Are the iPod nano screens defective and easily scratched? A class action lawsuit gained steam a few weeks ago, and several news sources have picked up on the issue. Walt Mossberg warned users of a problem, and urged the use of a protective case. Initially, we did a casual review of the issue, using feedback from a small group of owners. I also went to Best Buy and scraped my thumbnail across the screen a few times - and nothing happened. But a recent visit to the Apple store has changed my mind on the issue.

On Wednesday, I popped into the recently-opened Apple Store at the Beverly Center in Los Angeles, just to poke around before the Black Friday rush. The store had only light attendance ahead of the holidays, so I could easily glance at the iPods on display. And since Apple has moved to just three iPods - the video-enabled, nano, and shuffle - the selection is easy to move through. There were two large tables - each with about 8-10 of the video and nanos on display. The shuffles were less prominently displayed.

The nano table was attractive enough. Luring the buyer is an incredibly small iPod, with great functionality, color screen.... the works. Most readers are familiar with the device. But most of the demo models had scratches on them - not deep gashes, but a collection of several smaller swipes. It was noticeable, and obvious. And these were display models, subject to some abuse but not sitting in anyone's pocket or gym bag for long periods of time.

I asked one of the salespeople if there was an issue. "There was a problem earlier, but we fixed it. It's a non-issue now. There was something on channel 7 about it, but they were misinformed." Channel 7? Mmmm... I wonder how many other local newscasts in other cities picked up on the issue - and how many will pick up on it in the future.

Apple has included a protective cover with new players, possible mitigating the issue. We'll have to see how holiday buyers react, and how the class action lawsuit plays out. But I was very surprised at what I saw on my little field trip...