So, I know it has been a VERY long time but I have been busy with things outside of computer life such as work and more work.

However! I did acquire a new toy a few months ago which was my new iPod touch! Which I absolutely love its right up there with my Tablet and HDD Camcorder!  I originally wanted one so I had something to go for a run/walk with when I am alone to keep me company(really i would have settled for a nano but still) Anywho, a few months after I acquired the touch I come to find out Canada was finally going to offer the iPhone,finally. But after looking at the price plans I wasn’t feeling too down about my acquisition of the regular old ipod(it does most of the same features except for the phone and camera and sms).

Then I came to find out they were going to release the 2.0 firmware upgrade for the touch for a nominal fee. So what do I do? I run out and grab an itunes card and wait patiently…then the big day comes for upgrading and of course there was the typical problems of the server being over run and not being able to get it right away. Which hey I waited until the next day and bam I could get in …then….it asks for a credit card to purchase it….no reason why….I had $50 bucks in itunes cash in there…..so I borrow a credit card to pay the measly 9.95 and get the update.

GREAT! I’M ALL SET

One of the main things I was excited for (and so was about 90% of the people who had ipods that weren’t jailbroken were excited for) was of course the apps store. So of course I go in…browse a few free apps just to get a feel for what the apps were all about which were pretty good for free…..so then i figure well i have $50 bucks to waste lets go buy some premo apps….and what to a find..it asks me for a credit card again…..WHY?!?!?!!?

I’m sorry I do not have a credit card! I learnt my lesson when I was younger and completely and utterly refuse to get one because they just spell trouble for me. So now I only pay for things with cash that I have saved. I mean sure I could borrow someones credit card and pay them with the cash but do I really want to do that EVERY time I want an app?

So I emailed apple……the email was polite and professional(spell checked and grammar checked lol)…basically it stated that I was wondering why it was asking for a credit card when it states I have $50 on my account and if we need a credit card to buy apps as well as if that was the case if they had any other plans of making it easier for us small bunch that don’t have a credit card and can’t borrow it from mommy or daddy!

Today I finally got my response back….and it pissed me off….

This is the response(i blanked names):

Thank you for contacting Apple about the App Store. We’re so glad you’re interested in this new offering. My name is ***** and I am more than happy to work with you until everything has been resolved to your satisfaction *****!

Due to tax laws and commerce restrictions for software in Canada, unfortunately, customers residing in Canada may only purchase games and applications using a credit card.

I’m sorry *****, but you will not be able to purchase games or applications with store credit or an iTunes Gift Card in Canada.

If you have any other concerns surrounding this, feel free to include them in your reply and I’ll do my best to assist you.

Again, I apologize for this disappointment *****, I know it is a bummer!

And no, I did not add in the last part that is what it said! Again I feel as if Canada has once again been cheated out of something good from Apple. First, the OUTRAGEOUS data plans associated with the iPhone’s release and now this. I know it’s not entirely apple’s fault for either one of these issues but there must be a way that Apple can:

a)work with the iPhone provider here and reach a reasonable price plan for their product that is at least SOMEWHAT comparable to the price plans in the USA

b)Find a damn loop hole……speak with some legal people…or hell find a way for us hard working, non plastic carrying people to get some damn decent apps without hassle!

The way I see it credit card, gift card, hell itunes card, and cold hard cash is all the same thing. I paid for the card in cash……its money! ITS ALL MY MONEY!

It made me kind of laugh though because it made me think about Piracy and why so many people do it. Or even about how many people “jailbreak”/”unlock” there iPhones and iPods and have been enjoying free apps for a long time now. Because between the Government making stupid laws and companies being too greedy it’s way to complicated and expensive to abide by the law and actually pay for things now adays!

Anyways, enough about that…I know it was a long rant for my return…….but hey I was pent up lol!

My next entry will probably be an overview and review of what I can access with the new 2.0 firmware.

Until next time,

~DA~