ColorWare iPod Paint Modification - My Review

[Ryan]

Okay, I got my iPod back today and here are my thoughts.

Once you order the service via their website, someone will email you within a day and ask what return shipment method you want (Ground, 2-Day, Overnight, etc) and give you the prices for each. I figure this is a step they could do away with and just add it to the checkout process when you first place the order.

Next step you have to do is package up your ipod and ship it off to the address provided after you've purchased the service. Be sure to insure your package for the value of the ipod because FedEx and UPS can lose packages! Ground shipping to them fully insured using fedex was around $6 or so.

A week goes by and I didnt hear anything back from the company. There is no "order status" system on their website, so you cant tell whats going on. So, a week later I emailed customer service and asked how much longer it was going to be. They told me it would ship out the next day. Since I am going out of town this weekend, ground shipping wouldnt have made it to me in time. So, i had to upgrade my shipping method to 2-Day.

2 days later, my package arives. Pics below.

http://images.xmfan.com/ipod/1.jpg
http://images.xmfan.com/ipod/2.jpg
http://images.xmfan.com/ipod/3.jpg
http://images.xmfan.com/ipod/4.jpg
http://images.xmfan.com/ipod/5.jpg

The paint is a nice automotive-quality metallic paint with a clear coat layer on top. The paint job was very nice. No noticeable blemishes anywhere.

I was a little concerned that the paint and clear coat over the touch pad would lessen the performance. That was not the case. It seems to function exactly the same as before.

So the total cost after the service price plus to and from shipping is anywhere from $55-85 depending on which shipping methods you choose. Is it worth that much? No. Is it a cool mod? Absolutely. I'm sure you could get yourself some masking tape and a can of good quality spray paint and do something similar for only a few dollars, but it probably wouldnt look as good as this.

[markp99]

Ryan!

That painted Pod is sooo sweet! Your pictures are MUCH more flattering than the ones posted on their website.

Can you tell how they masked the transition between front plastics and back chrome. Do you think they popped open the Pod to get a perfect paint line??

I am sooo thinking about this....

Thanks for the pics!

[kojak]

That is absolutely breathtaking!

[Ryan]

they dont open the ipod. This mod doesnt void the warrenty -- or so im told. It appears they did used some type of tape or something to mask off the chrome. If I look very closely, I can see some offspray of the paint on the very beginning edge of the chrome. But this isnt something you'd notice unless you are 1 inch away. Not a big deal

-Ryan

[spankford]

#### that is one fine ipod.

Wouldn't it be cool if they could put flames down the side ala a fifties hotrod?

It looks like it has flake in it.

love it!

[Ryan]

no, the paint isnt flaked.

Here is a high-res version of pic number 5 from above. Dial-up Warning: 440KB

http://images.xmfan.com/ipod/5_full.jpg

for anyone wondering, this color is called "Envy" on their site. The demo pics look horrible on their site.

[amateurstanding]

that thing looks so bad ###. i think like a grayish blue would be cool.

[legofreak769]

Originally posted by markp99
Ryan!

That painted Pod is sooo sweet! Your pictures are MUCH more flattering than the ones posted on their website.

Can you tell how they masked the transition between front plastics and back chrome. Do you think they popped open the Pod to get a perfect paint line??

I am sooo thinking about this....

Thanks for the pics!

they reviewed this on techtv and they said that they don't open it or anything. and it doesn't void the apple waranty.

[Mac Brat]

That is one HOT looking iPod i see there...My main concern though is do you think the paint can chip off during time? Or do you think it will stay on there permanently?

[Ryan]

i think the layer of clear coat will keep the paint from scratching, peeling, chipping. I'm scratching it with my fingernail right now and it just glides across. Unless i slice at the paint with a knife or something, it doesnt look like it will come off.

[v43]

nice paint job i wonder if it comes in more colours that would be cool

[SFNE Freak]

Wow...thats hot. I'm seriously considering getting Caution or Wet now when I have the money. That's a quality paint job. My only concern is whether I have the balls to do it or not. ;)

[MadDog5145]

It would be cooler if they left the scroll wheel unpainted. Maybe they can via special request.....

