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Give iPod Thieves an Unchargeable Brick
Svippy writes "Apple has patented a technology for new generations of iPods that would detect when a user tries to operate the iPod on an unauthorised machine ... and will refuse to charge. Indefinitely. From the article: 'Every portable gadget with a rechargeable battery has a charging circuit that recognises when the external mains charger has been plugged in. It then manages the transfer of current to the battery. Apple's patent suggests that by attaching a "guardian circuit" to the charging circuit, it would be possible to block the charging process. When a device is plugged into an unauthorised computer, software would compare a security code in the device to a code buried in the software in the computer. Apple already employs a similar technology to "pair" iPods to iTunes running on a specific Mac or PC. If the codes do not match, then the guardian circuit could be triggered to prevent any further charging.'"
are you honestly trying to tell us that apple doesn't ship, with each ipod, the cable used to connect it to your computer (i.e. the charging cable)? of course they do, so stop saying they don't.
if you're complaining that they don't include the outlet adapter anymore, that's fine, but it's not really relevant either to the parent or to the main story.
My girlfriend has a car charger
Just because your blow-up doll has a vibrator doesn't mean it's your girlfriend.