Hi, I hope this is the right place to post this question.

I recently bought a 3G Ipod Nano through Target. I didn't purchase any extended warranty or anything, just stuck with the Apple 1 year warranty for now (I talked with a CSR from Apple and she told me I don't have to buy an extended Apple plan right up front so I want to put some money away over the next couple months and then buy it. Hopefully I can do that).

An Apple store is going to be opening soon in my area and I was wondering if something was to go wrong with my Ipod during the one year warranty, will I be able to take it to the Apple store and have it evaluated, serviced, etc? I have never heard this until recently, but someone told me that unless you buy the iPod through Apple, you cannot take it to the store and instead are required to send it through the mail to Apple to have it serviced. Has anyone ever heard this before? Thank you!
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Yes, since Apple is the manufacturer of the device, you can take any iPod (or other Apple hardware) that is under warranty in to the local Apple Store for service/repair/replacement, regardless of where you bought it.

Ensure that you keep your original receipt, however, just in case. Normally, Apple tracks warranty by serial number, which is often based on the date of manufacture, not the date of purchase (unless you bought the device from Apple in the first place). Your receipt will confirm the purchase date for warranty coverage.
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Hey thanks for answering.

I didn't think that theory of not being able to take it to the Apple store sounded right, but I just wanted to double check.

I do have my original receipt and come to think of it, it is more correct than going by the serial number because after I registered it, I checked the warranty info on apple.com, it says my warranty is only until December 4th and I didn't buy my Nano until almost two weeks later and until I get to a fax machine to send a copy of the receipt to Apple so it can be updated, I have to go solely by my receipt.
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In the case of my Iphone. My Iphone just went completely dead and I went over to the Apple store to see what they could do. I bought it through AT&T and they said if there was any ploblem to go to an Apple store for help.

So I went over there and gave it to one of the guys at the "Geinus bar" who looked at it for a couple of minutes and the proceeded to give me a new one at no charge. Was in and out in about 10 minutes.....
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Interesting, I have been having a few problems with my touch, which I bought at best buy. I called my local apple store and said I have seen that I could bring it there for replacement, but they told me that was untrue...are my apple store geniuses not so smart?
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They would obviously prefer that you bring it back to the original retailer if it's new and you're looking for a possible replacement, since then it's up to Best Buy to deal with it and it doesn't deplete their stock (or their time). Many retailers like Best Buy will frequently just hand you a new one over the counter with no muss or no fuss.

Your use of the word "replacement" may have been an issue as well.... Normally, if you were simply looking to return or exchange your iPod for something other than a service issue (ie, you wanted a different model, or a refund), you of course cannot do that at an Apple Store -- you have to go to the retailer where you bought it. They may have misunderstood what you were asking, since their job is to provide "warranty service" which may include replacement if necessary, but does not necessarily.

In other words, they're trying to avoid people who are simply coming in to walk up to the Genius Bar and say, "My iPod is broken. Give me a new one." because you can do that at the same store where you bought it. On the other hand, walking in and stating that you have a problem with your new iPod, and letting them diagnose it will hopefully either result in them resolving the problem on your existing unit, or replacing it if they decide it's necessary.
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They would obviously prefer that you bring it back to the original retailer if it's new and you're looking for a possible replacement, since then it's up to Best Buy to deal with it and it doesn't deplete their stock (or their time). Many retailers like Best Buy will frequently just hand you a new one over the counter with no muss or no fuss.

Your use of the word "replacement" may have been an issue as well.... Normally, if you were simply looking to return or exchange your iPod for something other than a service issue (ie, you wanted a different model, or a refund), you of course cannot do that at an Apple Store -- you have to go to the retailer where you bought it. They may have misunderstood what you were asking, since their job is to provide "warranty service" which may include replacement if necessary, but does not necessarily.

In other words, they're trying to avoid people who are simply coming in to walk up to the Genius Bar and say, "My iPod is broken. Give me a new one." because you can do that at the same store where you bought it. On the other hand, walking in and stating that you have a problem with your new iPod, and letting them diagnose it will hopefully either result in them resolving the problem on your existing unit, or replacing it if they decide it's necessary.


what happened to me was

i bought a 4G 60gig iPod from costco in May and then i checked it on apple warrenty status and it said it was bought in jan...that was a waiste

well then i faxed the receipt and got it fixed
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Interesting, I have been having a few problems with my touch, which I bought at best buy. I called my local apple store and said I have seen that I could bring it there for replacement, but they told me that was untrue...are my apple store geniuses not so smart?



Maybe the Iphone has a different return/warrenty policy than other Ipods. I had no trouble at all with my return....
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Well, this is good to hear. If and when I have to go, I won't be looking for a replacement, but I feel better knowing that at least I can still take it somewhere locally.

Has anyone ever dealt with the Best Buy Service Plan? I think my 30 gig video is reaching the point of needing a new battery (not long after my one year Apple warranty expired) and could probably use a look at the hard drive and although I know you can't believe everything you read on the internet....almost everything I have read on the Best Buy PSP is nothing short of a nightmare, so needless to say I am dreading taking it there. Has anyone had a good experience with BB or are the stories true? And if I decided to take on the rapid exchange....how good are the refurbished iPods Best Buy issues? Are they up to par with an Apple refurb? And also, will taking an exchange void my warranty with Best Buy?
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