More on click-wheel iPod static

Yesterday we began reporting on a problem with some new (4th generation, Click Wheel) iPods where static/noise can be heard through the headphone jack when the iPod's hard drive is accessed. This generally occurs when the iPod is transferring data from its hard drive to its RAM buffer (for example, after extended listening or when skipping songs frequently).

Today a number of readers have confirmed the issue.

Tom McGee writes "Yeah, the 40GB model I bought last night has the static problem. The one time it happened, I thought it might have been "less than clean" metal surfaces on the headphone jack or plug because that's exactly the sound such a problem makes."

Another user writes "I visited an Apple store at Arden Fair Mall, Sacramento, CA. The iPod I tried there had this annoying glitch described as static when skipping songs frequently. It was a significantly loud and short burst of seemingly white noise. I was never-the-less enamored with this great little gadget."

Along with the notes of confirmation, an equal portion of readers have reported that this issue is not affecting their iPods -- or at least they are not perceiving the issue.

Our previous report contains some extensive details on what might be causing the problem, as well as speculation that an upcoming firmware update might resolve the issue.

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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