iPod and iTunes Hacks

Change the Colors of Your Generation 3 iPod’s LCD Screen

With a sheet of acetate and a few simple tools, you can convert your iPod’s LED lights to any color you want.

Personally, I like my pants to match my shirt, and on the generation 3 (G3) series iPods, the fact that the LED buttons and LCD display light up like a police car pulling me over is a bit annoying. No worries, though; with a sheet of acetate paper from the local art supply store and a couple of tools, I can get my G3 iPod ready for duty on a submarine at battle stations!

Here’s what you’ll need for this hack:

• A case-cracking tool [Hack #16]

• A Torx T6 screwdriver (see http://www.wihatools.com)

• Red acetate film, cut to 1.9” × 1.5”

• A pair of tweezers (optional)

Acetate film is available at art supply and plastics stores. I think red is the only color that really looks good, but feel free to take your iPod into the store and cover the LCD display with whatever colors you fancy testing.

Warning

Refer to “Replace Your Generation 3 iPod’s Battery” [Hack #16] for detailed instructions on how to get the iPod apart. Also, heed the warnings in “Replace Your Generation 1 or 2 iPod’s Battery” [Hack #15] and consider just how badly you really want to change your LCD’s colors. There is risk involved here.

Removing the Hard Drive and Battery

Follow the instructions in “Replace Your Generation 3 iPod’s Battery” [Hack #16] to open your ...