ipod nano 1st gen recall

[Yossarian]

Just got this email regarding my long-ago-sold 1st gen nano--

============

Dear iPod nano owner,

Apple has determined that, in very rare cases, the battery in the iPod nano (1st generation) may overheat and pose a safety risk. Affected iPod nanos were sold between September 2005 and December 2006.

This issue has been traced to a single battery supplier that produced batteries with a manufacturing defect. While the possibility of an incident is rare, the likelihood increases as the battery ages.
Apple recommends that you stop using your iPod nano (1st gen) and follow the process noted below to order a replacement unit, free of charge.

Note: This battery issue is specific to the iPod nano (1st gen) and does not affect any other iPod.
Replacement Process

You may order a replacement unit via the web. Click here to begin.

Your iPod nano serial number will be checked to verify that it is eligible for this program. You will receive a replacement unit approximately 6 weeks after we receive your current iPod nano (1st gen).

If you have a personalized iPod nano, you will receive a non-personalized replacement. Make sure to use iTunes to back up any data on your current iPod nano before sending it in for a replacement unit.
Additional Information

Identifying an iPod nano (1st gen):
• It has a black or white plastic front and a silver metal back - later iPod nano models have a metal front and back.

If you need assistance with placing an order, please visit an Apple Retail Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) and bring your iPod nano with you for serial number validation.

Your replacement iPod product is warranted to be free from defects for 90 days from the date of service.

Thank you for participating in this program.

Sincerely,

Apple

 

[TheStu]

Wow. That is just... wow. I mean, 5 years later, dang.

 

[ponyo]

Wow. That is just... wow. I mean, 5 years later, dang.

Better late than never. I received the same email. I gave the nano to my brother-in-law as a gift, and I doubt he still has it.

 

[Eug]

I assume we're getting the latest multitouch as a replacement. However, I don't like the touch screens for iPods I'd want to use without looking at them. I think the true click wheel is the best iPod interface Apple ever invented so I'm tempted to keep it, but now Apple has me scared about the battery potentially blowing up. :\

 

[ThatsABigOne]

I have just filled out the form. This is a good thing, but I have not used my nano in 4 years, ever since I got the Touch.... But, better late than never.

Eug: I beleive that they will send out the refurb models of nanos, as they have plenty of them that are unsold because nobody wants them.

 

[TuxDave]

I actually have one sitting around that I stopped using (because the battery went to crap). May as well fill out the form and see what I end up getting. I'll take a refreshed battery to make the device useful again.

 

[Eug]

The replacements are original nanos. Cool. Retro nano goodness.

 

[ThatsABigOne]

The replacements are original nanos. Cool. Retro nano goodness.

But, where are they going to get that many nanos? Is apple going to bring super expensive limited production back? That does not make sense, economically.

 

[Eug]

That does not make sense, economically.

Apparently it does.

One thing Apple is very, very good at is inventory and supply chain stuff, with Tim Cook at the helm.

P.S. I sent my 5-year old nano back today.

 

[Oyeve]

Wow, I gotta dig thru my drawers to find my iTnt, i mean, nano.

 

[Faideelah]

I haven't received the box yet which is weird because I signed up as soon as the form came up.

 

[manly]

Sony-made batteries?

Apparently it does.

One thing Apple is very, very good at is inventory and supply chain stuff, with Tim Cook at the helm.

P.S. I sent my 5-year old nano back today.

It may have to do with setting a reasonable customer expectation in case of a future product recall. Getting free upgrades for obsolete gear is not a good precedent.

If Apple retained a stockpile of 5-year-old nano 1G components, then Tim Cook isn't so masterful. Theoretically they could refurbish working nanos as they come in. They truly only need new batteries and new outer casings if the customer returns work perfectly.

I always liked the 2G nano although the 4G form factor is nice too.

 

[Eug]

It may have to do with setting a reasonable customer expectation in case of a future product recall. Getting free upgrades for obsolete gear is not a good precedent.

If Apple retained a stockpile of 5-year-old nano 1G components, then Tim Cook isn't so masterful. Theoretically they could refurbish working nanos as they come in. They truly only need new batteries and new outer casings if the customer returns work perfectly.

A) They resisted the recall. But it was essentially forced upon them.
B) Now that it is a big recall, they could very well have made a custom run. All the hard work was already done, so now it was just commissioning some more units. Not as big of a deal as creating an entirely new product and commissioning just a limited run of that brand new product.

 

[manly]

A) They resisted the recall. But it was essentially forced upon them.
B) Now that it is a big recall, they could very well have made a custom run. All the hard work was already done, so now it was just commissioning some more units. Not as big of a deal as creating an entirely new product and commissioning just a limited run of that brand new product.

ThatsABigOne's point is that any custom run would be relatively costly compared to just using refurbished recent models, and I'm inclined to agree. But from a business standpoint, replacing an obsolete product with a current model is not in Apple's long-term best interest.

Like I said, it should be possible for Apple to manufacture say just 25% of their expected RMAs if they intended to refurbish the returned units with new batteries and casings. It depends on how fast refurbishing is done compared to how quickly customers are getting replacements.

 

[Subyman]

Darn, I gave mine to a friend a long time ago and he promptly dropped a weight on it at the gym.

 

[Eug]

Still waiting for my replacement. It's been a couple of weeks now.

 

[alfa147x]

Still waiting for my replacement. It's been a couple of weeks now.

Have you contacted them?

 

[Eug]

Have you contacted them?

Well, I checked the status online. They inspected the unit a few days after I sent it, and now the replacement is just listed as pending.

 

[manly]

Well, I checked the status online. They inspected the unit a few days after I sent it, and now the replacement is just listed as pending.

bulk refurbishing takes time.

 

[ThatsABigOne]

I did not get the box with instructions yet.

/blog.

 

[Eug]

I sent mine in a month ago. This is taking longer than I expected.

 

[Eug]

Some people are getting current nanos as replacements.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=14035024#post14035024

 

[TuxDave]

I did not get the box with instructions yet.

/blog.

Me too... and I filed for it when i first saw the news

 

[ThatsABigOne]

I just got the package today, and sent it back at the UPS place. Well, on to wait for 4 or 5 more weeks.

I kind of want the old nano, and still want the newer nano. But sad thing is, whether I still have the 1st gen iPod touch, I never use it anymore because of me having a HTC phone as a daily machine...

 

[Eug]

I got my shipping notice today for the replacement finally.