iPod Battery Problems? Not So Much.

As an avid iPod user, I have been concerned about the life of my iPod's battery because let's face it, I use it often and listen to it for as long as the battery will let me. But with the legal altercations regarding the iPod battery, I've grown more and more suspicious about using it because I don't want to have to replace the whole iPod thanks to it's (what seems) useless energy source. Last Fall, Apple responded to the masses by offering an extended warranty, granting disgruntled happy iPod owners an extra year of coverage and battery replacement promises. Well, thank you Apple. But still. Just one year? I've had my iPod for well over a year now and I've noticed that the battery life is growing shorter and shorter by the song. It ain't got the juice. What am I supposed to do? What happens when this year is over? Do I have to shell out another $3-500 for a NEW iPod? I like the iPod, but I don't want to get suckered into purchasing another.

But there is good news. My friends at OWC (Other World Computing) have released the NewerTech iPod battery for first through 4th gen iPods - and the price? $25.99 - $39.95. Sweet! And be sure to check out their iPod transmitter....it's fantastic.

Here is the full release:

Consumers want the biggest bang for their hard-earned bucks. But in an increasingly throwaway society, products that provide a good value are harder to come by.

So when companies like Apple Computer, producer of the popular iPod, leave consumers to choose between paying for an expensive replacement option or buying new, Other World Computing steps in. The McHenry County company offers high-capacity batteries that extend the life of First, Second, Third and Fourth Generation iPods.

Priced from $25.99 to $39.95, OWC's NewerTech iPod Batteries cost a fraction of Apple's replacement program and also provide 20 to 70 percent more capacity than Apple's iPod batteries. OWC includes non-scratching tools and instructions for installing each replacement battery. For individuals who prefer more visual guidance, installation videos for the different models are available under the Tech Center tab at the company's Web site -- www.eshop.macsales.com. A typical installation takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

OWC ships about 10,000 batteries each month. They represent the fastest growing segment of this $28 million-per-year company.

Another iPod enhancement sold by OWC is the iPod Road Trip! FM transmitter. This $14.99 device allows users to listen to their iPod tunes through a car stereo by plugging one end into their cigarette lighter, the other into their iPod and tune their radio to 87.9 or 107.7.

"Our goal is to offer customers better and more cost-effective alternatives that don't just keep them at their best, but make them better," said OWC President Larry O'Connor. "Our products not only save people money, but extend a product's life with a replacement part that itself lasts longer, which is more friendly to the environment."

The full NewerTech line can be viewed at www.macsales.com/NewerTech.