As soon as I got it, I knew something about it was different: I compared it to a cable that came with the iPod, and noticed the following differences:
- Every logo printed on the cable is different: different alignments, different thicknesses
- I know Apple cables are packaged in a very distinct coiled rectangular shape, this one was loosely coiled in a circle
- The plastic itself feels very cheap: joins are not aligned properly, parts overlap and stick out where they shouldn't, and it is not cut precisely on some edges.