Adding Memory to iPods?

[mr_pikachu]

Okay, here's the deal. Awhile back I got an iPod for my music. Remember the old 20 GB models? Yeah, it was one of those. No video, little picture capability, and you couldn't use it as a cell phone... but I defy you to have too much music for one of those babies. I've only approached 2 GB (although I'm soon planning on getting more music).

Anyway, it eventually died, and nothing I did could fix it. I sent it back to Apple under the agreement. I was expecting another 20 gig iPod, or maybe something more like a new, shiny 5 GB (since I'd heard something about the 20 GB models going out of production).

What did I get back? A Nano with 2 GB.

Frigging hell.

As I mentioned, I was approaching 2 GB as it was... I had 1.75 or so at the time. But files format oddly, I know, so I checked to see how much space I had left. And, needless to say, I was quite anguished to find that I was below 60 MB.

Anyway, I'd like to try to get some more space, but I don't really have the money to buy an entirely new iPod. So I was hoping that there might be a way to install a couple more GB onto the model I've got (preferably without breaking the warranty, although I understand that may not be possible).

I've been looking around and I've found a couple of (shady) explanations, but I was hoping I could get some clarification from someone who I actually have a little faith in. So, do any of you know of a shop that could do this, or a somewhat simple do-it-yourself process, or something? I'm sorry if this is kind of a vague request, but I'd appreciate any help you could give me, even if it's just pointing me in the right direction so I can figure it out for myself. Thanks in advance.

[Saffire Persian]

I'd send that Nano back in -- or take it to your nearest apple store. Because you should've gotten the same model under warrenty. So I'd complain.

As for adding memory. I would have to say no. The iPod -- at least the older models like your 20 GB (one I have) and the Newer iPod videos, are basically a hard drive themselves. That's all they are. You're holding in your hand a heard drive. So really, there's no way to upgrade it except getting a new one.

To free up some memory you could compress songs into a smaller format, with, likely, only a small lapse in quality. But in my opinion, I don't believe you can just add memory to it. I'll ask my Uncle, though. He's a computer specialist, and knows everything you can know about computers, iPods, and the like.

[Chris]

You can buy replacement hard drives through some websites or Apple resellers, but realistically you're not fitting that thing unless you know what you're doing. Saffire Persian is correct - under Applecare you should get back an iPod of equivalent or better value if yours breaks. It sounds like you have the 4G iPod, but just to make sure, which one best describes yours from this list (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPod#Models)?

[mr_pikachu]

Going by the list, I had a 4th generation, 20 GB iPod. I now have a 1st generation, 2 GB iPod Nano.

I think the problem is that my iPod was an older model, so it would be considered to be valued low - especially since that model is no longer in production. And frankly, I'm not sure how I could file a complaint, if one is even warranted. Ugh.

[Saffire Persian]

I think you should file a complaint. It says what it will do in the warrenty, and a 2GB nano is not worth the same as a 20GB 4th generation, no matter how you look at it. So you should get one of the same -- or near exact -- make. They're trying to cheat you, and it isn't fair.

[Chris]

They're trying to cheat you, and it isn't fair.


This is correct. If you had an iPod Mini I could understand, since the Nano is the successor to the Mini, but you should be getting at least an iPod Photo in return. Contact them through the Apple web site and see what's up.

[mr_pikachu]

Well, I suppose it couldn't hurt to do that. I'll also take a closer look at that warranty to see exactly what they're promising.

The really bad part about this is that I have a iPod player in my car, and I already replaced the old stabilizing case with one that works with the Nanos. (That old case was broken, so I needed it replaced anyway, but...) Dang it! But it'll be worth it to get the right iPod, if I can. I'll just work something out if that happens.

Anyway, I'll let you all know how it goes with Apple.