[bennok]

Actually, I wish they also painted the buttons, but I guess you wouldn't be able to see the |<< MENU |> >>|
That looks cool and I think it would maybe be worth $50 ('cause it's certainly not something I could do).
I'd be excited to see other pics from places other than their site.

Thanks, Ryan.

[Ryan]

i guess they dont paint the 4 buttons because the fact that they are backlit.

I picked the green color because i thought if i got something darker it might look akward with 4 white buttons right in the middle. With the lighter colors, they dont stick out as much. (I was judging this on the pictures they have on their site. I'm sure even the dark colors will look good in person)

[spankford]

Ryan, Ok, it's not flake but what is it? On their website the colors look flat, but on your amazing pics the green looks a little sparklely. I love it. Do you think all the colors have that sparkle?

[spankford]

yo-

I just completely geeked out and used that pic for my desktop.....

[Ryan]

the "flakes" you are referring to are metallic bits. They use metallic paint, just like on cars. You know how when you look close up at a car you can see all the metallic sparkles in the paint, but from a distance it just looks like a solid color? Same thing here....

[kezza]

any idea if the new paint job is more scratch resistant than the regular ipod case, or does it scratch just as easily?

if this is a more scratch-proof coating, i'm seriously considering it!

[Ryan]

Originally posted by kezza
any idea if the new paint job is more scratch resistant than the regular ipod case, or does it scratch just as easily?

if this is a more scratch-proof coating, i'm seriously considering it!

I couldnt tell you. I've only been an iPod owner for about a month before I got it painted. I've never had any scratches

[TheFly]

Holy KRAP! I'm loving that. If I had a 3rd Gen iPod, I would DEFINITELY get that done. I have a pristine 2ndGen that I just got replaced. Anyone want to trade? haha.

Are they limited to the colors on the site. I would want to get it colormatched to my 2001 VW New Beetle. Cyber Green!

[v43]

i hope the ipod will be sold by apple in more colours that would be nice

[darkfusion]

Here is the iPod that TechTV got painted by Colorware:

http://www.techtv.com/graphics/thescreensavers/3585755.jpg

Looks very nice!

[v43]

i like that colour blue is cool

[v43]

now if they could only find a way to paint the buttons two without compromising the backlighting

[drgonzo]

They should give you a matching firewire cable with it.

[Ryan]

Originally posted by TheFly
Holy KRAP! I'm loving that. If I had a 3rd Gen iPod, I would DEFINITELY get that done. I have a pristine 2ndGen that I just got replaced. Anyone want to trade? haha.

Are they limited to the colors on the site. I would want to get it colormatched to my 2001 VW New Beetle. Cyber Green!

I read on their site somewhere that they can colormatch any color for an additional fee. I think it was something like an additional $100 or so?

[legofreak769]

Originally posted by v43
nice paint job i wonder if it comes in more colours that would be cool

they have like 27 colors

[TheFly]

Originally posted by Ryan
I read on their site somewhere that they can colormatch any color for an additional fee. I think it was something like an additional $100 or so?

You know, that would almost be worth it if I decided to show my beetle at some car compettitions.

[Mountain Man]

Nice. If I had money to burn I'd probably go for something like this.

[Riceboi]

Wow that is awesome! ...i jus wish the website had pictures like that.....I wouldn't mind having a "smoke" white paint done to mine for that automotive-like finish, since i'm one of those guys who believe in all that white simplicity junk ;-) They have it available for the Powerbook....

[Quazimodo]

Do you think its possible to do that to the 2nd generation iPods?

I guess since it has that clear glass on it it would be harder - but possible?

[zapod]

While I would hesitate to paint a brand new iPod, it does look good in the pics.

You have to remember though, that the white paint of iPod is applied inside the polycarbonate shell - no amount of scratching will wear the paint off because it's protected by a layer of plastic like a CD. Yes, the shell gets scratched, but it will remain impeccably white.

Not sure if the same can be said about paint on the outside of the shell.

[saqib]

dman i think im gonna have to this, i live the UK but im gonna find tou if they can ship to me

[Chocky]

I noticed on the orderform on their website that their is a checkbox to "match ipod base." Does anyone know what this means?

