How to reboot iPod 3rd generation

This is the forum category for the iPod shuffle. This is a 3rd gen iPod shuffle, or a 3rd gen iPod from 2003 (with a hard drive inside)? Or an iPod touch?

Assuming it has power in its battery, if it's a shuffle, it has a power switch. If it's a "big" iPod, just press (touch) any control button. If the battery is not charged, you need connect it to power and let it charge to at least a minimal level before it turns on.

So this is a 3rd gen iPod from 2003, with a touch (not click) wheel and four touch buttons in a row, between the wheel and the display, does that sound right? If so, that model (like the earlier 1st and 2nd gen iPods) needs to connect to a FireWire port, not USB. Although it has a dock connector like later iPods, it can only receive power and charge its battery when connected to a FireWire port using the FireWire docking cable that came with it, or connected to the FireWire power adapter (also came with it).

Do you have the FireWire docking cable, and/or the FireWire power adapter? Does your MacBook have a FireWire port?

You can get a FireWire 800 (what your Mac has) to FireWire 400 (the older type) adapter AND a FireWire docking cable (probably available on eBay or other online source). The adapter may also be called a FireWire 9-pin to 6-pin adapter. For example

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other+World+Computing/FIR1369AD/

Connect the adapter to the Mac's FireWire 800 port and docking cable to the adapter, and that should work to connect and charge your iPod.

Another way allows you to connect it with a USB port, but it requires a special docking cable AND a FireWire power adapter. The special cable has a dock connector that splits off into two cables, one with a FireWire plug and one with a USB plug. The USB connects to your Mac's USB port (for the data connection) and the FireWire connects to the FireWire power adapter (for power). This was Apple's way to allow Windows users (who usually do not have a PC with FireWire) to use iPods (before the fully USB-compatible 4th gen iPod). It is no longer sold by Apple, but I found an example on eBay

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-Apple-iPod-Dock-Connector-to-FireWire-and-USB-2 -0-Cable-to-your-iPod-/111300870360

Of those two methods, the one using your Mac's FireWire port with an adapter is probably better.

If that battery was fully charged when you stopped using it, it may still work after being charged. But it may be reduced in its charge capacity. It's best to discharge and charge lithium batteries regularly. If the battery sat in a state that was fully discharged for a few years, it is more likely to be "dead" and not be able to hold any charge.

However, even with no battery connected, that iPod model will operate as an iPod when connected to power.

If you are good a such things, this web site as repair guides

http://www.ifixit.com/Device/iPod_Original

The 3rd (and 4th gen) iPods are fairly easy to pry open, compared to the 5th gen and later iPods (with a very tight seam). You should use those plastic (nylon) tools to prevent damage. They usually come with replacement batteries. The battery has a socketed connection (it's not soldered to the logic board like on some models). If you want some tips, you can post back.

The second item is a FireWire docking cable, and that is correct.

The first item is a FireWire cable with a FireWire 800 plug on one end and a 400 plug on the other end. This is for connecting a FireWire device that has a FireWire 400 port, like an older external FireWire drive (or a 1st/2nd gen iPod). It's not an adapter, where you can plug in the FireWire 400 plug on the second item (the docking cable).

You need an adapter, like the one I linked to in my earlier reply. Or this one on Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Sonnet-FireWire-400-Adapter-FAD-824/dp/B0000CDJPQ