Whether or not the EU's new “battery” directive is mandated, iPod users can replace their own batteries by ordering a tool-kit complete with instructions on how to do it. The folks at iPod Juice not only offer the respective kit and “how-to” documentation, but they also claim they can render you capable of repairing your busted iPod.

A video demonstration of just how easy it is to replace your own third gen iPod's battery is available below, in case you're not much into reading.

iPod Juice advises users to scroll their web site up and down to find the battery replacement kit suitable for them. Users also have the choice to use the kit to install the new battery themselves, or to have it done by iPod Juice. Speaking of the battery, iPod Juice asserts its units can last longer than Apple's by far, concerning both lifespan and life between two charges.

Cristoph from Seattle, WA tells a short story of how he broke his iPhone and had it delivered to iPod Juice for repair,

"So my brand new iPhone fell out of my pocket and crashed to the floor. I researched ALL the apple iphone repair companies that are out there on the web and time after time I kept coming back to ipodjuice.com: you wouldn't believe (well, maybe YOU would believe it) how many positive comments there on all the forums and blogs about your company. And you proved them right: you fixed my iphone on the same day it arrived (i was watching the shipment tracking) and shipped it right back to my greedy little hands the next day. When i got it, my iPhone was exactly the same way i remembered it, but with a shiny new screen to replace my broken one. You are my favorite online company and i will tell all my iPhone-toting (and dropping) friends about your services and prices".

So, whatever the device you own, these guys can give it a new life. Of course, if your iPod or iPhone is still in warranty, it's probably wise to just have Apple deal with any possible issue occurring with the device, whether it's the battery that dies on you, or the software that keeps crashing. However, if your device is not covered by Apple's warranty anymore, you might as well check these kits out.