TECH NIGHTMARES: iPod monstrosities

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One of the biggest complaints about the iPod is its battery, which is not the removable kind available on many micro hard drive-based MP3 players, such as the iRiver H10 or the Creative Zen Micro. We've all heard someone say, "I got my iPod a year ago, and now it gets only 4 hours per charge." While the iPod's battery life has generally improved with each generation (the 60GB iPod lasts about 20 hours), there's no question that there are a few lemon batteries out there.

iPod battery replacement tutorial:

1. Warning: It's not too difficult to replace your iPod's battery, but anyone who's too intimidated to install RAM in a computer should probably stay away. Also, you might end up scratching and possibly denting your iPod during the process (we didn't care; our second-gen iPod is scratched beyond belief), and you'll definitely void your Apple warranty by opening up the case. Again, our iPod's warranty expired more than two years ago. Proceed with caution.

2. Find a battery online at sites such as PDASmart and www.ipodbattery.com, which sell replacement batteries for as little as $29. I bought mine for $50 at ipodbattery.com (almost two years ago), and it's working like a charm and has even doubled the life of the original battery. Make sure to select the battery that matches your iPod. These kits usually include a tool and instructions, but we just use a thin, flat-head screwdriver. PDASmart's kit includes a plastic tool that doesn't mess up the case.

Note: The video iPod is so new that there isn't demand yet for third-party replacements, but you'll probably see them soon--though prying open the new thin case seems like a nightmare all on its own.

3. Once you have your battery, you're ready to assume the role of Dr. Frankenstein. Before opening the case, make sure you've turned off your iPod and the hold button is on. Insert the tool between the plastic and the metal next to the FireWire port, then slide it around the corner and down the side of the iPod about 10mm. It's a little more complicated on dock-connector iPods; there's a sweet spot on either side of the LCD, and you'll have to pry the case open. It's easier to nick up newer iPod cases. Pry upward with the tool to unlatch one of the left side's five clips holding the case together. Continue sliding the tool down the side; as you progress, you'll be unlatching the rest of the clips. Eventually, you'll be able to remove the back cover with relative ease.

4. What you see now is the battery mounted atop the hard drive and other electronic innards. Don't panic. The rest of the steps are pretty easy. You'll need to gently pry with a tool (preferably a small flat-head screwdriver) the battery off the hard drive, as it's attached by two strong adhesive strips. Try to keep the adhesive strips on the hard drive and not the battery, since your new battery will need to stick to the drive. Once the battery is removed, unplug the connector wire from the iPod's circuit board, then properly dispose of the battery.

5. Connect the wire of the new battery to the circuit board, then lay the battery itself down on the adhesive strips without letting any edges hang over. Dress the wires so that they don't interfere with the iPod cover. Then snap the metal case back onto the iPod; it may feel slightly looser since you opened it up.

6. Turn your iPod on to see if it works. Then charge it up, and you'll have a juiced-up iPod that's anything but nightmarish.