Long story short, my 80 GB 5G Ipod suddenly quit producing sound. I first noticed that the data port audio was no longer outputting audio through my Pioneer's Ipod stereo adapter. A test with the headphone jack produced the same behavior. Everything else still works like it normally would: the wheel clicking sound still works (externally and through the headphones), the menu system works, it will show that a song is playing on the display.

Turns out this is a known problem with the 5G Ipods.
http://www.aqua-soft.org/board/showt...t=34122&page=2

So I called Apple and at first they gave me the 'its out of warranty, sorry there is nothing we can do' line. I kept pressing, and was tossed over to tier-2 tech support. I pressed things with them there too, politely but firmly, and they are sending me a free replacement unit since mine was barely out of warranty (15 days). It will be an Apple refurbished unit that matches what I have now, except that the design flaw that caused the problem has been corrected.

So if you have a 5G that has the same symptoms, give Apple a call even if it is out of warranty. They might help you out anyway. Chances are that all of the 5Gs are out of warranty since I bought the very last one from a local Apple store after the 'Classic' had already been released. I had to call around to find one; supposedly the 5G has better audio quality than the Classic.

 

It's true, they used a new chip in the newer ones that had shittier audio quality than the last. That and the earbuds blow. Go figure. Apple's quality control from what I've experienced is a little shotty. Not that I'm a Microsoft fanboy, but the Zune's audio processor is supposed to be much better along with superior earbuds. Not to mention that sexy screen. Clear choice if you're not really into all the pretentious holier-than-thou bullshit that goes with Apple products.

 

Pop it open and resolder the jacks, seen this happen many times on all kinds of MP3 players. Used to work at an electronics repair shop, if your warranty is done then there is nothing left to void!

 

i swapped out the jack on my gf's. cheap and easy.

 

can i have your old one?

 

I am sending the old one back to Apple. That is part of the deal for the free replacement. They send me a pre-paid shipping box, I use it to send them my broken Ipod, then when they get mine they send me the new (refurbished) one.

 

greedy bastards. I can't fit all my music on my 40g

 

Werd. Mine is over 40 GB full.

 

Follow-up: Got my replacement Ipod on Monday, a black 80GB 5G just like my old one. It may be refurbished but it looks brand-new. Not a scratch on it anywhere.