With "pod" on lockdown, Apple goes after "podcast"
Now that Apple's lawyers have scared the pants off of small entrepreneurs selling products like the Profit Pod and TightPod -- items that have nothing to with portable audio in any way, mind you -- it seems that the next targets are companies that have the audacity to use the word "podcast" in their names. Wired's Listening Post blog is reporting that Steve's legal eagles have sent one of those scary cease and desist letters to a company called Podcast Ready, whose premier product, myPodder, gives users an automated way to download 'casts to their portable devices. CEO Russel Holliman claims that he'd consider changing the name of the program if necessary, but seems to be justifiably reticent about rebranding his entire business, considering the fact that "podcast" may not be "owned" by Apple nor even a derivative of "iPod" in the first place. Robert Scoble -- whose own company, PodTech, may be at risk in this witch hunt -- has weighed in on the issue by suggesting that the tech community as a whole adopt other terms like "audiocast" and "videocast" (or alternately, "audcast" and "vidcast") to describe this type of content, while other folks feel that fighting Apple and generating a ton of negative press for Cupertino is the best solution. Our take? Apple should be happy that its golden goose is getting so much free publicity, and if it isn't, we know of several companies that probably wouldn't mind if zencast, zunecast, or sansacast became the preferred terminology.Update: BBHub's own Russell Shaw delves into this issue a little further over at ZDnet, and finds that Apple is having trouble getting certain iPod-related phrases trademarked, including the word "iPodcasting."
Read- Apple's nastygram
Read- Scoble's take
[Via calacanis.com]

















I agree that due to ipod podcast was popular but i don't think that Apple do not own that name or the any kinds of rights.I think apple should try something else.Like movable or cubicle.
Perhaps that band called P.O.D. may have to change their name awell...
I think this is stupid, how far will Apple go in trademarketing.... perhaps they should just do a search for "*pod*" and trademark every instance .... /sarcasm
I could go on but I wont, I'll just look on in anger...
Dude, P.O.D. was out before the iPod was, you're looking at this the wrong way. P.O.D. should sue apple for using their band name in a music related product.
Next they'll be going after anything with an "i" in front of it: iHome, iGrip, iSkin, iCarPlay, iTrip, etc. etc.
Apple may or may not have a legal leg to stand on here. But come on, let's be honest. None of these companies would be using the word "podcast" were it not for the iPod. This is not a word that was invented out of thin air. It was invented because of the iPod.
That doesn't mean Apple has a legal right to keep others from using the term (although they might), but it is at least disingenuous to suggest that ""podcast" may not be "owned" by Apple nor even a derivative of "iPod" in the first place." That's just BS. It is totally, 100% a derivative of "iPod".
While I agree the term podcast became popular because of the iPod, it doesn't mean that they own the rights to the word.
I think it's ridiculous that Apple would go to such lengths to own the word "pod". Next they'll be sending a cease and desist to the Jolly Green Giant for selling pea pods.
I'm just waiting for Apple to sue PODS, you know those giant metal crates you use as a second garrage.
What is it "Portable On Demand Storage" or something like that. Any way Apple will be all "You store stuff in PODS just like you store MUSIC in iPods, they stole the idea from us. Give me money."
ROFL, we're on the same wavelength, see my post about the same time...heh...
Have they attacked PODS storage thingies yet?
http://www.pods.com/
Different market, no issue.
All your PODs are belong to us.
This is the one area in which I find Apple (or Steve Jobs) to be utterly asinine. Maybe he suffers from OCD. I say, forget going after "podcast" Steve, go all the way. I suggest you should go for the letters p, o, and d and have them copyrighted so that absolutely no one will ever be able to make the mistake of using "pod" again. I'm serius, withut thse letters t use, ele [people] will sn [soon] realise the almighty wer [power] of Steve Jbs. Lve yur cmuters by the way.
This is ridiculous. "Podcast" is now a common word, much like "Linux". "Linux" can't be copyrighted, and attempting to copyright "Podcast" won't get anywhere either. It's total bullshit that companies can't use "pod" in their product names now.
Damn, I'm beginning to hate Apple more and more with each day!
www.mechexpanse.com/blog/
Peter and Ryan, just want to let you know I love the Riocast. Keep up the good work and good luck with engadgetHD.