[Ryan]

i think that means they will paint the ipod dock the same color. That is somethign new-- wasnt an option when i had mine done.

[Umrath]

The dock option is kinda stupid. I love the quality of the paints though.

[legofreak769]

spankford
Spankford

why is you ranking "really low ranking

[ssmith2k3]

awesome! It sure would be nice to have a unique personalized ipod, instead of the same white kind everyone has, but then again, it is hard to justify the price.

nevertheless, I kinda like some of these ideas I'm hearing: hot rod flame paintjob or something would be cool

then everyone would know instantly just how cool I was!

[CanaMacPod]

Those are some incredible pics, I'd love to have mine done like that, except in orange.

[nickb]

Originally posted by spankford
Ryan, Ok, it's not flake but what is it? On their website the colors look flat, but on your amazing pics the green looks a little sparklely. I love it. Do you think all the colors have that sparkle?

I'd gander its because they're cheap and they haven't bought 20 some different iPods and iBooks, etc. to paint and take demo pictures of, but have done digital editing. It would be nice if they took actual pictures as they painted customer's units all the various colors.

[Newtware]

im getting the Wet after christmas. All them relatives get me cash. Im getting the 40gb Wet iPod. I just cant weight.

[Anarchi5t]

That is one sweet iPod!

I love the colours aswell I really like the yellow

The only problem is I change my desktop colours at least once a week my mood is constantly changing so if I got a yellow chances are Id want a blue in a week.

I dont like the idea of paying 300 each for an iPod for every day of the week lol

It would be a nice idea if they released the covers so you could pop open your ipod and simply place a new cover on with a new colour even though it would void my warranty I wouldnt care I never send things back I always just buy another one (less hassle)

I bet Apple wouldnt be too happy about them copying the cover though

Untill that happens Im just waiting for the exo2 to come in the glo colours :p

My "two cents"

Scott

[x59]

Am I the only one that would LOVE to see a chrome illlusion type paint job on the iPod? That would kick so much ### it isnt even funny. I would love to have that, but not pay the extra $100 or so to have it matched. The color combos they have (red/blue + green/purple) look really bad to me.
SWEET!!! I might get mine done in wet or envy after xmas if I get one. Blaze isnt bad either.

[kloan]

Originally posted by zapod
While I would hesitate to paint a brand new iPod, it does look good in the pics.

You have to remember though, that the white paint of iPod is applied inside the polycarbonate shell - no amount of scratching will wear the paint off because it's protected by a layer of plastic like a CD. Yes, the shell gets scratched, but it will remain impeccably white.

Not sure if the same can be said about paint on the outside of the shell.

the third gens arent painted on the inside.. just like the newer ibooks... they're white plastic now..

[ipeddler]

Originally posted by kloan
the third gens arent painted on the inside.. just like the newer ibooks... they're white plastic now..

Actually, looking at my 3G IPod, there's no white paint at all. It's white plastic covered with a clear plastic shell.

[Encrypt]

Originally posted by Ryan
no, the paint isnt flaked.

Here is a high-res version of pic number 5 from above. Dial-up Warning: 440KB

http://images.xmfan.com/ipod/5_full.jpg

for anyone wondering, this color is called "Envy" on their site. The demo pics look horrible on their site.


Are you sure the paint isn't flaked, sure looks it to me. If not, why does it look like that, is it textured?

[kloan]

huh, looking more closely at it, it now looks as if the plastic is clear afterall... but it's hard to tell. definately not like the new ibooks plastic though.

that paint does have "flake" in it. that's what sparkles. there's a ton of automotive paint that has metal flake in it, some more and some less, and of course the size of the flake itself varies.

ive got a question though, how is it that the touchpad still works after being painted??

[Ryan]

if you mean flaked as in "chipped", no it is not. But if you mean flaked as in sparkley, then yes. As I stated in my review, they use an automotive quality metallic paint. There are small metallic bits in the paint that make it sparkle.

The touchpad still works great. No difference. I assume touchpads work by detecting heat, and I guess the heat from your finger goes right through the paint.

[Preppy]

Originally posted by Encrypt
Are you sure the paint isn't flaked, sure looks it to me. If not, why does it look like that, is it textured?

