iPods can kill (but Apple doesn’t want anyone to know)

Apparently, Apple is trying to cover up the fact the the iPod touch is prone to spontaneous combustion, and they are trying to make everyone how has one that explodes sign a non-disclosure agreement as a condition for getting a refund. If you were someone who had a family member hurt or killed by an exploding iPod, how would you feel?

Should we allow iPods on airplanes? I think the evidence is clear that they are at least as dangerous than the liquids gels that they make me put in a ziploc bag every time I fly!

Apple Unsuccesfully Tries to Silence Owner of Fiery iPod

Legal threats were not enough to silence the truth

Jason Mick (Blog) – August 3, 2009 3:30 PM

Apple’s iPhones and iPods have been known to have overheating problems, at times bursting into flames.  Apple is reportedly doing everything in its power — or more aptly in its army of lawyers’ power — to keep these relatively infrequent incidents away from the public eye.

Ken Stanborough, 47, was among the victims of an exploding iPod and legal ploys by Apple.  Mr. Stansborough bought an iPod Touch for his 11-year-old daughter.  When holding the iPod one warm day last month, it began to overheat.  He states, “It made a hissing noise.  I could feel it getting hotter in my hand, and I thought I could see vapour.”

The father resorted to playing hot potato with the iPhone, tossing it outside.  He reports that “within 30 seconds there was a pop, a big puff of smoke and it went 10ft in the air.”

He contacted Apple, hoping for an apology, or at least a refund.  After speaking with several departments, he spoke to an Apple executive on the telephone, however, they wouldn’t promise him a refund.  According to the Times Online, he instead received a letter offering him a refund only if he signed some very restrictive legal terms.

Apple agreed to reimburse the £162 he paid at UK retailer Argos, but demanded that he “agree that you will keep the terms and existence of this settlement agreement completely confidential.”  Violation of this gag-order, according to Apple, “may result in Apple seeking injunctive relief, damages and legal costs against the defaulting persons or parties.”