My vote goes to ZENcast. It just sounds cool. Even though I own an iPod, the name 'ZEN' is appealing.
And people make fun of Microsoft for going trademark/patent crazy...
Has Apple lost it? Now I guess they will be sueing:
P.O.D.S
P.O.D
proporta.com/F02/PPF02P05.php?t_id=342&t_mode=des
pod.ie/
line6.com/products/pods/
podrestaurant.com
So, you wanna go for them too? Apple, anyone can use the word "pod" in their product name! The word has been around LONG before the iPod! Wanna check the definition? Here: http://www.podrestaurant.com/
Now please stop this madness. I love my iPod but I hate the way you are trying to bully innocent people around over the word pod, even if their product doesnt have to do with music!
Maybe the should just sue pea for taking the name peapods.
Xerox, Klennex. At some point a word just becomes part of the lexicon & isn't owned by the company that created it. I think we're nearing that point w/ PodX terms- whether or not Apple (or their shareholders) like it.
I'll go with Major Nelson's "Blogcast"
On the one hand, I understand that a company has an interest and legal right to protect its branding. Also, I do see a real potential for misunderstanding about the brand name around the term "podcast"... unlike "Monster" and Monster Cable's aggressive brand related litigation, which is I think totally, totally ridiculous.
On the other, I think it's interesting that Podcasts were first driven by the enthusiast community, then Apple picked up the term by officially putting it into iTunes, thus benefiting from the popularity in the community, and now are interested in assuming "ownership" over that term. They are being relatively circumscribed so far about cease and desist orders so far, but we'll see how it develops.
Didn't Apple coin the phrase to begin with? This is getting stupid.
i hate apple so much i wont buy anything they make, if you leave me with your ipod too long i might break it to little peices so i dont get sued holding something with the word "pod" in it.
Dude. Just becasue you dont like howo a company runs thier buisness, doesnt mean all thier products suck. If everyone thought like you millions of people would be out of jobs. Your hatred is blinding you. At least state reasons to why you hate Apple.
I agree, but look at the ProfitPod (http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/14/no-pod-for-you-apple-keeps-close-tabs-on-brand-name/). When I looked up the patent trademarks I found they submitted their patent applications months before Apple submitted iPod, but that didn't stop Apple from going after them.
I've been a Mac user for 13 years and have owned every iPod since the beginning. I'm a big "fanboy" for Apple, yet this is really starting to piss me off. Unless Apple has some super-secret thing up their sleeve, or they're just being retarded. I can't imagine ANYONE at Apple thinking this is a good idea.
Fishes,
narco.
While I do agree it's out of hand, I kind of think maybe people should switch to something more generic like audiocast and videocast. Podcast doesn't really describe what it is you're getting (audio or video?) and becasue of it's name it promotes one product too much, the iPod, when there are other products out there that can play them too.
Previous to listening to podcasts I too thought they were exclusive to only iTunes and iPods. So I think the word "Podcast" can confuse people into thinking it is just an Apple thing.
Peas come in POD's, so do Dolphins, is Steveo gonna sue them also? I have never bought or used an Apple product and I never will.
YOU SUCK STEVE JOBS!!!!Get a life dude!!!!
The only problem with the public switching terminolgy now is that most people know iTunes to be the premiere place to search and download podcasts. As long as Apple calls them podcasts and the majority of the people go to iTunes for them, they pretty much own the word anyway. The only way it'll start to change is when other sites start popping up. Not sure if the Zune marketplace has a "zunecast" section, but if/when they do, I think people will start going elsewhere and Apple will probably pull back a bit.
Fishes,
narco.
Can I flle a class action suit in the name of Mother Nature. I believe the PeaPod came just a couple thousand centuries before iPod.
I am just gonna wait for the day Jobs starts going after random word combination that resemble the same syntactical layout as iPod, (like CNET for example).
As for P.O.D. suing, they won't lift a finger cuz because they don't have to. If Apple goes after that band, as long as its been in the game, not only will you have Atlantic Records coming after them, as well as the RIAA for trying to step on toes over intellectual property and copyrights...Jobs ain't that big, no matter what that greedy unoriginal bastard thinks.
Why didn't Apple do this earlier?
