“The new design will deliver a hugely improved navigation system, much greater scope for categorization and a dynamic new user interface.”

According to PlayStation, the update will be released by mid-April, which is just two weeks away. A software update to the console will also accompany the new PSN Store. The bad news in all of this might be the fact that no new content will be available until this upgrade is pushed out. Fortunately this shouldn’t affect PlayStation Network game play, accounts, or virtual wallets.

Update: According to the PlayStation Blog, no new content will be added to the PlayStation Store for the next two weeks. (North America) However with the re-launch, plenty of new content will become available including a demo of the highly regarded Gran Turismo 5 Prologue!

Links: us.PlayStation.com

I recently purchased a portable fridge for my dorm room on Amazon. When I received the package, everything worked fine, but there was a very visible dent on the side of the door. Being the picky person I am and wanting my full $200 worth, I asked Amazon for a replacement unit. Amazon kindly agreed to replace the damaged unit and since I was in a rush, they even threw in “One-Day Shipping” through UPS. I placed the original unit at the door for UPS to pickup, and when I got home the original package was taken and the replacement was at the doorstep.

The “new” box looked pretty badly beaten up, smashed, and torn. When I opened the box I was horrified to see the fridge’s front door had a HUGE “bullet-hole” looking crater. The rest of the unit was scratched up, smashed inwards, and bulging out. And to top that, the unit was soaked in some weird liquid. I decided to open the fridge door, to make things even worse, it fell right off its hinges.

I once again called Amazon’s Customer Service, to see if I could get a “working” replacement. Amazon didn’t agree to replace it this time, but offered a full refund and free pickup of the trashed unit. I ended up purchasing the unit at Fry’s Electronics, a bay area computer store, which actually ended up being about $25 cheaper since it was on sale. I constantly order items from Amazon and I have literally never received a damaged product. My guess is that this had something to do with UPS’s deliver guy. There have been videos online of delivery personnel throwing packages across driveways to the door step.

As for Amazon’s Customer Support, it was just AMAZING. With a click of a button on their website, they call you, you don’t have to dial a 1-800 number and go through the standard “press one for blah” options. Their representative already has your order number and just requires verifying some personal information for security. The wait times were just 3-4 minutes each time I contacted them, which is quicker than any other experience I’ve had. In addition their reps actually knew what they were doing, they were knowledgeable, polite, and well trained. Without any screaming or yelling they were able to quickly drive me through the return process. In addition the second time I called to return the replacement, they themselves suggested a full refund. I even began to feel a bit guilty for returning that original fridge since it was only slightly damaged, but then realized this is the way Customer Service should be!

Has anyone else actually had a GOOD experience with any big company’s customer service?

Links: Amazon.com

Last year we tested out the Agent 18 Shield for the original iPod Nano, which was prone to scratches, and were quite pleased with the results. Agent 18 was kind enough to provide us with their brand new “NanoShock Kit” (hardcase) designed specifically for the second generation (aluminum) iPod Nanos. Although the new iPod Nanos are more resistant to scratches, they are still pretty flimsy and purchasing a case is good investment.

Protection – 4/5 stars

The two-piece shield snaps onto the back and front of any 2nd generation iPod Nano. The case protects all parts of the iPod, including the entire screen. The case does a good job of protecting the nano; however we wish Agent 18 included some extra material to protect the exposed click-wheel. The top and bottom aren’t protected with what is provided in the NanoShield Kit, however rubber ends are provided in the slightly more expensive NanoShock Kit.

Usage – 5/5 stars
The case was designed well and leaves openings for the hold button, touch-wheel, connector port, and headphone jack for easy use. Agent 18 also provides a special Universal Dock Adapter, shaped to fit the Nano while in its case, for use with standard iPod accessories. The touch-wheel is also is easier to use now that the case surrounds it with a thick border.

Style – 4/5 stars
The polycarbonate case looks pretty good on any 2nd generation Nano and allows to color to bleed through with ruining the look. Except for the clear plastic on the screen (and logo), the rest of the case has a “blurred-look” making scratches less visible. Overall this is one of the best looking hard cases we’ve seen, however it doesn’t look as hot if you plan to use the rubber ends provided for shock absorption in the NanoShock Kit.

Value – 5/5 stars
Agent 18 currently offers to models, NanoShield ($20) and NanoShock ($30). The NanoShield comes with the actual 2-piece Polycarbonate Case and Dock Adapter. However for an extra $10 Agent 18 throws in a belt clip, armband, and rubber ends for shock protection. Both packs are very reasonable compared to cases made by other vendors. Agent18 has started to ship these cases and it is available for order from their website.

As we mentioned previously, we have been satisfied with all their products including iPod VideoShield and the original Shield for Nano. If you are extremely worried about damaging your iPod you may want to purchase the $30 model which includes the rubber ends. However the case itself does provide a pretty good amount of protection. We recommend this case since we haven’t had any issues with it other than the fact that the touch-wheel has been left exposed. If anyone knows of a case better than this one, please let us know by replying in the comments.

Links: Agent18 Nano Cases | Agent18.com
Related: Agent 18 Shield For Nano Review (1st Generation)

Other Places To Purchase:
Amazon: CoverShield & ShockShield | Apple Store