06AM  

Looks like those cheapie cases that come with an inexpensive pencil set. Like what Allen said, it doesn't really fix the problem - maybe invites more problems. And I read around that the use of the nano in the case is hindered.



Poekoek

Comments: 45
 		Nov 11 (2005) 11:53AM  

@ zip22: ik have my 4G iPod in a Apple sock and I can use my iPod through it except adjusting the volume, so I don't that's possible through this, but things like skipping tracks will be possible I think.



MoiAussi

Comments: 6
 		Nov 11 (2005) 02:01PM  

A number of 5G owners have claimed elsewhere that the Apple case itself has scratched their players. More accurately, it seems, at least according to these posters, that if there is even a scintilla of dirt in the case the player will be scratched.

Whatever the truth of the above, I simply cannot understand what could have possessed Apple to have produced players which are obviously so susceptible to this kind of damage.



zip22

Comments: 1809
 		Nov 11 (2005) 02:09PM  

pretty looks, cheap cost.

some people think its intentional so it will be easily pursuede people to upgrade, since their old one will be scratched up



zip22

Comments: 1809
 		Nov 11 (2005) 02:09PM  

'it will be easy to pursuede'



undesign

Comments: 786
 		Nov 11 (2005) 02:23PM  

zip, you illiterate iWhore, click here:
[Linky]

and no, it doesnt solve the problem either. nanos STILL get scratched without the case, good try on clinging on to Steve Jobs' schlong, i hope he's giving you what you really want.



Scarpad

Comments: 65
 		Nov 11 (2005) 02:31PM  

I've put a Brando Protector on my 5G and it's in that case until my ordred case arrives. The original plastic stayed on until then so mine looking ok, using a screen protector is key



Michael
Location: New York City
Comments: 2786
 		Nov 11 (2005) 03:28PM  

There are many other surfaces that have the same shine and look as the nano and 5g ipod yet don't scratch so quickly and easily. Is this one reason why they manage to sell these at cheaper prices? I'd say it's one reason. Cutting corners will eventually catch up with you.



zip22

Comments: 1809
 		Nov 11 (2005) 04:03PM  

what, you can't keep up with normal debating, so you need to resort to personal attacks? real classy undesign. you reflect the intelligence of the anti-ipod flamers wonderfully.

(all words in this post have been looked up so as to not upset the children)



Steve

Comments: 1197
 		Nov 11 (2005) 04:55PM  

Since they're acknowledging it as a problem it will be interesting to see if future ipods break with tradition.



twinsdad

Comments: 129
 		Nov 11 (2005) 06:55PM  

There are many other surfaces that have the same shine and look as the nano and 5g ipod yet don't scratch so quickly and easily. Is this one reason why they manage to sell these at cheaper prices? I'd say it's one reason. Cutting corners will eventually catch up with you.


yeah, I see the Ipod nation crumbling real soon because Nano's get scratched. Apple will fix this the same way they fixed the battery problem and they will go on kicking Cowon's ass michael just like they always have so get over it.



twinsdad

Comments: 129
 		Nov 11 (2005) 06:58PM  

Undesign, are you the Kamil from bashyour ipod or whatever it's called? This is the first time I've seen you get as offensive as you are on that site. When are you going to start using you "ipods are like tampons' signature? Looking forward to that one.



scottder

Comments: 185
 		Nov 11 (2005) 07:01PM  

You could almost script these arguments, autopost them with each Apple story posted, and save ourselves time. If Apple isn't you're thing, great, don't buy it or use it. But this endless bickering gets us nowhere.

Can't we all just get along!



twinsdad

Comments: 129
 		Nov 11 (2005) 07:07PM  

i actually started an ipod story checklist a few days back but I think copying and pasting the same comments from story to story would work better and faster.



SowndOfDeth

Comments: 417
 		Nov 11 (2005) 07:40PM  

I have decided to get along - as a token gesture to this new alliance : I am going to scratch up all my gadgets.



Steve

Comments: 1197
 		Nov 11 (2005) 08:23PM  

Twinsdad is like the ipod; the slightest ipod criticism gets him all scratched up.



bob2300NX

Comments: 42
 		Nov 11 (2005) 09:01PM  

undesign= Loser nerd! 56 post probally all from ipod thrends.

