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'Pop' Between Tracks In New iPod
joesao writes "The new iPods released last week seem to have a problem that causes an audible 'electrostatic pop' between all tracks played on it. The effect is not imaginary, as it has been witnessed by many users over at the Apple discussion forums. Now, one user has actually published a sound sample recorded the iPod's playback and the verdict is in: it's real. I hope this is a firmware issue and that it's quickly fixed ..." I just ordered a new iPod. I wonder if I should cancel my order.
Some of the older Compaq iPaq and HP Jornada Pocket PC PDAs had the same issue where you would here a pop right after a sound was played. Firmware fixes were released to reduce or eliminate the problem, which changed how the mini-amp for the built-in speaker (listening to sound via a headphone didn't have the same issue or was so minor that it couldn't be heard) was powered off.
The issue with the iPod might just be that the embedded OS is possibly powering down the mini-amp between songs or could be a glitch with the sound chip between the buffers. Probably a good chance that it can be eliminated or at least make it much more subtle by a firmware fix... or it may be problems with said mini-amp.
That Airport issue was easily remedied by calling apple, explaining the situation, and getting a free replacement. I didn't know what the problem was until I opened the case up and voided the warranty, but it was a simple matter of walking across the street to the local radio shack, picking up 2$ worth of capacitors, and soldering them to the leads of the previous ones. I didn't have to cut out any holes in my airport to make them fit, and they've worked without incident ever since. But your bitterness is unfounded, as this iPod issue is very likely a software issue, and Apple doesn't charge for firmware upgrades.
karma: ouch!