RECALL NOTICE: iPod Nano, 1st gen

[NebulaClassGuy]

^

I know. I guess I'm just not big on the whole "disposable culture" thing. I kind of feel the plight of the DVD player owner in this article:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2007/jan/15/retail.electronicgoods

 

[Gary7]

^ You don't have to throw away your old Apple gear (or that of any other company) even when you outgrow it. There are options for recycling old computers, cellphones, iPods, etc.

Yes, there are some options. Apple actually has a recycling program where you can mail them your old iPod (free shipping label), or bring it into a local Apple store and get a 10% discount off your next iPod. That's not much, a pittance really when considering the costs it would take to fix common iPod problems and continue your ownership.

There are also some on-line outfits that deal with recycled electronics (like Gazelle and ByMyTronics), and you might actually get some cash depending upon the make/model and condition. But again, in the interest of really being green, the best thing would be for products to be engineered in a way that will reduce their obsolescence and make common issues easily serviceable.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

I like to donate old cellphones to various social services. I've done it a couple of times (though never with an iPhone). There are ones that will take your old phone, wipe it clean, reprogram it, and give it to needy people, such as abuse victims.

 

[Gary7]

Well, they were extremely fast about it. After they got my returned iPod 1st gen, a 6th gen was in the mail that very same day and arrived two days later.

This is a very different form factor from the original, but I'm staring to like it. While there's no click wheel, there are buttons for volume and to advance to the next track (which is about all I'd do with my original without having to look at it). Definitely going to get a case for it, as these are notorious for getting scratched up when dropped. All in all, I'm glad Apple was so prompt with the replacement. However, only a 90 day warranty instead of a full year... which doesn't speak very highly of their confidence in the product.