It's metallic paint. It has very small, fine flakes in there that give it the appearance of having a 'metal' look. Hence why it's called METALLIC paint ;)

Most cars have metallic paint, you should look really closely next time at a car that has metallic paint and you'll see something VERY similar.

[Preppy]

Originally posted by Ryan
if you mean flaked as in "chipped", no it is not. But if you mean flaked as in sparkley, then yes. As I stated in my review, they use an automotive quality metallic paint. There are small metallic bits in the paint that make it sparkle.

The touchpad still works great. No difference. I assume touchpads work by detecting heat, and I guess the heat from your finger goes right through the paint.

Whoa.....we posted at the same exact time.....the same exact thing pretty much haha :p

Nice job though man. I know you didn't do it, but that took some guts to take the chance in doing. Very sexy iPod there :)

[narin]

did your ipod have minor scratches on it? and were they gone after the paint job? i have tiny little scratches all over mine and i was wondering if the color job would remove it from the from and the screen.. probably not the screen because they don't color it

[honeybee1236]

I had been considering getting my iPod painted by them. The pictures of your paint job are very nice. They look better than the ones on the website. :) Thanks for posting them.

[shaggyoogle]

hmmm, i wonder how the sample works, i might want to tell them to paint the click wheel the same color as the regular white. That would be quite nice.

[jstylex0r]

i just send them my ipod to get it colored envy!!! I CANT WAIT!

[Austin]

I sent my 4G iPod to colorware 21 days ago, and just got it back today. It was well worth the wait. However, this wait should be smaller for most b/c colorware has been experiencing "increased demand" lately....can you say U2 iPod SE? Here are some pictures of my Wet-colored iPod.

[Austin]

By the way, this thread helped me to make the decision to take the plunge and get my iPod painted.

[Austin]

Another pic.

[Austin]

Another pic. By the way, there is a very small amount of "orange peeling" on the clickwheel, not noticable unless you look very closely, but still there.

[Austin]

Another pic.

[Austin]

Yet another pic.

[Austin]

Oh, and by the way, they do apply a layer of clearcoat over the entire front of the iPod, including the screen. This should get rid of any scratches that may be on your screen....I spoke with a ColorWare service guy and he said that they will soon offer "white" as a color, just for people that want to get rid of the scratches and better protect the iPod...they claim that the clearcoat is tougher than the original acrylic of the iPod

[Austin]

Oh yeah, here's some pics of the iTrip too.

[Austin]

iTrip Picture.

[Austin]

iTrip Picture.

[bitsculptor]

That is amazingly gorgeous! Congrats!

--bit

[Austin]

Originally posted by bitsculptor
That is amazingly gorgeous! Congrats!

--bit

Thanks Bit.

I was very nervous to ship it to ColorWare because I was afraid that if I didn't like it I would have ruined the look of my 3day-old iPod. My girlfriend convinced me to ship it. So I did, and it turned out much better than I expected. It looks a lot better than the pics on the ColorWare website.

I am very pleased.

(btw, nice iPod Photo)

[jstylex0r]

mine was scartched up so much, i shipped it to them and it came back as scratchless
and i havent got any scratch since its been scratch proofed

[Jpac]

wow, thse ipods look sweet but i hate the one color, i mean i like the color but not for everything. i wonder if they could do two colors, like wet on the ipod and carbon on the click wheel or something for no extra cost that owuld be awesome

[potato]

hey... i went to the colorware site b4 this n i was really dissapointed ta see they dont color the ipod mini!! i hope they do cus ive always wanted mine in black!! but i was wonderin.. i looked at a lotta pics n they never show the back so i was kinda confused - they do paint the back too right?! and if they do.. wat if u got the laser engraving (only availabe wen u buy ur mini off the apple site) on the back of ur ipod - dus it still show up?? hope sumone cud clear this up for me cus id love to do it!! thanks.. peace

[iPulse]

They do not paint the silver backing of your iPod

[Mr. Diggs]

I am thinking about painting my ipod myself, I have a very high quality airbrush that should do the job just fine. check out the finishes and special effects offered by this company......they're amazing!!!

http://alsacorp.com/paints.htm

I have seen these finishes in person at the SEMA show in Las Vegas last fall, the website pictures hardly do this stuff justice. Check out the crystal fx, crazer, and mirra chrome. they are a bit expensive, but so is everything we want,,,,right?