The timing smells very fishy--take all the hard work of those who spread the popularity of podcasts when it's an "open source" term, get everyone hooked onto downloading them thorugh iTunes, and then once it's nice and popular, try to grab the word back (whereas if they had done it sooner, it wouldn't have gained the same notoriety as it has).
Shame on you Apple.
With decisions to persue awkward cases such as this coming in ever more frequently from Apple's legal team, Apple's not just pissing off its hardcore customers--it's also undoubtedly pissing off its most creative and talented employees. Without the heart and soul of its must ardent supporters, it's just a white box.
Good thing Google is right up the road.
steve jobs always has childish behavior. He was fired for that too!
this is just free publicity for the podcastready. I actually like their site.
Thanks steve.
What would this guy think?
http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/7075/vgh7tgg2.jpg
Aren't corporations funny.
MONEY MONEY MONEY!!!! SUE SUE SUE!!!!
It's everyone, none of them are innocent (and yet I keep paying them!).
Sarcastic=1
Thank God we have Apple over the evil and sadistic Microsoft.
/Sarcastic=0
Seriously though. Most of my music on my iPod is not DRMed. I'm seriously thinking of taking my money elsewhere. This kind of behavior is what I expect out of Microsoft not Apple. That being said I've never been under the assumption that Jobs is anything other then a ruthless businessman and overall an ass.
No better than microsoft. Open source is the future.
This antics are the very reason that I bought SanDisk media players (DRM free) and continue to also use my Sharp Zaurus or Palm Tungsten T with big memory cards to listen to my webcasts. Never will Apple get my money for an iPod. I just got the book iWoz wonder if he will get sued for using the iXXX for his title. Funny how such and grand idea and 'down to earth' company attacks its very own roots.
Please please please now is the time to abandon that term you will all be embarassed by in a few years. It needs to be replaced by DAPcast or something more descriptive
Sue vegitable companys for Peas in a POD.
Sue Robbin Williams for playing MORK and Arriving on Earth in a POD.
The band P.O.D Might not be to happy they should call their next album P.O.Dcast just for spite.
I might make a mel brook style spoof where salors say AHI AHIpod Captin.
Companys should POD the hell out of products... The carrypod, The MoneyPod (good piggy bank name), maybe comedy Downloads called the FUNNIPODCASTS (cas the word IPOD IN IT).
If Apple can get away with suing or convincing people to drop the name POD from their products 0 then maybe Microsoft should start suing, Anderson, Pella and other Window Companys.
APPLE is acting like every other greedy company these days. I guess their lawyers react without thinking. Really unprofessional if you ask me.
Kris
Apple is evil. Apple is the devil. Buyer Beware!!!
While the iPod did help with podcasting, the reason for using POD is not because of the iPod. Podcasting stands for Portable On Demand broadcast thats the whole point of it, it is Tivo for radio it's portable and it's when I want to listen to it. I am so a Apple fan heck i do my own Apple Podcast but this issue continues to piss me off.
Isn't Apple jumping on this a little late? They should have been sending out C&D letters from the very first mention. Their legal department is notorious for being diligent about IP infringement, and any successful defense will be based on Apple turning a blind eye until long after many, many people were already using the term.
How hypocritical of Jobs. They used the name Apple when the Beatles already had a company called Apple. Hell, Jobs even said he named the company as a tribute to them. He lost the suit years ago, but settled and promised that the company would only be used for computers. Now that he won his case after being sued again over basically breaching his settlement, he now feels it's ok to go after people using the term Podcast.
Unfortunately, Apple will do what all corporations do to small companies. Outspend them. They will cost financial ruin on people defending themselves over use of the name and will probably win by default and not on the merit of the case.
Dear Engadgeters,
We obviously do not have enough power to legally force Jobs & Apple to STFU like they should, but we can do it other ways:
I hearby propose we stop mentioning "iPod" altogether. Let's call it "Apple's Player". As a matter of fact, let's stop using Apple names and cliches altogether.
The *STUPID* bond between Apple and it's product names needs to be loosened, seriously loosened.
Ho do these sound?
- Apple's player
- Apple's laptop
- Apple's computer
?
If enough people (communities, blogs, forums, etc.) do this, it should ensure our favourite Mr.Jobs has some sleepless nights - maybe _then_ he will have enough time to think about WTF he is actually doing...
correct me if i'm wrong (which i probably am)... but you can't sue over the use of an acctual "word". i know apple probably has trademarks on the word pod but "podcast" became an official word in websters a while ago..
