This is for Apple to mull over and I'm not after any royalties for this idea (groundbreaaking and revolutionary that it is).
They should consider making or advise people to go down the Bluetooth headphone route, if your quick Apple you might be able fill a gap. By all means start of with a crap quality build and make them decent by about version 3 or you could just skip forward a years development and just release a decent version right from the off.
(for various reasons and duties) -ranging from cheapo in ear ones to high end open backed jobs, and everything in between. I use them with all sorts of devices from mains powered to portable media players.*
I have NEVER received a static shock from headphones, or heard of anyone else receiving one, or heard that it may possibly be a problem.
So either it's the forced inclusion of such legalese for arse-covering reasons because one person, somewhere, received a static shock (probably due to user error or exceptional circumstances), or it's shoddy design.
Don't know which seems more likely, they're both plausible explanations.
In the unlikely event that anyone is taking any of this BS seriously, I ought to point out that the El Reg article advises removing your iPod from your pocket frequently, whereas the Apple page states that you should avoid doing so. As if it's going to make a blind bit of difference either way.
I have experienced shocks from headphones while riding a bicycle on rollers. It happens when the audio device is NOT in your pocket and static builds up from the rollers and discharges through the headphones. It is actually quite a blast right in the ear. I'm amazed it didn't fry the audio (CD) player.
Naturally I use a different music setup during our cold northern winters when I need the miles and our heating system dries the air.
Don't waste hard-earned money on expensive "fixes". Simply screw seven feet of ordinary zinc-plated 5/16 chain to your head before attempting to use your overpriced music gimmick. The static will flow to ground as you trail the chain behind you.
If you don't want to spring for screws, simply add another foot of chain and knot it round your neck.
Although I don't know what all the fuss is. Anyone who sprang for an iPhone must be brain dead anyway.
I've experienced shocks (hadn't thought they were static, but that would make a certain kind of sense - & it felt 'right' for static shock) from the earpieces of a Nokia 5140, many times. Never paid much attention to it - I was too busy driving, usually
@Rob re: Bluetooth - IIRC the iPod has no user-changeable battery, like most of the new Apple stuff, am I right? If so, imagine the $milions more they could make..
Apple touts tips to sidestep iPod earphone electric shocks
Anonymous Coward
or apple could... #
Posted Wednesday 20th May 2009 11:19 GMT
... replace the ear phones with decent quality earphones, as these ones are obviously not fit for puropse?
Anonymous Coward
Not sure about it affecting Aussies #
Posted Wednesday 20th May 2009 12:16 GMT
Where I am in SE Queensland we've just had over 30cm of rain in the last 24 hours so dry won't be a problem here.
Rob
Idea for Apple #
Posted Wednesday 20th May 2009 12:36 GMT
This is for Apple to mull over and I'm not after any royalties for this idea (groundbreaaking and revolutionary that it is).
They should consider making or advise people to go down the Bluetooth headphone route, if your quick Apple you might be able fill a gap. By all means start of with a crap quality build and make them decent by about version 3 or you could just skip forward a years development and just release a decent version right from the off.
Anonymous Coward
I have a lot of pairs of headphones #
Posted Wednesday 20th May 2009 14:48 GMT
(for various reasons and duties) -ranging from cheapo in ear ones to high end open backed jobs, and everything in between. I use them with all sorts of devices from mains powered to portable media players.*
I have NEVER received a static shock from headphones, or heard of anyone else receiving one, or heard that it may possibly be a problem.
So either it's the forced inclusion of such legalese for arse-covering reasons because one person, somewhere, received a static shock (probably due to user error or exceptional circumstances), or it's shoddy design.
Don't know which seems more likely, they're both plausible explanations.
*Note: none of these products are Apple.
Eddy Ito
Hardly surprising #
Posted Wednesday 20th May 2009 14:48 GMT
Apple has been giving its users wet willies for years now. The only difference is that now it's official and they expect you to do it yourself.
Jerome
To remove or not to remove? #
Posted Wednesday 20th May 2009 14:48 GMT
In the unlikely event that anyone is taking any of this BS seriously, I ought to point out that the El Reg article advises removing your iPod from your pocket frequently, whereas the Apple page states that you should avoid doing so. As if it's going to make a blind bit of difference either way.
James Sherwood
@ Jerome #
Posted Wednesday 20th May 2009 15:20 GMT
So sorry, very occasionally words get lopped off in the editing process. We'll make sure our sub-editors receive a suitable punishment...
john bertelsen
Headset shocks #
Posted Wednesday 20th May 2009 20:44 GMT
I have experienced shocks from headphones while riding a bicycle on rollers. It happens when the audio device is NOT in your pocket and static builds up from the rollers and discharges through the headphones. It is actually quite a blast right in the ear. I'm amazed it didn't fry the audio (CD) player.
Naturally I use a different music setup during our cold northern winters when I need the miles and our heating system dries the air.
Player_16
So now when I go fill up... #
Posted Wednesday 20th May 2009 22:07 GMT
I'll see a new sign with the red slash No Smoking, No Live Flames, No Cell Phones, and now...
... No iPods.
Stevie
Bah! #
Posted Wednesday 20th May 2009 22:07 GMT
Don't waste hard-earned money on expensive "fixes". Simply screw seven feet of ordinary zinc-plated 5/16 chain to your head before attempting to use your overpriced music gimmick. The static will flow to ground as you trail the chain behind you.
If you don't want to spring for screws, simply add another foot of chain and knot it round your neck.
Although I don't know what all the fuss is. Anyone who sprang for an iPhone must be brain dead anyway.
Snafu
Hmmm... #
Posted Thursday 21st May 2009 00:20 GMT
I've experienced shocks (hadn't thought they were static, but that would make a certain kind of sense - & it felt 'right' for static shock) from the earpieces of a Nokia 5140, many times. Never paid much attention to it - I was too busy driving, usually
@Rob re: Bluetooth - IIRC the iPod has no user-changeable battery, like most of the new Apple stuff, am I right? If so, imagine the $milions more they could make..