Since Apple does not offer the ability to engrave iPods already purchased, I have been feverishly looking for alternatives to have this done properly post-production.
It looks like Apple is using a YAG laser. I'm told these systems start at around $75K so this would be cost prohibitive for most jewelers. Below are some examples for your information if you are interested. Scroll down to the decoration example with "stainless steel." (*Picture example there) Listed below are the settings.
Decoration
Method: engraving
Laser type: 90W Q-Switch Nd:YAG
Marking time: <15 seconds
Material: stainless steel
Mark: logo production
http://www.amark.co.uk/Industrial_Applications.htm
I found a company in San Jose, CA who will do this process[Same parameters and character limitations, although they might be flexible on this(?)] for $35.00 for a single iPod and only $50.00 for up to 3 iPods at a time. I think that’s very reasonable given that they normally charge $150.00 for a single setup, fixing lenses and such. They felt confident there would be no problem in doing this process with the iPod intact as any heat generated is so localized and short lived it would not cause any damage to any internal components. That said, and out of an abundance of caution, one might want to wait to have this done after their Ipod's 90 day warranty has expired since I have no idea what Apple's policy might be on warranty work done on iPods that have been lased post-production. I would give out the engraving company's web site, but they would prefer to be contacted initially by e-mail over that of the phone. Savvy users wanting more info might work around this doing a search with Sherlock and/or Google ;=) Their e-mail is as follows:
email: sales@sapomarks.com
No, I am in no way affiliated with them, but they were very kind & helpful and I thought I would help them generate some business as well as help all you who have post production iPods and would like them engraved "properly."
[ 04-06-2002: Message edited by: RWoelk ]
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