Forbes reports that the new Apple iPod Nano has some problems with the screen -- it cracks. And that has some consumers very, very unhappy.
One reason Apple Computer (nasdaq: AAPL - news - people ) is adored by its faithful: Its Mac computers and operating systems seem Gibraltar-steady, scarcely ever freezing or falling prey to malicious viruses and malware. Too bad the same can't be said for its iPods.Real, but minor issues? Please! You pay several hundred bucks and the screen cracks, and it's a minor issue? Maybe for the company, but consumers find that a major irritant.
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In May, Faces In The News reported that the computer giant issued a recall of potentially dangerous power cells. Then in June, we reported that the supposed "underdog" corporation--despite the billionaire CEO's No. 67 ranking on the Forbes 400 Richest Americans list, Apple devotees constantly compare it to Bill Gates' Microsoft (nasdaq: MSFT - news - people )--had agreed to settle a suit complaining that the unit's battery choked far short of the alleged "lifetime" guarantee. Lawyers said the settlement could potentially affect as many as 2 million people nationwide. (see: "Jobs' Apple Settles In IPod Class-Action Suit")
Now, a Wednesday in September: Today, Apple conceded that display screens can easily crack on a small number of new cookie-thin iPod Nano players, released only this month. But the firm prides itself on its counter-culture image--and pleasing its hordes of acolytes. Thus, Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr said Apple had received few complaints--and the cracked screens would be replaced. "This is a real but minor issue that involved a vendor quality problem in a small number of units," Neumayr told The Associated Press. "This has affected less than one-tenth of 1% of the total iPod Nano units that we've shipped. And it's not a design issue."