As it seems undesign has no life come on buddy dont waste your life sitting here to argue a point no one cares about.

Here is a quote (although it may not be exact and I am sure you will get your panties in a twist) I heard on another form: " I see you on a cold holyday with your face prest against a glass window watching a happy family eatting there dinner"



twinsdad

Comments: 129
 		Nov 11 (2005) 09:23PM  

Twinsdad is like the ipod; the slightest ipod criticism gets him all scratched up.



At least I didn't use "violent imagery" this time Steve. If I'm getting bent out of shape defending the Ipod then what is this

zip, you illiterate iWhore, click here:
[Linky]

and no, it doesnt solve the problem either. nanos STILL get scratched without the case, good try on clinging on to Steve Jobs' schlong, i hope he's giving you what you really want


I am pretty mild compared to your anti-ipod fanboy friends. How come you don't call them out?


Steve

Comments: 1197
 		Nov 11 (2005) 10:09PM  


I am pretty mild compared to your anti-ipod fanboy friends. How come you don't call them out?



It's better to let some posts speak for themselves. Besides I don't like having to scrape that stuff off my shoes.



Allen
Location: Dub Vee Ooo
Comments: 1511
 		Nov 11 (2005) 11:02PM  

Hahahah I wondered why the post count was so high... naturally an argument was the culprit



Cassiopeia

Comments: 188
 		Nov 12 (2005) 12:42AM  

wow how generous

Who the hell is going to use that kind of crappy case that scratches ur nano even more and hide its appealing (for most people in the states ) design. One of the biggest reasons why people buy iPod is because they love its design. Good design is not just its appearance, but also ease of use and durability. iPod fails so badly in terms of durability. who cares that a nano looks good, if they know it's going to be a 10 years old dap in one month.



zip22

Comments: 1809
 		Nov 12 (2005) 02:57AM  

where are the claims that the apple case scratches it? the old apple stock black cases did scratch it for sure. this one doesn't look like there would be any way to make it scratch anything. does anyone have one?



Michael
Location: New York City
Comments: 2786
 		Nov 12 (2005) 03:04AM  

Just check out the handful of threads like this one:
[Linky]

" Scratch report

I have had my 5thG 60gb white IPOD for exactly one week today. I have not dropped it once. I keep it inside the case that came in the box. It has not rubbed against anything.

But somehow, there have appeared a handful of fine scratches on the screen part of the face. WTF???? How does this happen? Is it the case they give you? Does this get worse? Is there anything I should do now to protect myself from having a fully scratched screen three weeks from now?


ARGH"

Apparently any dust or anything can actually scratch the surfaces of these new ipods.



zip22

Comments: 1809
 		Nov 12 (2005) 03:10AM  

those people are not telling the full story. there are also people in there saying theres aren't scratched up. i'm guessing that those people used a sweater or shirt to wipe off the surface.

NOTE: i still think a scratch proof ipod would be much better, my point is that i don't think that case can cause scratches.



Michael
Location: New York City
Comments: 2786
 		Nov 12 (2005) 03:19AM  

The case itself doesn't look all that thick. If you put the ipod in the case and the case in your pocket, just moving around might cause a scratch. Who knows.



zip22

Comments: 1809
 		Nov 12 (2005) 03:21AM  

but to scratch it, you need an abrasize surface touching the plastic. the case doesn't look abrasize at all.



eatcha

Comments: 37
 		Nov 12 (2005) 03:35AM  

I'm not pro or anti iPod, but the scratch issue is ridiculous. I do believe that came as a result of keeping the price down, not as some planned obsolescence scheme. As a portable device, it needs to be able to take daily wear and tear without much damage. I had a Sony MD player that I was not even remotely kind to, and it lasted for years with very little scratching, so Apple really no excuse for this. In my opinion, this is probably the biggest flaw of an otherwise great player.



stargazer

Comments: 27
 		Nov 12 (2005) 10:06AM  

All this Nano brouhaha makes me appreciate Mini even more. That thing wouldn't be scratched if you dropped it among a dozen sexually deprived cats. All the iPod designs are terrific that they should be enjoyed without the need for cases obscuring them, so it's a real shame that Nano is so scratchable.



rhymesgalore

Comments: 14
 		Nov 12 (2005) 10:36AM  

From the iPod Nano product page

"Now that you can take your music everywhere(3),"

and the appendant footnote

3. To protect your iPod nano and prevent scratches from keys, coins and other objects, use a protective case.

So this is the way apple deals with its costumers, eh? pretty lame actually. Without the iPod and it's loyal fans apple would be in deep trouble. But that's capitalism.............



zip22

Comments: 1809
 		Nov 12 (2005) 01:04PM  

'abrasive' damn, i shouldn't post that late.



