So, it finally happened – my aging 4th generation iPod’s battery has more or less become useless. I suppose it holds some historical value, in that it helps me relive the days of having a portable CD player which would last an hour or so before the batteries crapped out. Unfortunately, I didn’t particularly like having a CD player that only lasted an hour or so, so reliving it with my iPod isn’t much fun.
I’ve decided to replace the battery in it, but I’m not going with Apple. They have a battery replacement service, but 1) their service seems a bit steep in price to me (it’s Apple, what else should I expect?), and 2) I’m not crazy about the idea of getting a refurbished iPod, which is what I’ve heard actually happens. While I’m sure Apple thoroughly tests their refurbished stuff, the fact is, I’ve had my iPod for a long time now, and well, it’s mine. I don’t want to trade my old, well-loved iPod for someone else’s. 
I ended up ordering a replacement kit from iPod Juice, which seems to have gotten plenty of favorable reviews. The price isn’t that much lower than Apple’s, but the battery included with the kit I purchased lasts (supposedly) twice as long as the stock battery. That’s certainly not something I’d argue with.
They also have a ton of videos on YouTube showing the process of replacing the batteries of various Apple devices, and it looks pretty easy. I figure if I can put together my own computer, I can pop open my iPod and stick a battery in. Follow-up post forthcoming, after I’ve destroyed my iPod in attempting to replace the battery…