An iPod battery reality check

The popular iPod got a dose of negative publicity late last year when one user's player went dead. After reportedly being denied a replacement unit, he retaliated with an anti-Apple online crusade.

Casey Neistat of New York posted a movie at www.ipodsdirtysecret.com showing him spray-painting the slogan 'iPod's Unreplaceable Battery Lasts Only 18 Months' over Apple's iPod street ads.

The movie became a hit and highlighted what many said was an Apple scandal — an iPod battery nearly impossible to replace if it malfunctions — worthy of a class-action lawsuit.

Others called for a reality check. The iPod's battery can be replaced, they note. Apple will now do the job under warranty or for $99. Third-party firms also do the work or offer do-it-yourself kits.

The iPod Battery FAQ at http://ipodbatteryfaq.com covers such topics as:

• "I heard that the iPod's battery lasts 18 months, and then you have to buy a new iPod! (Rubbish)

• "Why didn't Apple use better batteries?" (They're actually fine.)

• Q: Is there something wrong with the iPod? (Not really)