Ipod Nano (3rd Gen) Problem.

[ird]

Hi.

I won an iPod nano (with video) at work last week.

The first time I put songs on it, I ejected it and went took it with me outside for a walk. I was upset when I half (or more) of the songs I put on it would only part partially then skip to the next song. I did some research and I thought it was the VBR bug, but now I know it's not. I've converted some songs to both CBR mp3 (with Lame) and AAC (with itunes) all of which do the same thing.

The problem wasn't so bad at first, but after a week of it it's gotten worse. Now when I plug my iPod in add music and eject it, the next time I plug it in iTunes says it needs to be restored. Sometimes it doesn't even get recognized by iTunes at all and I have to reset it before it will.

Is the drive failing?

If there is no way I can remedy this is there any way I could take it to an Apple store? I don't have a recipt since I won it.

Any advice would be great.

[cjmnews]

There is no "drive" in a 3rd generation Nano. Just flash memory.

Have you tried restoring it? That may help.
Also, make sure you are at firmware version 1.1 in the Nano's Settings->About

You should be able to take it to the Genius Bar at an Apple store for more help even without a receipt.

[ird]

Like I said I always get the 'corrupt' message after unplugging it and plugging it back in (using eject)

It's stuck in a 'corrupt loop' I guess.

I've restored it tons of times and I'm using the 1.1 firmware.

I knew it uses flash memory, what I meant was (I was tired when writing the above post) is the flash memory bad or something?

[electrozoid]

It's not likely that your flash memory is bad but it's possible. The most probable issue is the formating of the memory which a restore should fix. Try a restore on a different computer since you may have a problem somewhere else which is preventing a correct restore.

[ird]

After some further testing, I'm convinced there is something wrong with the memory. I formatted it with windows (Fat32) and put some files onto it. I safely removed (ejected) it, reconnected it, and then tried to access it. Windows told me the drive wasn't formatted.

Unless anyone knows of something that could be causing this besides bad memory, I'm pretty sure my only option is to have it replaced.

[electrozoid]

The only other things which could be bad are the cable and the USB interface. If those are good than you've got a bad iPod.

[ird]

Will an Apple store replace it for free even if I didn't get it from them? Or will I have to pay? I won the iPod in a contest at the place I work.

[cjmnews]

Why don't you try and report back what they say.

[Buzzkilld]

Originally Posted by ird

Will an Apple store replace it for free even if I didn't get it from them? Or will I have to pay? I won the iPod in a contest at the place I work.

Doesn't matter. Go on their website and enter the serial number. It will tell you how long the warranty is. Also, register the unit, makes returns easier. Then follow the steps to getting it replaced. Don't need a reciept, etc. Very easy.

[reggavegga]

they seem to be pretty cool at the apple stores.i got a blue one from priorityclub points but wanted red.went to store and asked them could i trade for red.it was new though no music on it.they said as long as it had the right item number where they could just sell it at store it did so they traded me .i didnt have receipt just shipping paper.if you find the right person with a lot of knowledge at the store they should help straighten it out.