Is my docking station (speakers) draining my iPod battery?

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Is my docking station (speakers) draining my iPod battery?

I just replaced my iPod Classic (it went in the pool) with a 16gb iPod Nano. I only use it to listen to audiobooks which I download from the public library. I have two docking stations w/ speakers: iHome iH9 and a JBL On Stage IIIP. They worked fine with my old iPod - they are both about 5 years old. Either one of them would charge my iPod and I could switch to earbuds whenever I wanted. The charge would last at least 24 hours or longer. With my new Nano, I found that my battery would be completely drained after 6 hours of listening using the earbuds. I contacted Apple Care twice and they took me through several standardized diagnostics and such. They suggested I go to my local Apple store and get it replaced as the battery seemed to be defective. At the Apple Store the tech I spoke with said he thought the problem was my docking stations, esp. the iHome which seems to have had this effect on other iPods. He traded out my Nano with another one. Also, he gave me a USB power adapter and said to charge my iPod with it. For a couple days, I charged with the power adapter and used the earbuds only - battery lasted at least 12 hours. Yesterday, I used the JBL docking station for several hours. Then I switched to earbuds and the charge lasted about 6 hours. So it does seem that the docking stations are doing something to the battery. But, I don't want to use earbuds only. I want speakers too. So does anyone know if the newer docking stations with speakers are any better? Any recommendations? I really want to stay under $125.00. Thanks.

iPod nano, iOS 5.1

Posted on Apr 5, 2012 9:06 PM

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Answer 1

Apr 6, 2012 12:32 AM in response to beadlesaz

Do the speakers plug into the main power supply in your house?

Something you have to remember is an iPod classic is a big brick with a big memory and a big battery.

An iPod nano is a small iPod with a very small battery, colour LED screen and depending what one you have, accelerometer, radio and pedometer. Thats a lot of power drain on a battery just bigger than a button

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Answer 2

beadlesaz Author

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Apr 6, 2012 7:13 AM in response to Spyhunter223

Yes, speakers are plugged in to main power supply. I understand that the Nano is a *different beast* in many ways from the Classic, esp. battery. But the battery does seem affected by the docking station - even tho' the battery reads Full Charge when I take it off the docking station. Ah, the mysteries of life & technology. Should probably have sprung for the Classic - but love the itty-bitty Nano on my wrist when I go for my walk. Thanks for your reply, Spyhunter.

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Answer 3

Apr 6, 2012 9:18 PM in response to beadlesaz

Normally, what happens after a long time is the charged ions in the battery dont all flow through and give power to your devices for a number of reasons. To this, taking out the battery and leaving it in the freezer overnight to help reset it helps. But the problem is, you cant take the battery out. Another thing that helps prevent that is once a month, draining the power down to absolute zero and then fully charging it up. What may be the problem is when the iPod says; "Hey, I'm full, take me off" it may not be 100% charged. The last 40% on the battery meter makes up about 60% of the actual power. Leave it plugged in until Apple says its charged and see how long it takes to discharge on standby, and then try overcharging it buy two hours and try the same thing. Its important you charge it the same way so you can tell if its the time charging or whatnot.

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