iPod and iTunes Hacks

Replace Your Generation 1 or 2 iPod’s Battery

Breathe some new life into your generation 1 or 2 iPod by replacing its battery.

Much hoopla has been raised about the life, or lack thereof, of the iPod’s battery. And while many users of the first 5 GB iPod model are still using the battery with no problem whatsoever, the fact is that batteries do eventually run out of juice. You won’t wake up one day to find your battery dead; rather, expect a long, slow descent that involves shorter and shorter battery life between recharges. Eventually, you’re going to have to replace the battery.

Tip

This hack shows how to replace the battery for a G1 or G2 iPod. If you have a G3 iPod, see “Replace Your Generation 3 iPod’s Battery” [Hack #16] . If you have an iPod mini, see “Replace Your iPod Mini’s Battery” [Hack #17] .

Replacing the battery yourself is a pretty easy task, but if you’re the kind of person who frets about dings or if you have no mechanical ability whatsoever, your best bet is to send your iPod to Apple or a quality third-party shop to get the battery replaced. Apple’s iPod Battery Replacement Program (http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/service/battery.html) will cost you $99.00, plus $6.95 for shipping. Apple will take a week or two to put a new battery in your iPod and return it to you. If you’re adventurous, or too impatient to go two weeks without your magical music box, then read ...