my new iPhone is perfect but the earbuds? not so much (broke!) advice?

[mattkime]

I was curious if anyone had advice on getting a set of iphone earbuds replaced under warranty. They're only about a month old but one of the earbud speakers is damaged, distorting sound. no visible cause of damage.

i'd rather not go through the hassle of a "genius" appointment. can i just call apple and plead my case?

[BigGuynRusty]

[quote mattkime]I was curious if anyone had advice on getting a set of iphone earbuds replaced under warranty. They're only about a month old but one of the earbud speakers is damaged, distorting sound. no visible cause of damage.

i'd rather not go through the hassle of a "genius" appointment. can i just call apple and plead my case? Yes, just like the "Good Ole" days!

BGnR

[Ken Sp.]

you can use the online self help.
It is sometime like depot.apple
I am mobile on my iPhone, but maybe someone has the link.
The ship to you. When you return the bad ones you don't get charged.

[rgG]

I think this is where you start and it gives you the self-serve option later. I did this to get a replacement mighty mouse under warranty and never had to speak to a person. I don't know if you can do it with your earbuds or not, but plug in the serial number and give it a shot.

https://selfsolve.apple.com/GetWarranty.do

[PeterB]

I called iPhone service, they arranged for me to get a replacement pair when mine broke. These are not particularly well-made earphones, IMHO. Especially the joint between the cord and the plug is not tight, and liable to break. Kind of amazing that they put such effort into the phone itself, but always seem to have troubles when it comes to anything with a cord or power supply... Apple, are you listening?

[mattkime]

>>[selfsolve.apple.com]

holy crap that fixed it! or i'm just not hearing it right now? either way, that was the first time i've turned off my iphone.

either way, thanks for the advice.

[guitarist]

I worked as an mac specialist at an Apple Store briefly about two years ago, at the peak of iPod sales. We kept a drawer full of replacement earbuds, anytime anyone came in and said theirs broke, or they lost them, or anything, really, we automatically gave them a replacement set. Often before they could even finish their sentence. "It's okay, here you go", and they'd have new ones. Maybe Apple considers them sort of disposable, or they do it as a courtesy.

iPhone earbuds, not sure if it's the same, since they have the mic built in, they're still cheap, but are more functional and desirable (in my view) than just the earbuds. With simple clip-on caps (Griffin makes them, I think, forget what they're called) for the earpieces, the sound is improved (better bass) and the ear comfort issue is solved, for pocket change (got mine via online discount shop somewhere for $5.99 + shipping) you can make Apple's headset into a pretty satisfying set. The Griffin thing comes with a pouch, too, which I like almost better than the clip-on bud enhancers, I carry the pouch in my jeans pocket, convenient place to store the headset, and a good value, especially since the earbuds are free with the iPhone.

[microchip13]

Hmm... It says my iPhone is not activated.............................

I also have to get my 'Home' button fixed.