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There are signs that a backlash against one of the hottest gadgets to hit the market in years may be building. It's inevitable, some industry analysts say, that the iPod's omnipresence is going to spark the ire of some who just aren't into "drinking the Kool-Aid." Throngs of "anti-iPoders" are popping up on the Web to pooh-pooh the sight of those increasingly ubiquitous white headphones and pocket-size, rectangular digital music boxes.
Re: Backlash Against iPods Gathering Steam
Posted by: gcmx 2005-10-02 21:54:24 In reply to: Corilyn Shropshire
after reading this forum, i must say that i'm pretty much in agreement with the opinions of apple computer.
however, being an apple enthusiast as well as a shareholder for many years, this time i find myself questioning the quality of their new product lines and the way they are marketed.
for example, the new ipod NANO is an ingenious state-of-the-art tool, allowing one to enjoy music, photos, and manage their life in a unique way; but after opening the box to look at this sleek device, you quickly realize its fragility once in hand.
unless one uses the sleek looking NANO in an atmospheric clean room wearing white super soft gloves, it will QUICKLY deteriorate in the real world to the point where it becomes ugly and absolutely useless...making the entire investment a complete waste of time and money.
this is all because the super brains at apple computer either didn't notice how sensitive the NANO'S shell casing really is, or they intentionally made it that way to encourage a mirid of expensive aftermarket items such as protective grip skins that range from 10 to 50 dollars each, which are yet available, or fancy cleaning/polishing solutions that are outrageously priced.
not to mention the additional cost of static adhering clear vinyl screen/body sheets for added protection even before slipping on the grip skin, just to protect the NANO from unintentional scratches, scrapes, and nicks...all this fuss could increase one's investment by at least another 100 dollars.
another issue is the permanent battery, which is soldered in place and can not be changed.
and the most disturbing issue i have with apple's new NANO is their on-line store, which is where i ordered and purchased my new NANO as well as other items over the years.
after weeks of apple ignoring complaints about cracked screens, they finally fessed up to a problem with a supposed vendor during early production.
now, they will replace NANO'S with cracked screens or refund your money, that's if one didn't get their NANO engraved on the back side.
you see, there is no mention of a 'no refund or replacement policy' when one is asked about this free engraving service option upon placing an order on apple's web site.
if i had known at the time i ordered my NANO, for sure i would not have had mine inscribed with my name.
i now feel that this option is only a lure, which will excuse apple from any responsibility about defective materials or poor workmanship...it's not until one looks very hard for apple's refund/return policy, where 'engrave items are not returnable' is mentioned.
in my opinion, apple computer should place a warning label on every NANO box so the potential consumer can make an informed decision before spending/wasting their hard earned dollars.
one would think that, with all of apple's innovation to date, these issues would have been noticed and corrected before the NANO'S mass production and promotion.
apple has made some very poor business decisions about the durability, usefulness, and longevity of the NANO, which will eventually inhibit its future sales potential.
my only recourse now is to make use of my defective NANO with the utmost of care, or dispute this issue through my credit card bank informing them about my defective NANO and apple's hidden policies, restricting payment, until an amicable resolution is reached.
GCM
A Very Disappointed Apple Consumer
however, being an apple enthusiast as well as a shareholder for many years, this time i find myself questioning the quality of their new product lines and the way they are marketed.
for example, the new ipod NANO is an ingenious state-of-the-art tool, allowing one to enjoy music, photos, and manage their life in a unique way; but after opening the box to look at this sleek device, you quickly realize its fragility once in hand.
unless one uses the sleek looking NANO in an atmospheric clean room wearing white super soft gloves, it will QUICKLY deteriorate in the real world to the point where it becomes ugly and absolutely useless...making the entire investment a complete waste of time and money.
this is all because the super brains at apple computer either didn't notice how sensitive the NANO'S shell casing really is, or they intentionally made it that way to encourage a mirid of expensive aftermarket items such as protective grip skins that range from 10 to 50 dollars each, which are yet available, or fancy cleaning/polishing solutions that are outrageously priced.
not to mention the additional cost of static adhering clear vinyl screen/body sheets for added protection even before slipping on the grip skin, just to protect the NANO from unintentional scratches, scrapes, and nicks...all this fuss could increase one's investment by at least another 100 dollars.
another issue is the permanent battery, which is soldered in place and can not be changed.
and the most disturbing issue i have with apple's new NANO is their on-line store, which is where i ordered and purchased my new NANO as well as other items over the years.
after weeks of apple ignoring complaints about cracked screens, they finally fessed up to a problem with a supposed vendor during early production.
now, they will replace NANO'S with cracked screens or refund your money, that's if one didn't get their NANO engraved on the back side.
you see, there is no mention of a 'no refund or replacement policy' when one is asked about this free engraving service option upon placing an order on apple's web site.
