Replaced my iPod battery for $25

My 30GB video iPod has been a trusty device ...until the past month or so. The HOLD button stopped working. OK. I can deal with that. But the battery life had also started tanking. I could charge the iPod and after an hour or so it would still show as full or nearly so and then suddenly drop to the red zone and then die. I could have sent the iPod to Apple, but they charge $59 or more, it would be a couple of weeks before I'd have an iPod back, and it wouldn't be the same iPod --  Apple returns a different iPod of the same model. Not acceptable.

So after a little research, I ordered a battery replacement kit for $25 (including shipping) from Milliamp. The kit shipped within a day and was here one or two days later. A pic of the kit appears at the left (click to see full size). The kit includes a tool to open the iPod, very detailed instructions with pictures, the new battery, and a small screwdriver (which I didn't need).

I admit it was a little spooky to split my iPod open and perform the surgery. But the entire process only took about 10 minutes, and I had my iPod back together with a new battery. Did I mention that it is my iPod? All my files are intact, my custom engraving and skin is still there, and I did not have to go for days/weeks without the device. The ribbon cables are quite delicate, and one does need to be careful, but it is definitely a very doable task ...and much cheaper vs sending off to Apple.

Oh, and if you buy a kit from Milliamp, they allow you to send them your old battery and they'll recycle it. Nice!