I picked up a busted iPod mini the other week, guessing correctly that the disk was kaput, and today when the new microdrive arrived, I installed it, iTunes recognized the iPod and all was well.
Almost. I noticed that the disassembly instructions mentioned a connector that had to be removed and there was some emphasis placed on doing it carefully. I never saw the connector referred to, because someone had ripped it right out. As it happens, that connector is what makes the clickwheel operate. So while the iPod is loaded with music and ready to go, there ain’t no way to tell it to go.
<grumble> So I now need to find another with at least a good clickwheel, if nothing else. The good news is there are lots of minis available, but there is some competition. I really don’t want one that just needs a disk or battery, as I don’t want a lot of extra stuff. But beggars can’t be choosers. Got my eye on a couple of others: if this one can’t be fixed, it’s no worse than a 4 Gb jump drive. Of course, a remote might solve the problem as well.