New Ipod broken -- $200 down the drain

[mom of 3G's]

My DS8 worked and saved up money to get the new ipod nano with video camera. We had a week and this Monday a.m. it quit working. I sent it back to Apple and just now learned that it isn't covered by warranty as they found accidental damage to it. I called and found out that the water indicator light had gone off and that there is water damage and it is broken and can't be fixed! I think my DD 22 months sucked on the end of it. So now DS8 has no ipod and nothing to show for his hard work; and this wasn't his fault. He was taking very good care of it. Do I bite the bullet and get him another one??? The technician I spoke to said the ipod touch can withstand a little more "abuse". Should I get that as a replacement or just forget about it and chalk it up to a learning experience?? My stomach is literally churning thinking how we are out 200 bucks. I hate to penalize my son as it wasn't his fault and he earned the money.

 

[wvjules]

My DS8 worked and saved up money to get the new ipod nano with video camera. We had a week and this Monday a.m. it quit working. I sent it back to Apple and just now learned that it isn't covered by warranty as they found accidental damage to it. I called and found out that the water indicator light had gone off and that there is water damage and it is broken and can't be fixed! I think my DD 22 months sucked on the end of it. So now DS8 has no ipod and nothing to show for his hard work; and this wasn't his fault. He was taking very good care of it. Do I bite the bullet and get him another one??? The technician I spoke to said the ipod touch can withstand a little more "abuse". Should I get that as a replacement or just forget about it and chalk it up to a learning experience?? My stomach is literally churning thinking how we are out 200 bucks. I hate to penalize my son as it wasn't his fault and he earned the money.

Same thing happened to my DD's iPod touch. It stopped working and I sent it to apple. They said that the "water" indicator thingy-ma-bob showed it had gotten wet. Personally, I think it is a cop-out on Apple's part since we have no way to verify that the wetness indicator actually does show wetness.

I would buy your son a replacement nano and not bother paying more for the touch. Tell him to keep it away from his lil sis this time though.

 

[mom of 3G's]

Same thing happened to my DD's iPod touch. It stopped working and I sent it to apple. They said that the "water" indicator thingy-ma-bob showed it had gotten wet. Personally, I think it is a cop-out on Apple's part since we have no way to verify that the wetness indicator actually does show wetness.

I would buy your son a replacement nano and not bother paying more for the touch.

Did you buy a replacement?

 

[DisneyAndRedSox]

You can trade in a broken ipod for some money. They take the parts and use them to repair others. My DH had one die and he sent it out (not to Apple) and it wasn't able to be fixed, they offered him money for it (they use the screens, etc. for repairs)

here is one where you can get a Target gift card, I am not sure if they take broken ones but it's worth looking into!

http://sites.target.com/site/en/spot/page.jsp?title=nextworth

 

[victorandbellasmom]

Did you pay cash or did you charge? Some credit cards have warranties attached to purchases, so you might want to check that route. If its water damage, have you googled remedies?

That totally sucks for your DS. If no other options work, I'd pay for a replacement out of my money. Ds should definitely not be penalized. But I would do a reminder spiel about taking care and keeping an eye on your things and possibly get a case for the ipod as well.

Dd (8yo) got a nano last christmas and its still working great. As a family, we have 5 ipods still in great working condition. We used to have a 6th, but the hard drive finally died after 3 years (it was a 60gb 5thgen ipod video). So ds is asking for another ipod for christmas.

 

[wmharley]

this works for cell phones... you can see if anything applies to this.

http://howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=321492


and to add, I'd probably get another for him (one time deal only) with the learning lesson of taking care of your things... however, my DD4 already knows that, and while we'd not get her an ipod, if her little things break, I try and fix it. i've only replaced something once. I tell her specifically to keep her eyes on it, and if I see it laying around, I point out that DS15mo can get a hold of it and if he does, there is nothing I can do..

this comment usually works..

 

[mrsklamc]

If you are certain that the moisture could only have come from DD, I would say that whoever left it where a 22 month old could get at it is responsible for replacement.

 

[dis75ney]

Best Buy also accepts trade-ins. I just sent my iPod 30gb Video (it decided to stop synching) and I'm getting a $43 Best Buy gift card for it. It will go towards my new iPod Touch

As far as replacement, I would replace your DS's iPod with one out of your pocket and give him the quick lecture of making sure your sister does not get a hold of the thing. A case is a good idea, as well. Apple.com has refurbished iPods for cheaper than retail...might be an option worth looking into...

 

[mom of 3G's]

If you are certain that the moisture could only have come from DD, I would say that whoever left it where a 22 month old could get at it is responsible for replacement.

