iRecharge VPMINI Rechargeable Battery Bundle for iPod Mini

• Handy rechargeable battery bundle designed for the iPod mini
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack lets you charge mini without power source
• Delivers up to 12 hours per charge; charges via standard iPod AC adapter
• Disposable battery/charger offers an additional 8 hours of iPod playtime
• Includes genuine leather case and removable belt clip; 3-year iRecharge warranty

Amazon.com Product Description:
The iRecharge VPMINI rechargeable battery bundle includes everything you need to keep your iPod mini running for hours on end. The pack starts with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, which charges the mini by plugging into its 30- pin docking port. Providing up to 12 hours of battery life per charge, it's the perfect accessory for traveling, camping excursions, and other occasions when you might not have easy access to a power source. And when you do finally come across an AC outlet, you can recharge the battery pack using your standard iPod AC adapter and the original charging cable. The value pack's second accessory is the Cellboost disposable battery/charger, which stores an additional eight hours of iPod power. Functioning as a backup battery should your iRecharge run out of juice, the Cellboost also connects to your mini's 30-pin charging port, where it provides instant power while you listen. Plus, users don't have to use the Cellboost's power all at once, but can instead split it into several listening sessions. Users should note, however, that the Cellboost is disposable, and thus requires a responsible discarding method. The value pack concludes with a genuine leather case that both holds and protects your mini and iRecharge while you're on the move. The case features a clear window that showcases the iPod's LCD screen, along with a number of convenient openings for the dock connector, headphone jack, and click wheel--all in a stylish leather package. The iRecharge battery and case are backed by a three-year warranty, while the Cellboost is protected by a six-month warranty. What's in the Box iRecharge lithium-ion battery pack, Cellboost disposable battery, leather case, user's manual.

Why doesn't Apple market this?:
I just ordered my second iRecharge battery bundle. The first one lasted several months, around a year I think. Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time, so I didn't expect it to last forever, but for the price, I was pleased with the life and performance of my first battery bundle. I have an older iPod mini and the internal battery died after about 3 years. I looked into getting it replaced, but the cost was ridiculous (around $50), it would take weeks to get done and my entire library would be erased! Since several of the songs in my library were on a hard drive that crashed and was wiped clean, I would have permanently lost a significant chunk of music. So I started looking around for a different option and found this, easy, inexpensive alternative exterior battery. The iRecharge is slim. It only adds about 1/8" to the back and about 1/2" to the bottom. I don't use the leather case, but the iRecharge itself has a built-in belt clip. To charge it, just attach it to the iPod firewire (not included with the iRecharge bundle) to the dock on the bottom of the iRecharge and plug into a regular AC outlet. You can charge it with the iPod docked in the iRecharge or charge the iRecharge battery alone. It could not be easier. The iRecharge has a display of 3 green lights and 1 red light. When all 3 green lights and the red light are lit, it's fully charged. They go out one by one as the charge diminishes, then when the red light goes out, the charge is fully depleted. The iRecharge can be recharged multiple times until it finally completely degrades and will not hold a charge. The included CellBoost is a disposable one time use battery that clips on the bottom only (doesn't extend up the back like a cradle, as the iRecharge does). I haven't used the CellBoost from my first bundle yet, but probably will while waiting for my second iRecharge bundle. Apple is missing out on a simple, potentially lucrative opportunity here. If they marketed the same thing, they could sell them in Apple stores for $10 each, easily. But, as long as they continue to not get it, this works just fine!