iPod repairs and a new direction

[bammbamm]

Hey all, I was curious what kind of intrest there is out here, as I've started a new project repairing iPods for fun and profit. I've been doing this for 6 months now and there has been a great word of mouth response locally, but I wanted to see how many people had the afflicted MP3 player.
I have a full stock of batteries, hard drives, cables, logic boards, displays, you name it.
Pricing from Apple care is obscene considering that most of their diagnostics are vague and overpriced, telling you that your iPod needs a hard drive when that may not be the case.

Apple charges $250 for a 20 Gig hard drive replacement.
I can do it for $100 less.
Batteries, they want $99, I can do it for $39-49 depending on the model and if you want an upgraded, longer lasting battery.

The other thing is, I've seen how ipods look after someone has opened them at the Apple store, You can't even tell after done it.
Attention to detail on these devices is very important, at least it is to me...

Lemme know what you guys think.
I have a basic site up now at www.kinetic-connection.com and I'm in the process of making a nicer one right now. more content, more explaination of repairs etc.

I'm posting ads like this locally: http://chicago.craigslist.org/ele/183679580.html
trying to create a buzz.

Any suggestions?

Bamm

[guitarsalad14]

Man I wish I still had my ipod but it got jacked at school

[Eddie_UV777]

if you got any car chargers/transmiters so the music comes out the radio let me know!

[ScottB]

Originally Posted by Eddie_UV777

if you got any car chargers/transmiters so the music comes out the radio let me know!

If Bamm doesn't have them, circuit city or best buys probably will.

[SpikeSocietySucks]

Hey man,

I'm interested in an upgraded hard drive, and a new battery in my broken 4th Gen

I already own a 5th gen, but It'd be nice to get the old one up and running again.

How much do you think it would cost to fix up, + Are there any other upgrades you could perform?

Spikey

[Eddie_UV777]

is it me or do the Video ipod batteries suck?

[bammbamm]

Originally Posted by Eddie_UV777

if you got any car chargers/transmiters so the music comes out the radio let me know!
...is it me or do the Video ipod batteries suck?

I haven't started doing those yet due to the large volume on the bay that you can buy for $0.01 + $6.99 shipping. That is hard to compete with.
I can also buy them from the distributors like they do, but I don't want to end up stuck with 500 ipod chargers should they not sell.

The video ipod batteries run down quickly if you're running lots of vids due to the fact that one, you're using the backlight all the time, that eats current, plus it takes a little more bandwidth to access the video tracks.
If you're just running music, I've had my 30GB Video last 2 consecutive 8 hour days with some life to spare.


Spike, check your PM

[jemsite]

sounds like a good side-biz Mike... best of luck. as long as you have an organized system tracking (incoming ipods, outgoing shipments) it should be hassle-free. ...glen

[mesa_boogie_man]

I think it's a great idea. My iPod has already been replaced by Apple 2 times during the extended warranty period. If it goes out again, which really wouldn't surprise me, I will certainly contact you!

[Ozzdoc]

I got my iPod Video 30 Gig today!!

It is really awsome

Just thought I would announce it since it does have iPod in the title ;P

[fettouhi]

Cool stuff Bamm. All the best with the business.

Regards

André

[bammbamm]

thx guys.
This all stemmed from the desire to grab a 30 gig Video on the cheap as I didn't think I should pay 400+ for an MP3 player. I got one with a cracked display for $100, found the display for 45, then put it all together. That and working with Doctors who all brought their pods into the O.R. and then dropped them or took them into the ocean on vacation, whatever. I'd be the goto guy, and here we are. Now... lets hope it takes off.

If you guys know anyone who has one, I'll be happy to give'em a quote, estimate, reassurance, etc.

Thanks again, who knows, maybe if this takes off, I can throw a banner ad at the top?

[bammbamm]

I can't believe this was over a year ago, now.
Still pluggin' along, too

[AmazinAzian12]

Hey bamm. do you think you could upgrade the older 5th gen ipod screens to to the newer, brighter ones?? Ive been wanting the brighter screen. maybe even a new battery. because the warrenty on my ipod already ended months ago.

[bammbamm]

I have both in stock
Check my site...
www.kinetic-connection.com
Honestly, though, the screens aren't worth the upgrade as they munch into your battery life.
Bamm