Most MP3 consumers would agree that the iPod is one of the best choices for an MP3 player, unique cutting edge styling coupled with superb sound quality and durability. There has been however, numerous moans and groans from various sources of MP3 authority that the iPod battery is something that could be improved upon. Isolated cases of iPods going dead after only as few months have been reported and by reading this article you should have a basic grasp on how to prolong the battery life of your iPod and general care.

An absolute must is to download the very latest software for your portable device. In an age where software updates are as about as frequent as the weather changes, it is imperative that you keep up to date with software and firmware changes. Secondly, use the HOLD switch. Yes thats right. How many times have you slipped your iPod inside your coat, jacket or trousers only to discover the next time you plug in them earphones you iPod is as dead as a dodo.

Speaking of earphones, remember if you use all them fancy accessories to make your iPod stand out from the crowd that actually this drains more resource power from your iPod so if you plan on using your iPod on a long car or train journey then maybe leaving some accessories at home is a good idea.

Temperature control is another factor in looking after your iPod battery. Your machine will work best at room temperature (at about 20 degrees). If you have left your iPod outside or even in the car overnight, then let it warm up inside first before using. As well as cold temperatures the same principle applies to extreme warm aswell. Be mindful of not letting your iPod out in the sun or leaving it laying on the dashboard of your car in the summer.

Regular charging of your Ipod is also very advisable. Do not let your iPod go dead flat. Try to get into the habit of leaving your iPod on charge at least once a week or even better every night before you go to bed.

Do you really need the backlighting facility? This is one of the major sources of power consumption on your iPod. There is an option to switch this off and you will be amazed on how much longer your iPod will last for before the need of a re-charge. Also try to avoid changing tracks to often if you can help it. Pressing the forward and back button on your machine executes major hard disk activity on your iPod which in turn drains massive battery power.

Finally, turning off the equalizer and using compressed songs is also good advice on keeping your iPod stay charged up for longer. Optimum cache size for your iPod is about 8 to 9mb so if your files and songs are longer then this then split these files in half. By following this short guide you will be sure to prolong the battery life of your iPod without the need for a recharge.

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Martin writes exclusive articles for pc and gadget websites like Free Registry Cleaner and iPod Accessories