if i had known at the time i ordered my NANO, for sure i would not have had mine inscribed with my name.
i now feel that this option is only a lure, which will excuse apple from any responsibility about defective materials or poor workmanship...it's not until one looks very hard for apple's refund/return policy, where 'engrave items are not returnable' is mentioned.
in my opinion, apple computer should place a warning label on every NANO box so the potential consumer can make an informed decision before spending/wasting their hard earned dollars.
one would think that, with all of apple's innovation to date, these issues would have been noticed and corrected before the NANO'S mass production and promotion.
apple has made some very poor business decisions about the durability, usefulness, and longevity of the NANO, which will eventually inhibit its future sales potential.
my only recourse now is to make use of my defective NANO with the utmost of care, or dispute this issue through my credit card bank informing them about my defective NANO and apple's hidden policies, restricting payment, until an amicable resolution is reached.
GCM
A Very Disappointed Apple Consumer
Re: Backlash Against iPods Gathering Steam
Posted by: Brookesta 2007-02-21 14:56:39 In reply to: gcmx
There is no denying that ipod leads the mp3 market. Mac has phenomenal advertising and marketing tactics that will always set their products apart from the rest.
However, the practicality of the Nano and other ipods just does not exist simpy because it is indeed FRAGILE. If people were not so consumed with conformity and fad products then other more durable MP3 players might just have a chance.
For those of you who are self confident to walk the streets without those classic white headphones or that sleek Nano...consider purchasing a product that will actually survive an active life outdoors or the hands of an accident prone individual.
Freestyle Audio makes a shockproof and waterproof mp3 player that seems virtually indestructable, check it out.
However, the practicality of the Nano and other ipods just does not exist simpy because it is indeed FRAGILE. If people were not so consumed with conformity and fad products then other more durable MP3 players might just have a chance.
For those of you who are self confident to walk the streets without those classic white headphones or that sleek Nano...consider purchasing a product that will actually survive an active life outdoors or the hands of an accident prone individual.
Freestyle Audio makes a shockproof and waterproof mp3 player that seems virtually indestructable, check it out.
Re: Backlash Against iPods Gathering Steam
Posted by: ElProto 2005-09-11 18:38:51 In reply to: Corilyn Shropshire
I'm don't think that I agree with this theory. Where was the backlash to the Sony Walkman? It simply became obsolete quietly, from lack of vision. Apple has a history of coming up with the vision and making it real. They're staying ahead of the trend and the competition with the Nano iPod. This technology is evolving, and it will change to meet/exceed people's expectations.
Secondly - "Apple has shunned the creation of software that would make its computers compatible with Microsoft's (Nasdaq: MSFT) Windows applications"(?)
Huh?!!! How about QuickTime? iTunes? AppleWorks? FileMaker? TrueType? (all these are Windows-native software apps created by Apple) Apple's newest productivity applications are Pages (Word-compatible) and Keynote (PowerPoint-compatible). OS X Mail and Address Book have built-in import/export to Outlook and Entourage. Even lowly TextEdit can read/write simple Word documents and all flavors of Windows/UNIX text formats!
Apple supports all the industry standards, while Microsoft trys to derail thoses standards with their own, proprietary, poorly-designed, me-too, counter-standards.
Almost every article I read about Apple has these kinds of errors, oversights, and un-truths. Even in stories the local newspaper picks up from the national wire services. Even in the New York Times!
And the people in your article -- their point of view is nothing new. Since 1984 there have been people who were prejudiced against the Mac (and now the iPod), without ever having given it a try. Uninformed viewpoints are unimportant!
Unlike these Luddites, I can sure as Hell tell the difference between the experience of using a Sony DiscMan (which I owned before), compared to my iPod (the iPod fits in my pocket and contains the media)!!! Duhhhh!!!! So my viewpoint is INFORMED!
Viva El Proto!
Secondly - "Apple has shunned the creation of software that would make its computers compatible with Microsoft's (Nasdaq: MSFT) Windows applications"(?)
Huh?!!! How about QuickTime? iTunes? AppleWorks? FileMaker? TrueType? (all these are Windows-native software apps created by Apple) Apple's newest productivity applications are Pages (Word-compatible) and Keynote (PowerPoint-compatible). OS X Mail and Address Book have built-in import/export to Outlook and Entourage. Even lowly TextEdit can read/write simple Word documents and all flavors of Windows/UNIX text formats!
Apple supports all the industry standards, while Microsoft trys to derail thoses standards with their own, proprietary, poorly-designed, me-too, counter-standards.
Almost every article I read about Apple has these kinds of errors, oversights, and un-truths. Even in stories the local newspaper picks up from the national wire services. Even in the New York Times!
