Fix yer broken iPods!

[ZexGX]

I'm not sure that many people know this, but if a battery goes dead or a hard drive dies inside of an iPod, replacement alternatives are readily available for seemingly everything except for iPod Touches. You can buy replacement batteries on Amazon (go for the one with the highest MAH), and depending on your model of iPod you may be able to replace the hard drive with a larger model (30GB iPod Video to 120GB iPod Video anyone??). Repairs are usually very simple to do as long as you are the careful type (don't go forcing square pegs through round holes).

For example:
Last year I was given a pink 1st gen iPod Mini 4GB. The battery was dead and would not hold a charge, hell it wouldn't even run. I did some research and went to Amazon. Bought a battery for around $10 all said and done. Even came with the tools necessary to open up the iPod and change the battery. I could now use it in my car! w00t!
A couple weeks ago, said iPod's hard drive died (guess it didn't like the upgraded and tuned suspension in my car?). Again, I checked Google and discovered that this particular model of iPod can accept Compact Flash cards as replacement hard drives. I have found one that is compatible (there are lists/reviews all over the net that say which cards work) and ordered it. To install, simply plug in the new drive (no soldering/majorhaxoring necessary!) and "restore" the iPod with iTunes. It will detect the new drive and the new-found space. Voila! 32GB 1st-gen iPod Mini.

Other iPods (like the first iPod Videos) use 1.8" PATA laptop drives with ZIF connectors. Virtually Plug 'n Play. Do some research on your model of iPod and it may save you a ton of money, and perhaps even make you some on the side.

[kibito87]

interesting! This is cool. Although I have an ipod mini 4gb...that I don't use anymore. I have a 32gb Touch so this won't benefit me as much but my girlfriend has a 80gb Classic iPod so this might actually help if it boils down to it. Nice find!

And my lord...where have you been?

[ZexGX]

And my lord...where have you been?

I got a cool car, a cool job, and a life. It's about to change again so I figured I should check in with my homies.

[argrn]

Thanks Zex!