iPod's Dirty Secret?

OK. I'm a music nut. My usual time to listen to music is during my commute to and from work. Right now, my Palm Zire 71 doubles as an MP3 player, and works pretty well, except that I need an expansion card on which to store music. So I have a 64K card now, and may upgrade to a 128K carde. Problem is, I like a wide variety of music, so I have to switch out the music on the card almost daily. So, while I hate the idea of duplicating functions in my gadgets and devices I'm considering an iPod, now that they are available for the PC.

Or I was considering one. At least until I discovered this. Apparently, the batteries in the iPod only last about 18 months, and are irreplacable. When this film was made, the only option was to return the iPod and have a new battery put in for $255, which is comparable to the price of a new iPod. Then there's this:

As it turns out, it's possible to replace the battery for as little as $49 using third-party kits. Apple itself offers a battery-replacement service for about $106 including mailing, with a 90-day guarantee on materials and workmanship. Apple's program was introduced only in the past two weeks.

So, now I don't quite know what to do. I'm now wary of the iPod. So, I guess I'll start researching MP3 players and try to find one that holds more tunes.

Comments

[Dawn]

Ack! I just got an iPod for the holidays and I DID NOT KNOW THIS! Rats.

Ahh well, I'll enjoy it while I can. Thanks for the heads up and also the note to vote for FDR.
:)

[supa-james]

Do what I did-buy a Nomad Zen. They run about $150-$250 less than an iPod depending on store, size, and sales, but that's a lot a cash. Knock another $20 off because the Nomad comes with a plastic/leather case to protect it, the iPod does not. The battery is very easy to replace-in fact, you have to put it in yourself to use it!

Functionality is almost as nice, especially if you dislike that iPod's interface like I do. It doesn't handle playlists well-playlists are played only in order, and a pain to set up and transfer, and the software crashes when it encounters constant errors when ripping (iTunes will just sit there trying forever). When acting as a hard disk it does require that you use it's special software. But overall it's a better value if cost is an issue.