And no, the answer is not trying to fight the iPod’s depressed state by buying it new cases at the Apple store. That’s just unhealthy behavior that will make the iPod’s happiness dependant on you spoiling it.
The story is the same. I’m using my iPod. I’m happy with my iPod. But then, every so often, when I try and do a simple task, it bites me in the ass. 99% of the time, when I choose to change what album or song I’m listening to, nothing bad happens. But, for the last week or so, that simple task of changing what song I’m listening to has been freezing my iPod. So I’ve been going through the following steps each time this has happened, only to, each time, have the iPod fix itself before my Apple Store appointment.
For your own benefit, here are my simple instructions on how to schedule a repair with the Apple Store. Nowadays, scheduling a repair is often a must, because sometimes there are so many people at the Genius Bar, tat if you just go there after work without a reservation, you’re probably going to be told that the genius bar is full of appointments for the day, and to go home, make a reservation tomorrow (you can only make a reservation on the day of the appointment) and come back.
1. Make sure that your iPod still has it’s Apple Care warranty. If you’re living on the edge, without a warranty, and the complimentary 90 day warranty period has passed, then prepare for Apple charging you an arm and a leg for your repair. I had a small debate with Michael about buying warranties last night, and we ultimately decided that if you think you need a warranty, because you have frequent bad luck with technology, you should get the warranty. And when it comes to iPods, I have shitty luck. Does that mean I’m going to switch and get a Zune? Not likely. It means that I’m always going to pay for AppleCare for my iPod.
2. Go to http://www.apple.com/retail/ and find your nearest Apple Store. If there is no nearby Apple Store, then head on over to http://www.apple.com/support/ to file for a repair with them. I choose to try my luck with the Apple retail stores because it’s more pleasant to talk about technology with someone face to face, rather than filling out a form on-line or trying to find the tech support phone number.
3. After going to your local Apple Store’s specific page, click on “Make a reservation.”
From there on in, it’s pretty self explanatory. But something to note is that when you choose your appointment time, pick one slot later than when you expect to get to the store, for you will be told to arrive 5 minutes before your appointment begins
4. Breathe, and relax. It’s going to be all good. The geniuses are good, nice people and they’ll take care of you and your iPod. I’ve heard they get a lot of crap, though, so be nice!
Wish me luck today, I’ve got a 5:45 appointment for the same problem as usual.
January 30, 2007 at 3:17 am
Who ever proposed the Zune as a viable alternative to the iPod? (besides Microsoft)
January 30, 2007 at 3:39 am
Yeah, I think it was Microsoft. CNN anchors were scoffing at the Zune while they played with the new iPod Shuffle. “The Zune Zucks.” as Craig Ferguson put it. Another reason why I won’t switch from the iPod: nothing will work better with iTunes. Also, I don’t think any other Digital Music Player has a better interface.
January 30, 2007 at 6:45 am
Well the Zune definitely sucks. If Creative had gotten their act together soon enough they could have had a product that actually provides competition. They still dont really have their act together – but at least they know what kind of players they are making now.
One interesting thing to think about is how the iPod affects the economy. There’s creation of the product, then selling it, then fixing it, then fixing it again, then replacing it, then fixing that one. R&D for a new iPod that either breaks more or less depending on the generation, random chance and G-d’s will.
I do have to take my hat off to the iPod – but as for the interface, I still cant get over the scrollwheel – i really just prefer scrolling up and down for scrolling up and down and i like being able to hold such that it just continues scrolling. I also like buttons that serve a distinct purpose; not 3 or 4 or 7.