Replace your iPod Mini battery

If you've had your iPod Mini for less than a year, the standard Apple warranty will cover your ailing battery. If you have less than a 50 percent charge on your battery in the second year, Apple will replace that battery as well.

Although you can get your dying or dead batteries replaced by Apple for $59 (down from a hefty $99 plus $6.95 for shipping), it's easier, more fulfilling, more adventurous, and most importantly, cheaper to do it yourself with a third-party battery kit. Those who have a first-gen iPod Mini with its paltry 12 hours of life can upgrade to a current battery that lasts up to 20 hours. Battery kits for the iPod Mini are available from a number of sources, including:

• Laptops for Less ($29)
• PDASmart.com ($40)
• Batteryship.com ($21.95)
• Or buy the battery separately and pick up a small flat-head and Phillips-head screwdriver from your local hardware store

Battery replacement kits usually include a lithium-ion battery (7.2 or 3.7 volts), a multiuse tool, and basic diagram style instructions. If your kit doesn't come with a tool, use a small and thin flat-head and Phillips-head screwdriver.

Now, a word of warning before you purchase a battery: It's not too difficult to replace your iPod's battery, but those who wouldn't be able to install RAM in a computer should probably stay away. Unless you have decent surgical abilities, you'll probably end up scratching or even denting the Mini's anodized aluminum exterior--the edges around the top and bottom, to be exact. It's actually a bit easier to replace a regular iPod's battery (first through fourth generations, though the fifth-gen iPod looks trickier). We didn't care too much about our blemishes; our first-gen iPod Mini was tired and old anyway. But be aware that you'll definitely void your Apple warranty by opening up the case; again, our iPod's warranty expired a while ago.