Tips on What To Do With a Broken iPod
According to a recent report in the Wall Street Journal, the number of complaints about broken iPods is on the rise. Common problems include: batteries that no longer hold a charge, malfunctioning hard disks, and damaged screens. In some cases, problems are caused by users who accidentally drop their iPods or otherwise subject them to abuse; but other users say their iPods go belly up even after normal use.
In an online survey of more than 6,400 consumers, 82% of iPod owners were completely or very satisfied with the device, compared with 76% for rival music devices. But even if only a tiny percentage of iPods malfunction (Apple claims no more than 5%) the huge popularity of the device means a significant number of users could be affected.
For those of us out there who didn’t opt for the extended warranty, all is not lost. There's a cottage industry of independent iPod repair shops that offer replacement services for less than what Apple charges for comparable repairs, including do-it-yourself battery replacement kits ranging from $25 to $35, that usually include a special tool for prying open the iPod. There are tons of services on the web, though lots of them make you cover the cost of insuring the item during shipping, or charge you just to look at the machine. Here are the top three services on the internet that deal in broken iPods:
1. iPod ResQ - This site will buy all versions of broken iPods. You just have to fill in a form and they will send you back a purchase price (typically between $35 and $95). Hey, that's money that can then be applied to the purchase of a new iPod. The site also claims that there is nothing they can’t fix. They service any model of iPod, and do screen repairs, battery replacements, sync problems, scroll wheel problems, audio jack repairs, hard drive problems, USB problems, and firewire problems, via their worldwide 24-hour iPod repair and battery program. Whether you order the Next Day Diagnostic Service or a Flat Rate Repair Service, they provide the appropriate shipper-approved packaging (‘iBox’), which can hold up to 2 iPods, arrange the delivery through their own courier, insure the shipment, call you with a diagnosis and an estimate, perform the repairs, and send the unit(s) back to you, usually within a business day.
2. Methodshop.com – This site offers advice on how to fix your iPod yourself, for free. If you can’t find the answers you are looking for, you can send them an email and they will get back to you with free iPod tech support. If you’re still stumped, they refer you to the site below...
3. iPodMods – They offer professional iPod Repair Services & Customization, including iPod LCD Screen Repair for all models, iPod Hard Drive Repairs and Upgrades, iPod Panel replacements, and iPod Battery and cable replacements. They also offer free iPod repair testing. Unlike with iPod ResQ, you must provide your own shipping packaging and insurance. Once received, a Certified Technician determines the problem with the iPod, calls you within 48 hours with a repair quote; and either fixes it and sends it back to you, or offers to buy your iPod for extra parts.
4. iRepair.ca – They guarantee the lowest price on iPod repair, although since they are based in Canada, it may cost you a bundle more in shipping. You order the repair online, pack and ship your iPod to them, and they fix it and send it back. The best thing about them is that they provide a 1-year warranty on all LCDs, and a 90-day warranty on all other parts.
Comments
Great article! I've noticed in many instances, the problem actually derives from a faulty HDD cable. People wrongfully suspect that it's a bad hard drive and this simply isn't always the case. Thanks for posting this.
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I sent an Ipod Nano that had been dropped to Ipod Mechanic for repairs. I had to pay for the $89.00 screen replacement up front. When they had examined it, they said it needed a new $85.62 mother board also since it was hard to turn on and off (it still worked). That brought the total up to about the cost of a new Ipod. However, since they make you pay for the screen up front, and especially since I didn’t want to lose the entire memory, I agreed to the additional repair. When it was returned, the memory was blank. I wrote them to say that I never would have had the unit repaired if they had let me know they wouldn’t save the memory. I asked for a refund for compensation. Not only did I not get any kind of refund (which I didn’t expect), I didn’t even get a real apology. They responded to all my emails very quickly, but only with a very sarcastic apology saying, “I am sure you had your music backed up on your computer so no worries.” (I had already mentioned that I was upset at losing the music.) They said they “figured” I would not want to pay an extra $75 to transfer the memory and reminded me that I had agreed to the repairs. In a later email they said that they did not “assume” anything. I guess “figuring” and “assuming” are different things? Do you think they knew it was unlikely I would have gotten the repairs if I knew the memory would be lost or it would cost a total of $250 to get what I wanted? I’d just like to tell anyone thinking of dealing with Ipod Mechanic to BE CAREFUL! I feel like I was suckered in from the very beginning and their flippant attitude didn’t help things. Has anyone else had a problem with this?
at least you got your ipod back and working.... they are back to not returning them unless $ is exchanged. so much for the free diagnostics. they wont even send it back c.o.d. help what can i do phone calls don't help or emails, they want $15 or no ipod i have no assurance they will send mine or any ipod back once they get the cash. i have tried calling their local police they don't want to hear about it....
I sent 2 ipods to this company. They quoted me 89 dollars to repair one and 179 dollars to repair the other. I suggested that they use the parts for one to repair the other, and they agreed to do so for 25 dollars labor. They then charged me for the $89 dollar parts as well as the 25 dollar labor fee, plus other charges (none of which I am disputing).
Via phone conversation, they say that I agreed to all these charges, which is false. Unfortunately, they have my credit card number and charged the card for 139 dollars, which is 89 dollars more than I authorized.
I really just want a refund, but they refused both by e-mail and phone. A Google search of their company name reveals that they are a bunch of crooks and have done this before.
You may also visit iPodRepairSquad.com. We specialize in convenient, affordable, and friendly iPod repairs.
We are now offering lifetime warranties on all batteries we sell as well as an EZ Ship Solution for ultimate customer convenience.
We can have a foam lined box to the customer by noon with a Prepaid return label inside and get the battery changed and returned the same day it is received at our service facility.
We also offer in depth Video Guides and PDF guides for FREE for the individuals looking to make the repair themselves.
Thank you,
James
Operations Manager
iPodRepairSquad.com
Irepair.ca opened a sister company in the states called Irepair.US, so there is no longer a higher shipping cost issue.
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