iPod nano scratches/cracking (#3): Apple will replace a limited number of defective screens, admits no fault for scratches

Apple will replace a limited number of defective screens Apple now says it will replace a small number of iPod screens that are cracking under inordinately low amounts of pressure.

In an interview with Bloomberg News, an Apple representative said that less than one-tenth of 1 percent of its new iPod nano digital music players have defective screens and will be replaced for free.

The article continues:

"A 'vendor-quality issue' with the nano caused some screens to crack, Apple spokesman Steve Dowling said in a phone interview. The problem is 'not a design issue,' he said."

Meanwhile, addressing the scratching issue, Apple's Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing Phil Schiller told Macworld that "the screens on the iPod nano are made with the same material that is found in the company?s fourth-generation iPod, which, to date, is complaint free." 'We have received very few calls from customers reporting this problem ? we do not think this is a widespread issue. If customers are concerned about scratching we suggest they use one of the many iPod nano cases to protect their iPod.'

More screen protection solutions Meanwhile, we continue to receive notes from readers who have had success with various screen protectants for the iPod nano.

MacFixIt reader Dave Steinberg reports that the Palm clear screen cover adheres nicely to his nano:

"My black iPod surface also shows scratches after a couple of light used days. I just put a Palm clear screen cover (purchased from Palm) on my unit and is functions perfectly. All you have to do is cut the sheet to fit on the iPod."

Another reader reports success with inexpensive fishing license holders. Steve Prindle writes:

"To protect the white nano I bought, I found an inexpensive solution at REI, their omniseal fishing license holder, package of three for US$3"

For more screen protection/scratch removal solutions, see our previous coverage:

• iPod nano scratches (#2): Why the black model is more susceptible; Coating solutions
• iPod nano users report units prone to scratches; solutions, protectants

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