[H]ardNews 5th Edition

Apple Admits Nano Problem:

Apple is admitting that there is a problem with some iPod nanos and will replace any with a defective / cracked screen. Apple says that only one tenth of one percent of the nanos shipped so far have this problem. As for scratches, Apple says get a nano case.

If yours is one of the faulty batch, you can get it replaced. Apple have recalled a number of iPod Nanos after admitting there was a problem with a batch. The latest addition to the iPod family has been dubbed 'impossibly small' in its ad campaign, but many customers reckon it is just that, finding the pencil-thin model to be vulnerable to cracks.

The only problem I have with this is the “buy a case” for your nano to prevent it from scratching. Most of us who bought a nano DID order cases, armbands and lanyard headphones…all of which won’t be available until next month. Would've been nice to know that then. Nano owners are forced to wait on aftermarket accessories in the mean time.

Toshiba Delays U.S. HD-DVD Launch:

All of you that were planning on snagging a HD-DVD player for X-Mas this year will be disappointed to know that Toshiba has delayed the U.S. launch until early next year. The players will launch on schedule in Japan.

Toshiba had originally said it planned to launch HD DVD players in the fourth quarter of 2005 in both Japan and the United States, while Sony plans to put a Blu-ray disc drive in its new PlayStation game console to go on sale next year. Toshiba said it still plans to introduce HD DVD players in the Japanese market by the year-end.

Aussies Getting Smart Card ID:

Australia is trying to get everyone switched over to smart cards in the next few years. The move is supposed to help save money in administration fees and stop identity theft. Good idea? Bad idea? Who knows, let’s see how it turns out for Australia before we give it a try.

Sen. Eric Abetz, the special minister of state, told ZDNet Australia on Wednesday that he and the Joe Hockey, minister for human services, are working on a project in which cards incorporating smart chip technology and a photograph of the bearer would replace a raft of government services- and concession-cards, including Medicare cards.