14 DAY TRIAL // Despite Apple improving the specs of the iPhone battery prior to launch, there has still been much talk about it. Much like in the case of the iPod, the problem is that the battery is not user replaceable, requiring the device to be sent to Apple for this procedure. Unlike the iPod where eventually self replacement kits became available and this turned into a non-issue, with the iPhone, the battery is soldered meaning that it will require specialized servicing.
Of course, Apple has a service for replacing iPhone batteries, but there have been complaints about the duration and the cost. Not surprisingly, other alternatives are becoming available. ipodjuice.com has been providing do-it-yourself Apple iPod battery replacement kits to the public for the past three years and the San Antonio-based company has now debuted their new iPhone battery replacement service. ipodjuice.com technicians will open up your 4GB or 8GB iPhone and replace the battery with a brand new one. The cost of the service is $45 plus shipping and ipodjuice will install the new iPhone battery on the same day that your device arrives, shipping it back to you at the end of the day.
"We have been following the release of the iPhone with great anticipation," said Anthony Magnabosco, owner of Milliamp LTD (ipodjuice), in the press release. "With a lower price and faster turnaround time, we believe we can offer a more valuable product and service."
Much like in the case of the iPod replacement batteries, the ones that ipodjuice.com puts in your iPhone are guaranteed to last for ten full years from the date of purchase. While the lower cost of the service and the faster turnaround might lead some to think that this service may use batteries that are not as good as Apple's ones in order to stay competitive, this is not the case. "This will be the last battery that you will ever need to purchase for your iPhone for a decade," said Magnabosco.