My approx. 4 year old ipod simply stopped working awhile back and I assumed it was the battery (I could still use it while it was connected to my computer). I brought it to the official Apple service center in Siam Discovery only to be told that the battery cannot be changed...(?) and I'd have to have it replaced with a new ipod for Baht 3,000. Just out of curiosity, is this normal?

I have been led to believe the battery can be changed but the cost is usually about 3/4 the price of a new i-pod.

Also there is speculation that the ipod will be discontinued from the Apple line up. From the Sydney Morning Herald today "Death of the ipod"

Can Be Done !!!!

Just need nerves of steel (and a new battery of course)

Can Be Done !!!!

Just need nerves of steel (and a new battery of course)

I've done it on the 3rd generation iPod (the one shown in your picture) three times. It's easy! Finding the battery here isn't so easy. I had a friend bring me one that I had shipped to his house in the US. $14...I did mine again last week in about 10 minutes... My 4th generation iPod touch would be a different story. I have a friend that owns an Apple repair store in California and he told me they are a bitch to replace and the back gets destroyed in the process. So he always orders a new back along with the battery... So, the OP would have to be a bit more specific on which iPod.... My new touch 64 gig is $399 on Apple's US website and I think it was around 15,000 baht on their Thai website, including VAT and delivery. But the thing is a computer in your hand as long as you have WiFi. I am using a SIM aircard connecting to AIS EDGE out in the boonies right now on my MacBook Pro and turning it into a slow speed WiFi hotspot for my iPod. But it works... It eats battery power though, especially using it for video...