Replacement iPod from a Genius

August 31st, 2006

As I wrote about a few days ago, my iPod has not been feeling well. After numerous resets and much frustration, I decided to visit the Apple store on 5th Avenue.

 After traveling the 10 floors from my office and underground via the spiral staircase, I visited the “Genius bar” and signed up for a consultation. They have a nice reservation system and are quite helpful. Counters of young creative technologists with modern haircuts, tattoos, and piercings (you know…Apple people) all eager to help.

I met with Eric, who quickly diagnosed my problem as a hard drive issue. My iPod was less than 1-year old, so still under warranty, but more than six months, so I would have to pay around $30 to swap it for a new unit. I actually opted to pay for a $60 AppleCare plan which extends my warranty a total of 2 years past the original purchase price. I don’t normally do extended warranties, but I get the feeling this might happen again.

I take great care of my iPod. I have it housed snuggly in a leather case with clear plastic window so it can never come in contact with anything nasty. But still, the front screen has received some abrasions. This has been a common complaint on these devices. Anything so portable with a sensitive hard drive must also be susceptible to shock and other environmental conditions, but how else are you going to get 60GB of information on there?

I thought it interesting that a little sign on the iPod bar advertised an iPod recycling program where they would happily dispose of your iPod in exchange for 10% off the purchase price of a new one.

Well in less than 20 minutes I was setup with a brand new iPod–charged but without any content at all. I would need to sync up with my computer to get everything back on. I always thought that should have at least some songs and videos loaded on the player out-of-the-box. I’m sure some up-and-coming unsigned band would kill to be pre-loaded.

I also lost my personal engraving that I had on the back of the unit, trading it for immediate gratification. You can opt to get your replacement in the mail complete with your personalization.

The guy next to me had the same problem and got a new unit as well. I wonder what percent of units sold fail within one year of use?

Although disappointed that my iPod met an early demise, I was quite happy with the service and quick replacement. I don’t know how smart these geniuses are, but they are very helpful and professional–Thanks Eric.

Apple Support

Entry Filed under: iPod, Digital Living, Technology

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