SowndOfDeth

Comments: 417
 		Nov 12 (2005) 03:50PM  

I thought we were done arguing.


The nano doesn't scratch...?
or
It doesn't matter if it scratches??
or
I shouldn't have to hide an ipod in a case???


Whats the argument?


zip22

Comments: 1809
 		Nov 12 (2005) 04:37PM  

ssj and i are debating whether the case that neither of us has can cause scratches or not. other than that, i dont know whats going on. there doesnt seem to be a common thread.



Allen
Location: Dub Vee Ooo
Comments: 1511
 		Nov 12 (2005) 05:15PM  

If you put a lottery ticket in an envelope... and take a coin and scratch it...(We are assuming you have perfect aim and get one of the little squares with the metal stuff on it... ) the metal square will be scratched, (granted this also depends on how much pressure you apply but we wont cavil over it..) so case or no case... the nano scratches..



Cassiopeia

Comments: 188
 		Nov 13 (2005) 12:45AM  

ok zip22

You know that even slight dust can damage iPod nano or even new iPod. Futhermore, it has been proven that even those patches you use to clean your glasses create scrathces on nanos if you try to clean your nano with those. A lot of people claim that even people I know personally.

Imagine little dust goes into your iPod nano case. It is very possible indeed, since you are going to put your nano in your pocket or backpacks which have plenty of dusts inside. We can't say the case itself scratches it. You are right for that matter. However, why do you use those cases for? To protect nano from scratches. If the case does not function its duty such as preventing scratches, it is same as it is actually scratching nano itself, because the result is the same.

Apple is not doing enough to adress this issue that new ipod owners' are concerned. Giving out free cases (actually bunch of trash) do not fix this issue. It will just help Apple get away from the lawsuit.

If Apple really cares about their consumers and wishes to continue their success, they should consider this issue more seriously. Don't give us free cases. I do not care about the quality of free cases, but their will to solve this probelm.

Read my main point, case does not solve this issue. Most people who have bought iPod buy it, because they love its apperance and want to take their music outside more comfortably (compared to cd player, it is more portable). Apple needs to understand what portable music player means. Lighter and Smaller are good ways to improve its design, if iPod could be as durable as it was used to be.

I am not a english tongue. I am sure I am making tons of grammer mistakes.
Sry for making u busy.


Cassiopeia

Comments: 188
 		Nov 13 (2005) 12:47AM  

BTW that case is really ugly. As I have said before. I don't think any iPod users would want to use that case if they care about its design.



Cassiopeia

Comments: 188
 		Nov 13 (2005) 01:05AM  

Zip22, I am not trying to penalize you nor trying to claim that you are a iPod fan boy. However, I think you are overprotecting Apple in this issue.
It is critical factor that your brand new iPod will be looked like 10 years old dap after one week. You could argue you could get a case or protective filter.

Then I need to ask you.

Does Apple advertise and educate consumers about its mp3 player's durability?

The answer is no. People do not know the fact that it is scratch-magnet before they use it. If you have to use all sorts of cases for sure to protect your iPod. It is not a portable player. Portable player is something that you could take it outside freely.

"Now that you can take your music everywhere" Apple says that in ads. It is a false advertisement if you can't even take your iPod everywhere without the case. They should add with case in that statement in order to make it sense.

Some people say why do you care about scratches? Scratches do not prevent it from playing your music.

Well, as I have said earlier people buy it because it looks shiny, and beside, if screen gets too many scratches, it will be hard for users to navigate their music collections.

Apple should take this issue seriously. Otherwise, their regime in dap market will start fall apart just like what happened to Sony.



Cassiopeia

Comments: 188
 		Nov 13 (2005) 01:06AM  

You could argue you could get a case or protective filter.
-> You could argue that users could get a case or protective filter.



