Boy changes third-generation iPod Touch battery (photos)
Swapping out your iPod Touch battery will cost you about $79. But this kid did it for $8.59. Warning: it's tricky.
Tools for the job
Brett is 11 years old. His father picked up a battery on eBay for $8.59 (includes "separator" tools).
Yes, that's a soldering iron. And no, it isn't included with the replacement battery.
Removing touch screen from case (note guitar pick)
Just to get the iPod Touch open took a good 15 minutes. Lots of clips help keep the iPod tightly sealed.
Even the two separator tools that were included with the new replacement battery could not do the job, so Brett had to use a guitar pick (which did not survive) to get the touch screen off.
Touch screen off
First of eight tiny screws to remove metal plate holding LCD
Prying off old battery from back of metal plate
Using soldering iron to remove old battery ribbon cable
New battery soldered into place
With a little help from his dad, Brett carefully melted the solder on the existing battery's three connections one at a time and pried away the ribbon cable from the motherboard.
After applying a very tiny bit of solder to each of the new battery's connectors and lining them up carefully, each lead was soldered to its respective area on the motherboard.
Power check with new battery
Success
Working third-generation iPod Touch with brand-new battery! Cost: $8.59.
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