[chuckley]

OMG both of those sets of pics are amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i want blush but it looks like a sickly pink. I think mystique is the one for me :D

[-James]

Very cool. I have a 3G and am not too sure if i like that the four buttons don't get painted. But if i had a 4G then i'd get it done it red, no doubt about it.

[RedLawnGnome]

Here are a few picture of my 4G I got colored in the "Alpine" color...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/RedLawnGnome/DSC00011.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/RedLawnGnome/DSC00010.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/RedLawnGnome/DSC00008.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/RedLawnGnome/DSC00007.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/RedLawnGnome/DSC00033.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/RedLawnGnome/DSC00039.jpg

[vb_master]

How come this doesn't void your warrenty?

[kloan]

Originally posted by vb_master
How come this doesn't void your warrenty?
because it's only paint, it doesn't modify or affect the functionality.

[dubr562]

DOes anybody know if they will do two colors? I want to get my Ipod painted "Midnight" with the click wheel in black and the center button in "Midnight"

[Quasipodo]

Originally posted by Mr. Diggs
I am thinking about painting my ipod myself, I have a very high quality airbrush that should do the job just fine. check out the finishes and special effects offered by this company......they're amazing!!!

http://alsacorp.com/paints.htm

I have seen these finishes in person at the SEMA show in Las Vegas last fall, the website pictures hardly do this stuff justice. Check out the crystal fx, crazer, and mirra chrome. they are a bit expensive, but so is everything we want,,,,right?


Man, the stuff they have is AWESOME! I'd love to see what you come up with! The temp sensitive paint is probably the coolest for an iPod... Imagine the colour changing depending on the environment!

[GadgetGuru72]

Originally posted by kloan
because it's only paint, it doesn't modify or affect the functionality.

It's not "only" paint. They take the iPod apart in order to paint it properly. Once an iPod is taken apart the warranty is usually void. If the ColorWare process doesn't void the warranty it must be because Apple has officially endorsed this process or the company. That would be my guess.

[Cooky]

Those iPods look amazing, especialy 'wet'.
[Slightly off topic]
Has anybody else seen the colorware Mac Minis?

http://www.123macmini.com/news/story/24.html

The Carbon Mac Mini is the sexiest computer ever. Fact.

[batboy]

I was told their process does not void the warranty because the do not actually take it apart. You can send your iPod to Apple to get repaired in as long as it's within it's year just like any other one. The only issue is that you might not be guaranteed to get your colored one back.

This is why Colorware gives you a year warranty. To guarantee that you will get a colored one back. They also sell an extended warranty.

This only applies to the ones ordered through them. It does not apply to an ipod that you shipped to them to have painted.

To further the praises of Colorware, I had a 20GB 4G painted pink for my wife and it looks awesome. :D

[AndyH]

Originally posted by RedLawnGnome
Here are a few picture of my 4G I got colored in the "Alpine" color...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/RedLawnGnome/DSC00011.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/RedLawnGnome/DSC00010.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/RedLawnGnome/DSC00008.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/RedLawnGnome/DSC00007.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/RedLawnGnome/DSC00033.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/RedLawnGnome/DSC00039.jpg
Looks fantastic...I love that color!

[mdwsta4]

those of you that have had your ipods painted for a while, have you noticed any chips/scratches? what about wear (probably around the corners)? do you use a case with yours and does that rub any of the paint/clear off?
any real pictures of a carbon painted one?

[MurphydaCat]

Hi - has anyone in the UK managed to get this done yet?

Any idea of time, shipping costs etc? I may have to buy my husband a Shuffle and "borrow" that whilst it's being done...

[jstylex0r]

colorware completely rips you off through shipping and handling charges. if your not in USA i dont recommend it

[JDelaSeph]

Originally posted by mdwsta4
those of you that have had your ipods painted for a while, have you noticed any chips/scratches? what about wear (probably around the corners)? do you use a case with yours and does that rub any of the paint/clear off?
any real pictures of a carbon painted one?

