Every few months it seems like some sort electronic device randomly catches fire: laptops, iPods, toasters. I blame mystical pyromaniac elves. Look, all the proof is right there.
The latest in the line of mysterious electronics arson is a 2GB version of the 1G iPod nano with model number MA099J/A, which has sold about 425,000 units in Japan. Japanese officials suspect a defect after one unit’s owner discovered sparks emanating from the iPod while recharging. The culprit appears to be—please hold your surprise until the end—the nano’s lithium-ion battery and the government has asked Apple Japan to investigate the incident. According to the AP, Apple spokesman Masayoshi Suzuki said “it was still unclear where else besides Japan the suspected model was sold” (presumably he said it in Japanese).
You know what? It’s time this rampant menace of fire-starting gremlins was brought to an end. And, hey, what better place to take care of it than Japan? They love mischievous spirits over there. They’ll have some giant flying squirrel or something on the case in no time.
Hey! Why the Akira poster? It's a rather nice movie, a pioneer of its time. And yes, couple of things explode here and there. . . but there ain't pyromaniac or exploding iPod Nano or flying toasters for that matter. :D Just some psychic kids. Nothing out of the ordinary you'll see.
How many more 1st gen nanos are going to catch fire before a recall is issued? Maybe Apple figures they have not been enough to warrant such a recall 4/450,000 isn't recall material. Still, it's scary. And how many of those 450,000 are still in active use today?
Quite possibly your best headline yet.