iPod Issue

[ontheboards]

I have a 5th generation iPod-- 30 GB and video display. It's at least two years old and the time has come to replace the battery as it is having a few issues-- won't hold a charge for longer than a few hours (approximately 4-5) and since yesterday, refused to turn off (which I was finally able to do this morning-- left it in its dock all night) and now, I am struggling to get it fully charged. As soon as I pull it from its dock, it's only half charged and drains very quickly. Mailing it into Apple and other internet businesses look to have a turn around time of a approximately one week--- after receiving the iPod.

Has anyone changed a battery in their iPod? Looks like the 5th generation is more challenging than earlier versions.
If you haven't done it yourself, who have you used?
Do you know anyone locally?

and finally, has anyone tried one of the "extreme" upgrade batteries for an iPod, supposedly providing big, extended playing time? Results? Recommendations?

I am rather attached to my iPod and like any good addict, trying to figure out a way to get it fixed ASAP--

Thanks!

[puck_it]

I replaced the screen on my 4th gen color ipod. It was a ***** getting the case open, but once I did it the first time, I was able to open it back up again. Once you get it open, it was a breeze to replace whichever part you needed.

If you're comfortable working with electronics, google around, you'll find people who recommend certain tools, and pressure points. some people have posted youtube videos as well.

eta: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0JQMhZeo4Q

[IceSun]

I have a 5th generation iPod-- 30 GB and video display. It's at least two years old and the time has come to replace the battery as it is having a few issues-- won't hold a charge for longer than a few hours (approximately 4-5) and since yesterday, refused to turn off (which I was finally able to do this morning-- left it in its dock all night) and now, I am struggling to get it fully charged. As soon as I pull it from its dock, it's only half charged and drains very quickly. Mailing it into Apple and other internet businesses look to have a turn around time of a approximately one week--- after receiving the iPod.

Has anyone changed a battery in their iPod? Looks like the 5th generation is more challenging than earlier versions.
If you haven't done it yourself, who have you used?
Do you know anyone locally?

and finally, has anyone tried one of the "extreme" upgrade batteries for an iPod, supposedly providing big, extended playing time? Results? Recommendations?

I am rather attached to my iPod and like any good addict, trying to figure out a way to get it fixed ASAP--

Thanks!

I was trying to find a link for you and came across this post - you've probably already tried, but just in case...

My mini has been getting worse and worse on its battery level. I was going to order a replacement, but then I came across a nice tip. apparently sometimes the iPod goes out of sync with the battery level, so it thinks it is dead, even when their is plenty of juice. So try doing a reset(you won't lose your music or anything, maybe just a few settings). Just hold down the middle button and play/pause until you see the apple logo. I didn't get original capacity back, but it went from less than an hour to around 3 or 4 hours.

I found this on http://lifehacker.com/software/ipod/how-to-replace-your-ipods-battery-236138.php
There is a fifth generation video near the bottom. A lot of the people there seem to recommend ipodjuice.com

[ontheboards]

Thanks for your input, guys, I appreciate the feedback.

[ontheboards]

As an FYI, I was getting ready to order a replacement battery and try to change it out myself when I stumbled upon a recommendation to update the iTunes version on my computer. I did that and in doing so, updated my iPod-- that has worked wonders, improving battery life and allowing me to turn off my iPod without problem. While it may be a temporary fix, it's working right now. So, if anyone else runs into difficulty, going the update route may prove beneficial.