Some of our readers will remember the iPhone 3GS that was dropped in a swimming pool and still worked, although it was only in the water for a few seconds. Well, now it looks like an iPod has survived being submerged in water, but for a much longer time.
Charlie Sorrel from Wired managed to put his iPod Nano through his washing machine, and amazingly, he got it working again after it had dried out.
The Resilience of Apple Devices
This incident highlights the impressive resilience of some Apple devices. While most electronics are highly susceptible to water damage, there have been numerous reports of Apple products surviving unexpected water exposure. For instance, the iPhone 3GS mentioned earlier was submerged in a swimming pool and still functioned after being quickly retrieved. These instances suggest that Apple’s engineering might offer more durability than one might expect, even if the devices are not officially water-resistant.
Steps to Take if Your Device Gets Wet
If you find yourself in a similar situation where your electronic device has been exposed to water, there are several steps you can take to potentially save it:
1. Turn it off immediately: Powering down the device can prevent short circuits.
2. Remove any cases or covers: This allows the device to dry out more effectively.
3. Dry the exterior: Use a soft cloth to remove as much water as possible from the outside.
4. Use silica gel packets or rice: Place the device in a container with silica gel packets or uncooked rice to absorb moisture. Leave it there for at least 48 hours.
5. Avoid heat sources: While it might be tempting to use a hairdryer or oven, excessive heat can damage the internal components.
The iPod sat for almost a week on a warm and breezy window sill until the last remains of water had disappeared from behind its single gleaming eye. Yesterday, after a final few hours sat on my MacBook’s power brick (the only substance in my home as hot as the surface of the Sun) the patient was hooked up to the EEG (Mac) via USB.
A few tense seconds later and the Apple logo appeared. A cough, a splutter and then iTunes announced that the iPod was alive. Alive I tell you!
This anecdote from Charlie Sorrel illustrates the importance of patience and proper drying techniques. By allowing the iPod Nano to sit on a warm windowsill for almost a week, he ensured that all moisture had evaporated before attempting to power it on. The final step of placing it on a MacBook’s power brick provided just enough heat to eliminate any remaining dampness without causing damage.
In conclusion, while it’s always best to avoid exposing your electronic devices to water, accidents do happen. Knowing the right steps to take can make the difference between a ruined gadget and one that lives to see another day. The resilience of devices like the iPod Nano and iPhone 3GS serves as a testament to the robust engineering behind Apple products, offering a glimmer of hope in those panic-inducing moments of water exposure.
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