Thursday, May 21, 2009

An encrypted fashion advice from Apple support

These days you gotta have to be an 'Apple genius' or a real hardcore Apple fans in order to decrypt the messages coming out from the Cupertino-based company, and one of the latest resolutions from Apple support regarding the recent static shock that comes from iPhone/iPod earbuds is just another example.

Users have been complaining the experience of a small and quick electrical (static) shock from their earbuds while listening to iPod or iPhone, the grumbles are pouring all over at the company's support site thread.

"I get a small shock in my right ear only when I am on the treadmill at the gym. Really weird!" said one user. Other user also wrote: "Maybe it's just me but for a couple of weeks now my earphones are delivering little electric shocks into my ears."

Apple quickly respond at its support page by explaining that the condition does not necessarily indicate hardware issues with the iPod, iPhone, or earbuds:

This condition is very similar to dragging your feet across a carpet and receiving a static shock by touching a door knob.
Static buildup on your electronic device is largely due to the environment that it is used in. Certain environments and actions can encourage static electricity buildup:
  • Very low humidity (dry) environments are conducive for static buildup.
  • Very windy environments are conducive for static buildup.
  • Taking your device in and out of your pocket can create a static charge.
  • Jogging or exercising with your device can cause a static charge.
  • Clothes made with synthetic fibers (like nylon) can easily become charged with static electricity.
Apple offers some methods to remedy the condition such as suggesting users to try wear different clothes with natural fibers, since synthetic fibers are more likely to hold a static charge. But this would mean that users are more prone to wet their iPhone or iPods, because clothing with natural fibers are easier to absorb sweat from sports excercise. Users should be aware of their devices' warranty, which has limited coverage on submerged condition.

That isn't the best part, an eagle-eye TG Daily writer Emma Woollacott spotted the fashion tip behind the particular Apple support on this static shock case: "Leave your iPhone/iPod in your bag or pocket." Apple's argument is because removing your device from your pockets frequently as rubbing the device on certain materials can cause a static build up. Well, for a function point of view that might be the right thing to do. But why would you want to conceal the cool device from everyone's sight, when the main purpose of getting it out from your bag/pocket is to show it off to everyobody. ~LOL~

Il_430xN.70514871 But hey, perhaps you can pick one of this handmade iPhone felt-case, it's a handstitched case imitating the iPhone's stunning home screen. The $49.5 worth case is made from sheets of SOFT felt and measures 14.5 cm x 8 cm, covers almost every iPod and cell phones as said by the maker (via iPhone Savior). This way you can protect your iPod while keep on showing it off to everybody that you own and use an iPhone, or maybe you can fool everyone that you look like have an iPhone but instead use a lame 'dumb' phone inside it. ;-p

Interested? Too bad, as I'm writing this blog that handmade iPhone felt-case is already sold out... Dang! Better luck next time. Or in my case, better write it up faster next time.

No comments: