It's a sad but inevitable truth: All iPod batteries die. But most of us are unprepared when the end comes. You see, iPods betray their user-friendly reputation when it comes time to replace batteries. My iPod Mini will no longer hold a charge, and I can't decide whether to go the more expensive professional repair route, or the cheaper but riskier do-it-yourself way.
So I called James Kim for advice. Kim is a senior editor at CNET and author of the MP3 Insider column. He says Apple will replace your battery free in its first year of life. After a year, your first option is to ship your baby off to Cupertino.
If you choose to replace the battery yourself, here are a few places to start:

