Wet-pod

January 23, 2009 10:07 AM

Ipod -3rd Generation. I got it wet (don't ask) and have done the drying, resetting etc. and while it seemed to sort of work it is just getting worse. What's it going to cost and do you recommend any 3rd party companies? In other words what are my options?
posted by notned to Technology (8 answers total)

Do you mean you want a totally new mp3 player? If that's what you're getting at get the Sony Walkman, I have one and it's awesome. 50 hours of battery life, actually turns out to be more like 30-35 but that's still really freaking good. Also has video and an FM transmitter, really awesome mp3 player.
posted by BrnP84 at 10:17 AM on January 23, 2009

I think the 3rd party companies that are listed when you google "iPod Repair" would perform admirably. My sister had an issue with her 4th gen and got it repaired from a place they found online (not sure what the shop was exactly). Investigate it a bit, shop around some other sites, search for reviews or testimonials of people that have used the service in the past (my favorite is googling "[company name] scam" to see what comes up).
posted by ijoyner at 10:18 AM on January 23, 2009

FWIW, my 3g iPod just died on its own after 4 years of use. I think the battery is shot. Depending on usage, your battery might be too. I'm thinking that repair $$ + new battery $$ might = almost a new mp3 player $$.

I bought a refurb 80gb Classic from Apple's site. I've got enough accessories that I felt a new iPod was the way to go, although some of the other players have features that look good (like the aforementioned Sony).
posted by altcountryman at 10:53 AM on January 23, 2009

I have bought two used iPods at a game a video store for pretty cheap. They promise that they have done the requisite police checks on them, for whatever that is worth.

I just sent my 5G iPod off to iResQ and it made my head spin, how fast I got it back. They are pricey but they did what they said they would do, and fast.

iResQ has a diagnostic service.

If you have the little pry tool, and you want to crack into it yourself and look around here is a good set of videos on your model.

Good luck, however you decide.
posted by Danf at 11:48 AM on January 23, 2009

Best answer: I'm guessing it's not under AppleCare; but fwiw, I got an iPod that was covered replaced after a don't-ask mishap. They did not ask me if I got it wet, so I didn't have to lie; but they did "check it for water damage."

(Yes, I found this unethical and did it anyway.)
posted by snoe at 11:56 AM on January 23, 2009

I bought a refurb 80gb Classic from Apple's site.

I'm going to second this suggestion. You can get an 80GB model for $169. It will have at least double the capacity of your old 3rd gen and comes with a full factory warranty.
posted by Fleebnork at 12:16 PM on January 23, 2009

Response by poster: OP here -- the website says that it's under warranty but they want the receipt. I'm not sure if I can find that.

Is AppleCare the same thing as the warranty?
posted by notned at 2:56 PM on January 23, 2009

Response by poster: OP here again -- snoe got it right. It happened just like that. I'm happy and thankful.
posted by notned at 8:06 AM on January 26, 2009