The iPod wasn't designed for the battery to be replaced, but you sure as heck can replace it yourself, when the time is right. If you look around, you can find some third party websites, which will give you a battery and a kit to help you open the iPod to change the battery. I have seen it done, and it seems like a painless process. You'll notice a decrease in the iPod battery life around the second year. But I definitely understand your concern, but I still think the iPod is worth it.