The Apple store declared my iPod DOA yesterday. Sniff. Actually, the iPod works fine but the battery needs to be replaced. They explained to me that instead of actually replacing the battery, they give you a new iPod. For $70. But only if you get the exact same iPod. Or, you can turn in your dead iPod for 10% off a new one (a value of $15 to $30).
Three years ago my 60 Gb video iPod was top-of-the-line. Yum. I won it in a bet at work, so I didn't pay the $349 (at the time) for it. Since then I've picked up a few cool accessories like the radio adapter, universal docking station (a gift from the Apple store) and a cool cover for it.
Truth is, I would like to have an iPod but I don't need a 60 Gb video iPod. I've only ever used 1 Gb of the storage space. I probably wouldn't try to watch a video on a screen that small when I could just use my laptop.
My iPod isn't solid state like the new ones, so it's more prone to break if you drop it. And the batteries in the older iPods don't hold a charge for as long. The guy said that the new iPods hold charge for 24 hours. Mine held charge for maybe 8 or 10 hours. The new iPods would require less frequent charging, which could increase the lifespan of the battery.
So the dilemma is, do I get a smaller new iPod that might last a little longer (because of the different battery and the solid state design) for $135, or pay $70 for the same iPod?
