Rocket Jones: iPod information update

December 23, 2003

iPod information update

I had originally asked for any and all information about iPod's here, and got lots and lots of great answers in the comments. Then Dawn stopped me dead with this link and the quicktime video viewable from that page. If this is true, then the iPod isn't necessarily such a great deal anymore. Anyone know if what they say in the video is the real deal?

Update: Once again Dawn comes through! Look here for step-by-step instructions - with pictures - on how to replace your own iPod battery. Batteries run around $60.00 from the same company. That doesn't sound like an unreasonable price.

Posted by Ted at December 23, 2003 11:41 AM | TrackBack

Comments

Based on my not-so-extensive knowledge of rechargeable batteries (from the laptops I fix) I'd say 18-24 months is probably about right.

Posted by: Victor at December 23, 2003 12:22 PM

I am not an iPod person so am not much help here. On the plus side, I asked Flea-readers for advice on cell phones and plans and got great advice!

Posted by: Ghost of a flea at December 23, 2003 04:30 PM

From apple support online regarding battery life and a software software update that helps.

Some customers have reported that over time their iPod's battery life has declined. This update enables the iPod to more accurately monitor its battery charge, thus using the entire battery capacity and regaining long battery life. The result is longer playback time and extended standby time. After updating the iPod, customers can expect at least 10 days of standby battery life on a full charge.

Prior to this update, the iPod would sometimes mistake a temporary low voltage condition as an indication that the battery was discharged. This resulted in the iPod shutting down prematurely, even though the battery was still capable of powering the iPod

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=61892

Posted by: StMack at December 23, 2003 06:54 PM

I'm commenting because Mookie told me to.

Plus I decided to buy a Sony MP3 player because while iPod sounds like a great toy, I've heard way too many stories of problems. I've had mine a year and not a problem at all.

Posted by: Simon at December 23, 2003 07:05 PM

FYI: You can also buy iPod batteries online for about $60. If your battery dies beyond warranty it's really not all that difficult to pry the case open and put in a new one. A small detail they left out of the "Dirty Little Secret Video."

Posted by: StMack at December 23, 2003 07:23 PM

My personal favourite was to purchase a TDK Mojo 600 or 620, which play CDs, CDRs, CDRWs, and MP3 discs with 8 minute anti-skip protection. Since I burn my own CDs anyway, it was just as easy for me to rip off the original disc and put together a 12 hour MP3 disc to take with me that plays in the PC as well as on the Mojo.

Posted by: Silver Blue at December 23, 2003 10:23 PM

Mack, after I posted Dawn's online instructions I saw your comment.

Thanks to everyone! Now to tackle that pesky Unified Theory, eh?

Posted by: Ted at December 24, 2003 06:56 AM