So, I think Apple knows what it's doing. The iPod is only really as popular as it is because of its rep. As such it is advantageous for Apple to protect something as superficial as its name with all it's might. It may make people angry and makes Apple look stupid but at the same time it really underscores the shallowness of that product.
remember this game called P.O.D ??? doesn't work anymore on windows I guess because of drivers, it existed BEFORE Ipod, who ows who royalties in this case ???
Wow. Apple is such a B*tch.
Yesterday I rece ved a cease and des st letter from Apple stemm ng from my cons stent unauthor zed use of the letter . Rather then fac ng poss ble lengthy and expens ve l t gat on I have pledged from here on and for evermore to stop us ng sa d letter.
Crap, m ssed one. Thats going to cost me.
Was that an attempt at removing lower case I's from your posts?
next: steve jobs sues every company in the U.S. for using the word 'jobs' when looking for workers.
what's the chances of two guys called 'Russell' being mentioned to the same article? (different spelling I know)
has anyone asked Russell Crowe what he thinks?
what about going after burger king for thier newest invention the "frypod" http://www.geek.com/news/geeknews/2006Aug/bma20060816038055.htm
Don't think differently. Accept Apple's every lawsuit. Woot! Don't think differently. Accept Apple's every lawsuit. Woot!
Corporate, bean-counting bastards ....
Woot!
"To hoover" is directly taken from the brand Hoover. They are immortal now.
I though Apple was good in advertising? This move is moronic and then some. If they're smart they'd shut up and the whole world'll keep playing ******** on their zunes, sansas and creatives.
Subtle vicories (the sweetest of all)are apparently not appreciated at "round, hard fruit that grows on a tree and can be red or green"
check out "genericide" here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genericized_trademark
My name is David Podimac
I have nightmares every night thinking Apple might sue me in order to strip me of my name : - First for Pod, then for iMac !!
Perhaps I should change my name to David Megazune ... There is little chance MS will sue me (their product will never take off), and at least in Quebec, it might help me picking up women !
What I find ironic is in Nerds 2.0.1, Jobs says something to the effect of, "The great thing about the internet is that, Microsoft doesn't own it."
Now I think to myself, "The great thing about the internet is Apple doesn't own it. Because if they did, they would have sued people who make fishing nets..."
While I don't like the whole concept, Apple may be limiting themselves to going after certain usages of "podcast."
PodcastReady's myPodder product downloads podcasts, which is something that Apple's own iTunes already does. I don't buy for a second that "podcast" isn't a derivative of iPod. Since that's the case, Apple has a responsibility (right or wrong) to try to vigorously defend the iPod/iTunes brand from a competing product. If the software in question downloaded "MP3 feeds from RSS" or something to that effect, and not "podcasts," I don't think there would be any problem.
I don't think Apple will ever go against iPod/iTunes-friendly usages of the term "podcast," such as Scoble's PodTech.net. Scoble's site doesn't offer competing software like myPodder, simply podcasts that can be used by iPods or other MP3 players. I doubt Apple has a problem with that. PodcastReady's situation is entirely different.
Having read the C&D letter sent to Podcast Ready, Here is what Apple or at least their lawyers said regarding "podcast"
"While Apple, of course, has no general objection to proper use of the descriptive term "podcast" as part of a trademark for goods and services offered in the podcasting field, it cannot allow marks that go beyond this legitimate use and infringe an Apple's rights in POD and IPOD."
Remember Apple sent this letter not because they use the term "podcast" but because they applied for a trademark and they felt the use was outside of the normal use of podcast. I think in this case "Podcast Ready" is not out of the normal use - but "mypodder" is going to be dropped. as it is phonetically confusing. But that is IMHO.
Apple is not yet and nor does it look like it will be going after anyone using the term "Pod" or "Podcast" in their name - as long as the use is in the field of "podcasting" So I think "podshow" and "podtech" are fine as is "podcast411" which I have a lot personally invested in.
Rob @ podCast411
While I think this is a stupid thing for Apple to do, I think this has more to do with stupid American trademark laws. Pretty much, if you don't defend your trademark, you lose your trademark.
It doesn't sound like this is really a C&D, but more of a "we can't stop you from using 'podcast', but don't forget iPod belongs to us".
