IPOD Resurrection

Strange things started happening to my beloved Ipod recently. The battery would not hold a charge, so I researched the problem and found I am not the only one having this problem. I found a solution which I will share "y'all".
The nonreplaceable internal chargeable battery in Apple's Ipod was advertised to last a lifetime, but many are dying after only 18 months. Apple's response was to charge the loyal consumer $250.00 to fix it after the 1 year warranty ran out. (to their credit I know people who had theirs repaired under warranty quickly and for free). The Neistat brothers found this unacceptable and vented their anger and frustration in the form of some brilliant "anti-advertisments" (cf. www.ipodsdirtysecret.com) which ultimately changed Apple's policy to a $99.00 battery replacement.
I still found this price too high for the replacement of a component which should not need replacing. I tried to buy just the battery from Apple for less, but no go. They said user replacement would void the warranty, but mine had already expired. I found several web sites that offer Ipod batteries for both the older "scroll wheel" Ipods and the newer slim models, so I ordered one from Mobile Knowledge Group (www.mkgsoft.com/batteries/ipodbattery) for $55.95 plus shipping. They were cool and it arrived quickly with a tool and instructions.
Here's what I did:
Drained the old battery. Opened the Ipod case with the PLASTIC (do not use metal) tool they provided. Carefully removed the metal backing and exposed the inner workings. Unplugged the old battery, removed the tape holding it in place, put in the new battery and reconnected it. Carefully snapped the silver backing back on to the unit. Recharged the battery for 3 hours and IT WORKS!!
Actually the whole process took less time then changing an inner tube on my moutain bike (damn Texas thorns).
I love Apple, and my powerbook G4 never leaves my side, but I am pissed about their handling of the Ipod battery problem. Admit fault, offer free replacement and keep the customer comng back. My Ipod has saved my life. I use it daily in the morning through my stereo, on my drive to work, or on my bike ride to school, all day and night studying and my beautiful peaceful late night bike rides home on empty streets. It saved me travel hell on transatlantic flights, 14 hous bus rides through central Turkey, and everyday working on boats inthe Mediterranean. Enough said. I assume there are others who share my love for their Ipods and hope you do not have any problems. If you do, I hope this info is helpful. E-mail me with any questions and I will try to help.

Swany