I have a 3rd Gen 15 GB iPod that I bought new (well, refurbished) a few years ago. The device has always served me well. That is, until last week, when it began acting strange. Specifically, during playback of certain files (usually podcasts) the sound would cut out. Any attempt to bring the sound back would cause the display to go wild, randomly jumping from file to file. The only solution was to reset the iPod, and hope for the best. Not long after this problem surfaced, the iPod began having trouble syncing, and it would often flash the dreaded folder and disc icons. Using iTunes, I restored the iPod to its default settings many times. But the problems wouldn’t go away. Until tonight, I had written the device off for good. That is until I decided to give it one more try. I docked it with my Mac Mini, and after some struggling with the flashing folder icon, the unit synced up with iTunes. I cruised through the player’s menu system, and it seemed to be working OK. I’ve decided to let it charge overnight and see how well it works later today. If it performs like it used to, then I’ll assume it’s back to normal. But if it continues to be problematic, I’ll be sending it off to an electronics recycling company. For cash.
August 7, 2007
Mine was behaving similarly last Fall, immediately after an unscheduled iTunes upgrade. But then I tried a little trick that continues to work to this day.
Instead of syncing/charging the ‘Pod directly on the computer’s USB port, try plugging the ‘Pod into a powered USB hub, and connect that hub to the computer. The extra juice from the hub may help… ft
Thanks for the tip, Farris. And my iPod connected to the computer via Firewire, so no hub possibilities there.
And just to provide an update, the iPod continued to act up all day on Tuesday. I felt it was passed the point where it could be restored. I’ve already sent it off (along with an old cell phone) to be recycled. For now, I’m using the mp3 player function of my new Sony Walkman cell phone, and it works nicely. I just need to upgrade the flash memory, as the stock 256 MB chip doesn’t offer much storage.
well, as “they” say, nothing lasts forever!
-j
Yep. Not even if it’s made by Apple.
I LOVE THE PICTURE TODAY!!! Lunchmeat and plush!!! Awesome!
Bologna is really made of baby seals.
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