Apple faces quality control issues across new iPod lines
By Jonathan Schlaffer
As of a few years ago, quality control began to slip in Apple products which almost coincides with the switch to Intel processors, the events may or may not be related but it is worth taking note of. The new iPods have several quality control issues that need to be dealt with, software can be fixed with updates but the hardware problems require Apple (doesn’t) Care service.
Several people and sites have noted several issues with the new iPod Touch, with it being the highest-end iPod, one would think Apple would have at least given it the “special touch” before sending the units out to people. It seems though that certain stores are receiving bad units so it’s possible to get a perfect one but that might be a rare occurrence (for now).
Some users have noted the “negative black effect” on the iPod Touch, wherein very dark scenes and black colors are displayed almost like a negative photo if viewed straight on. I don’t know about you but I view my videos at an angle, still, just knowing this problem is there would be enough to bother me and demand a defect free replacement, which is hit or miss.
The other issue is a hissing problem on earphones. Though, this issue isn’t as pronounced on headphones, it is still a problem. I know many people who find any kind of earphone intolerably uncomfortable, I am one of them.
Then the minor gripe includes the iPod Touch displaying “iPhone is Locked, try again,” looks like someone at Apple forgot to switch some code around.
Now, let’s move on to the Nanos which don’t have any of the aforementioned problems but misaligned displays. Come on Apple, exactly how hard is it to install a display straight and perfectly aligned with the case? It can’t be that hard. Though it might be hard for the workforce that Apple has contracted out to. Maybe they should got back to using screws instead of adhesive strips, just a thought.
It may be a case of Apple (still) not being used to the mainstream market, when it only sold niche market Macs, complaints were probably few and far between because it did not have that many customers. Consumers, especially consumers of Apple products expect perfection, not “near perfection.”
Those willing (as I was) to drop $400 on an iPod Touch should have gotten the very best, what some got was something less and that is unacceptable. Look at the competitors to the iPod, Creative, Sandisk, Archos, none of which have these problems or at least nothing as major.
I don’t know why Apple can’t seem to get its act together. Here’s a suggestion for the company, put some money into quality control, stop buying the cheap(est) displays possible and make slightly less profit on each unit sold, your customers will be happy and business might be better but more importantly, did I already say the customers will be happier or is that not how business is done these days?
Lastly, unless you are near(ish) to an Apple Store, AppleCare support is abysmal, at best. Surely that 60% markup on the iPods is put to good use or does that pay the underpaid workers?
I’ll hold off FINAL judgement about the iPod Touch problems until I actually receive mine which is still awaiting shipment from the Apple Store, perhaps later shipments (as I’m hoping mine is) will not have these problems. I know that is of no consolation to you early adopters out there.
All these problems and more are being discussed on the Apple Discussion page which by a strange coincidence is not working as of this writing.
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September 17th, 2007
I cancelled my order for an iPod touch when I heard about the display problems. I’ll hold off ordering again until I know for sure the problems are resolved
September 17th, 2007
Great Article…hope Steve takes care of this and/ or the big Newspapers print that problem so that Apple has to take care…i want an iPod Touch too…but i am not willing to play roulette to get a proper one
September 17th, 2007
How can there be this many reports of defective iPod Touch’s? They have not been released yet. As of the day they were announced, they set the shipment date to right around September 28th. I think a lot of this is speculation. Other than the little section about the Nano’s which have already been released (and your little rant about how you personally don’t like earphones… who cares) you’re entire article is based on assumptions of the quality of a product that you (and 99% of other Touch consumers) haven’t even put your hands on yet. Why don’t you wait a few weeks before writing articles like this?
September 17th, 2007
Because the Apple Stores have already received shipments. If you walk into a retail Apple Store and ask to purchase an iPod Touch, you may well get one provided they have them in stock.
Online orders are shipping Sep. 28 but as I said, the retail stores have them, walk in and ask for it, and you’ll probably get it.
Some of our own staff have managed to grab one, in person, at an Apple store. And yes, it has the display issue but he seems happy enough with it.
As for your other point, it’s a given fact that the included earphones suck but I wasn’t specifically talking about the earphones included, I was talking about ALL earphones in general from cheap to expensive, I just don’t find the comfortable and I’m not the only one, as I said.
The article is based on comments from the Apple from by people who own the iPod Touch as well as reviews from other sites that have pointed out the hissing and video problems or do you not use Google News?
September 17th, 2007
“It may be a case of Apple (still) not being used to the mainstream market, when it only sold niche market Macs, complaints were probably few and far between because it did not have that many customers.”
Are you frickin’ kidding me? Apple has been selling 20 million iPods a year and over 5 million computers a year. You’ve lost your damned mind.
September 17th, 2007
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September 17th, 2007
Excuse me, but in the grander scheme of things, it is still a niche market, 5 million macs sold compared to 200 million PCs shipped… niche market.
The iPod is not a niche market, clearly, but I was referencing macs. It may not be the problem but it does have some serious quality control issues to work out that other (competing) companies, do not have to that extent.
Of course, I don’t know if we’re comparing worldwide shipments or just US shipments…
September 19th, 2007
What are you gonna do…If you want Apple stuff you have to put up with the fact that it is no better or worse than the other made in china crap. You worship Steve and his little gadgets then cry that its not up to snuff. I suggest you take a big drink of the koolaid and do a few action poses in front of a mirror with ipod in hand.
This should have you feeling better in no time.
September 19th, 2007
I don’t recall any Creative players having any of these problems.
October 16th, 2007
I got mine 2 days ago, staright away notice the hissing sound. It’s very annoying if you have sensitive ears.
I called Apple care today and will be getting a replacement in 3 weeks time. I don’t even need to go into details explaining the issue. I believe Apple aware of this issue and replacing with the new one.
December 31st, 2007
At least the iPhone is good…