iPod AppleCare Question

I think tomorrow I will be calling AppleCare for them to repair my iPod. My 40GB 4th gen gets around 4 hours battery life, from the advertised 12. Kinda tough when I normally listen to it more than that daily, well did. I got it Dec 27th 2004, and have the extended AppleCare warranty on it. I'm afraid since this is a battery problem I will receive a new, used or refurb iPod. Mine is engraved. I really hate to get a used or refurb iPod, as I paid $400 for the iPod and $50 for the AppleCare. What kind of chance do I have at getting a new iPod? I know refurbs aren't bad, my shuffle came from the refurb store, but as much as I use my iPod I'd hate having something used or refurbed. Do I even stand a chance of getting my iPod back? What should I expect to get?

I would go to an Apple store but the nearest is ~5 hours away from me. Also the 40GB 4th gen was removed from the Apple line on Feb ~23rd if that counts for anything.

Thanks for the replies.

hcuar said:

I had a coworker who sent in their iPod for repair... They received their same iPod back. I've heard mixed results... Some people get a different iPod, some get their own. I figure a battery is a pretty simple fix, and you'd probably get your own.

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You know I thought the same but was reading apple.com and came across this.

http://depot.info.apple.com/ipod/ said:

Note: iPod equipment that is sent in for battery service or service requiring other repairs will be replaced with functionally equivalent new, used, or refurbished iPod equipment. You will not receive the same iPod that was sent in for service.

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Personally I'd love my 4th Gen or a new 4th Gen in return, I don't need a color screen or anything fancy, I just need music.

So I called AppleCare after spending 30 minutes on the phone that I have to request service online. Wow, thanks for wasting my minutes this month.

Anyways, how do you request service for a battery replacement? There is no option for it. I see options about Cables, Dock, Earbuds, etc but no battery.