But, man, this is stupid. If Apple wants to lose the "hip" factor they worked so hard on creating, there's no faster way of doing it than alienating the dedicated people that use your product. How bout we start calling it the "AnythingButAppleCast". I think the last thing Apple wants to do is make people aware that there are other cheaper, open, alternatives out there.
So so far this week I've decided not to never buy an iPod or a PS3 (thanks to that article about Gran Turismo HD on /. )...what other blunders in the consumer electroncis market await us?
I'll be waiting by patiently with my iRiver and my DSL, thank you.
Fuck Apple. Their products suck and now they have to go after people over a stupid name. So glad I don't support them. I urge others to do the same. Stop buying their iPODS and anything else they make.
This pod-thing and Robert Scoble's suggestion of "videocast" and "audiocast" in place of "podcast" reminds me of France's futile attempt to control the French language. The Academie Francaise (http://www.academie-francaise.fr/) once suggested "le baladeur" (http://atilf.atilf.fr/dendien/scripts/generic/cherche.exe?15;s=2105692590;;) instead of "le walkman". You know that never caught on. "podcast" is part of the culture now. Apple should consider it a way to keep its iPod in the public's mind.
WTF!!! The word "Pod", is a dictionary word, and part of the English language! NO ONE can trademark a dictionary word! Not even the "mighty Apple". GET OVER it!
Podcasting, iPod, Pod... This is all FREE ADVERTISING. Is Apple Inc really so stupid and jaded, that they can't see that? After that thing in China, they should really clean up their act.
Apple seems so keen on flexing their legal muscles for stupid reasons. iTunes v. 7.0 is a disgrace, there are thousands of complaints at disscussions.apple.com. People are losing complete functionality and music. These are just the iPod owners who even know what a forum is, what about all those kids whose $300 suddenly broke. They're probably 'in trouble' with their parents, because the parents aren't tech savvy enough to know that iTunes is the culprit, not their kids.
I haven't downloaded this piece of junk, yet Apple keeps prompting me to. Jerks.
I started a petition: www.petitiononline.com/iSTOP/petition.html read and sign it please, then it's going to the California Consumer Protection Agency and Attorney General
Time to call the legal eagles at Apple to the carpet. I am sick of hitech companies selling crap that hasn't gone through adequate quality control. Remember "Service Packs"???
The entire notion of a "podcast" is ridiculous to me - it's an audio stream, and the concept predates the iPod. To me, using the name podcast only implies that someone would be most likely to use an iPod to listen to it, so I don't know why Apple would have such a problem with it. That being said, I've got a problem with it - all "podcast" seems to do is give Apple credit for putting a name on an existing idea. If Apple wants to be so petty, why should we continue to use the term "podcast" and essentially market the iPod for them?
I think that they may have a problem. By searching the US Patents and Trademarks database for "podcast" I found this.
Word Mark PODCAST
Goods and Services IC 009. US 021 023 026 036 038. G & S: SOUND RECORDING FEATURING AUDIO INFORMATION FOR DOWNLOAD-SPOKEN WORD AND MUSIC. FIRST USE: 20060202. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20060222
Standard Characters Claimed
Mark Drawing Code (4) STANDARD CHARACTER MARK
Design Search Code
Serial Number 78831795
Filing Date March 8, 2006
Current Filing Basis 1A;1B
Original Filing Basis 1A;1B
Owner (APPLICANT) Paul Fowlie CORPORATION NEW JERSEY 830 Mountain Way Morris Plains NEW JERSEY 07950
Type of Mark TRADEMARK
Register PRINCIPAL
Live/Dead Indicator LIVE
Sorry Apply, Podcast is trademarked legally since March 2006.
You didn't read enough of the page. Fowlie's did not trademark the term. He attempted to and was denied, didn't get to first base. Even now, two years later I keep hearing this misinformation.
I hope that Line6 is still irritated enough at Apple after they purchased eMagic and discontinued the PC version of the Pod interface program to stop this stupidity. They came out with the Pod (mentioned below, it's a guitar and/or bass recording and amp modelling device) 2-3 years before the iPod.
In related news, Al Gore is aggressively going after several large companies such as NetZero and Netflix who use the term net in their name. Everyone knows I invented the internet, says Gore. These companies names are confusing consumers and taking away from the integrity of my invention. Meanwhile, Gore has revealed plans to trademark the term iInternet.
