11-24-2012, 06:06 PM

I have the original 4GB iPod Mini. I have actually have two, but I can't find the other one.

I started using this one for different genres of music since none of my iPod's can hold my entire library.

The problem is the battery life. Browsing google, this seems to be quite common. My Mini seems to have it the worst though.

It will last about 45 minutes before running out of juice. I have Backlight off and all sounds off to save the battery.

Am I able to tear this thing apart and try to get a replacement battery? Or is this a waste of time and money.

11-24-2012, 06:12 PM

You can change out the battery yourself in the mini. It's not that difficult to take one apart if you have the right instructions and tool. I've taken mine apart several times and even changed out the hard drive in it. The folks at ifixit have good detailed instructions on how to do it. Just be careful when taking it apart to not destroy the body. Go to iFixit: The free repair manual

11-24-2012, 06:28 PM

Originally Posted by chscag

You can change out the battery yourself in the mini. It's not that difficult to take one apart if you have the right instructions and tool. I've taken mine apart several times and even changed out the hard drive in it. The folks at ifixit have good detailed instructions on how to do it. Just be careful when taking it apart to not destroy the body. Go to iFixit: The free repair manual

good link thanks.

Is it worth it to buy a new battery though? I don't want another dud.

Not sure if I should look on eBay. Could get a crud battery like mine.

11-24-2012, 06:32 PM

I'm not sure how much a new battery would cost but trying to replace an original mini can be expensive. I know because I looked around on eBay when I was replacing the hard drive on mine and the prices they were asking were just plain crazy. The folks at ifixit may stock the battery, of that I'm not sure.

You can also try the Powerbook Medic site: Mac Repair - Mac Parts and Service for Apple Macbook, iPhone, iPad

11-24-2012, 06:38 PM

another good site. I will consider a replacement battery. Looks like it would be about $10 total after shipping.

I'd like to find my silver Mini. I stopped using both of these because I remember they had a problem. I am guessing the silver one has the exact same poor battery life.

11-24-2012, 06:59 PM

you actually put an SD card inside the mini? How is that possible with the hardware?

SD cards are extremely cheap, I passed on a few good sales already. Could I do that with my Nano or iPod touch?

11-24-2012, 07:44 PM

The two things that break a mini are:

1. Battery goes dead

2. The miniature hard drive dies

The battery is easy to replace. The hard drive almost impossible to find and expensive but it can be replaced by an SD card of the same size or larger. That's how I brought mine back to life. Again, ifixit to the rescue.

11-24-2012, 07:59 PM

you actually put an SD card inside the mini? How is that possible with the hardware?

SD cards are extremely cheap, I passed on a few good sales already. Could I do that with my Nano or iPod touch?

11-25-2012, 12:27 AM

The mini uses a micro drive, which is functionally identical to compact flash. So a cf to sd adapter will work. The others... Nope


I have a ton of cf cards lying around, this could be a fun day off project. Thanks for the reminder!