Three weeks ago, my iPod ("The Machine Gun Rocks", to call it by name) started acting a little...er...spotty. Response time to the click wheel was slow and when the pod did work, it usually just quickly scrolled through most of my 2,000+ song library and pick a song it felt was more appropriate than my choice. Finally, two weeks ago, I was sitting at my desk at work when I heard a beeping noise coming from below the tabletop. The beeping started slow, then got progressively faster until it reached a fevered pitch.
"What's that beeping?" my boss asked, looking up (we have an 'open concept' office space.)
I looked under my desk. There, plugged in to my Mac, was the iPod. I got closed. The beeping got louder.
"I think it's my iPod!" I proclaimed in horror.
"Whooooa. I've never heard any of them make an AUDIBLE noise before," he replied.
Within a minute, it was all over. The beeping stopped. I looked down at the blank display window. I reached out my finger -- gingerly -- and stroked the wheel. No response! I gasped softly in terror.
The Machine Gun was rocking no more.
That night, after a few glasses of wine and a quick check of the credit card balance, I went online to the Apple store and saw that they were selling refurbed 1G ipod Shuffles for $99. They came with one year warranties (same as new Shuffles.) I immediately bought one -- and then called my dad and asked him to send me a check for the amount. I mean, a girl has to lean sometimes.
The new player arrived late last week. I gave it a kicky name ("La Musique de la Mitrailleuse"), which means "Machine Gun's Music" in French. Despite learning the hard way that the keyboard USB port actually can't charge the battery on these little kickers because it is not a "power port", I've really enjoyed the Shuffle thus far. I adore my music libary anyway, and now I can only listen the 240 songs that make up its most exquisite cross-section.
Of course, being complete tech addict, I am shopping around for "the right" case. See below...an option for the harsh New England winter! Another great resource for anyone with *any* iPod is the iLounge's iPod Back-To-School Guide. There are all kinds of tips and tricks for pimpin' out your personal player, as well as mucho accessories.
Naturally, immediately after receiving my Shuffle, the Machine Gun started rocking again. Call it a case of sibling rivalry. So now I have both, and I love each in its own way, which is fine with me...because an accepted part of Tech Whoredom is multiple partners.
Ditto on the scroll wheel - but after a little trying, I got the whole thing replaced. See?
Posted by: Xuli | Thursday, 18 August 2005 at 10:34 PM
blogorelli - you crack me up!! that little jacket for the shuffle is awesome. i <3 it fo sure. i've also never heard an ipod make a noise like that. BUT, you may want to take it to the geniuses to have them run a scan on the drive. it may have some errors on it that they can fix. :-)
Posted by: TurboD | Tuesday, 16 August 2005 at 10:52 PM
Niiiice. Have had my Shuffle ("Peppermint Stick") for about 6 months now, BIG fan.
Great new banner, by the way.
Posted by: Chex | Monday, 15 August 2005 at 09:23 PM