Don't ditch that broken iPod - repair it

Cracked iPod screen? iPhone battery dead? iPad need a cosmetic makeover? iShopRepair.ca can help.

The Toronto-based retailer fixes common casualties of a beloved Apple device – with some services performed while you wait – plus, the nearly 3-year-old store offers a mail-in service to those in need outside of the GTA.

Repairing an iPod, iPhone or iPad not only costs less than buying a new one, it's also a greener consideration as it's one less gadget to end up in a landfill site.

Moneyville caught up with Peter Deignan, founder and president of iShopRepair.ca, for a quick chat about its services -- and some tips on better protecting your investment.

Moneyville: What are some of the most common problems experienced among iPod, iPhone, and iPad owners?

Peter Deignan: The most common problem for all iDevice owners is definitely the battery. The devices typically see a battery life of about 2-to-3 years. Apple does not offer battery replacement services on any units. Your only option would be to get a refurbished device from Apple or buy a completely new machine.

Moneyville: How long does it take for iShopRepair.ca to fix these issues, and for how much? Do you offer a warranty to users?

Moneyville: You also do cosmetic or memory enhancements to some models, yes?

Deignan: Yes, we do full cosmetic casing replacements for most Apple iDevices. We install both original casings and third-party replacement products -- even for the iPad. We can also upgrade your iPod's hard drive capacity and even replace your faulty headphone jacks.

Moneyville: This interview is for a Toronto Star blog, but you service iDevices from across Canada, yes? How does the process work?

Deignan: It's very simple. All testing and repair quotes are free. Simply order the free diagnostic testing service for your device from our website and send your iPod, iPhone or iPad to our Toronto service centre. A technician will be in contact with you with an affordable repair quote. The turnaround time for mail-in repair services is less than 24 hours and as I mentioned earlier, all repair services are backed by a one-year warranty. If you already know what is wrong with your device (i.e. a broken screen) you can simply order the appropriate repair service listed on the website.

Moneyville: Finally, how can an owner of an iPod, iPhone and iPad prevent some of these common issues, such as a cracked screen, premature battery death, and so forth?

Deignan: The best way to avoid any physical damage to your iDevice is definitely to keep it in a protective case, especially when out on the go. Day-to-day scratches on your iPhone or iPod touch screen can be avoided by putting a quality clear screen protector on it. When it comes to charging your device's battery, always keep in mind that you do not want to overcharge it. Leaving it on the charger overnight, for example, is not doing the battery any good. Always try to remove the device from the charger after four hours. You can also increase the battery performance in your iPod or iPhone by setting the backlight timer under "Settings" to a short time. iPad owners will want to use the auto-lock feature to reduce power wastage.