One more bad apple

26 Jun in. 22 July out. That's almost one month. That's how long it took to get my skinny Mac back from the hospital.

We have one of those original tiny ipod (nano) bought probably a couple of years ago. Now it cannot be charged. The apple guy says its probably the battery. Apple's got this exchange programme. You turn in your old nano and they give you back a brand new one. Hey, cool. You think? You gotta pay RM300! Is is an upgrade or bigger capacity or what? Nope. Everything is the same. The only thing is it is brand new. How much does a new nano cost? RM599.

So, the old one is useless because you can't just change the batteries. And it cost half the price of new one to exchange your old one (which, did I say only needs a battery change?). And what happens to the old nano when Apple gets it back? Recycled? Straight to the graveyard? I checked their website and it says that can replace the battery for USD59 for the nano. So, what gives?

I know that Apple will take back your old batteries if you buy a new old. Apparently part of their green policy. But if you want to keep the old, it's OK too. What they do with it? They say they will dispose of it in an environmentally friendly manner.