Dominic
Location: Ireland.
Comments: 2396
 		Nov 13 (2005) 09:25AM  

you people have crippled me, i just dont care anymore, its the same old fight, the same old flaming, the same old half answers of one being better than the other....screw it i'm gonna read the forums



zip22

Comments: 1809
 		Nov 13 (2005) 01:59PM  

who has said that dust can scratch the nano? and who has said microfiber cloths scratch the nano?



Cassiopeia

Comments: 188
 		Nov 13 (2005) 05:50PM  

ok zip22 Why don't you find it yourself then. There are many people claiming what I have said in various iPod forums. However, I am pretty sure you will never believe those people eh? You just have said before. They never tell us real story. I guess it is foolish to talk to you why this problem is serious.


zip22

Comments: 1809
 		Nov 13 (2005) 05:56PM  

i think its a flaw, but nothing to get worked up over. and i did go through the forums at ilounge. there are only a few very vague posts regarding the mocrofiber, and nothing about the dust. no one has claimed that the case it comes with scratches it (which is what i have been contesting).



Michael
Location: New York City
Comments: 2786
 		Nov 13 (2005) 06:10PM  

Did I not post that someone only kept in it the case and it still manage to get scratched.

I have had my 5thG 60gb white IPOD for exactly one week today. I have not dropped it once. I keep it inside the case that came in the box. It has not rubbed against anything.

But somehow, there have appeared a handful of fine scratches on the screen part of the face. WTF???? How does this happen? Is it the case they give you? Does this get worse? Is there anything I should do now to protect myself from having a fully scratched screen three weeks from now?



To this you replied that "they're not telling the whole story" and that "they must've used a sweater to wipe it or something" I mean you're coming up with reasons to justify why there isn't a problem with the nano or with the case when there are lots of threads with people telling you there actually is a problem.



zip22

Comments: 1809
 		Nov 13 (2005) 06:44PM  

one single person wrote that. they are also an un-established member who joined just to post that. i am always skeptical. i haven't found any other threads where they say the case itself scratches the player. you're basing your whole argument on a single post.



undesign

Comments: 786
 		Nov 13 (2005) 07:27PM  

ignore zip22, hes just an extreme ipod fanboy, no matter how bad the ipod actually is. hes part of that "apple cult" so any kind of logic or rationale wont go through his thick skull.



twinsdad

Comments: 129
 		Nov 13 (2005) 08:29PM  

ignore zip22, hes just an extreme ipod fanboy, no matter how bad the ipod actually is. hes part of that "apple cult" so any kind of logic or rationale wont go through his thick skull.


I'm pretty sure that Undesign is the last person who should be calling anyone extreme when it comes to the ipod.

And I see Mr. Objectivity is back scouring the internet for any negative ipod posts he can find.

I've had the 5G for 3 weeks and it has scratches on the silver back but none on the screen and some minor scratches on the white plastic that I buffed out with toothpaste. Of course, they will come back but you can't really see them unless you look real close. My screen still looks good as new but I'll put some kind of screen cover on it anyway.

I'm still a little disgruntled about dropping firewire support but other than that I'm really liking this new ipod. I'm thinking about splurging for the new Tivoli Isongbook for a new portable sound system. It's so damn expensive though!

I think I'm done with the petty scratching, video battery, posting so here's hoping that we can all find something else to do on this site and soon!



Cassiopeia

Comments: 188
 		Nov 13 (2005) 09:06PM  

undesign.

I think you are more extream than zip22 can ever be about iPod. Even if you disagree with someone, you don't have any rights to portrait them as fan boys, flamers, etc.

Even if I do agree, zip22 will never listen to what people are saying. It is just another opinion. Everyone cannot have same opinions, you know. Whether you like it or not, it is their choices and we have no reason to change their opinions.

BTW, zip22

You could justify any situations people have with their nanos by using all sorts of reasons, but this situation is not a flaw. Are you suggesting that many people are creating this mess to get some bux out of Apple. I don't think so.

Apple, in my opinion, should be penalized, because as I have mentioned before people are not aware of new iPods' durability problem. They say in ads, you could take your music anywhere you go, but do not mention that a case is necessary if you want to use your iPod even at home.

I praise Apple for its reasonable pricing tags, but if it became reality from sacrificing its durability, I rather want them to raise price.

