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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.

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.

Just The Facts, Ma’m

Palm pilots are all the rage now. Everyone has a pda or wants to get one in the near future. If you don’t know much about a pda, however, it might be helpful to learn a bit about them. The history of the palm pilot is an interesting part of our technology advances.

How does a palm pilot work? A palm pilot uses a microprocessor. AN operating system tells the microprocessor what to do and sends instructions to the various parts of the pda. Batteries power pdas, and depending on what model of palm pilot you buy the batteries can last varying amounts of time.

Who invented the palm pilot? The palm pilot was invented in the 1990’s by Jeff Hawkins. He came up with the idea to have something small, yet similar to a computer to store personal information like addresses and phone numbers, take notes, and track appointments.

A palm pilot has many more uses and options now than it did when it was first invented. The pda has constantly been improved until it has become nearly indispensable to many people. Palm pilots are used to store personal information, track appointments and expenses, make lists, do calculations, send and receive email, listen to music, do word processing, access the Internet, and play many types of games.

What is the best brand of pda? That all depends on whom you talk to. Everyone has their personal preferences, and if you are going to buy a pda, it makes sense to talk with people who already own one and to read reviews of the different brands.

Dan Ayala is webmaster and publisher of PDA-Review-Online.com, offering reviews on PDAs, Palm Pilots, Pocket PC’s, software and accessories. PDA Review Online provides href="http://pda-review-online.com">free information and recommendations for your online resources that you can download anytime or anywhere.

The greatest advantage and disadvantage of an iPod is its small shape. For such a small gadget, the iPod holds can hold thousands of mp3 files. With its portability, the increase of mishaps is sure to happen. From common scratches to hard drive problems, an iPod’s biggest selling point can also be its greatest drawback.

Detailed below are the most common repair issues:

1. Getting Dropped: It’s as easy as giving it to someone to look at or even slipping out of your pocket. Dropping an iPod can happen anytime. This can result in minor aesthetic issues that can be ignored or to greater hard drive issues that have to be sent to a specialist for repair.
2. Getting Scratched: Scratching an iPod is as easy as scratching a cell phone. With its increased daily use, the iPod is not just used on occasion, but is a regular accessory.
3. Falling in Water: How many times have you dropped your cell in phone in water? Nowadays, dropping an iPod in water can happen just as easy.
4. Exposure to Extreme Weather Conditions: Depending on where you live, weather conditions can affect your iPod. From the large amount of rain in Seattle to the snowy weather in the NorthEast, or even the blazing sun in the South, any harsh weather condition can affect your iPod and can cause needed repairs.
5. Dirt: With regular use, dirt can accumulate in the iPod. Cleaning is needed in many cases.
6. Bending: Even though there is an increase in clothing designers catering to the iPod user by designing storage units in many jackets, shirts and pants, bending and cracking can happen. Many people keep their iPods in their back pockets and mishaps can happen when sitting.
7. Broken Screens: One of the leading repairs is LCD repair. Breaking or cracking of the screen can happen in so many ways, accidentally or even with just normal use.
8. Hard Drives: The most costly repair is the hard drive. For whatever reason, these gadgets can stop working like normal. A hard drive upgrade or replacement may be needed.
9. Headphone Sockets: With continual use, the headphone socket may become loose or even broken. Repair is needed since it is the source for listening.
10. Battery: With time, the battery life may become too short or even have battery malfunctions. A battery upgrade may be needed.

These are just some of the problems you may face with an iPod. With care and forward thinking, many of these can be limited. To lessen iPod repair issues, be sure to use a protective case and use care and caution.

The author is a freelance copywriter. For more information about
iPod repair,visit
http://www.rapidrepair.comm