Hacking the iPod

Figure 10.7. Original iPod, Third Generation iPod, iPod Mini.

The term "hacking" is now used many times in negative connotations. The reality is that hacking is simply a means of either understanding how something works, using reverse engineering, or making something work differently than its intended use.

Caution

Danger!

Be aware that hacks could void your iPod's warranty. In other words, if you damage your iPod performing a hack, you are out of luck. Apple Computer, Inc. will not help you fix it, or if they do, the cost for the repairs will come out of your pocket. As a general rule, before hacking anything, I always ask myself a simple question: Can I afford to buy a new one if I make a mistake? If the answer is no, simply enjoy your iPod as it was intended. Otherwise, hack away!

Replacing Your iPod Battery

When, not if, your iPod no longer accepts a charge, it is time to replace your battery. The battery in your iPod is similar to many cell phone batteries. There are different batteries in the first two-generation iPods than the third, and the iPod Mini is a different model all together. So, what do you do when your iPod decides it wants a new battery? Besides shipping it off to Apple, which will set you back up to $100, your only other option is to replace the battery yourself.

Unfortunately, replacing the iPod battery is not as simple as your cell phone. If you take a close look at your iPod, you notice that there are no screws, latches, or indentations that give you a clue on how they put the iPod together, or how you can take it apart. But fear not, we have the answers for you!

Battery ReplacementFirst and Second Generation iPod

The first two generations of iPods uses a 3.7 Volts 1200 mAh battery. What does that mean? You don't really care, do you? You just want your iPod to work again. So let's skip the electrical class and go right to the point. Order the 3.7 Volt 1200 mAh batteries. Expect to pay around $30 for one.

Figure 10.8.

Tools Required

The only tools you need are a small, hard plastic wedge tool. Think of it as the end of a regular flathead screwdriver, but it is plastic and not metal. Yes, you can use a regular flathead screwdriver, but you take an awful risk of scratching your iPod with the metal on metal contact. One of the nice things about an iPod is how cool it looks, so why take a chance of ruining its look?

Look around online before buying the iPod battery. Many times, the company selling you the battery will include an iPod battery tool with the sale. If not, you will want to purchase one. I have seen them for as low as six dollars online. However, any hard plastic (or nylon) sharp-edged wedge tool will work.

Begin by using the wedge tool to carefully pry the case apart, starting at the top. The case is in two parts; the back metal and the front plastic. As the gap widens, work your way down the side of the iPod, and you will find case clips hidden inside the iPod. Use your tool to unclip each case clip as you find them.

After you have one side completely unclipped, you can easily swing the back metal cover off the iPod.

The old battery is actually glued in place. You can use your tool, if it is sturdy enough, to pry the battery free. Be aware, however, that the battery is connected to the iPod by small wires and a connector. Take great care not to break these.

The final task is to unclip the battery wires from the iPod itself. After this is done, install the new battery, snap the case back together, charge the new battery, and your iPod is as good as new!

Battery ReplacementThird Generation iPod

The third generation of iPods uses a different battery than the first two. This is a 3.7 Volts 850 mAh battery. It is much smaller than the original iPod $30 range online.

Tools Required

The tools required for taking apart the iPod are a ruler with metric measurements and a plastic wedge, as described in the Tools Required section for the first two-generation iPods. You can use a small regular flathead screwdriver as well, such as the type used for eyeglass repair. However, you do run the risk of scratching your iPod, so be careful if you go that route!

Figure 10.9.

The first step is to measure, using the ruler, 6cm (60MM) down either side of the iPod. This is where you start prying the plastic and metal case apart.

Insert your wedge or screwdriver, and carefully pry open the case working back and forth in the seam. This allows even pressure in the crease so that you don't run the risk of breaking any of the clips that hold the two pieces together.

After you have separated the two halves of the case, you need to work your way around the entire case to unclip each and every clip. Do this by pushing each clip inward toward the center of the iPod. After the silver case is loose, it will still be attached by a ribbon cable.

DO NOT pull the two pieces apart quickly. Look for the ribbon after the two halves are separated. Do not break this ribbon. Gently lay the metal half of the iPod case down, with the ribbon cable still attached. Be aware that these ribbons are very sensitive and can break or crack, and you don't want that!

With the front of the iPod (where the controls are) laying flat, you will see the tiny hard drive surrounded by blue rubber. Remove the hard drive by lifting all the blue rubber. There is a ribbon cable connecting the hard drive to the motherboard of the iPod. You need to disconnect this ribbon from the motherboard via the tab at the end of the ribbon. Gently lift the tab and disconnect the hard drive. Set aside the hard drive.

Next, you need to remove that old, dead battery. To do so, simply lift it out, being careful of the power cable running from the battery to the motherboard. You will also notice that the battery cable actually runs underneath the motherboard. Be certain to carefully pull it out, taking note of its position so that when you install the new battery, you can tuck the new power cable back out of the way in the same spot.

After the cord is out from under the motherboard, pull up on the connector to disconnect the power cord from the motherboard.

To install, simply plug in the new battery, tuck the wire back underneath the motherboard, replace the hard drive (don't forget to plug it back in as well!), and reassemble the iPod.

Charge up your battery, and you are back in the music business!

Battery ReplacementiPod Mini

Figure 10.10.

The battery replacement in an iPod Mini is more involved and complex than in any of its larger brethren. The iPod case is one solid metal form, unlike the two-piece cases for the iPod. As such, the steps to disassemble the iPod Mini are very different.

The iPod Mini uses a very small Li-ion model #EC003 battery. Of all the iPod batteries, these are the most expensive, starting at around $40.

Tools Required

To disassemble the iPod, you need a small, regular flathead screwdriver and a small Phillips-head screwdriver. These must be small, such as the eyeglass repair type.

First, use the tip of the flathead screwdriver to carefully pry the top white plastic cover, where your headphones plug in, from the top of the Mini. There is a small amount of glue holding the plastic cover, so take care not to crack or pry too hard in any one spot. Move around the edge, gently but firmly lifting the white top up and away.

Tip

Have an empty drinking glass handy to put your screws in so you don't lose them!

When the top is removed, you see two tiny Phillips screws. Use the Phillips screwdriver to remove these two screws.

Next, use the flathead screwdriver to remove the plastic cover from the bottom of the Mini. Glue is also holding this piece in place, so as in the top, take your time and gently remove the plastic. Be certain not to do any damage to the docking port on the bottom of the Mini!

After the plastic cover is off, you will find a small metal clip. Using the tip of your flathead screwdriver in each corner of this metal clip, gently pry the clip free.

You will notice a small connector behind this bottom metal clip. Using the flathead screwdriver, you need to disconnect this clip from its socket. Don't forget to reattach this clip when you reassemble your iPod Mini!

After the connector has been removed, you can gently push the guts of your iPod Mini up from the bottom. The innards will slide up and out of the metal case.

The battery can now be lifted from its spot on the motherboard, unclipped, and replaced with your new battery.

Reverse the preceding steps, charge your new battery, and your iPod Mini is ready to go!

The Absolute Minimum

The iPod is what we hope most technology will beit just works and works well. Here are some points to help you keep your iPod in tune:

• Understand your iPod's battery and use the practices described in this chapter to keep it maintained properly.

• Keep your iPod's software current by using the update software that Apple releases periodically.

• If you do run into problems, check the last section in this chapter for help in solving them. Fortunately, it is unlikely that you will have problems; if you do, a reset or restore usually fixes them. If not, you have a lot of help available.