Technology Topic

There are reports today of problems with new Apple(AAPL - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) software for the current top-of-the-line, 80 GB ($249) and 160 GB ($349) iPod Classic models.

Users are complaining that the recently released operating-system update for their music players is causing a somewhat serious electrical problem for their music systems.

According to iLounge.com, users are complaining that iPod Classics whose firmware has recently been upgraded to Version 1.1 are sending residual electrical pulses through the headphone jack -- as well as the iPod docking connection (on the bottom of every music player) -- when the iPods are turned off. Those pulses, measured at 500mv of DC, could conceivably cause damage to any attached equipment.

Stereophile.com is reporting that most users of iPod Classics on both headfi.com (a Web site for a super-high-end headphone amplifier manufacturer) and Apple users forums reported only that they had experienced "hiss," "static" or "buzzing" after updating the player's firmware.

A few users reported the upgrade either froze their iPods (Apple replaced their iPods) or the upgrade removed their stored music files.

As per company policy, there has been no official response from Apple as to any problem with iPod Classic upgrades or any related fixes.



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With 34 years experience as a journalist -- the last 27 with NBC -- Gary Krakow has seen all the best and worst technology that's come along. Gary joined MSNBC.com before it actually went online in July 1996. He produced and anchored the first live Webcast of a presidential election in November 1996. With a background as a gadget freak, audiophile and ham radio operator, Krakow started writing reviews for both Audio and Stereophile Magazines in the 80s. Once at MSNBC.com, Krakow started writing a column to help feed his personal passion for playing with gadgets of all types, shapes and sizes. Within a short time, that column became a major force in many electronics industries -- audio, video, photography, GPS and cell phones. Readership soared, and manufacturers told him they had actual proof that a positive review in his column sold thousands of their products. Many electronics manufacturers have used quotes from his reviews in their sales literature as well as on their Web sites. There have also been a few awards too, including Emmys in the 70s, 80s and 90s.

Originally posted by easports43500mv of DC

Originally posted by drewhiggins[..]

Are they joking? 500mV of DC power would easily kill any device in just a few minutes. And the static isn't just noted at iLounge either. It's on Apple's own forum. The very reason me and Gerard haven't updated our classics yet.

This is a serious case of poor quality control at Apple - and every firmware they've released for the classic stuffs something else up - I'm not impressed with the classic, and every firmware release (three versions since it's release) is getting worse. Don't buy one.

Originally posted by germcevoy[..]

I have the problem. I get static white noise through the headphones when the iPod is off. Apple sent my replacement pre-installed with 1.1 the bastards

Originally posted by drewhiggins[..]

And even their own technicians don't realize it? Fuck. There's posts over at Apple.com saying that it's not a widespread problem and is fixed by letting the battery drain for a few days. What would that do? Fuck all.

Oh yeah, and they're also saying to take the headphones out when you're not using it to stop the static. But why? Why does one thing get fixed and something else goes bust??? And the 0 volume problem still hasn't been fixed, yet?

There seems to be several urgent problems with the new iPod classic.

1. Did you know 1.1 (not that it's in your iPod software drop box) introduces a bug where when you turn the iPod off there is a .5v static through the device? This is enough to damage it and probably blow up the circuitry inside - as it has blown several of mine already. Take a look at your own forums (discussions.info.apple.com if you've forgotten) and see what 1.1 is doing. It's bricking iPods, damaging EXPENSIVE headsets and more problems introduced. Tell me exactly what did it fix? I have proof of this and you should check it out. Or is it too hard for you?

2. Why is it that when I lower the volume to complete zero, it still plays out the headset? Is this a joke? I know you had to keep the volume lower for EU restrictions but I'm not in the EU (I live in Australia, a non-EU country where you still haven't released Movie Rentals in iTunes, OR the iPhone - why this is I don't know?) but if I reduce it to ZERO it should play nothing - and your Apple fan boys over in the forums (discussions.info.apple.com if you've forgotten) say just pause it?

But my question remains...why do we have to pause it - we shouldn't have to? If I want to lower the volume off then let me lower it off and don't introduce further issues with your so-called "firmware" updates. Whatever happened to Quality Control? I'm not too sure but it certainly isn't here. Please reply...do yourselves a favor. Already I am contemplating returning this disgusting piece of crap to my local store and asking for my money back. It is THAT bad. The $90 Creative 512MB devices are better - and even the cheap Chinese imports.

I'm paying up to $400 for this device thinking it's going to work for a while but so far I'm giving it a percentage rating of about 10%. As usual no comment from Apple. I don't expect a reply but please at lead read it and take note. This is not funny anymore. Oh yes. And why did we need a split-screen for the main menus? It worked fine without it just one generation ago and for the last seven years so why now? It doesn't do anything - in fact, it's slower than molasses.

Another criticism: Why is the sound so terribly bad even on iTunes Store purchases? I realise the audio chip has been changed for this device.....but to something ten times lesser which makes sound even worse than it is - and I'm using about five different headsets to listen - it gets worse every single time and has been worse on firmware 1.0.1 right through to 1.1?

Last but certainly not least: why don't third-party components work? We've paid hundreds of dollars for components only to see they don't work now. Can you tell me why? Or is this trying to protect the many patents Apple recently decided to take out in 2005/2006/2007? I'll continue to send this every day until I see some improvement. If it never improves it will be in your inbox, 365 times each year until you get the hint that the classic is a shambles and an utter joke to the name of Apple.

Originally posted by drewhigginsYou could always turn it off....wow, what a solution. Why doesn't Apple recognize this? As soon as I've got the money I'll be selling this classic.

I sent them an email, it's unlikely to do anything but I thought I'd complain about it.

[..]

Originally posted by djrlewis[..]

Jeez Drew

Don't hold back will you?...

You guys really have struggled with your Classics. I don't get it- are there problems with the newer Nano's that came out the same time or is it just the hard-drive based players? 'Cos I've had no problems whatsoever ( *frantically touches wood * ) with the iTouch. Or any ofmy previous Pods.

Originally posted by drewhiggins[..]

everything you said

Originally posted by germcevoyon a lighter note, Bose have the best customer services in the world.