Why we should sue Apple...

Tommy B · 23 Jan 2006 at 20:27

I bought my S700i mobile phone about a year ago. It has been bouncing around in my pocket for most of this time, usually accompanied by lots of spare change. However, not a SINGLE scratch has developed on the screen. The screen honsetly looks brand new.

I've had my iPod Video 60GB since Christmas. I've had it in an Evo3 skin with screen shield since day one. YET STILL, a huge scratch has managed to develop accross the screen. I've treated my iPod like gold dust ffs!!!

Now I know some people really don't care, but when I spend £300 I expect a flawless screen. What's more, is that I'm stuffed. I can't do anything to get it repaired and I can't take it back. I honestly think Apple did this DELIBERATELY.

Is there ANYTHING I can do? Do I have any rights to take it back to the shop and say that the scratch-prone-ness of the iPods was not made aware to me?

I'm furious. Apart from this, it's an awesome gadget though.

benjo plz. · 23 Jan 2006 at 20:34

why? cause they're Apple.

Unless the screens scratched to an extent which cannot be put down to wear and tear alone, they won't do anything.

Tommy B · 23 Jan 2006 at 20:45

No, we're talking about a fairly obvious scratch accross the screen. It's just annoying not having a perfect screen, and when watching films it stands out like a pink tent in an army camp. I'm genuinely upset about this, and I don't think they should be allowed to get away with this!

They should ADVISE buyers that the iPods scratch easily, and make it obvious. They deserved to be sued IMHO.

Stellios · 23 Jan 2006 at 22:07

Yep, my mates got one and he kept that plastic film on it in the hope he could get a case. The other day the plastic film eventually came off and its got a few scratches in a few days.

The nano is the same though, Apple really need to get to grips with protecting their gear sufficiently.

Phil99 · 23 Jan 2006 at 23:15

http://www.dti.gov.uk/ccp/topics1/facts/salegoodsact.htm

Wherever goods are bought they must "conform to contract". This means they must be as described, fit for purpose and of satisfactory quality (i.e. not inherently faulty at the time of sale).

Aspects of quality include fitness for purpose, freedom from minor defects, appearance and finish, durability and safety.

You could always try for a refund/replacement as per the Sales of Goods act stating that you feel the iPod was inherently prone to scratching and that this adversely affects a key selling point of the product.

stu.artd · 23 Jan 2006 at 23:37

I posted something along the same lines the other week. My week old iPod Video had scratches on the screen and it had only ever been carefully placed in the sleeve supplied with it. I was furious at this, and agree with you that Apple should have a clear warning message enclosed with the current iPods stating how easilly damaged they are. I bought an Evo 3 case but due to the thickness (unable to use the AV cable so had to cut a wider hole in the top) and awkwardness of inserting and removing the iPod to use it with my Logic3 i-Station I have imported a Radtech case to offer some protection. The Radtech case is very soft, but the top is completely open so unfortunately debris can enter it that way. I think I'll get a Decal-Girl "crystal armour" screen protector to try and stop any further scratches.

It's a very nice product, it's unfortunate that it's not very durable. I see no point in trying to take mine back to the store as it's an item I want and there's no comparable product I'd rather have.

Codmate · 24 Jan 2006 at 10:12

1 - use trade descriptions to get your cash back as advised above
2 - don't buy Apple gadgets again, there are better manufacturers of mp3 and portable video players, as long as you're not an Apple zealot, or a sucker for in-design (that will look old soon anyway, like the i-Mac).

tuckenator · 24 Jan 2006 at 10:27

Yeh my s700 screen could take so much and still look great, Sony did a good job, dunno what apple are thinking with their screens on the nano/video's

geeza · 24 Jan 2006 at 11:03

get a shuffle. problem solved

After I got wasted and lost my nano (and phone) i thought id be lost. However i still had my 512mb shuffle which i almost sold for £40. Now I think i listen to more and different music than the nano because im not flicking to the same albums all the time. Good way to listen to stuff you havent heard or dont listen too much

jhmaeng · 24 Jan 2006 at 12:45

Codmate said:
2 - don't buy Apple gadgets again, there are better manufacturers of mp3 and portable video players, as long as you're not an Apple zealot, or a sucker for in-design (that will look old soon anyway, like the i-Mac).

Yes, we all worship Steve Jobs and want to bear his children. We buy Apple products not because of their merits (of which there are many), but because Steve Jobs is our god.

Of course. :rolleyes:

Codmate · 24 Jan 2006 at 13:32

jhmaeng said:
Yes, we all worship Steve Jobs and want to bear his children. We buy Apple products not because of their merits (of which there are many), but because Steve Jobs is our god.

Of course.

That would explain why you pay over the odds for inferior products

jhmaeng · 24 Jan 2006 at 13:55

Didn't you know, one of the perks of bearing Steve Jobs' lovechild is unlimited Apple products. Sure, it was not easy to get where I am now - you wouldn't believe how many others I had to step on to get here - but I can confidently tell you that I need never to look at a scratched iPod screen again - I just unwrap a new one.

