September 25th, 2005
Thinking of Getting an iPod Nano? Think Twice.
By David Johnston
Contributing Writer, RealTechNews
A large number of new iPod Nano owners on the internet have already started complaining about their iPod Nanos getting scratched up far too quickly. There are a ton of reports of the scratching problem on various websites, including Apple’s own forums where one user said that the scratches were getting so bad so quickly that he was worried he would no longer be able to see the screen. Many of the people noting the problem are also long-time iPod users who have experience with the regular wear and tear that their iPods receive from normal use. Here is a quote from a person who took his Nano back to the Apple store where he got it:
I’ve had a series 1,2 and 3 and have never treated them very well - but none of them have ended up looking as dreadful as my white nano after just four days. Kept in a pocket with _no_ metal, the entire front plastic is badly scratched. I went back to the apple store where I purchased it and was told ‘you have to look after your stuff man’ (honest, I couldn’t make that up). Two other stores tell me that they have had no complaints and would I like to purchase a sock?
Users on the Apple boards suggest covering the screen with a trimmed piece of clear packing tape or a PDA screen protector to prevent scratching. If any of you readers have a Nano, let us know your experience.
Scratch discussion on the Apple forums.
More discussion on MacInTouch.
Jason says:
My iPod Nano got scratched the first day when I set it on my night stand! I placed it face down so the bright screen wasn’t disturbing my sleeping fiancee, and this left two significant blemishes that made the display appear blurred.
Luckily there was a problem with the battery life (I was getting 4-6 hours and not the advertized 14) so I got the unit replaced. I am being more careful now… frankly, I’m being ultra paranoid about the Nano, lest it be scratched by a stray bit of dust or something.
There are other films that can be used to protect the Nano. I would NOT recommend using packaging tape, as it gets really gummy after a while, especially if it gets warm. That’d be a messy situation! 3M sells a transparent and super-thin plastic sheeting that can be used as an overlay. I think PDA screen protectors can also be trimmed down and used on the Nano.
One word of note - when any film is used on the Nano, either cut a hole for the control or ‘deal’ with slightly tough scrolling and clicking.
September 25th, 2005 at 11:50 am
Jerk says:
Belkin also sells a boat-load of products for the Nano.
September 25th, 2005 at 11:22 pm
Kristin says:
I work for OtterBox a company that manufactures waterproof, interactive iPod cases. We are actually coming out with the OtterBox for iPod nano this December. You can check out our blog at: http://otterbox.blogs.com for more details and links to tips on how to keep your nano protected now.
Until then…best of luck to everyone trying to keep thier nano scratch-free!
September 28th, 2005 at 9:05 am
David Johnston says:
Thanks to everyone for your suggestions! I hope all of you RTN readers out there keep your Nano’s safe
September 28th, 2005 at 10:46 am
RainyDayMagazine says:
Cover the iPod nano with the InvisibleShield and it’ll be like new for years (your mileage may vary
http://www.rainydaymagazine.com/RDM2005/GearNGadgets/September2005/RDMGG_InvisibleShieldFirstLook.htm
October 1st, 2005 at 5:23 am
Simon says:
I bought the Ipod Nano 2GB version on Saturday 1st October 2005, I heard problems about the battery life but it didnt concern me too much as I took out the ‘extra warranty’ however I didnt read about the extreme ease of scratching the ‘Nano.’
I took it out of the box, followed the instructions to the letter and literally left the little fella on the side of my computer desk, also it was resting on a velvet cloth which came with my Sony P910i Smart phone..
To my dismay Sunday morning, and the fact I hadn’t left the house with it, the Nano suddenly had two faint scratches on the surface area..
I know I only paid £139 and the extra £40 for insurance, but scratching without being used and just left redundant on the computer table for songs to be transfered to is ridiculous..
I tried to take it back to Currys today and I was refused, as apparently because the Nano ‘Scratches too easily’ that isn’t covered in the insurance Terms & Conditions..
Alas’ the 7day money back.. Seems to have gone out of the window, as will the Nano if it continues to scratch without use..
Thanks
October 3rd, 2005 at 2:21 pm
Nicolás says:
I really don’t care about the scratchs… after all, I want to hear music, not have the prettiest thing
I got the 4GB Nano as a gift a week ago, and haven’t had any serious scratches, but the battery issue concerns me. It lasted about half the time I expected…
October 17th, 2005 at 11:58 am