Yeah, I have a months-old carbon, I'll get to posting pics later this week.

[allforcarrie]

interesting!

[puckles]

looks gorgeous.

[romeoso]

all those look amazing!! i wonder if colorware will be doing two-tone anytime soon. it'd be fantastic to choose a different color for the click wheel.

[Adri1456]

Looking good guys!

But I don't think I'm willing to send my iPod off to somewhere off the island w/out me keeping me an it.

[MurphydaCat]

Well, I checked the website again and they don't offer this service for International customers. And no exceptions! (I had to check....)

[mdwsta4]

so not a single person on this website has a 'live' picture of a carbon painted ipod?
with the exception of the brushed ipod tutorial, there's not much useful information on here.

[Austin]

********PLEASE READ BEFORE PAINTING IPOD********
To All:

A few days ago, my iPod failed. I took it to the local Apple Store and the associate there told me that he could not replace my iPod because if he did, the store would be charnged $250. I then called Apple in Cupertino and they told me that "You might as well have thrown it against a brick wall because, from what I'm seeing here, painting your iPod is considered user damage." He also told me that since colorware does not have a receipt that says that their services do not void the Apple warranty, they do, in fact, void it. So to all who are wondering, sending your iPod to ColorWare to have it painted VOIDS YOUR APPLE WARRANTY. Even though they do not take the iPod apart to paint it, since apple can't use the case of your iPod to rebuild a refurbished model, your warranty will be void.

IF YOU WANT A WARRANTY, PURCHASE A PAINTED IPOD DIRECTLY FROM COLORWARE. Even though ColorWare does not offer a warranty on products that you purchase, then send to them for Painting, they DO offer a warranty to supplant the Apple warranty if you initially purchase your iPod directly from them, already painted.

I really like the look of my painted iPod, it's awesome and the paint holds up extremely well, however, I would not do this ever again because of the fact that it voided my warranty, and now I'm SOL.

[JohnnyRoaster]

Austin,

Sorry Apple was so rude. I emailed ColorWare about if their painting process voids the Apple warranty. They said "The process should not void the warranty." They did not state that it does not void the warranty. They only suggested it should not void the warranty. It sort of sounds like they are dancing around the issue.

I think the Apple rep was a bit harsh saying you might as well have thrown it against a brick wall. He should appreciate the fact that you went to trouble of having it painted by a professional. Apple used to be such a cool company. It seems like they have no concern for their customers these days.

Did you get your iPod working again?

[Austin]

Originally posted by JohnnyRoaster
Austin,

Sorry Apple was so rude. I emailed ColorWare about if their painting process voids the Apple warranty. They said "The process should not void the warranty." They did not state that it does not void the warranty. They only suggested it should not void the warranty. It sort of sounds like they are dancing around the issue.


Well, he wasn't really rude. We talked for quite awhile, and he looked around for a long time to see what he could do for me, but then when he got done he just told me that he's sorry, but it looked like he couldn't do anything for me. And then he made the brick-wall comment...definitely not in a rude way, just matter-of-factly.

On monday, my mom called Apple again (she's great at getting companies work with her) and she talked to quite a few people and told them the whole story and about the fact that we had read many articles, etc. that said that it didn't void the warranty. We also told her than we have been long-time Mac-users and that I'm planning on buying an iMac and PowerBook for college, so eventually she put us on hold for awhile and spoke with a superior, and came back and told me that she could make a one-time exception and to take this as a lesson-learned not to paint it again, because it is considered user damage and voids the warranty. We spoke at about 4:00 on monday and a box was delivered to my house the next day, exteremely quick. I was in Atlanta though, so I just sent my iPod yesterday. I'm still up in the air on what will happen though, I'll let you know when I get it back.

-Austin

P.S. Before I spoke with apple the second time, I sent Lars Rasmussen of ColorWare this email:

My hard-drive just failed on my iPod (bought in October), Apple says
that my warranty is void because I had it painted, and they will not
replace my iPod. As I understood when I purchased your services, the
warranty was not voided by them, Apple seems to think that this is not
ture for their warranty. Does this mean that your company supplies its
own warranty for the product? Will you be able to replace my iPod? Thank
you for your assistance.

