iPod Remote Breakage

May 29, 2005 8:47 AM

I just purchased my 4th iPod remote in two years. I find the remote the easiest way to control the iPod, especially when I listen to it in bed. But they keep breaking and they're expensive (around $50).

I'm talking about the little remotes made by apple (that used to come with iPods -- I don't think they're included any more). My problem is that the chord -- near where the remote plugs into the iPod -- gets bent two many times and the wires inside fray or break (I assume this is what's happening). How can I keep this from happening? It happens with headphones too, but those are cheaper to replace (I usually buy cheap ones, because I mostly listen to recorded books -- I don't need amazing sound).

Part of the problem is that when I walk around with the iPod clipped to my belt, I tend to wind the remote's chord around the iPod when I'm not listening to it. I'm sure that bends the top too much. I know, I know ... don't DO that. But it's the only convenient way I've found to deal with the chord.

So I'm open to suggestions. Better way to stow the remote (I'd rather not constantly unplug it)? Something I can wrap around the base of the chord to protect it? Easy way to fix broken remotes? Third-party remote that works better? $10 remotes from an obscure scource?

posted by grumblebee to technology (8 comments total)

I'm on my third remote.

It's probably too late for this for you, but while the iPod is under AppleCare, you might be able to get Apple to replace the remote for free. I've taken it in to the local Apple store and complained that my remote doesn't work any more, and they've just given me a new one.
posted by aneel at 9:12 AM on May 29, 2005

You could take up the slack in the cord with one of these.
posted by box at 9:15 AM on May 29, 2005

I have several of those Smartwraps. They're awesome, although not terribly complicated.
posted by bshort at 9:19 AM on May 29, 2005

A Nyko iTop remote has no wire, but might still be more convenient than no remote at all.

I'd say wrapping the cord around the iPod is what's doing the damage. Try stuffing the whole lot in your pocket, or spend two seconds unplugging it.
posted by cillit bang at 9:23 AM on May 29, 2005

I hate Apple's remote. It blows.

I have a Nyko iTop and it's pretty excellent--however, I wouldn't really call it a remote.

I carry my iPod in my hand or hook it onto bags. I don't stow it in bags or things that allow pressure to be put on the headphone/remote jacks. I think that's pretty much a bad practice all around. When I used to use walkmans as a kid, it always made one of the headphone sides give out after time.
posted by dobbs at 9:31 AM on May 29, 2005

Also, I hope you're not actually purchasing all these remots from Apple directly. I see them on Craig List and eBay for $15-20 quite often.
posted by dobbs at 11:47 AM on May 29, 2005

I retired my remote before the cord cracked completely at the base. I thought of heat-shrink tubing, but the oblong plug makes that impossible. This self-fusing silicone tape seems like the best bet - I have yet to try it myself.

I could have sworn I found a white version, but I can't seem to track it down right now.
posted by O9scar at 12:09 PM on May 29, 2005

I don't wrap the remote around my iPod and it still frayed.

I have a Smartwrap but I've found cords can easily come undone (a piece of tap covering the opening at the end would probably prevent that, but that decreases its simple elegance).
posted by Taken Outtacontext at 4:36 AM on May 30, 2005