While the iPod is designed to last for a long time (with proper care and use), the fact of the matter remains that the iPod is a battery operated electronic product. As a result, eventually, the battery that's inside will die and need to come out. Now, just because the battery appears to be firmly affixed inside your little digital music player doesn't mean that it's stuck in there forever. It can come out, and replacement iPod battery kits are available for you to use.

If you aren't comfortable with the thought of taking apart your iPod, removing the old battery, placing a new one inside and putting it back together - you are not alone. The iPod is a sophisticated MP3 player, but it's also delicate. Any mistake can permanently damage the item. So, if you don't trust your fingers to do the job properly, you can simply take it into any respectable electronics retailer, and they should be able to replace the battery for you. And Apple computers, the manufacturer of the iPod, has their own battery replacement program that you can use too.

For those technically inclined, the iPod battery can be replaced by the user. This will require picking up a replacement iPod battery kit. Now, you should be mindful that the battery for the standard iPod is different than the one required for the iPod Nano, iPod Shuffle, iPod Mini, or whatever kind of iPod battery you are changing. You should definitely make sure to get the right battery before getting to work. And these batteries aren't the cheap kind available at your local dollar store, either.

So, here's a small guide to how to replace your iPod battery.

1. Use a flat tool to pry the iPod open at its seams. When that's done, use another flat item to release the casing clips.

2. Gently, carefully and patiently, remove the old battery from the iPod.

3. There is a power cable that connects the iPod to the battery. Remove that cable, but do not remove the rubber pad that's there.

4. Take the new battery and place it in the battery area. You'll notice glue spots that are on the iPod to guide you where the battery should go. Once the new battery is in, put the iPod casing back together.

5. Charge for a few hours, hold your breath and see if you've done it right!

That is an abbreviated version of how to replace your iPod's battery. If that isn't clear enough for you, or you don't think you can hack it, then your best bet is to allow someone who knows what they're doing to replace the battery. That way, if they mess up, you can pin the blame squarely on them and get them to give you a brand new iPod!