Regards,
Austin
__________________________

He replied:

If you bought the iPod from us, we cover the iPod for one year. This also
includes the hard drive. Please call our tech department at 888-452-6567
x16. Thank you.

ColorWare Inc. Sales

[mdwsta4]

posts like that ^^^ make me wonder what the average age of posters are on this forum. 16? 17? not to offend anyone, just something i've noticed.

[Austin]

Posts like that? Because of the fact that my mom called them or something? haha.

Yeah, I'm only 18, but no dolt, just not schooled in the art of getting companies to bend the rules.
Purdue Engineering student in the fall on a full-ride merit scholarship.

[JohnnyRoaster]

md- what does his age have to do with anything? He has the right to post just like anybody else. As far as I know, if my four year old daughter could type she could also post. Please correct me if I am wrong.

Austin- Sorry if I misinterpreted your post. I have not had much luck with Apple csr's lately. I hope everything works out and you have a "wet" iPod when you get back home. I am still thinking about sending my iPod photo in for a paint job. I am thinking about all three of the blue colors and can't decide. It sounds like Lars is dancing around the warranty issue. I would feel a little better about sending them my ipod if they were a bit more upfront about the warranty and if it is voided or not.

[Austin]

Originally posted by JohnnyRoaster
md- what does his age have to do with anything? He has the right to post just like anybody else. As far as I know, if my four year old daughter could type she could also post. Please correct me if I am wrong.

Austin- Sorry if I misinterpreted your post. I have not had much luck with Apple csr's lately. I hope everything works out and you have a "wet" iPod when you get back home. I am still thinking about sending my iPod photo in for a paint job. I am thinking about all three of the blue colors and can't decide. It sounds like Lars is dancing around the warranty issue. I would feel a little better about sending them my ipod if they were a bit more upfront about the warranty and if it is voided or not.

I think what apple is going to do is replace my iPod with a stock refurbished one. I actually prefer this in case I need to redeem any warranty services again or if later on I choose to participate in the battery replacement program. Don't get me wrong, I do like the fact that my iPod was unique, and the paint was beautiful and extremely robust; however, I now do not think that these benefits outweigh the drawbacks of the service.

I, too, wish that ColorWare would be more specific about the warranty and actually advertise properly that getting the aftermarket paint voids your apple warranty. I consider this to be false advertising claiming that it doesn't. I wonder if they have even contacted apple to ask if it voids the warranty or if they just assumed.

I am pleased with the paint, and everyone that I have contacted at colorware was very pleasant; however, the fact that the warranty process has been so difficult is troubling. Even if, by ColorWare's records, the warranty is not voided and Apple told them this, they should have better knowledge about the situation and proof that it is true.

Note: What's interesting to me is that neither the Genius at the Apple store and the two Apple technicians on the phone had ever heard of anyone painting their iPod, let alone the ColorWare company. Just an interesting tidbit of info that just came to mind that you might want to know.

[colorware]

I would like to resolve the warranty issue. Although we purchase all of our Apple products directly from Apple, ColorWare has not been able to get a written statement about the iPod warranty. However, Apple has "never" rejected one of our colored iPods for warranty. On the downside, they will send a white iPod in return. Apple does reserve the right to reject the colored iPod, but to this day it has never happened. Some Apple employees that are not familiar with our services may tell you otherwise. If a customer purchases the iPod form us, we cover the iPod fully with a one or two year warranty. Used iPods can only be covered for 30 days. Over 90% of our business involves customers purchasing new products though our website. The used coloring service is a small part of our business. I have personally talked to a manager at the Apple repair center in Texas and he personally assured me that our process does not void the warranty. This is why the issue is still unclear, but seems get resolved in every case. Thank you.

ColorWare Rep.

[Austin]

Colorware,

Thank you for the clarification. It would be nice if the Apple people were more informed about your process and knew for sure that your services didn't void the warranty because as far as they knew, they were making a one-time exception to the rule for me, and believed that, technically, my warranty was voided. Again, thank you for posting and letting all of us know, that way if anyone has problems in the future they might reference this website.

