ipod applecare coverage

[Jen19]

How important is it to buy applecare coverage for an ipod? They (apple)say you need it when the battery needs to be replaced 20 months from now, after the 1 yr. warranty has expired. It's only like $30 but I don't want to do it if there's a good chance I don't need it. Any advice?? Thanks!

[Tal Hawkins]

I've had my iPod Mini for about 3 years and it's working fine...still have the original battery. But, if you can afford the warranty, it might not be a bad idea to purchase it...plenty of folks have had to replace the battery after the warranty expires.

Also, do you plan on keeping your new iPod for a while or is there a possibility you might upgrade in the next year?

[Jen19]

I've had my iPod Mini for about 3 years and it's working fine...still have the original battery. But, if you can afford the warranty, it might not be a bad idea to purchase it...plenty of folks have had to replace the battery after the warranty expires.

Also, do you plan on keeping your new iPod for a while or is there a possibility you might upgrade in the next year?

No, I'd plan to keep it for a while. For $15 per year I think I might as well do it. I was just curious as to how long the battery lasts. Didn't even think about having to replace it until the apple people mentioned that.

[xenochimera]

No, I'd plan to keep it for a while. For $15 per year I think I might as well do it. I was just curious as to how long the battery lasts. Didn't even think about having to replace it until the apple people mentioned that.

lithium ion battery looses its ability to cycle properly after 2-3 years or about 400 charges, this is simply the nature of Li Ion. its much easier just to replace the battery instead of using the care package.

[Jen19]

lithium ion battery looses its ability to cycle properly after 2-3 years or about 400 charges, this is simply the nature of Li Ion. its much easier just to replace the battery instead of using the care package.

How much does the battery cost to replace?

[Tal Hawkins]

How much does the battery cost to replace?

You should be able to get one on ebay for around $5.

[DRUFER]

You should be able to get one on ebay for around $5.

this of course assumes you have the requsite skill to open ipod and replace battery...the units are sealed....

[Casey at the Bat]

Buy the extra coverage. If you need it just once, it will be worth it, especially if you have a hard-drive based iPod. I had my iPod replaced about 5 times during my coverage period (I am pretty hard on my iPod), and they just took it from me, and handed me a new one at the Apple Store.

Since you are covered for the first year for free anyway, a good idea might be to wait until the year is almost up, and see if you would have needed the coverage. If you used it even once, fork out the money to buy the extension before your year is up.

As for opening up the ipod, it really isn't very easy. I have replaced both the LCD and the hard drive on my ipod after the warranty ended, and it was quite an ordeal just to get the dam thing open. If you are not very comfortable opening up your computer and fixing things in it, you will definitely not be opening up your iPod.

btw, I have had my ipod since 2004, use it every day, and have never had to replace the battery.

[Jen19]

Buy the extra coverage. If you need it just once, it will be worth it, especially if you have a hard-drive based iPod. I had my iPod replaced about 5 times during my coverage period (I am pretty hard on my iPod), and they just took it from me, and handed me a new one at the Apple Store.

Since you are covered for the first year for free anyway, a good idea might be to wait until the year is almost up, and see if you would have needed the coverage. If you used it even once, fork out the money to buy the extension before your year is up.

As for opening up the ipod, it really isn't very easy. I have replaced both the LCD and the hard drive on my ipod after the warranty ended, and it was quite an ordeal just to get the dam thing open. If you are not very comfortable opening up your computer and fixing things in it, you will definitely not be opening up your iPod.

btw, I have had my ipod since 2004, use it every day, and have never had to replace the battery.

Thanks a lot for the info. I may take your advice and buy the extra coverage near the end of the first year. It will be peace of mind at least in case anything goes wrong.

[26 and counting]

I would assume that the easiest way to get service towards your iPod is to go to your nearest Apple Store, is that correct? I read on the website that to get the battery replaced, you have to apply online, mail it in, and it can take up to three weeks to finally get your iPod back. That seems like a total pain.

I have another question: If you already have a 30GB iPod, is it possible to get a discount if you want to upgrade to the 80GB iPod? It would be great if you could.

[xenochimera]

battery replacement is not only offered by apple, many freelancer do it as well, for a better price, and use a higher capacity batter as well, and trust me, they do a very good job as well.

for the 30 gig question, i do not think you will get a discount, but, its possible to get a 80 gig harddrive that fits and do it yourself.

[Casey at the Bat]

battery replacement is not only offered by apple, many freelancer do it as well, for a better price, and use a higher capacity batter as well, and trust me, they do a very good job as well.

for the 30 gig question, i do not think you will get a discount, but, its possible to get a 80 gig harddrive that fits and do it yourself.

Yes, I upgraded my 40 gig to a 60 gig by buying a HD for $100 and putting it in myself when my original HD broke.

try www.ipodresq.com or www.smalldog.com to check prices of people who will do the work for you (battery or HD)