That would be me and DH. It was being charged on the computer and DH was on the computer and doesn't know that it needs to be "ejected" before taking it off the charger so didn't stop her at the time and I saw her with it and took it away. Definitely not DS fault so I really need to make it up to him. I'm just hesitant about getting another Ipod because of the "moisture" issues. The technician said a light rain will set it off and even perspiration. What kid isn't sweaty????? Will a case help prevent this?

I'm going to take a look into some of the other web sites that PP provided and see what I can come up with. I was going to throw the box away as soon as it shows up so as not to remind myself of the money gone, but now I'll keep it and see if I can get anything out of it.

 

[kittycatalina65]

Do they have that model in the refurb section on the Apple website? I got a great deal on a shuffle online.

 

[dismichelle]

OP, my cell phone got completely submerged in water a couple of weeks ago. I had read somewhere that putting it in uncooked rice will absorb the moisture.

I put in in a bag of rice and two days later it worked perfectly. I'd at least try it. Nothing to lose.

 

[mrsklamc]

I agree with trying the rice or some silica packs if you have them lying around in shoe boxes, etc.

I would definitely get a case, too, my DH is in IT and is a case-o-phile. EVERYTHING electronic we own somehow gets a case, but then, I suppose this is why. My Iphone has been dropped a few times and is still in perfect condition.

 

[luvmy3]

I would replace it, especially since you know it really wasn't his fault. I would also bite the bullet and get accidental coverage ins this time.

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

I really feel bad for your DS but why was such a valuable and delicate piece of electronic equipment left where a toddler could get her hands on it?

Personally, I'd split the cost of a new one with him in some way....70/30 or 80/20 with you paying the bulk of it. He should shoulder some of the responsibility for leaving it where little sister could get ahold of it. But the adults in the house who were not supervising the toddler well enough to prevent her from mishandling it also share some of the blame. Check your credit card to see if it is covered for breakage before you shell out the money. Some plans exclude small electronics or limit the number of days you have to file a claim.

As for the iPod Touch, they're no less susceptible to breakage when abused but much harder for a toddler to suck on. However, they do not take video and that would make it a poor substitute for the newer iPod Nano. I wouldn't buy one the iTouch instead of the Nano for that reason.

ETA: OP replied while I was composing this post. Since the OP's DS showed no neglect in handling his prize posession and the adults dropped the ball, I've changed my mind...the OP's DH owes him a replacement, It's 100% his fault.

 

[Manda]

Same thing happened to my DD's iPod touch. It stopped working and I sent it to apple. They said that the "water" indicator thingy-ma-bob showed it had gotten wet. Personally, I think it is a cop-out on Apple's part since we have no way to verify that the wetness indicator actually does show wetness.

The wetness indicator is fairly easily visible on iPods/iPhones and you can check it yourself. It's at the bottom of the headphone jack. Just look in the hole and the bottom should be white. If it's pink or red, water got in there somehow.

 

[torinsmom]

When you buy a new one, get it from Best Buy or somewhere else with an extended warranty plan. I bought my son the Ipod Touch at BB and for 69.99, I got the 2 year extended warranty which includes accidental damage. Water damage is included, although the guy said it is not covered if it is totally submerged(don't know how they'd know whether soda was spilled on it or whether it was dropped in the toilet)

I hated to shell out an extra $69, but my DS is known for "killing" electronics.

Marsha

 

[DebMcDonald]

A son's friend had one that fell out of his pocket while playing in the snow and he picked up it immediately and it also died, they tried sending it back to apple and was told it also got wet.

Sorry that happened, chalk it up to a costly mistake and we've all had them and I'd replace it for him.

 

[flagdaytwins]

I have the simple basic (Nano?) IPOD years ago, WASHED IT TWICE in my high-efficiency washer and it still works. I was given an ITOUCH and I can't imagine that piece surviving the washing machine or any wetness.....

I hate, hate, hate to say this -- but giving an 8 year old such a delicate and expensive piece of technology comes with its risks -- I really wouldn't buy him another one. I feel for the kid, but......it's just alot of money!

 

[mamalle]

wow that is too bad.. Im considering getting one for dd that is almost 10. Im going to investigate a policy for the accidental just in case..

 

[mrsklamc]

I think it's important to replace it because you are also teaching DS something about being an adult and taking responsibility for your actions.

For DH, as an adult, to break something that belongs to him, intentionally or not, and not replace it lacks integrity, and it's a wrong DS will remember his whole life.

As a kid, my adult brother got in financial trouble and my parents sold my horse to pay it off for him, all 3 of them promising they would buy me another, and of course, they never did. Think I ever forgot that?