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Apple's iPod and applesauce

Posted by: Bruce Nussbaum on September 27

Is Apple facing a consumer backlash over the iPod that will make applesauce of its reputation? A really smart innovation consultant, Larry Keeley of Doblin, Inc. thinks this may be the case. Now Keeley is no Apple-basher. In fact, he believes Apple is one of the most innovative companies in the world. Why? It innovates in many kinds of innovative spaces simultaneously. This sharply increases the chances of success. Keeley says that the iPod broke the MP3 mold by innovating in 7 types of innovation. But he says Apple may have blown it with the iPod batteries.

You know the story. Hard to replace. Expensive. An early web campaign by loyal iPoders angry at Apple over the batteries. But most of the millions of average consumers who bought their iPods are oblivious to this inside-Apple culture fight. Lots of them bought their iPods a year or so ago and may soon find their batteries going down. Or dead. Keeley thinks this may produce a serious backlash. Think sales, profits, stock price. I don’t know if Keeley is right. But we’ll soon see.

Hmmm. Just went to Apple’s site to see if there was a photo of an iPod I might download and found this other battery problem listed. Does Apple have a thing with batteries?

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Reader Comments

steve baker

September 27, 2005 08:42 PM

Apple's problem now is that the nano's scratch very easily. It's angering people, and if Apple doesn't respond quickly and well, I'm betting it's going to give their reputation a tarring.

Niti Bhan

September 27, 2005 08:50 PM

Not just batteries, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4286294.stm

but scratched screens in the new Nano as well.

Stefan Engeseth

September 27, 2005 10:12 PM

The best quality Apple have is there fans, but even fans can run out of energy.

Why can’t they use Apple fans like Isamu Sanada (www.applele.com) whom came up with better ideas than the company’s own R&D?

Patrick Misterovich

September 28, 2005 01:53 PM

Apple makes such beautiful, flawless looking products. Of course, there is backlash if they don't live up to perfection. I give them credit for setting the bar so high. But, it can be a dangerous place to live. Maybe the time is right for something different. Something with an entirely different esthetic.

Dave Schroeder

October 6, 2005 08:39 PM

Since every single lithium ion battery on earth will eventually need to be replaced, and Apple has its own battery replacement program for $59 (or you can do it yourself from any of exeedingly numerous vendors for as little as under $30), I really don't see what this continuing obsession with the batteries is.

http://ipodbatteryfaq.com/

apple battery

April 26, 2008 07:32 AM

I tested this camera for a client. I didn’t have the light running for more than 15 minutes. The battery lasted approximately 6 hours before recharging. The LCD, however, had a few dead pixels - never saw this before. Tried returning for exchange and had to put up quite a fight. Anyone else seen this? http://www.batteryfast.co.uk

apple batrery

May 11, 2008 03:22 AM

I tested this camera for a client. I didn’t have the light running for more than 15 minutes. The battery lasted approximately 6 hours before recharging. The

LCD, however, had a few dead pixels - never saw this before. Tried returning for exchange and had to put up quite a fight. Anyone else seen this?

http://www.batterylaptoppower.com

apple battery

May 27, 2008 02:50 AM


I tested this camera for a client. I didn’t have the light running for more than 15 minutes. The battery lasted approximately 6 hours before recharging. The LCD, however, had a few dead pixels - never saw this before. Tried returning for exchange and had to put up quite a fight. Anyone else seen this? http://www.batteryfast.com

ipod batteries

March 14, 2009 06:59 AM

It's worth adding that if your iPod refuses to go into Disk Mode and you hear a noticeable clicking sound the problem might just be corrosion on the HDD cable and will need cleaned periodically.

ipod batteries

Cheap Computers

July 7, 2009 04:23 PM

Its true that Apple is the most innovative company and it is hard to replace it as it very expensive and do not have any resale value even though you sale it in their display centre ........
http://www.electrocomputerwarehouse.com

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Want to stop talking about innovation and learn how to make it work for you? Bruce Nussbaum takes you deep into the latest thinking about innovation and design with daily scoops, provocative perspectives and case studies. Nussbaum is at the center of a global conversation on the growing discipline of innovation and the deepening field of design thinking. Read him to discover what social networking works—and what doesn’t. Discover where service innovation is going and how experience design is shaping up. Learn which schools are graduating the most creative talent and which consulting firms are the hottest. And get his take on what the smartest companies are doing in the U.S., Asia and Europe, far ahead of the pack.

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