Apple Replacing Overheating iPods in Japan
Japanese owners of first generation iPod nanos are finding that the device can run hot. Really hot. In fact, they can sometimes run hot enough to catch fire and burn the user.
Earlier this month, Apple was ordered to post a disclaimer on its Japanese website about the early version of the iPod nano, explaining to customers how they could go about getting replacement batteries for their nano or even just advice about the issue. The public statement came at the behest of Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency and trade ministry, after a two-year investigation of the problem.
However, Apple yesterday revealed a change in policy on its Japanese website: the company is now replacing first generation iPod nanos if they overheat. Japan's trade ministry last month reported that six incidents involving the device catching fire while being charged have been reported to the government since 2008. This is along with at least three fires that occurred prior to 2008.
The fires are said to be due to malfunctioning Li-Ion batteries in the MP3 player.
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They were holding it wrong.
iFire
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOqY0rwT9dk
Two and a half years? Really? wow.
This is a known issue with aging batteries. As battery age resistance builds up via heat when being recharged. Apple's widsom of not making battery user replacable annoy the users who want it fixed and usually have to either ship the unit in or visit the local Apple store.
When my 5.5th gen iPod's battery due die I will order the battery replacement kit far cheaper and faster what Apple charge.
I also have the 3rd gen 32gig iTouch which is only a couple of months old. Hopefully in three years or so it'll be easy to replace the battery myself. I might even switch to Zune before then.
I have one... somewhere...
Why don't I get a free one?
Apple's response time is simply ridiculous. This is a prime example.
iPods suck. They sound like crap, and they are totally overpriced. And I really, really, really hate it when people refer to PMPs in general as "iPods".
I thought the Japs have better domestic alternatives!
won't a bumper fix it?
They were holding it wrong.
I am halfway suprised there wasnt a free bumper offered to fix the problem.....
How are they still in business!! They're like the Toyota of electronic products yet Apple will just forge ahead with another new untested product.
Are the batteries in Japan different than the rest of the world? Or is the Japanese government just more concerned for its citizens?
iPods suck. They sound like crap, and they are totally overpriced. And I really, really, really hate it when people refer to PMPs in general as "iPods".
OMG I hate it when people do that too. I am always correcting people, letting them know it's music player, media player or PMP NOT A FREAKING IPOD!!! If it's not made by Apple it's NOT AN IPOD!!!
OMG I hate it when people do that too. I am always correcting people, letting them know it's music player, media player or PMP NOT A FREAKING IPOD!!! If it's not made by Apple it's NOT AN IPOD!!!
I agree. This ticks me off so much. I think I'll need a Popcicle to cool down. I heard my mom is making Jello for desert tonight. I guess I'll just take your comment to the Xerox machine down the hall. Kleenex anyone? Oh no! You could just Velcro the iPod to their face every time they say that Apple product name... I need a Band-Aid to make it better... Perhaps if I print out this thread I can use a Hi-Lighter on the annoying posts...
Apple admitting they did something wrong? Pigs must fly...
Apple admitting they did something wrong? Pigs must fly...
They never admited to anything. The Japanese just forced them to change the battery and I bet it cost the same to change the battery as just giving them a new Nano does.
Plus they will take the old Nano, replace the battery and sell it as new. Win Win.
is there any Apple gadget that doesn't overheat ?
I agree. This ticks me off so much. I think I'll need a Popcicle to cool down. I heard my mom is making Jello for desert tonight. I guess I'll just take your comment to the Xerox machine down the hall. Kleenex anyone? Oh no! You could just Velcro the iPod to their face every time they say that Apple product name... I need a Band-Aid to make it better... Perhaps if I print out this thread I can use a Hi-Lighter on the annoying posts...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genericized_trademark
Strangely enough, at least here in Australia, department store brochures usually differentiate MP3 players and iPods in the list of items excluded from sales.