Running (and sweating) with iPod shuffle

Question

Level 1

9 points

Running (and sweating) with iPod shuffle

Hello,
I have an iPod Shuffle and am really happy about it. In my home we have a total of 5 and mine was the only one that stopped working. I was running and sweating profusely to a point where the ear pieces became really wet and even the iPod itself was surrounded by my wet shorts. It stopped playing and started to give strange evenly spaced clicking sounds. Immediately I switched it off and thought that maybe my sweat had damaged it. Took it to the office, and let it dry for two days in the air-conditioning. It came back to live BUT, my Mac does not recognizes it any more. I tried to plug it into a PC, just for the try, and Windows gave a message saying that the USB Storage device was not working properly and should be fixed. The MAC doesn't give any warning.
Did any of you had similar problems, and do you know if sweat in the ear piece can really damage it?
I use a Mac Mini with OS X, but not sure which version. I'm typing from work (don't tell my boss) and the Mac is at home.

Many thanks.

Joao

Posted on Aug 4, 2005 1:44 PM

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Answer 1

mule

Level 1

4 points

Aug 4, 2005 4:27 PM in response to Joao Ferrer1

I don't know how sweat in the ear piece would affect the shuffle itself. However, when I turn my shuffle on, the green light comes on (and stays on) and I don't get any response from pressing any buttons - just silence. I have a feeling it is due to sweat getting in the unit itself. Unfortunately, Apple customer service is worthless so we may never know.

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Answer 2

deggie

Level 10

167,525 points

Aug 4, 2005 4:38 PM in response to Joao Ferrer1

Yes, getting sweat into the unit, particularly while it is turned on, will damage the unit. Since it was in your wet shorts sweat probably got in through the control switches (which are not water-tight.) If you let it dry thoroughly it might work again. If not:

http://depot.info.apple.com/ipodshuffle

and exchange it. This time you might want to invest in the Sports Case if you are going to run with it or another protective device. Check out ipodlounge.com for reviews of products.

Joe, you are becoming a bore and a nuisance and not contributing anything. Move on.

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Answer 3

Joao Ferrer1 Author

Level 1

9 points

Aug 6, 2005 6:50 AM in response to deggie

Deggie, Joe,

Thanks and sorry for being out. My shuffle did came back after a few days. As I said, I left it in the air con and apparently dried it out completely.
I had several MP3 players before Shuffle and the average time of each was 20 DAYS. Support, from them? Non-existent.
Maybe Apple's support is not what we hoped for, BUT in these discussions I ususally get all the answers I need.
No product is perfect, but Apple's are by far the best.
(and I don't work for them)
Have a good weekend

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Answer 4

deggie

Level 10

167,525 points

Aug 6, 2005 9:12 AM in response to Joao Ferrer1

Glad it resurrected itself. Enjoy the music.

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Answer 5

Joao Ferrer1 Author

Level 1

9 points

Aug 7, 2005 4:15 PM in response to deggie

Thanks. U 2.

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Answer 6

Aug 10, 2005 8:57 AM in response to Joao Ferrer1

How long did it take for your Shuffle to "dry out" and come back to life? It's been drying for 24 hours and still no signs of life..

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Answer 7

Joao Ferrer1 Author

Level 1

9 points

Aug 10, 2005 10:01 AM in response to Chris Amerault

Chris,

It took me three days to get back. When it did, it wasn't very good, but slowly got better, over the period of one week.

Hope yours do the same.

Joao

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Answer 8

Aug 10, 2005 10:38 AM in response to Joao Ferrer1

Thanks for the quick response. However, I"m not as patient as you and have already contacted Apple to replace. And now will have to toss another $30 to Apple for a Sports Case..

Again, thanks for your insight..

Chris

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Answer 9

Aug 13, 2005 5:36 PM in response to Chris Amerault

Oh my God, methinks my running sweat got my shuffle@$^*^^%!!!!

Exact same symptoms as the original poster posed, and day 2 and no life. I'm drying on top of my old PC screen which is nice and warm. I'll wait 1 week.

If dead or not playing correctly, how do I go about replacing or up-grading via Apple Internet Store, from which I purchased 2 weeks ago (along with in-ear headphones which should have a volume control since the darn things come out of my ears when wet!!!!).

Tks!

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Answer 10

Aug 13, 2005 6:59 PM in response to Joao Ferrer1

I am in kinda the same situation but my Ipod turns on and plays but my computer doenst recognize it, and i recently went running with and it wa sin my wet shorts. Could that have mess ed up my USB port

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Answer 11

Aug 13, 2005 8:58 PM in response to Gerard Lavergne

Go to:

http://depot.info.apple.com/ipodshuffle

and exchange it. This time you might want to invest in the Sports Case if you are going to run with it or another protective device.

I just got my new Shuffle (2 days after i asked for a replacement)...

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Answer 12

Aug 16, 2005 5:21 AM in response to Chris Amerault

Gracias. Well, it sang and updated, so I guess it's fine. Will just keep a keen eye on it before warranty expires.

ADVICE TO ALL: Do not ever, never let your IShuffle come in contact with water and/or perspiration. Until I get the protective sportspack, I'm using SaranWrap per some other kind forum poster's suggestion.

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