I work for Apple Computer, and we are taking steps to curb the sale of Counterfeit Ipods.
When I get to work monday I will post the image of the counterfeit Ipod, and what to look for.
Pretty much right now it is Shuffles, and Nanos. The Nano is REAL easy to tell as they are black, and the play button is in the middle (where the select button should be). Also the software on it is REAL differnt. It's got this dark blue color for the background of the software, and the menu is on the right side (like on many cell phones). Also the screen on the Counterfeit Nanos are longer up and down than the Apple ones. And the back looks like crap (almost like it was thrown together). Before you purchase any IPOD make sure you call us at 1-800-692-7753 and check the serial number before you buy. I will post a SN for you all too look out for on Monday. From what I have heard they all are printed with the same few serial numbers and we have them logged in our system.
As for the Shuffle it does not have a repeat button on the "on off" slider. All is shows is on/off and that's it. Plus the Shuffle does not have an SN (serial number) printed on the back. Althought the shuffle looks well made when comparing it to how bad the nano we got ahold of looks it is still counterfeit, and we will not support them in any way shape or form. It will not even work with itunes.
MAKE SURE YOU CALL US WITH THE SERIAL NUMBER whenever you are purchasing an ipod from someone that is NOT an Apple authorized reseller. This will play all kinds of havok on the warranty, and might be outside it's one year hardware, parts, and labor. If anyone has any questions, ask away
hobart66: We will catch these people as we are a worldwide company, and prosecute. Believe me, we take these issues VERY serious.