Has anyone ever replaced a battery on their own? We looked into the costs to sent it in to Apple and it seems to make more sense to buy a new one. Any tips?
Battery died in my 20 GB iPod last year. I bought a refurbished 30GB iPod for $100 (buy.com) instead of paying the $70 to replace the battery.
What model do you have? If you're having battery issues it's usually much cheaper to have it replaced through Apple. Even first gen Models have a cheaper battery replacement that anything else. I think it's roughly $69 Canadian. So unless it's a shuffle it's usually a great deal since you get a different unit back with a 90 day warranty coverage.
It can be done, but it's pretty intensive, from what I've heard. Some models involve sodlering to the board, IIRC.
I've replaced a battery in an iPod before and it was very simple. This was one of the older 4th generation models, before they went color with video. I ordered a kit online and it was very easy; the hardest part was opening the case and they provide a tool for that. No soldering necessary even on the 5th generation models. Just open the case, plug the new battery in and you're good.
I was thinking of specifically a Touch (I mentally default to one since it's what i have), but that's good to know, as my wife has both.
It was a Touch that died. I found a battery kit for around $40 online, but it involved some soldering to replace. We did luck out though... took the Touch into the Apple store and they replaced it with a new one (well most likely refurbished... but whatever) for nothing. We were even 90 days past warranty. Colour me surprised. Good on Apple.
On the topic, I just bought a 16gig 4th Gen Nano, and the battery power is nothing compared to my 3rd Gen. Is this normal, or should I exchange it for another?
90 Days of Phone support. 1 year hardware warranty. What are the first three characters of your serial number? I can tell ya if it's a refurb or a replacement.
