News
Consumer group sues Apple over ‘defective’ iPod nanos
A consumer watchdog group said today that it has filed a lawsuit against Apple, claiming the iPod nano does not hold up to normal usage and that the company is refusing to offer refunds for the “defective” device.
“Apple Computer’s iPod nano music player, marketed for its sleek beauty, cannot withstand normal use without becoming severely scratched, often to the point where its screen is unreadable,” the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR) said in its announcement of the suit. “Moreover, Apple is refusing to give refunds to purchasers who bought the defective product, while forcing others to pay a $25 fee to get a replacement that is supposed to be ‘free’ under Apple’s warranty.”
“The suit, brought against Apple under the state’s consumer protection laws on behalf of California purchasers of the recently-introduced nano, demands that Apple recall and repair the defect, without charge, or refund the purchase price to dissatisfied customers,” FTCR said.
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‘i may be in the minority here, but i completely support these people. Apple has been completely irresponsible in selling a product that damages so easily, and if they sell something that can’t live up to the basic, every day trials of modern life, then they better be prepared to start issuing refunds until they fix the problem.’
Well that’s the thing - they do still live up ot the basic trials of everyday life. Do these iPods stop working? no. Do they fail mechanically or electronically? No. Is their functionality impaired by a few scratches? no. So they look a bit ‘used’, well, my car looks ‘used’ after I’ve done a few miles on the freeway but if I tried to take it back the dealer would laugh in my face. They don’t look ‘new’ any more but (and this may come as a shock to you) that’s because they AREN’T new any more.
If the iPod nano had a mechanical or electronic fault which stopped it working inside a reasonable lifespan (say a couple of years) I’d say go for it. But they don’t. Sueing someone because your iPod doesn’t look shop fresh after you’ve carried it in your pocket for a while? You might as well sue the sun for giving you wrinkles.
Posted by Jonathan White on February 12, 2006 at 11:00 AM (PDT)
22
Why are these idiots still buying iPods? I hate sue happy people. Return the goddamn thing if you don’t like it!
Posted by Frank Z on February 12, 2006 at 5:54 PM (PDT)
23
You gotta be shittin’ me… Weenies; get a case for your Nano!
Posted by NickT on February 13, 2006 at 6:32 AM (PDT)
24
I think it’s just wrong that people would complain about someone filing a lawsuit for a defective product. If I go and get my hair color and pay a premium price for it and after two days the color fades out and my hair is fried, I’m going to want my money back or my hair fixed. I didn’t buy a cheaper product because I expected Apple to make something that would last a little longer than 3 weeks. I am just an average joe blow that works for my money and do not appreciate Big Business making an inferior product and then not standing behind it! If I was going to purchase something that I didn’t care if it lasted I sure wouldn’t have paid over $200.00 for it
Posted by Mad Consumer on February 18, 2006 at 3:51 PM (PDT)
25
Why r peeple gettin so upset about scratchin a friggin’ mp3 player? i mean they do make cases for them and the whole point is to just listen to music. i mean if u get 1 r u plannin to drop it or something?
Posted by TheGuy on February 18, 2006 at 5:32 PM (PDT)
26
just get an iRiver or sumthing…......
Posted by HappyPerson on February 18, 2006 at 5:34 PM (PDT)
27
Man, people will sue over anything thses days. its really pretty sad. are they really concerned about scratches on their ipod or are they just useing it as an excuse to get money.yeah its nice to be able to keep your ipod brand new looking but,really all that matters is that it plays music right? if you don’t want it to get scratched then buy a case for it. people who sue for no good reason suck!!
Posted by brad amero on April 9, 2006 at 5:18 PM (PDT)
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