Advice noted and to be taken...
Supposedly a lot of people have had problems with the batteries and there is no easy way to replace them (they are I guess propritary).
I have a lot of CD's so I'll get the iTune app and start ripping them...
I dropped my iPod on my driveway one morning (totally my fault) and the thing stopped working. After panicking, I took a deep breath and went to the Web for some advice. I found out that if I plugged my iPod into my dock, it would work, so that the problem was that my battery became dislodged (because of the fall). So I pried open the case with a small screwdriver and reseated the battery and all was good again. So when I do have to replace the battery, I know that it is no big deal - I can do it myself.
On the Web, battery replacement kits are being sold from many sources. Most kits even include the screwdriver. So don't let that deter you. Replacing the battery is a piece of cake.