OWC Now Offering $39 iPod Battery Installation Program

[Kent Pribbernow]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ipod/battery/install-service/' target='_blank'>http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ipod/battery/install-service/</a><br /><br /></div><i>"In addition to offering some of the best value iPod replacement batteries on the market, Other World Computing now is offering an inexpensive installation option. For only $39 plus the cost of a Newer Technology NuPower iPod battery, custmers will receive a shipping box, protective padding and return shipping label. Once OWC receives the iPod, a trained technician will install the battery and test and clean the iPod. The customer's original iPod with new, high-capacity battery then will be returned - all within 24 hours."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/planet.gif" /><br /><br />I'm a little confused about how this service differs from Apple's own battery replacement program, which was recently reduced to $49. OWC is charging $39, and that only covers labor. You still have to tack on the price the NuPower battery.

[Phoenix]

I think this is a better deal than what Apple provides.


-- On Apple's site, they still reflect battery replacement service as costing $59 plus $7 in shipping, for a total of $66, or $56 if the price has indeed been discounted $10 as you say. Of course, you have to pay to ship it to Apple, so the price ends up being even more.

-- OWC charges no more than $67-$70 to replace the battery (which includes the cost of the battery, labor, and two-way shipping costs).

*******

-- Apple seems to replace your entire Ipod, not just your battery, which may or may not be a positive thing... are you getting a refurbished Ipod in exchange or a brand new one? Apple's site doesn't say.

-- OWC just replaces the battery and you get your original Ipod back.

*******

-- Apple will take a week to send you another Ipod - that is, one week after they receive it.

-- OWC provides FedEx overnight shipping to and from them, with one day for labor - so you'd have your Ipod back in three days. Also, remember that these shipping costs are included in the overall cost that I mentioned above.

*******

-- Apple gives you an Ipod with the same capacity battery that you had before.

-- OWC installs a higher capacity battery than what's originally in the Ipod.


To me, that all amounts to a much better deal than what Apple provides.