And the people in your article -- their point of view is nothing new. Since 1984 there have been people who were prejudiced against the Mac (and now the iPod), without ever having given it a try. Uninformed viewpoints are unimportant!
Unlike these Luddites, I can sure as Hell tell the difference between the experience of using a Sony DiscMan (which I owned before), compared to my iPod (the iPod fits in my pocket and contains the media)!!! Duhhhh!!!! So my viewpoint is INFORMED!
Viva El Proto!
Corilyn, it seems that you are an "anti-podder" yourself and try to deceive us by talking about "them".
It's obvious that some people hate the iPod, as there are people hating Apple at large since many years. It's also obvious that these Apple haters are pissed off to see iPods everywhere, we don't need an article about it. There are not more of them, they are just more pissed off then before and try to regroup. It really looks like you are trying to get your own opinion passing as a news report. If anything your article and others like this are vectors to these anti-iPod groups.
My theory is that one of the reason why people buy iPods, is to piss off Apple-haters. You know the kind of people that ridicules the idea of switching to the Mac? For years, non-techies believed them without arguing, and got stuck in Windows with all the problems that come with it. But now can say something like: "hey I've had it with your Apple bashing, my Windows box is now full of viruses and crap and you made me fear switching to a Mac, so this time, at least for my MP3 player, I'll take an iPod, despite whatever you say, this is my choice."
The iPod is a backlash against Microsoft. So until MS disappears (if ever), the backlash against them will continue.
It's obvious that some people hate the iPod, as there are people hating Apple at large since many years. It's also obvious that these Apple haters are pissed off to see iPods everywhere, we don't need an article about it. There are not more of them, they are just more pissed off then before and try to regroup. It really looks like you are trying to get your own opinion passing as a news report. If anything your article and others like this are vectors to these anti-iPod groups.
My theory is that one of the reason why people buy iPods, is to piss off Apple-haters. You know the kind of people that ridicules the idea of switching to the Mac? For years, non-techies believed them without arguing, and got stuck in Windows with all the problems that come with it. But now can say something like: "hey I've had it with your Apple bashing, my Windows box is now full of viruses and crap and you made me fear switching to a Mac, so this time, at least for my MP3 player, I'll take an iPod, despite whatever you say, this is my choice."
The iPod is a backlash against Microsoft. So until MS disappears (if ever), the backlash against them will continue.
Re: Backlash Against iPods Gathering Steam
Posted by: brucemcfadden 2005-09-11 15:17:26 In reply to: Corilyn Shropshire
Corilyn -- I suggest you check on the sales figure for the new iPod Nano in about 6 months and see how much truth your bogus "iPod backlash" article contains. I sure hope you go back into PR or working for Microsoft as that's obviously the genisis of your retarded, slanted "article." In any case, please get out of journalism.
Re: Backlash Against iPods Gathering Steam
Posted by: SlyRobber 2005-09-11 14:33:01 In reply to: Corilyn Shropshire
SOUR GRAPES !!!!
Re: Backlash Against iPods Gathering Steam
Posted by: adamb1 2005-09-11 09:19:21 In reply to: Corilyn Shropshire
Pooh poohing the iPod is bogus. I just got my first iPod, what is it, 4 years after they were introduced. Regardless of marketing, it is the most well designed product of it's kind in all aspects. Sure I could have bought any mp3 player. I happen to be a Mac user, and I have a Dell PC too. But the attention to detail, design, quality, etc that go into Apple product is far superior to anything else. It's just a fact. I said I would never have a cell phone too. Well, I put it off as long as I could, but I have one. (nothing special though). When the Walkman came out for cassette playing. (somehow I skipped portable CD players, weird) We all had them. At the time, it was the best, most well created product for the purpose. Sony ruled the market for that product. So it is, now, that Apple has created the premier MP3 player. The iPod is just what you know to get. It's the market leader. It's the quality & sophistication of the product in this generation, just as Walkman held that position in that generation. Sure you can knock it all you want, fight it till your last breath if you like. But while you may garner some respect from your mates for your stubborn stance, you will never enjoy THE product, of this age, for enjoying your music so conveniently, with superior quality & ease of use. Hey, I'm sorry, it's just the way it is. What is there to argue or fight? Have you quit drinking coke, or using kleenex. Use any music player you want, heck who cares. Enjoy your music by any means that suits you. Lifes too short. As I said,it's my first MP3 player and I love it. I'm rediscovering my music and having a moment of nostalgia when I had my Walkman Pro with Koss Porta Pros (still available today btw) when I was a kid. When one does feel like partaking in the latest technology, it's nice to know there is a reputable quality product with which to partake. Long live the iPod. Bully for you Apple - you deserve it!!! BTW, you really think sales will decline after the holiday season--with millions more out on the street--just the opposite I'm afraid.The proof is in the podding my friends. Now go stew on it, if that is your nature.
