It would be an understatement to say that I've had my fair share of problems with iPods. In fact, I've gone through three in the last six months and I'm now awaiting a fourth. Usually, I would never stand for such a shoddy lifespan in another product, but alas, nothing else compares to an iPod. Nothing even stands close. Being a music junkie, I squirm in iPod withdrawal when I have to live a day without one. So I keep boxing up the faulty devices and shipping them back to the warehouse for a new one, no matter how frustrated I get.
I had mixed emotions after reading Ann Handley's post about the battle between her daughter's iPod shuffle and a washing machine at Marketing Profs: Daily Fix. I was relieved to know that her iPod emerged victorious after an inadvertent soak, but disheartened that the other iPod models don't stand up under lesser conditions (at least in my experience).
Apple could make a great campaign out of this story. I can just imagine spots with Maytag repair men or the tiny iPod silouhette bouncing around during the spin cycle while blasting the latest Fratellis song.
But it could only apply to shuffle ads. Unfortunately, iPod minis and nanos don't cut it when it comes to H2O.
I bought a new iPod nano around Christmas time after my mini stopped working without warning. While looking at the iPod support Web site, I was able to determine that my iPod's hard drive shut down. The Apple geeks apologetically told me that there was no remedy for my iPod's affliction...other than to get a new one, which I did.
The nano worked great...for about four months. On a damp April afternoon, I decided to go for my semi-weekly jog (one day I hope to say "daily" without fibbing). Eugene's April showers had ceased for the day, but a few puddles remained on the streets. I ran to the park and back, with my iPod inside my jacket pocket the entire time. I never would have hesitated to go outside with the iPod in those conditions; however, an hour or so after I returned, I docked the iPod into my speakers and found it unresponsive. No icons, no lights, no nothing. My computer didn't even recognize it. Mark this dead device #2.
I filled out all of the paperwork and sent it in for servicing. Luckily, Apple sent me a new nano, but not without a $30 shipping and handling fee. Frustrating yes, but as I've already said, I can't live without one.
A few weeks ago, iPod #3 shut down with the same symptoms. Completely unresponsive. The funny thing was, I'd never even taken this one outside. The iPod was playing in my room while I baked in the kitchen. My best guess is that iPods are allergic to the smell of banana bread. I filled out the paperwork for a second time, but even though Apple sent me the device less than a month ago, they were still going to charge me another $30 fee because they claimed I purchased it more than 6 months prior. Err, wrong again, Apple. YOU must have purchased it more than 6 months ago.
In a few days, Apple will send me another nano. It will most likely die on me. Will I send Apple an angry letter? Probably not. Will I stop buying their products? No, not unless Microsoft makes a better product (c'mon, have you seen this Zune thing? Ridiculous).
My iPod problems will most likely continue. The little things have a mind of their own. Although some models (like Ann's shuffle) hold up, other designs could use a little scrubbing.
