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all2ofme · Sep 2, 2003, 11:30 AM

I haven't found this covered anywhere else, but my apologies if it has.

A friend has just had a new 15GB iPod brought back from the States with a new version of the firmware (2.0.2) and a different model number than mine (also a 15GB model). The backlight on his is blue (mine is white) and the screen is much clearer.

Nothing yet on the differences between .01 and .02, but so far there's no sign of an upgrade on Apple.com for mine.

Anyone know anything about this?

AssassyN · Sep 2, 2003, 11:31 AM

Whoa! Was this purchased in America? Where and when?

And for goodness sakes, get some pictures!

Severed Hand of Skywalker · Sep 2, 2003, 11:59 AM

Apple said about 2 weeks ago that there is nothing different about the 2.02 firmware.

all2ofme · Sep 2, 2003, 02:33 PM

If 2.02 is no different why would they release it?

AssassyN - I think it was bought in Boston about a week ago, at an Apple Store. I'll get some pictures and the different model number tomorrow if the guy's in at work.

Originally posted by Severed Hand of Skywalker:
Apple said about 2 weeks ago that there is nothing different about the 2.02 firmware.

Immortal K-Mart Employee · Sep 2, 2003, 02:38 PM

Originally posted by all2ofme:
If 2.02 is no different why would they release it?

Dunno, something about so they now which is newer iPods or something.

hyteckit · Sep 2, 2003, 02:42 PM

Well, I just got a new iPod. Firmware 2.0.2. Screen is nice, but still passive I think. It's really clear though. Blue backlight? More like blue-ish white backlight.

icruise · Sep 2, 2003, 03:14 PM

Originally posted by all2ofme:
If 2.02 is no different why would they release it?

They changed over to some different parts for the very newest iPods and they needed an update to use those parts. But there is no functional difference between 2.02 and the previous version.

As for the "blue backlight" it has been discussed quite a lot, actually. I think some of the iPods use screens from a different manufacturer that happens to have more of a blue tint than the others. Not a huge deal, but I would like to see one. Mine is white.

all2ofme · Sep 2, 2003, 03:30 PM

Ahh, interesting.

The blue backlight (at least on my friend's iPod) is more than just a different colour - the screen is noticeably sharper and more readable.

It's definitely a strong blue, too. I noticed it before I put my one beside it, so it's not subtle.

Originally posted by Icruise:
They changed over to some different parts for the very newest iPods and they needed an update to use those parts. But there is no functional difference between 2.02 and the previous version.

As for the "blue backlight" it has been discussed quite a lot, actually. I think some of the iPods use screens from a different manufacturer that happens to have more of a blue tint than the others. Not a huge deal, but I would like to see one. Mine is white.

THE MAC GOD · Sep 2, 2003, 04:05 PM

is there anyway to get a picture of that in here? Never heard of a blue backlight...

MaxPower2k3 · Sep 2, 2003, 04:07 PM

Originally posted by all2ofme:
Ahh, interesting.

The blue backlight (at least on my friend's iPod) is more than just a different colour - the screen is noticeably sharper and more readable.

It's definitely a strong blue, too. I noticed it before I put my one beside it, so it's not subtle.

something like the difference between these two? My first iPod was defective and had a white background, and the replacement, to my surprise, had a very blue background. before i sent back the old one i took a picture of the two side-by-side for comparison. I think i like the look of the blue better, but the white had much more even color -- the blue screen tends to be a bit darker around the edges when the backlight is on.

all2ofme · Sep 2, 2003, 05:02 PM

Exactly. I didn't notice any problem with the uniformity of the light on the blue one my friend has, though.

Originally posted by MaxPower2k3:
something like the difference between these two?

THE MAC GOD · Sep 2, 2003, 05:07 PM

Shoot... I LIke the blue... i have a 30gb thats is standard white... is that just some kinda manufacturing quirk? or what?

hyteckit · Sep 2, 2003, 05:14 PM

My little brother was like, "hey the iPod comes with a color screen now." I was like "Um... no. It's just a blue-ish white tint."

biscool · Sep 2, 2003, 06:38 PM

Just got a 3G 10gb ipod, it has 2.0.2 and a blue backlight. The screen is very sharp, good stuff

::maroma:: · Sep 2, 2003, 09:00 PM

Cool, I was just wondering about this very question myself. My Dad just got a 15Gig (3G) and his is the white background. I got my 30Gig (3G) about a month before him and mine is blue. Glad it's not a mistake. But I think he likes the blue better.

herbsman · Sep 3, 2003, 01:57 AM

yup mine is blue as well. i bought a 15gig ipod at the company store which turned out to be a piece of crap defect. i had to call applecare and they sent me a replacement with a new ipod that had 2.0.2. installed with the blue screen. this one works so i'm happy

all2ofme · Sep 3, 2003, 09:56 AM

Do those people with blue-screened 15GB iPods have the following details in their About section?

Model: M8946LL

Mine (the white-screened version) has:

Model: M8946B

My friend's blue iPod has just died after one hour's listening. Looks like it's going back to the shop for a replacement...

Ben

MaxPower2k3 · Sep 3, 2003, 10:25 AM

my blue one is indeed M8946LL. Been working good since the end of June.

hyteckit · Sep 3, 2003, 02:04 PM

Mine is the 10GB model iPod with blue-ish white tint backlight.

Model #: M8976LL

KaosDG · Sep 3, 2003, 02:49 PM

Originally posted by all2ofme:
Do those people with blue-screened 15GB iPods have the following details in their About section?

Model: M8946LL

Mine (the white-screened version) has:

Model: M8946B

My friend's blue iPod has just died after one hour's listening. Looks like it's going back to the shop for a replacement...

Ben

hmm.

My iPod (15gb) is M8946LL, but to me it looks like a White screen...

But the odd thing is that when my friend first saw it he said "Wow they come in blue now?"

?? I dunno. Maybe Apple just got a different batch of LEDs for the backlights ina few shipments?

Severed Hand of Skywalker · Sep 3, 2003, 03:48 PM

WOW! Who needs a girlfriend when you have blue backlighting!

all2ofme · Sep 4, 2003, 05:47 PM

...and who needs a dose of happiness in their life! Lighten up - the world's not out to bore you, you know...

Originally posted by Severed Hand of Skywalker:
WOW! Who needs a girlfriend when you have blue backlighting!

benb · Sep 5, 2003, 02:57 PM

Originally posted by Severed Hand of Skywalker:
WOW! Who needs a girlfriend when you have blue backlighting!

Good thing you like men!

Severed Hand of Skywalker · Sep 6, 2003, 01:00 AM

Originally posted by benb:
Good thing you like men!

I like my men hairy and I backlighting white!