In all seriousness, I have had several other MP3 players before getting the 30GB Video, including the iRiver iHP-140. I chose the iPod for what it is, not because of the "image" (the white earbuds are safely still in their packaging) or the millions of pounds they pump into advertising.

It fits my needs well, and I know for a fact that I have yet to come across another MP3 player which I have found to be more suitable for my needs (and note, this does not include being an "Apple Zealot" or "In-design Follower") than the iPod.

It may well be the case that other MP3 players suit your needs better than the iPod, but please, don't come around with accusations of being an Apple zealot or a fashion slave because it's laughable.

Codmate · 24 Jan 2006 at 16:14

jhmaeng said:
Didn't you know, one of the perks of bearing Steve Jobs' lovechild is unlimited Apple products. Sure, it was not easy to get where I am now - you wouldn't believe how many others I had to step on to get here - but I can confidently tell you that I need never to look at a scratched iPod screen again - I just unwrap a new one.

In all seriousness, I have had several other MP3 players before getting the 30GB Video, including the iRiver iHP-140. I chose the iPod for what it is, not because of the "image" (the white earbuds are safely still in their packaging) or the millions of pounds they pump into advertising.

It fits my needs well, and I know for a fact that I have yet to come across another MP3 player which I have found to be more suitable for my needs (and note, this does not include being an "Apple Zealot" or "In-design Follower") than the iPod.

It may well be the case that other MP3 players suit your needs better than the iPod, but please, don't come around with accusations of being an Apple zealot or a fashion slave because it's laughable.

Fair enough - buy what you like, but the number of 'my iPOD has broken in some way' threads seem to outweigh that of any other manufacturer, and are disproportionate, even considering the popluarity of the iPOD.

I'd be interested to know what your special needs are that only Apple's products can serve at that price point.

Personally I use my MP3 player to play MP3s, strangely enough.

SexyGreyFox · 24 Jan 2006 at 19:00

Codmate said:
Fair enough - buy what you like, but the number of 'my iPOD has broken in some way' threads seem to outweigh that of any other manufacturer, and are disproportionate, even considering the popluarity of the iPOD.

I have 5 MP3 players in the house and the funny thing is that when the I-River went back for repair I didn't mention it to anybody. When my Apple Mini was returned I mentioned it on here and it just so happened all I needed was the MENU and middle button press. It seems that Apple owners are not only likely to be legal downloaders (another thread) but they are also likely to tell the truth.

Yas786 · 24 Jan 2006 at 21:34

Ahhh here we go again the usual suspects all having a good old Apple bashing session, kinda getting boring guys tbh.
For the record TommyB ive had my video ipod a lot longer than you have and also have the evo3 iskin cover and as of yet havent had a scratch on my unit and that was being used without the plastic film before i got my case...so either your lying or something got into between the screen protector and caused a scratch. Which means you didnt put the thing correctly...i think ill just go with the number one reason i gave though.

By the way good luck on trying to sue Apple, that in itself is quite laughable.

lay-z-boy · 25 Jan 2006 at 07:34

ah yes, lets all bash apple, imac's?

oh gotta bash them as its an alternative to windows.

ipod?

have to bash them as its a good looking mp3/4 player that has millions of owners.

so 2 things:

a) you havnt got a chance in hell in sueing apple.

b)if you have a full cover skin, how on earth does it still scratch? :confused:

stu.artd · 25 Jan 2006 at 08:29

My point was that my new iPod was scratched after a few days of use with the Apple supplied pouch. That p'd me off as I keep my stuff in good condition. Had there been a warning with the iPod stating it was easilly scratched I'd have left the plastic on the screen until I had a proper case. Unfortunately I wasn't aware of the ease with which the screen is scratched beforehand.

The iPod is a good looking mp3 and video player, that's partly why I bought it. I don't regret buying it as I'm using it on a daily basis. One thing that bothers me is that it's far too easilly damaged, and sometimes you only discover this when it's too late to prevent it happening.

It's possible that the more people post about how easy the iPod is scratched, the more potential/new buyers will become aware that they need to leave the plastic on the screen until it's protected in a case.

Codmate · 25 Jan 2006 at 10:01

The true mark of a corporate zealot is that they get angry and defensive when you, even slightly, critisize the brand that they have bought into.

I'm not actually bashing Apple in a terribly serious way. I'm simply saying that they offer style over substance at a cash premium - I'm saying that there are plenty of alternatives that are cheaper and offer more features, but may not look as pretty to some of you. If you look around you'll find that this is correct, it's not hard to verify at all.

Sure - love your chosen brand if that makes you happy, although mostly it seems to make you angry and defensive, should anybody dare to critisize.

knowlesy · 25 Jan 2006 at 10:12

...christmas day my sis gets up opens her new ipod mini.....lays it down (upside down) on a cardboard box pics it up 10 mins later scratch down the screen .....

A5H · 25 Jan 2006 at 15:52

Don't buy one then...
They didn't force you to...
Mine hasa couple of scratches and i keep it in my pocket... Still works the same...