Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

iPod's 'dirty secret' wins Web fans
CNET News.com ^ | November 26, 2003 | Matthew Broersma

Posted on 11/26/2003 2:16:24 PM PST by Bush2000

iPod's 'dirty secret' wins Web fans
Last modified: November 26, 2003, 12:06 PM PST
By Matthew Broersma
Special to CNET News.com


Two filmmakers are getting attention around the Net for an "antiadvertising" project aimed at protesting what they call the "dirty secret" of the iPod music player--its battery life.

Brothers Casey and Van Neistat, who collaborate on video projects using Mac editing software, said they were told by a technical support representative at Apple Computer that the cost to replace the dead battery in an 18-month-old iPod would be $255--comparable to the cost of a new device. Irked at what seemed to be the early obsolescence of the music player, the brothers trekked around New York City stenciling the words "iPod's unreplaceable battery lasts only 18 months" on all the iPod posters they could find.

Now the Neistats claim that the video they created of their exploits is getting 50,000 hits a day on the Web site Ipodsdirtysecret.com. As of Wednesday afternoon, the site's traffic counter indicated it had seen more than 194,000 visitors.

As it turns out, it's possible to replace the battery for as little as $49 using third-party kits. Apple itself offers a battery-replacement service for about $106 including mailing, with a 90-day guarantee on materials and workmanship. Apple's program was introduced only in the past two weeks.

Other iPod users have reported that the device's battery life diminishes with use, as is common for many rechargeable batteries. Unlike standard disposable batteries, the rechargeable power supplies used in the iPod and other high-tech gadgets do not come in a standard design. Replacing the battery involves a tricky process of dismantling the gadget, but third parties offer this service for around $70.

More information on the iPod Battery Replacement Program is available from Apple's technical support Web site.


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Technical
KEYWORDS: apple; ipod; macuser; macuserlist
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-31 last
To: solitas
Has anybody told you to go bite yourself lately?
No, so I'm probably due for a good gnawing. So feel free to ____ your self as well.
21 posted on 11/26/2003 3:49:14 PM PST by avg_freeper (Gunga galunga. Gunga, gunga galunga)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 19 | View Replies]

To: Republicus2001
Ahhh....JBL Century 100's...what a great transducer...they don't make em like that any more.
22 posted on 11/26/2003 4:09:51 PM PST by woofer2425
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 20 | View Replies]

To: woofer2425
actually I think they still do! JBL factory is still in Northridge - think it called Harmon Industries or some such ...
23 posted on 11/26/2003 4:12:52 PM PST by Republicus2001
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 22 | View Replies]

To: avg_freeper
LOL
24 posted on 11/26/2003 4:46:22 PM PST by solitas (it only LOOKS like I'm p¡$$¡ng on the First Church of 'pillhead'...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 21 | View Replies]

To: Bush2000

I was like, looking for new batteries for my iPod, and like, they said it cost $255.  I'm like, no way.  And they said, way...

25 posted on 11/26/2003 4:51:39 PM PST by Incorrigible
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: goldstategop
I think they call it a loss leader. Apple doesn't plan to make money on ipods. They make money on the upkeep.
26 posted on 11/26/2003 4:56:35 PM PST by GraniteStateConservative ("We happy because when we switch on the TV you never see Saddam Hussein. That's a big happy.")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: Incorrigible
Nice.
27 posted on 11/26/2003 4:56:37 PM PST by truthandjustice1
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 25 | View Replies]

To: SamAdams76

How’s that iRiver working out for you?


28 posted on 08/04/2013 8:45:35 PM PDT by SamAdams76
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: Bush2000
Apple itself offers a battery-replacement service for about $106 including mailing, with a 90-day guarantee on materials and workmanship. Apple's program was introduced only in the past two weeks

They had a good effect, partly.

29 posted on 08/04/2013 8:50:37 PM PDT by GeronL
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: glorgau

defacing private property?

their own?


30 posted on 08/04/2013 8:51:14 PM PDT by GeronL
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: SamAdams76

dude!!

You made me post on an OLD thread. lolol


31 posted on 08/04/2013 8:53:02 PM PDT by GeronL
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 28 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-31 last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson