[awcopus]

So I purchased two 30GB iPods on the same day from the SOHO store.

They are both updated to 2.0.1 and I'm using them with the same computer running 10.2.6 with the latest iTunes 4.0.1.

One of them, the one I got for myself, works perfectly. The other is so inconsistent it's driving me and my girlfriend crazy. Despite numerous software restores, it simply can't be counted on to perform consistently. Case in point, I brought it to the SOHO genius bar, and suddenly it performed just fine. Now, my girl calls me from work, and the thing is restarting and freezing when she goes to play a song from a Playlist identical to one on my own iPod that plays without a hitch.

She restarts it (presses play and menu buttons), and *sometimes* it works. Today, it took three restarts before she was able to regain control of the iPod (turn it off). And now it's actually working. From the same playlist!!!!!

Wondering if maybe it was the software restore app itself causing the problem, I used it with my perfectly functioning iPod, and have had no problems.

Apple Support is recommending that I use Disk Utility to reformat the iPod hard drive as a Mac Extended volume, zeroing all data. Then, use the iPod 2.0.1 software to restore and proceed.

Nowhere in the manuals that ship with the iPod does it mention this as a solution to my problem. Has anybody out there ever done this? And with what results?

[echosphere]

Answer: Return it and get a new one. (either the iPod or the Girlfriend) as one of them appears to be broken.

[awcopus]

Girlfriend's fully functional, thank you very much echosphere.

The iPod on the other hand *may* need to be returned. Would be enlightening to hear from anyone out there who has had playback inconsistency with their iPod, reformatted their iPod using Disk Utility, and then had the problems disappear. Or continue.

Won't have access to her iPod until Monday, so I'm looking for some insight into the reliability of the fix Apple has recommended. Thanks in advance.

[echosphere]

Okay, sorry for the tasteless joke.

I once purposefully erased my iPod (scroll wheel) and formatted it for Unix, that way when I went back to CompUSA in NYC it looked as if the HD had been hosed. Alas, they didn't have the new ones in stock to do the replacement till the next week(stupid me). Well, went home and reformatted the drive as "Mac Extended", ever since then it never quite worked right, froze, skipped songs, battery de-charged over 2 days on average.

Seriously, take it back and get a replacement, tell them the honest issue, the Soho store should understand.

[awcopus]

Thanks, echosphere.

D'oh.

The problem at the SOHO store was that because the Genius couldn't replicate the problems I was describing, he essentially told me that if it happened again, I should call Apple. I insisted that the inconsistent performance was the problem and asked him to please replace it, and he simply shook his head. Couldn't do it.

Well, I now have an official case number. When I get the iPod back, I will try this reformatting thing (with skepticism based on your report), and then take the next step. Hopefully it will work.

Any reformatting success stories out there?

[GORDYmac]

Do the two iPods have different names? When I used two iPods on one Mac, they had to have different names, or they wouldn't perform reliably.

[echosphere]

He's got a good point, never thought of that.

[awcopus]

One is called Brahms, the other Kandinsky.

They are never connected at the same time.

[nica]

Do not format your Ipod read this first


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nica

[awcopus]

Thank you very much for that reference, nica! I was already extremely skeptical of the prudence of doing this.

Apple's tech guy actually recommended that I zero all data on my iPod. In fact, he wants me to call him back when and do this with him ON THE PHONE!

When I told him that I wouldn't do this unless he sent me something in writing guaranteeing that zeroing all data wouldn't make my iPod irretrievably screwed, he sent me two links in support of taking this action.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=60957

http://www.info.apple.com/kbnum/n61139

Neither of these instills much confidence in me about making this move. My plan is to insist that Apple replace the iPod on the grounds that it's flaky performance is simply intolerable even after I do everything that is officially included in the manual and on their knowledge base.

[awcopus]

..."call him back WHEN I HAVE THE IPOD IN HAND".... my girl's still away with it.

[awcopus]

aarrghh...." ITS flaky performance." I'm an editor. Can't afford to let myself get away with that one!

[icruise]

You can edit your posts you know...

I've occasionally had problems with firewire cables making the connection to the computer flaky, but that wouldn't affect the usage of the iPod on its own.