People are crying foul over the Apple iPod, because the manufacturer doesn't disclose the fact that the rechargeable batteries only last about a year and a half.

Until only recently, consumers with dead batteries were told their only option was to spend $300 to $500 on a brand new iPod because the batteries are too complicated for the consumer to replace themselves.

Apple Computer is now battling a public relations "black eye", fueled by a chain reaction of complaints over the Internet.

'It Makes CDs Seem Archaic'

Much more than a Walkman, an iPod is a digital device that holds thousands of songs and more.

Alysa Holt, a fitness and massage expert who uses hundreds of songs in her work, says iPods makes CD seem archaic.

"I love it," she says of the unit she listens to as she works out new aerobic routings from her Lake Union houseboat. "I love it, but it's not mine."

Alysa borrowed the iPod she currently uses, because hers no longer works. She got the original model a year and a half ago.

"It cost 350 dollars," she explained.

But lately, Alysa's iPod doesn't work. "I think that something's wrong with the battery, because it won't charge and it won't hold a charge," she says. And she's not alone.

iPod Battery Blues

The iPod battery blues have been flooding the Internet for months, ever since outraged consumers started accusing Apple Computer of purposely making the special batteries short-lived, difficult to replace and expensive -- $255 -- that realistically they're not replaceable, and you're better off buying a new iPod.

One angry campaign called it "iPod's Dirty Secret". Two filmmakers made an independent movie showing themselves painting signs over every iPod advertisement they could find in New York City. The signs proclaimed iPod's irreplaceable batteries only lasted 18 months.

A Change In Tune?

Many consumers claim Apple changed its tune after the nationwide Internet campaign. Others argue Apple addressed the battery issue before the complaints hit the Internet.

A company spokesman we talked to would not talk about the battery complaints, but referred me to Apple's company Web site, which outlines a mail-in Battery Replacement Program.

The company will replace your battery and return your iPod for $106 ($99 plus shipping and handling).

Independent companies are offering better deals, encouraging iPod owners to skip Apple, and let them replace the batteries for little as $50-$70.

As with the short battery life, Alysa Holt had no idea the battery could be replaced. Now, instead of borrowing from friends or, dread the thought, going back to CDs, she says can get more use out of her own iPod, and hold off on forking out more money for an entirely new model.

"To buy a new battery would be perfect," she says, "until I could afford to buy a new one."

So far, there are at least five class-action lawsuits charging Apple misrepresented how long the iPod batteries last.

In the meantime, if you plan to send your iPod in for a replacement battery, be aware that you'll lose your data; so make sure you backup all your files before you send it out for service.

For More Information:

Apple's Battery Replacement Program -- www.apple.com

Third Party Battery Replacement:

www.smalldog.com
www.ipodresq.com
ipodbatteryfaq.com

More on iPod Lawsuits -- www.consumeraffairs.com

Other Personal Player Brands:

Archos -- www.archos.com
news.com.com
Second one -- news.com.com