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There are two ways to handle just about any repair for your iPod. You can either repair iPod yourself using a Do-It-Yourself Kit, or have a professional iPod technician complete and guarantee the work for you. Read about the pros and cons associated with the top two iPod related repair issues and what to look out for in the process.

Screen Repair

The leading cause of an iPod in need of repair is a broken or damaged LCD screen. Even though the iPod may still work with a cracked, scratched, or broken screen, this severely reduces the usability and aesthetic appeal.

If you were one of the first to get the iPod Nano, you may be entitled to a free replacement. After numerous complaints, Apple admitted that a small number of Nanos (less than one tenth of a percent) were shipped with faulty screens due to a manufacturing problem.

For the rest of us, there’s the choice between a do-it-yourself replacement screen or professional repair. Apple has engineered many of its new products specifically to be customer friendly when it comes to repairs. By doing a search for “iPod LCD screen repair” you’ll find kits for all models of iPods that can be ordered online for between $79 and $149.

Those who aren’t comfortable opening their iPod and replacing the screen themselves can opt for professional repair. It’s important to choose a company that specializes in iPod repair. Some companies offer a free diagnostic check for your iPod. If your iPod was damaged in a fall and you’re not sure if there is additional damage beyond the screen, this may be the best option. Although a little more expensive than a do-it-yourself kit, you won’t risk causing additional damage to your iPod during the repair.

Battery Replacement

Replacing a battery seems simple enough until you take into account that iPod isn’t designed to be opened easily. Opening the iPod to change the battery can damage the devise if you’re not using the proper tools. The battery used by the iPod generally lasts about 500 cycles. For an average iPod user, this equates to about one year of use.

As time passes, your battery will hold its charge for shorter periods of time and need to be charged more often. You can find a battery for your iPod at Best Buy, CompUSA, Circuit City or online store. The service professionals can help you find the right battery for your model. You can also download your model’s instruction manual on Apple’s website for reference.

Many iPod owners opt to leave battery replacement to a specialty iPod shop. Apple offers a battery replacement service for $59, a reduction in price from their original $99 price. Specialty iPod repair shops often offer incentives with battery replacement, including lifetime Platinum Battery Program where you get a free yearly battery replacement for as long as you own your iPod.

There are a few simple tips for getting the longest lifespan from your battery. Make it a habit to let your iPod charge long enough to obtain a full charge which takes about 4 hours. Charging the battery for short periods of time repeatedly can reduce the battery’s lifespan. Turning off unnecessary features such as the back lighting and the equalizer will also extend the battery life. Compressed songs that are 9 MB or smaller take the least effort for iPod to cache, also reducing the power needed from the battery.

Apple has made it simple for iPod owners to make choices about how they prefer to handle their repairs. No matter your choice, it’s important to verify that the place where you purchase your part or have your repair done specializes in iPod service.

The author is a freelance copywriter. For more information about ipod repairs and ipod parts, visit www.iPodMods.com.

Once a person has Bluetooth technology integrated into their home and office, they will want to invest in some accessories. These accessories go far beyond cell phone skins and ring tones. These accessories are advanced little gadgets that can make using this technology even easier and faster. Wireless technology is the wave of the future. Finding ways to adapt it and make it fit into one’s lifestyle is not that difficult. Chances are, Bluetooth technology was already being used before people realized it. If a person has used a wireless interest connection at home, at the local coffee shop or bookstore, they are taking advantage of this technology. Even though it has gone far beyond simple wireless computer connection, to many people, this is all they know. This technology has been around for years now.

But for those who use this type of technology often, Bluetooth has made their lives a little simpler. Some of the most popular accessories are car kits. Many newer model cars come with built in wireless connection. This is because many new cars come with navigation systems, which are also wire less. This means that phone calls can be made even in the most mountainous of areas. For those who travel by car often, this is the technology to invest in. With hands free headsets that work on voice activation, a person can make a phone call without taking their hands off the steering wheel. In some new cars the caller ID is flashed in the rearview mirror. One can ask for a phone menu and it will pop up with all of the person’s contact numbers. These can be pre-programmed into the phone and used in the car.

