So okay, I had iPod 5g that I've been using everyday for the past 3 years and just recently the battery on it died so much that I can't even use it without the cord to plug it into a power source. Obviously that's unacceptable as I carry it around all day long while listening to music.

I am looking to get a replacement either iPod touch 32gigs or Zune HD 32 gigs as those 2 seem to be the biggest players right now.

Even thought it's probably hopeless and foolish of me to ask people not to start the usual flame wars about the two here, can anyone recommend either one based on personal experience?

So far I can tell that Zune packs more high end tech than the iPod but iPod is more versatile as a PDA/Music player.

Primarily the only thing I care about is music and web browsing but the fact that ipod has crapload of apps available for it is very tempting.

I personally won't buy Apple products. Have you thought about getting a new battery for it? The same thing happened with my phone and I just bought a new battery for $30 and it's like new again.

I thought you can't replace it because there is no way to open up the lid. I mean sure there is tons of youtube videos where people open it up but that's sort of the unofficial way.

I thought about ditching apple completely but I am still deciding about that.

It may worth looking into replacing the battery as it would be cheaper. It doesn't really matter if it's the 'unofficial' way because you're probably going to throw it out and buy a new one anyways, right?

Most people I found say that when the real thing dies, battery replacement doesn't help all helluva lot because it will still burn out 50% faster as I should. When battery dies in 5g it's usually not because it ran out of recharge cycles but because the memory controller malfunctioned at one point and needs to be reset/replaced. Of course there is no way to do that.

I am looking into Zune a lot atm, I don't know if anyone got it yet and maybe can shine some light of how is it?

Every other review on the net is not very informative as it either says "zune is flawless and is the best thing ever" or "its total crap get ipod instead."


As far is "throwing mah ipod out" there is no way in hell. It still works no prob like a portable 30gig harddrive, I am sure I can an find some utility in that.

sovietdoc said:

You might be able to make or buy an external battey pack for the thing. They're designed to use AAA or AA batteries. Could likely use rechargables batteries.

Shouldn't be very hard to make. I'm sure any you can buy would be WAY over-priced. I've seen generic mobile device (e.g. cellphone) external battery packs for ~$20, but since it has Apple attached to it, it's probably 3X or 4X times that

The battery pack basically replaces the AC charger. Of course, the unit would be draining power from the pack as it attempts to charge the 'bad' battery, so you'd want to unplug it when not in use. At least makes it semi-portable around the house, pool, hot-tub, patio, etc.

I had an iPod Video a few years ago and is was very meh. I disliked the control scheme and the overall UI. Then it broke and I decided to get a Zune 80GB. I am biased against Apple but trust me when I say that the Zunes are far better than their iPod counterparts. In other words, the Zune 80GB is far better than the iPod Video 80GB and the Zune 4/8 GBs are better than the iPod nanos. I can't say anything about the Zune HD because I know nothing about it but the pattern is clear. Plus, the games are free!

Well, I have a touch. I don't know squat about the zune. So here goes:

Updates cost you now...unless if you jailbreak it (crack and void warranty, and non-reversable).

Unless if you REALLY NEED wi-fi, and movies with a bigger screen, there is no need to get the touch. I thought having wi-fi would be a nice play toy in the city. Turns out I never use it and would rather trade my unit for a classic, anyday....or just sell it.


Apps are nice, but the great ones will rob you. There are a select few free apps. I think you can jailbreak to get them all free, but I'm not certain as I haven't done it yet.


Going back to the screen, now. Say, if you like to switch songs/ffwd/rwd, etc.. with the device in your pocket- forget it. Changing volume, sure...you have the two side buttons. You ALWAYS have to pull it out of your pocket, which is inconvenient and looks rather dumb, in public.

Again- if you don't really need wi-fi...do not purchase one. You'll regret it later.