Why am I need to be forced to buy those cases. I bought it because it was thin and cheap. I don't want to spend additional $30 for $250 mp3 player. Consumers should be given choices, but Apple take those rights away from consumers.

Because of recent lawsuits in several conturies, Apple is trying to get away by shipping those ugly cases (heck yeah for most people) which even hide its lcd screen. As I have mentioned before, people bought iPods because it was shiny. I don't think you could argue that a lot of people think iPod looks great.

I don't want to put it in SUCH An ugly case like that. If Apple hopes to get away from criticism by giving out free cases, at least give us better one.

It is my second iPod i tried since the 3rd generation. Apple really disapoint me. I don't I will never buy iPod again.

I am planning to get a U10 or H10 anyways.


Cassiopeia

Comments: 188
 		Nov 13 (2005) 09:09PM  

ahh a lot of mistakes.. well I need to work on my English and typing



zip22

Comments: 1809
 		Nov 13 (2005) 09:27PM  

cassiopeia,

in the ads, if they say you can take your ipod anywhere, i do not see how scratching prevents that at all.

i believe apple is handling it just as i would expect any company to. they started including a case, and are accepting warranty returns on pretty much anything. they are not locking you into anything. there are other players on the market and it is your responsability to choose what is best for you. that involves research and not relying on ads. every review i have seen to date mentions the scratching.

like i mentioned earlier, it is probably a cost sacrifice. if you want a player that doesn't scratch like the ipod, you can get one, but it will cost you more. or you can buy one of the handful of protective skips for around $5.

thats why i think its a flaw, and it has been listed as such by many reviewers. fi you didn't research it, and find yourself dissapointed, you can either get a case or protective cover (if thats a sacrifice you're willing to make for the $ and size v. the scratches) or apple will exchange it or proably take it back as a return from you so you can buy something different. they have not trapped you at all.

and you're english is fine





zip22

Comments: 1809
 		Nov 13 (2005) 09:31PM  

protective skips? what the hell was i even trying to say...

i was thinking of the protective sticker/decal things.



zip22

Comments: 1809
 		Nov 13 (2005) 09:32PM  

these ones seem to be the cheapest and (from reviews) are the same as the ones that cost $20 or more
[Linky]



zip22

Comments: 1809
 		Nov 13 (2005) 11:46PM  

and undesign, last time you tried your version of "logic and rationale" we all found out how little you actual know about the ipod. you had no idea what a charge cycle was and also knew very little about the acual battery life of the ipod (or any other device for that matter).



zip22

Comments: 1809
 		Nov 13 (2005) 11:47PM  

actual*



Steve

Comments: 1197
 		Nov 14 (2005) 01:35AM  


like i mentioned earlier, it is probably a cost sacrifice. if you want a player that doesn't scratch like the ipod, you can get one, but it will cost you more. or you can buy one of the handful of protective skips for around $5.


I thought I was done with this thread but what the heck. Maybe we can still have a shot at a rational discussion. Zip, if it's a cost issue then why do I have a $5 mouse made out of plastic that doesn't scratch? Let's not resort to hyberbole and call it a conspiracy theory, but it was a conscious decision by someone to use this kind of plastic when there are other inexpensive plastics that don't scratch nearly so easily. Planned obsolescence is a known fact in many products, and this type of plastic almost guarentees that at the one year mark any new ipod is going to look a hell of a lot better than any one year old one. Think about it. Apple has sold millions of ipods and market saturation is a very real phenomenon. What would happen if people were walking around with 3 and 4 year old ipods that looked and worked as good as new when the market was close to saturation? Apples sales would plummet along with their stock. To me it's perfectly rational that they built in a mechanism to 'encourage' replacement buying after a time. It's just a little nudge in the desired direction: "Gee, i've had this ipod for 2 years and it still works great. It sure is scratched up though. Oh what the heck, i've had two years out of it, just look at that shiny new model. I deserve to not have to look at all these scratches!, etc. etc.

