Apple to replace faulty first generation iPod nanos
Apple has determined that a certain batch of the dinky MP3 players have faulty batteries that could overheat and "pose a safety risk".
Got a first-gen iPod nano? You could be in line for a free replacement, because Apple says a certain batch of the dinky MP3 players have faulty batteries that could overheat and "pose a safety risk".
The likelihood of this happening apparently increases with the age of the device (or the age of the battery, to be precise), so you could be walking around with a TIME BOMB in the pocket of your Levis. Erk, etc.
While the chances of anything untoward occurring are described as "rare", Apple suggests you stop using any first-gen iPod nanos you may own, and send them back to the company immediately.
Doing so will bag you a free replacement, provided your returned model has an eligible serial number. The affected nanos were sold between September 2005 and December 2006, so there's a heck of a lot of them out there. Apple says replacements should be received around six weeks after you send the faulty model in, and that they will be guaranteed against fault for 90 days. Oh, and remember to back up the contents of your iPod in iTunes before shipping it out.
Sadly, if you have a personalised iPod nano you will "receive a non-personalised replacement". Boo and indeed hiss, Apple. If you think your nano might be one of the affected models, there's more info on what to do on the Apple website.
Do you own one of the faulty nanos? Have you noticed any unfortunately explosive overheating? And what do you think of the replacement programme? Let us know what you think in the comments below, or on our Facebook or Google+ pages.