If you still have a first-generation iPod Nano, now is your chance to trade it in for one that won't overheat. Apple is providing replacements for that model due to some problems it found in the six-year-old devices.
... in very rare cases, the battery in the iPod Nano (1st generation) may overheat and pose a safety risk. Affected iPod Nanos were sold between September 2005 and December 2006. This issue has been traced to a single battery supplier that produced batteries with a manufacturing defect. While the possibility of an incident is rare, the likelihood increases as the battery ages.
Though Apple says it's "very rare," and only affects this particular model, the company does make a point of advising first-gen iPod Nano owners to stop using the device and follow the process for ordering a free replacement unit.
You should get that about six weeks after Apple receives your iPod Nano. Personalized Nanos don't come back with the original inscriptions, unfortunately. You'll get a clean one. Also, be sure to back up any data you have on your device before sending it off.
If you're unsure about whether or not your Nano is first-gen, check for a black or white plastic front and a silver metal back. Later generations of Nanos have a metal front and back. You can see how much they've changed over the years with the latest iteration here:
This isn't the first time Apple recalled devices. In 2006, Apple recalled 1.8 rechargeable million batteries for its 12-inch iBook G4, 12-inch PowerBook G4 and 15-inch PowerBook G4 laptops sold in the U.S. from October 2003 through August 2006, as well as another 700,000 batteries sold in units abroad. It remains the second largest recall of electronics and/or computers in the U.S.
In 2008, Apple issued a recall of iPhone 3G power adapters with metal prongs that were getting stuck in power outlets.
In the summer of 2010, the clamor over the iPhone 4 "Antennagate" reached a crescendo in recall demands. (Apple did give free bumpers to owners.)
The company has also replaced headphones and the bottom cases of certain MacBooks.
More recently, Apple recalled iPad 2s in June for duplicate mobile equipment identifiers that connected to Verizon's mobile network, and iMac Seagate 1TB hard drives.
But, Apple is hardly the only consumer tech company that issues recalls. In the year Apple had to recall nearly 2 million batteries, Dell had to recall about twice as many for its laptops. And just about a month ago, Sony recalled 1.6 million LCD HDTVs.
More stories:
- The Jobs legacy: Ease, elegance in technology
- iPod Touch thrives, while shuffle and classic survive
- Apple will replace your iMac's failing Seagate hard drive
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