That's the problem when you have a product so successful that you come to depend on it to keep the company afloat; you have to keep the market buying. Microsoft is facing the same thing with Windows and other software. If people stop upgrading they're screwed. Be damn sure they'll work in their own best interest even if it's in conflct with those of the consumer.



zip22

Comments: 1809
 		Nov 14 (2005) 02:01AM  

who has said the DAP market is near saturation?

i can see what you are saying, but i just do not think the scratches are high on the list of reasons to upgrade to a new one. i'm pretty sure there are other significant reasons why people would upgrade. some people don't even need a reason (many people on this site, for example). i concede, it may be a slight factor, but factors like the size (physical and storage), the screen resolution, the sound quality, and videos would be higher on anyones list of "little nudges" than an older, scratched ipod. i imagine apple's design focus is on the looks and not on the scratch-proofness. if it looks good, it just has to be relatively resilient to pass.

you're $5 mouse is not appealing to anyone walking into a best buy. it does not set itself apart from the others with a very sleek look. that is one of the things the ipod has had going for it since the start. it has only been challenged a few times (olympus) and gives the ipod a distinct look. take a look at a creative zen xtra next to an ipod, and tell me which one is more appealing. obviously, these are the extremes, but the ipod looks much 'sexier' (if you will). there are cheaper plastics, but the ipod would loose a major (for many consumers) innitial impression.

microsoft is a pretty poor example, seeing as how the alternatives have not come up with anything revolutionary.



MoiAussi

Comments: 6
 		Nov 14 (2005) 10:40AM  

An interesting thread about this very subject at iLounge:

http://forums.ilounge.com/showthread.php?s=6284665681dab2fe17926eef43cd5baf&threadid=129642



MoiAussi

Comments: 6
 		Nov 14 (2005) 10:41AM  

Try this instead:

[Linky]



undesign

Comments: 786
 		Nov 14 (2005) 12:47PM  

you're $5 mouse is not appealing to anyone walking into a best buy. it does not set itself apart from the others with a very sleek look. that is one of the things the ipod has had going for it since the start.


What the hell does that have to do with the fact that this $5 doesnt scratch as badly as a $300 mp3 player?

Wait, lemme try and understand your logic....

Ugly devices don't scratch no matter what type of plastic used. I get it now.....



zip22

Comments: 1809
 		Nov 14 (2005) 01:16PM  

no.

his argument was: there is cheap plastic that doesn't scratch. my response was: cheap plastic that doesn't scratch is not visually appealing. is it that hard to figure out?



undesign

Comments: 786
 		Nov 14 (2005) 01:48PM  

Yes it is, because you see, iZealot, I've had my iAudio 5 for a few months now, which has taken a beating, and uses a very similar finish as the nano (transparant including going outside of the screen overtop the surface of the player).

Guess how many scratches its got?

NONE.



Flid

Comments: 262
 		Nov 14 (2005) 02:02PM  

No.

Steve's point was that you can buy a cheap product (ie. $5 mouse) that is constructed out of a durable material. You can also buy a REALLY expensive product (ie. $200 nano) that is constructed out of seriously substandard non-durable material. It would have cost apple a few extra cents per unit to provide a more suitable material for "portable" use.

It is the responsibility of the product's designer to investigate the material properties destined for use in a product, and it is a standard requirement that a product should be "fit for purpose". This is where Apple have failed, as the device has been released with substandard materials not fit for purpose.

In my mind there are 3 possible reasons for this.

- The designer didn't do his job properly.
- The designer tried to do his job, but was hurried into accepting the substandard material so that the product could be released on time.
- The designer knew that planned obsolescence was in his requirements.

who has said the DAP market is near saturation?

Oh... and lots of market analysts have been implying that the iPod is reaching some form of market saturation and they are expecting a drop in Apple share due to this. How they work this out, I have no idea... but, it definitely has been "said".

(Damn. I sooo wasn't gonna get involved in this one either. Doh!)



Dominic
Location: Ireland.
Comments: 2396
 		Nov 14 (2005) 02:13PM  

have i read this exact debate here before?



