I recently replaced my 3rd ipod under the 1-year warranty. Each hard drive failed and started clicking, screeching, etc. The last two of them happened in about a week's time. I finally figured it out, I think: I was putting them in a Blackberry holster with a magnetic clasp. The fit was perfect. However, I feel the magnet must have been causing the issue. Surprisingly the folks at the Genius Bar didn't mention it as a possibility, nor is it mentioned -- as far as I can tel -- anywhere as a warning in iPod manuals, web site, etc. Has anyone else had a similar issue?