I am an Apple Fanboy to be sure, but Apple can kiss MY FAT PODASS with this new round of BS. I mean, just what universe are they living in? Maybe they need to sue the city of London for calling the cars in that large ferris wheel of thiers "pods." Sue the Queen! Stupid Apple.
The people who made the POD FPS game back in the day before the Ipod could sue Apple for using the POD name. So apple should really just STFU.
http://media.libsyn.com/media/podcast411/411_060925.mp3
Here is the rest of the story. This story has really been mis-reported online and it does not look good for Blogging as a whole.
When you look at the actual letter and talk to the USPTO - the story becomes much clearer.
I guess it is true when everyone in the Blog world agrees on something it must be wrong.
Lets hope next time Endgadget, CNET, ZDNET and others will do a little research before posting.
Rob @ podCast411
http://www.podcast411.com
In a related move, Apple is planning to sue Bogen for their use of the word "tripod" or any derivatives thereof.
I don't think this has anything to do with podcasting or apple trying to go after the rights to the word or act of podcasting. I think they're going after the "myPod" thing, which is probably legit, and this company issued a press release trying to equate it with podcasting.
This is just a stinky pile of FUD.
Here is the history of podcasting. Apple had nothing to do with the creation of the term.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_podcasting
Read the letter at Wired, people: http://blog.wired.com/music/index.blog?entry_id=1562695. Apple specifically said they have no objection to the use of the term "podcasting", even in trademarks. Their objections were over other terms.
I think it more likely that when brought all the way to the Supreme Court (which you know it will) that the court will find that "Pod" like Kleenex and Coke, is more than a brand it is a generic lable that can not be owned.
P.s., I refer to my Zen and any other non-iPod mp3 player as a "faux-pod".
No, bad story..... The reason being, is that Apple only went after their usage of the "mypodder" term... they has not gone against the term podcast at all, it was just a big media blowup..
I think apple is going overboard with their "POD" issue. They should then sue all the sci-fi movies/animation where they have "escape pod" too! I mean - just because their iPod was a hit doesn't mean they can go put a copyright on the word 'pod' - cuz they didn't invent the word 'pod' in the first place!
I support what Ryan F said, is apple gonna sue famous "Line 6" - the guiter processor & amp builder? I think their "POD" series guiter processor became a sensation due to their looks & quality. Now, these *pod* were on the market even before there was any hard disk based MP3 players on the market, let alone iPod!!!
check the pods out there: http://www.line6.com/products/pods/
I heard Creative will be suing Buddhists over use of the word Zen.
Apple is an overblown company...they only get support because they fight the "evil empire" of Microsoft. If they were the bigger player we'd be having the same gripes with them.
I have an iPod and im constantly tempted to smash it to pieces, definitely going to try something new.
how about 'netcasting' ?
I'd think it would take off, as a word, just as much as 'podcasting', its generic and describes the job being done.
I suppose what they're after is iTunes being the only 'podcast' software out there.
Or how about 'popcasting', to describe the fact that anyone can do it using the internet as an essentially free way to get your creations out there, hence the medium's quickly established popularity...?
Who needs to enhance Apple's brand? And for how long will people be happy to do that anyway....?
Seems a shame, all this. I note with interest that Apple(R) has a device called the Airport(R), not to be confused with an Airport(FAA). I'm sure their marketing chaps and lasses had a Eureka(R) moment when they thought of it: a wireless device that is at once a "port" and uses the wireless "air" waves. Quite clever really. Nothing to do with aircraft, of course, nor does it imply it is a device that only works at airports(FAA). Perhaps LAX should invest in some high powered legal help. And the FAA. Who knows? Soon some Apple(R) lawyer will be standing in court saying that a reasonable consumer might think the movie "Airport" is easily confused with a training audio-visual presentation for an Apple(R) device of the same name so the movie should be retitled. When we start these things they are so hard to stop. Where do you draw the line?
Apple(R). Related to Apple Records(R) perhaps? Or Apple Corp(R) (established 1968) by the Beatles. Check it out.
Where's the love? That's what I want to know.
My grandson's ipod melted somehow--he called me and said the insurance he bought on the thing wo'nt help him get a new one./ What's up with that? help //granny