For those who want wireless technology in their car, but who can’t afford to buy a new car, car kits have been created. By rewiring the electrical system in any car, wireless technology can be installed. A car kit comes with the wiring, headset, and other accessories that make driving safer. These kits are a lot less than buying a new car, but can still be expensive. Car kits are available in most automotive stores, online, or at car dealerships. Upgrading to a wireless car environment is worth the investment for those who spend a lot of time driving, for those who want to drive safely, and for emergency usage. It is nice to know that the phone will always work even out in the middle of nowhere. Having a flat tire and worrying about whom to call is a thing of the past.

Other accessories include wireless headsets for the home, a wireless mouse, servers, PDA’s and modems. Wireless technology has changed the way people think about home offices. All office equipment can be connected to one network without all the wires and extra outlets. Being able to run everything all the time is a great luxury that will come in handy. A wireless mouse can free up space and make drawing and other intricate usage easier. For graphic designers, a wireless mouse can save the day. Being able to point the mouse in the exact spot saves time and money. PDA’s can now be used to check e-mail, fax, print, send images, and make phone calls without having to switch networks or physically connect to a network. This has really improved the working world. A person can make a phone call to anyone or send them a fax that will get there and in time.

Being able to connect to the Internet quickly and still be able to send a fax or print something at the same time is achievable with Bluetooth technology. Multi-tasking has never been easier for those who work from home as well as those who work in an office. Businesses save lots of money each year by utilizing this equipment. The accessories are small and most would go unnoticed. The accessories are not ugly eyesores like wires and extra cable used to be. Too many wires are a safety hazard that has all but disappeared. These accessories make using Bluetooth technology even better. Saving time and money is everyone’s goal. Bluetooth technology makes this goal a little easier to reach.

Have a Bluetooth enabled device and want to get the most out of it? Use our troubleshooting guide or frequently asked questions to make sure your device is working as it should. Also, learn how other companies are applying Bluetooth technology to their everyday working environment. Visit us for the latest bluetooth headset.

Although Sony only released its PSP (PlayStation Portable) in March of 2005, it has been updated with new accessories on almost a daily basis. The PSP is a small handheld device weighing just over half a pound, but packs the fullest punch for the audio-video enthusiast. Its capabilities include playing back music, movies, television shows, other saved or downloaded video clips, wireless Internet connection, and its primary purpose: video games in a portable system.

All this is available to users anytime of day or night and virtually anywhere. The most recent release accessory announced by Sony is the PSP camera. This comes as a joy to PSP users on the go all around the world looking to complete their micro entertainment center with the ability to not only view picture and videos, but actually take their own pictures and videos with their PSP.

The PSP camera was first announced at the E3 in Japan in March of 2006, where it also made its first public demo behind protective glass. The camera will don the name of Chotto Shot. Physically it is a small and seemingly basic camera lens about the size of the bottom half of your thumb that attaches to the top of the PSP system just above the screen. As if a camera attachment to the PSP would not be enough to complete this compact media center, the quick shot camera will also have a GPS attachment available. The camera is capable of delivering 1.3 megapixel image quality for the pictures as well as the video clips it captures.

Also included with the camera’s features is its digital zoom ability, allowing the user to bring the object of their photos closer than they can reach. A mono microphone will be included with this camera attachment to round out the extraordinary value of this extremely tiny little package. The microphone will capture the sounds to accompany video filming. And to protect your new addition, a protective carrying case is available. It’s incredible to think that in a handheld device as small as the PSP, you can have the ability to play countless games, connect to the Internet, view pictures, listen to music, watch movies and other videos, and now take pictures and movies.

The PSP camera and GPS attachment officially went on sale in Japan in December of 2006. The price tag was equivalent to a miniscule $50 U.S. for this incredible little bundle. As of March of 2007, Sony has not committed to a release date for the PSP camera in the United States. For this outstanding value, the release could not be soon enough.

With the constant upgrading of the PSP and the accessories available, Sony has truly created a portable handheld device capable of managing all things media. With the upcoming addition of the PSP camera to the line up of accessories, the capabilities extend as far as the galaxy reaches. The PSP system has taken entertainment, gaming, and media to a whole new world.

http://www.AllPSPInfo.com brings you the latest on PSP. PSPs are very popular, and we want to bring you the most up to date information online! Be sure to check out our latest information page on PSP camera.

