Apple iPod Woes

I purchased an Apple iPod when the 40G models first came out, and spent about $499 on it, plus the cost of accessories from the Apple store. It worked fine for about a year then I started having problems. If the unit ever sat for more than 24 hours without being touched, it would forget all settings. It would forget the last song, playlist, equalizer, contrast, shuffle, even which language to use.

I sent the unit into the company twice, with a brief, concise note explaining the problem. The unit would be returned a week or two later with a stock reply of “Unit performing according to specifications” or something similar. It was a generic reply, not addressing my complaints in any way.

Unfortunately Apple’s web page doesn’t have a way for customers to contact customer support or customer service directly. I find it hard to believe that they don’t have the wherewithal to notice the lack of contact information, and so can only conclude that they don’t care.

I have given thought to other Apple products like the new iPod touch, or a Macbook Pro, but I can’t in good conscience give the company a single cent if I know I’ll just be left hanging with any purchase I make. I’ve been burned by Apple and I won’t get burned again. I’d recommend anyone else who values customer support and service to look elsewhere as well.