HACK! The iPod mini Flash Memory Upgrade
iPod minis contain a 4 gigabyte (1st generation or 2nd generation) or 6 gigabyte (2nd generation only) Hitachi micro drive. Picture a tiny hard drive, shaped like a CompactFlash card (with the same pin out and connection!). Evidentially, this was less expensive that just providing flash based disk space when the mini went on sale February 20th 2004. As the prices of flash based memory have plummeted over the last four years, it is now a legitimate alternative to a micro drive with moving parts. Any mobile device could benefit from flash memory over a microdrive. Microdrives have moving pieces that are suceptable to damage from shaking or dropping when the drive heads are in motion over the disc inside the drive (basically, whenever you're using the iPod). Flash memory doesn't have the moving parts. Apple has already begun using flash memory in the current and previous generation iPod Nanos and Shuffles.
Two weeks ago I was changing the scratched case and broken window of my 2G 4GB iPod mini, I noticed how similar the connector of the 4GB micro drive resembled the connector of CF cards I use for my Canon digital SLR camera. I did a little research, and viola! Turns out you can use the CF cards as replacements and it's pretty much 'plug 'n' play'.
The Plan
I've ordered a couple CF cards from Newegg - a 16GB to upgrade mine and a 4GB to replace my friend Surly's broken one. I'll dry to take pictures and append any information as I go.
*Update* 2/27/08
Newegg's tracking system indicates the new CF cards should be arriving at my house Thursday. I plan on begining the process Friday. Pics to follow.
*Update* 3/9/08
The 16GB card easily went into my 2G Mini.
The 4GB card installed just as easily, but we did have a few issues with Surly's 1G PinkPod. The molex connector on the clickwheel broken, so we had to replace that. It also seems like the fitment tolerance is much lower in the 1G than the 2G. It's very difficult to fit everything back in the 1G. The replacement clickwheel isn't a secure, snap in fit. It moves around a bit. Before I headed out of town, I still hadn't received the battery replacements for either unit. So that will have to come later. Both iPods are currently running flawlessly with their new CF cards.