The release of the iPod Nano was an enormous hit for Apple, but also sparked controversy among its loyal followers. Customers began calling in record numbers about broken screens on the iPod Nano. Apple quickly discovered and fixed the problem then replaced the faulty players for free. Although iPod screen repair isn’t an epidemic, screens still break, crack, or scratch for one reason or another and must be replaced. Should you find yourself in this situation, you’ve got two different options; to do the repair yourself or send it to an iPod screen repair specialist.

Do it yourself iPod Screen repair:
For those who feel comfortable poking around the inner circuitry of their iPod, a do-it-yourself iPod screen repair kit might be an option. For about ten bucks, you can purchase a set of iPod-specific tools you’ll need to unscrew the casing and pry apart the two halves safely while the screen runs between $89 and $149 depending on the model.

While the process can be fairly straightforward for some, there is room for error when doing your own iPod screen repair. In order to remove the screen you’ll need to detach some of the pieces and pull the broken screen away from the logic board and attach the new one.

Send your iPod to an iPod repair specialist
Perhaps the most attractive benefit about sending your iPod off to a specialist for the screen repair is that they can troubleshoot the iPod to ensure that a new screen will in fact solve the problem. Often a broken screen is caused by a trauma, meaning the possibility of additional damage.

Some repair shops don’t charge any more for professional installation than the cost of the screen itself. Although you will pay a few bucks for shipping, you’ll be able to have a full diagnostic run and the screen replaced by a professional.

Isn’t iPod screen repair covered by my warranty?
Apple considers a broken screen misuse or accidental damage. Apple’s service repair page specifically states that “If your iPod’s LCD display is cracked due to accidental damage, do not send your iPod in for service.” The repair is not covered under the iPod’s Limited Warranty or the AppleCare Protection Plan.

Every day life is just more fun with a soundtrack which is why the iPod has quickly grown to become America’s favorite gadget. The iPod has proven fairly tough in light of the amount of use most endure on a daily basis. However, should your iPod ever need repair there are do-it-yourself kits and iPod repair specialists that can help you get your iPod back on track in no time.

The author is a freelance copywriter. For more information about ipod repairs and ipod parts, visit www.iPodMods.com.

After the iPod hit the market, it seemed as if Apple could do no wrong. Now everyone, regardless of their software camp, could enjoy one of Apple’s classically cool and beautiful toys. It wasn’t until about 12 months after the iPod’s launch, when it came time to replace the first set of iPod batteries, that Apple hit a bump in their groove.

The iPod isn’t built for easy battery replacement like a cell phone. In order to replace the iPod battery, the casing must be completely removed, exposing all of the internal components and introducing risk of damage.

Apple initially offered a battery replacement service for $249. They later offered a one year extended warranty for $60 that covers the battery. However, it’s important to note that when Apple sends the replacement, it will be in a refurbished model iPod, not your original. Today you can find qualified iPod repair shops to replace the battery for as little as $59 or do-it-yourself kits between $19 and $39 depending on the model.

The caution with the do-it-yourself (DIY) kits however, is that the iPod wasn’t designed for the average user to change the battery. Plenty of people have been able to change their iPod batteries without problem while countless online forums divulge a long list of complications faced as a result of users trying to change the battery.

Many specialty iPod repair shops will do the replacement for little more than the cost of the battery itself. Some offer additional incentives such as consumer-friendly lifetime battery replacement program. Under the program, the company will replace the battery once a year for life. Even better, your iPod is back in your hands within 48 hours with 30% more power than Apple’s original battery.

Should you choose to replace the battery yourself, there are a few tips you’ll want to keep in mind:

- Some models like the iPod Nano require soldering directly onto the board. Be sure to check the details of the battery replacement before sending off for a DIY kit.

- Have a small thin tool on hand to pry apart the casing. Once the screws that hold the case together are removed, you still need to apply some force to open it and reveal the circuitry. Many have damaged their cases by trying to pry their iPods apart without the proper tools. Many replacement batteries come with special tools to help pry the case open.

- When disconnecting the battery, don’t remove the rubber pad located on the hard drive.

Regardless of the battery complications, people still love the fun and freedom that the iPod offers. Do a little research before deciding how to handle your battery replacement as it’s a routine that you’ll need to repeat about once every year. Even if you’re not thrilled about the fact that your iPod will need to go through major surgery every year, there are customer-friendly iPod specialty companies available to make the process smooth and simple.

The author is a freelance copywriter. For more information about ipod repairs and ipod parts, visit www.iPodMods.com.