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Nano emits high-pitched whine or buzz

My Nano is working properly and sounds fine, however it emits a high-pitched whine or buzz that is audible if you hold it close to your ear. Is this normal? I had assumed that a flash player with no moving parts would operate silently.

iMac (Intel) Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Posted on Sep 16, 2006 6:54 PM

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254 replies

Sep 17, 2006 9:21 PM in response to russgra

I just bought a 4gb nano and it also makes the high pitch noise. I picked it up at my nearest Apple Store and will be returning it when I get a chance to. Its 45 mins away, so I'll need to make sure I can kill multiple birds with a single stone. I can hear the noise in my room when I'm doing work, the only way to drown it out is to have some other noise in the room. I also discoved, if I put it into sleep mode by holding down the play button, the sound goes away. This makes me believe that the sound is due to the screen. Anyhow, just thought I'd throw in my two cents.

Sep 18, 2006 1:13 PM in response to Disney1955

I think I will be returning my 2nd gen nano as well...My old MP3 player is absolutely silent except when its hard drive is spinning when loading songs, as is a friend's 1st gen nano.

The whining noise may be normal operation for the nano, and a minor inconvenience, however I'm concerned that it may be the result of a hardware issue that I won't want to deal with after my return policy has expired.

Thanks to all who responded.

iMac (Intel) Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Sep 18, 2006 9:44 PM in response to Steve from Canada

i think its due to the new higher capacity battery, since it has to be the same size as the one before (if not smaller) and it lasts twice as long. i have the new 8GB nano and mine does the high pitch sound, it really annoys me too. but when i plug it into the charger it suddenly goes away, thats why i think its the battery. my brothers 1st gen nano makes no sounds at all. plus mine still makes the high pitched noise even when the back light is off, so i doubt its the brighter lcd backlight thats causing the noise. maybe as the battery gets use to normal use the noise will subside. at least i really hope so.

Sep 20, 2006 12:07 AM in response to Steve from Canada

I'm suprised there hasn't been more complaints about this, (if the high pitched noise is in fact normal). Seems like the noise is more audible when i charge it. Its very irritating, and i want to rid myself of it.

I ordered it online, and had it engraved, so i can't outright get a refund. (arrrgh)

Maybe some cases enclosing the nano, could muffle the sound. Thats the only thing i'm hopeful for.

Nano emits high-pitched whine or buzz

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