Filed under: Bad Apple, iPod nano
Original iPod nano owners benefit from scratch settlement
The first generation of iPod nano models may have been small and sleek, but they also apparently had an image problem -- mainly, that it rapidly grew difficult to see the screen after the nicks and scratches began to accumulate on the face of the player. As far back as 2005, users expressed their displeasure over the nano's likelihood for damage, including cracks in the screen in some cases.Thanks to a now-settled class action lawsuit, nano owners who experienced the scratchies can apply for a refund of $15 (if the iPod shipped with a slip case, as later ones did) or $25 (for no-case shipments). You can get all the details from the settlement website. Refunds may take up to a year (!) to arrive.
[via AppleInsider]

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
oakie said 10:36AM on 1-24-2009
you forgot to mention that this all still has to be approved by the judge... in april.
and screw that. $25? not worth the reams of papers you'll have to file and mail. talk about a bogus deal in the first place. i really cant believe people were whining about scratching their ipod when they stuck it in the same pocket as their keys. the millions without problems used things like screen protectors and stuff when they bought it.
i'm still waiting for mine to explode so i can get a free replacement.
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Jash Sayani said 10:48AM on 1-24-2009
I didn't know that the company has to pay if the user scratches the product!!
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required said 12:00PM on 1-24-2009
Apparently the users were not informed that the product was made out of wax.
TimboSlice said 11:01AM on 1-24-2009
This is such a tragedy. I want to sue Sony for not making the PSP screen scratch proof! My PSP has dozens of scratches due to my normal use of just throwing it in my pocket. Even though I scratched it, it's Sony's fault for not making it more scratch resistant...LOL
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required said 12:01PM on 1-24-2009
Prove it, sue Sony.
ghostshadow said 11:37AM on 1-24-2009
I think this is ridiculous, if people weren't so negligent and if they'd take care of their things they wouldn't have scratches all over their devices. I have a second gen iPod and it is still in fantastic condition, hardly any scratches on it at all. I don't know what people expect when they lob their devices around like they are toys. I've seen people toss them from their pockets onto a counter or something, it makes me wonder why they are always having to get their devices repaired.
People do the same thing with their laptops. I just don't understand how some one could just toss around expensive equipment like it's no big deal. I like to take care of my things. That's why I think this lawsuit is absurd. Just as Oakie said. Putting them in your pocket w/ keys and loose change. What do people expect to happen?
While the plastics on the Nano might have been more vulnerable I don't think people should be suing because of their stupidity and negligence. That's just my opinion though.
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required said 12:03PM on 1-24-2009
Apparently the people were not negligent, the manufacturer was.
GCarden said 1:27PM on 1-24-2009
I had a 1st gen nano (bought it the first day they were sold, so no slip-case) and was very careful with it. I didn't toss it around or put it in the same pocket with my keys, and it STILL got terribly scratched up - and FAST.
Apple shouldn't be selling devices that require the purchase of cases. They did the right thing in later packaging the slip-cases, but amount of scratching those things got from normal use was on an unacceptable level and most certainly didn't live up to the level of quality we've come to expect from Apple.
bob said 2:50PM on 1-24-2009
i had a 1st gen nano also launch day, also no case for a while and guess what i took care of it and it didnt scratch.
aaron said 11:47AM on 1-24-2009
Ridiculous. It's a media player. Who cares if it gets scratched?
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required said 12:06PM on 1-24-2009
Apparently the same types that complain when the paint on their car falls off in one rainstorm. You know, the type that complains when the stitching of their clothing disintegrates on day one. Ridiculous?
Howie Isaacks said 11:52AM on 1-24-2009
Bunch of f*cking whining cry babies! The cheap bastards couldn't just buy a case? Jeezus!
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required said 12:09PM on 1-24-2009
I had a similar thought but it was directed at the artificial entity involved. They were being as you say, "the cheap bastards".
Jake said 12:08PM on 1-24-2009
In other news Apple has announced all new iPods will be covered in Telfon®.
Apple agrees to repair or replace at no cost to the consumer should they become scratched only if approved accessories are used in combination:
- wooden pant pockets
- plastic pocket protectors
- heat resistant rubber fingertips
In the take some responsibility category, worldwide reports of people taking care of their things are starting to trickle in.
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Alicemagic said 2:12PM on 1-24-2009
$15 from a product 4 years ago....I hope your claim was worth the outcome.
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Daniel h, Oliver said 2:36PM on 1-24-2009
I Hate,Hate, Hate Apple the most anti freedom company in America.!!!
I was forced by my Disabled Son to buy him a Nano even though everything I have is Microsoft .I HAD TO REPURCHACE everything from Apple They say if I want converting software for ITUNES I need a mack screw that.And now my Son Nano has been Stolen and they won't help me.
In my day you would never buy a record turntable that only play one brand of record or a record that would only play on one turn table all I can think of when I think of Apple is anti freedom not the American way.
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michas_pi said 2:47PM on 1-24-2009
>>I was forced by my Disabled Son
wat
exthuse said 3:32PM on 1-24-2009
Woah, why do you visit a 'Mack' blog then?
ZildjianKX said 2:15AM on 1-25-2009
LMAO. Thanks, that was one of the funniest posts I've read EVER. lol.
Blame Microsoft for selling you DRMed crap. The iPod plays MP3s and AAC files... it doesn't get any more free than that.
I'm sorry that your son is disabled, but it's strangely amusing that you mentioned it in an iPod rant... and that he forced you no less...
John said 7:12PM on 1-24-2009
Oh how I am sick and tired of people suing for anything these days. Anyone that signed up for that suit is an idiot and and the fact that the judicial system allows stupid things like this is absurb.
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