Make:

The article I contributed to the first issue of MAKE was about fixing my daughter's iPod Mini. The stem for the earphones had broken off in the socket. To remove it, I had to break into the iPod Mini, using a hairdryer to melt glue that held the plastic top in place. I had to search all over to find instructions on how to do it.

I saw this press release today for RapidRepair.com that "lets device owners order parts online and do repairs themselves, auickly and affordably." We need more services like this one that extend the lives of the gadgets in our lives. I like that they provide guides that allow you to make the repair yourself. I took a screenshot below of iPod Nano disassembly.

Rapid Repair offers a complete line of replacement parts for many of the most popular electronic devices and game systems, as well as repair tools and guides to make the job easy.

"Many people who own these products are technology-savvy to begin with," said Aaron Vronko, co-founder and service manager of Rapid Repair. "We've made it easy to do the repairs that are within their skill set by making available the parts they need, as well as any tools they may require, which allows them a great way to get the repair done at a savings. For those repairs that are beyond what they're comfortable doing themselves, we'd be happy to do the repair for them with our usual affordable rates and quick turnaround."

Rapid Repair stocks a complete line of parts available online for iPod, iPhone and Zune MP3 players, as well as for the most popular Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo game systems including the latest generation handhelds and consoles. Parts range from a plastic center frame for the Zune Flash to an 8GB mainboard assembly for the iPhone. Several tool kits are also available, as well as repair guides and troubleshooting help to get the ball rolling on disassembly of the device and the DIY project itself.

Parts, tools and guides are available at www.rapidrepair.com
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