iPod nano scratches (#2): Why the black model is more susceptible; Coating solutions

CNET staff

Sept. 2, 2009 7:56 a.m. PT

3 min read

Users continue to report that their newly received iPod nanos are highly susceptible to scratches -- though the problem can't be said with certainty to be worse than some other portable electronic devices. As noted yesterday, in the most severe cases of this issue, iPod nano screens become so scratched from what appears to be routine usage that displayed information becomes more difficult to read.

MacFixIt reader Steve's case is typical:

"My nano has become severely scratched and I keep it in a sleeve made to protect sunglass lenses. It's insane. The screen appears to 'flicker' now because it's scratched so bad - especially the acrylic side. I have a black one and the scratches stand out so easily. The metal side is scratched as well, but not as bad as the other. None of my other iPods scratched this easily and this quickly. I've only had it for what? Three weeks?"

MacFixIt reader Finno adds:

"Ordered my black 4GB Nano immediately on launch day, with company name and tag engraved (purchased from the online store).

"Mine was scratched badly after 15 seconds, against a rubber/plastic Bluetooth earpiece. I thought I was sloppy, and was extremely careful the next few hours. No luck, it looked horrible, and it seems to be scratched against my fingers, too."

Steve Leebove corroborates:

"I bought three black nanos when they came out. Two were gifts, and those two people report serious scratching! To the point on one of them where they are having trouble reading it. He put it in his pocket alone, and it appears that did the trick. Both people are very disappointed in how easily the black nano's can scratch. Mine is fine, but that is because i left on the factory plastic cover."

Why black models are more prone to scratching MacFixIt reader David Powers has a theory on why the black iPod nano is so prone to visible scratching:

"The iPod nano uses the same color-in-clear plastic case design as the imac g5. the clear, sharp-cornered outside layer admits light from the sides of the device, which gives the device its attractive glow.

"The problem with using this for a device that's going to be handled is that when the front gets scratched, the light passing through from the sides is diffused through the scratch, 'coloring' the scratch. The side light blends together to become roughly white, so the white interior hides it. But with the black interior, no such luck.

"I'm not sure how they missed this unless all the materials and durability testing was done on white models. if that was the case that might also explain overestimating the scratch resistance of the outer layer."

Coating solutions In addition to the coating and protection options discussed in yesterday's report, a few users have recommended the use of Plexus -- a plastic cleaner, protectant and polisher.

John Pent writes:

"I use this stuff on all sorts of plastic (lexan, plexiglas, mylar, etc.), esp. my BlackBerry screen and it makes them very slick ? both less prone to scratching and greatly reducing small visible scratches."

Several retailers carry the product:

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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