Bento

Comments: 103
 		Nov 14 (2005) 02:48PM  

I heard this rumor that the new iPod scratches....Is that true?



zip22

Comments: 1809
 		Nov 14 (2005) 03:17PM  

once you guys can show that there is a comparable method to produce a finish that is crystal clear, scratch proof, and would have cost almost nothing more to implement, then you will have an argument. until then, we are all just speculating. the ipods have to be corner cutting somehwere to be set at the prices they are and still allow apple be making a very sizeable profit (other companies, while at similar pricepoints aren't doing so hot). i don't mind that the corner cutting is on the surface resiliance, since the players are still damn sexy, durable, functional, easy to use, and have above average build quality and feel.

yes, the designers should care about the material properties, but i'm guessing cost and prettiness hold either the same weight or more in their hierarchy of priorities



Vision

Comments: 22
 		Nov 15 (2005) 04:35AM  

scratch your autograph on, or better still ask Steve Jobs to scratch one? lol



Dominic
Location: Ireland.
Comments: 2396
 		Nov 15 (2005) 07:44AM  

the prices they are?as technology advances prices lower, i dont believe that the ipods are SO competitively priced that the quality of finish should be so bad, while i have no written evidence of this all i can say is my friends sis got a nano, 2gb, black, and i have seen it a week later scratched, mostly on the screen and around the click wheel, i am dissappointed in apple because i would usually regard them as be producers of some of the fines quality hardware around, they slipped up and whats worse they address the problem by throwing in a cheap container...too bad...



Nasty

Comments: 7
 		Nov 15 (2005) 06:25PM  

Bento you're killing me! lol!



Steve

Comments: 1197
 		Nov 16 (2005) 07:36AM  

i can see what you are saying, but i just do not think the scratches are high on the list of reasons to upgrade to a new one.


Well not after a week, but if you consider the time frame between new ipod releases that's a lot of scratches. If there's enough of an outcry i'm certain Apple will change this policy. They've taken the first steps already by acknowledging it and providing a remediating slip cover. Not the whole solution, just a start. From a business point of view, I can't say I blame them, I think I read that they make more money from the ipod than computers these days. Anything that dear to the bottom line is going to be protected from a decline in sales in any way they can, but you can only go so far. If the public complains too much you have to change or the whole thing backfires. It's a question of balance, you have to find just the right point. It wouldn't make sense for Apple or any other company to make a perfect product that never wears out; that's corporate suicide. You have to make a product that the public feels good about but at the same time is ready to chuck in the trash when the new model comes out. That's why I think most flash players these days don't have a card slot. They want you to buy a new player when memory gets cheaper, not just a new memory card.



Dominic
Location: Ireland.
Comments: 2396
 		Nov 16 (2005) 08:14AM  

thats the reason why i've given up on brand loyalty, tis worthless to me...but in fairness it wouldn't matter how durable a product such as this is cos the batt has a limited life anyway...oh well.



Steve

Comments: 1197
 		Nov 16 (2005) 08:49AM  

but in fairness it wouldn't matter how durable a product such as this is cos the batt has a limited life anyway...oh well.


Well I think there'll always be do it yourself or third party battery replacements, but yea with the pace of technology these things will be obsolete after awhile anyway. In the end it's up to the consumer to weigh the pros and cons for him or her self and make the best choice for them, knowing that nothing is perfect.

For me, I can't bring myself to buy an ipod, not so much for the features or lack of features, or the way they're designed to tie you into the 'ipod economy', though that's part of it, it's just because they have such a disproportionate market share that other dap makers are actually going out of business. I won't say it's 'unfair', but I do consider it a problem and I can't bring myself to add to it, in whatever small way.

I would feel much better about buying an ipod, provided the features met my needs - and I admit the 30gig v5 has a lot going for it, though I not quite enough for me, at least not in all the right places - if Apple had say a 40% market share. This would give them a healthy, sustainable position and leave room for the rest of the industry to compete and grow as well. Then I would have no problem buying an ipod if it met my requirements.



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TheDarkSide
Personally, I didn't buy any of those clips, great deal nonetheless - enjoy!!!!

DaHarder
TDS...

I couldn't help myself - In for 3 of those WOOTs - LOL!

DaHarder
Yea! It's here Android 2.1 for the DROID

TheDarkSide
Sandisk Sansa Clip 8GB MP3 Player for $32.99 on woot: [Linky]

Dominic
lol

Step666
[Linky]

TheDarkSide
Forgot the link: [Linky]

TheDarkSide
OMG!!!! I can't post the meaning of my name, but #2 & #3 is actually me. But, I did get a decent amount of action cause I'm great @#1,............

Dominic
That's great...my skills are average at best

Step666
Yeah but my one's true


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