...now if we could only get an apple representative to post on here and again, support what colorware just said, for further proof to the Apple Store Geniuses and AppleCare representatives.

[Austin]

Notice:: Coloware recently introduced 6 two-tone color combinations. . . well one is actually just white/white but there are five that are truly two-toned.

[Austin]

Well...here's the latest update on my iPod...and it is a positive one.

After all of the hassle that I went through talking with Apple, and finally sending it to them for service. My hard drive problem was intermittant and would only illustrate problems on some songs sometimes. They were very sporatic. I guess when my iPod arrived at Apple, they tested it and couldn't find any problems (only because they weren't looking hard enough), so they sent it back, unrepaired with a note telling me that they deemed the iPod to exhibit "acceptable performace." This frustrated me, because when I used it in the days following its return, it still was having the same exact problems that it had when I shipped it.

Because of these problems with Apple, I decided to contact colorware to see if there was anything they could do for me. I spoke with Lars and a service representative on the phone and asked if they could help and made it clear that the hard drive problems were intermittant, they assured me that this was okay. So I shipped my iPod to ColorWare on a Monday and they shipped it back to me on Tuesday. This speed made me nervous because I assumed that this might mean that they did the same thing as Apple and found no problems so they just sent it back. However, to my suprise, when it arrived at my house on Thursday, it had a note enclosed that stated that they had replaced the hard drive. So I hooked it up to my computer, synced the songs, and it has worked like new ever since (it has been at least two weeks so far).

I just want to say THANK YOU COLORWARE for your awesome service, great positive attitude, and willingness to make customers happy, regardless of whether or not you are obligated to.

[JohnnyRoaster]

Austin,

That is great news. I am still thinking about sending my photo in to them but don't want to be without my ipod in the interim. I will definitely buy my next iPod from ColorWare.

I am glad it all worked out in the end. It is unusual these days to see a company go the extra mile to make their customers happy.

[HornetTuba08]

Why won't the dock work w/iPod mini, about a month ago I really scratched my iPod, and have been looking for something like this!
:confused:

[Dismal]

Your dock? That has nothing to do with this topic, post that problem in the problems section. Otherwise, good luck with the paint mod, not sure if they do minis.

[Austin]

Originally posted by HornetTuba08
Why won't the dock work w/iPod mini, about a month ago I really scratched my iPod, and have been looking for something like this!
:confused:


Are you saying that they say the dock won't work if they paint your mini? If so, I'm guessing that the clearances are too tight for the added size of the paint. It is thick automotive quality paint, so, if anything, this is my guess.

[HornetTuba08]

thx!

[crazy_azz_mat]

wow if i was to get everything i wanted done to my ipod it would cost me 102$ without taxes and shipping. Thats the ipod, dock, and itrip painted. Also considering that mine is a 4th gen so thats an extra 15$

[mrdantownsend]

i just sent in my photo for a blue body job and a white click wheel. I'll post pics and how it looks.

Cheers

[freddie-pod]

any new pics???

[skaaintdeadyet]

hey only read the first page but that is a BADDASS color and job...not sure its worth 85 bucks..but since i have an airbrush and professional car paint at my disposal i wouldnt consider it...im thinking of airbrushing my pod black and doing the center button red and making it look like its raised so it looks like its a button
( either my 3rd or 4th gen) and then airbrushing in a messy stencil form "DO NOT PRESS THE RED BUTTON" on the bottom or across the wheel. but im not sure.

[jkads3]

Anybody gotten a nano colorized yet? I'd like to see pics of that.

Do you think the nano is fragile enough that you would need a case even if you got it colorized?

[hexedecimal99]

im thinking about doing this but how the flip to they cover the menu buttons!?!?!

[GaryMF]

Anyone get a new 5G iPod (he one with video) from Colorware yet?

I have been wanting a to get a new iPod from CW in either Envy or Alpine (or both) and figure maybe with the new video one out I can replace my 3G.

Was curious if anyone has yet..... and what their experience is.

[ragingSPAM]

i can do that easily...i have access to a automotive spray gun and paint/materials...but i got a black 5g so im not gonna touch it for a long while

[Komradz4]

i wanna get one for the 5g. but i am wonder if the back will sctrach?