ipod repairs - should i go apple or third party?

[Faileas 0]

I've had an ipod for a few years and the hard drive appears to have kicked the bucket. I'd like to get it replaced but, well, i'd like to do it in as cost effective manner as possible. Since its out of warrantee, anyone know any good repair places? My old standby closed down, and i'd rather places people have used before.

 

some idea on how much replacing the drive on a 160 gb model would be appreciated too

[Faileas 0]

In case anyone else has the same issue - at this point of time, replacing the HDD on the older 'fat' ipod is IMPOSSIBLE. No one (even ifixit) has parts, and while i ended up getting a refurbished model cheapish, the old one is almost a writeoff - Its currently a guinea pig for an experimental, risky, repair plan.

 

Now, i need to start planning for a replacement in a year or so ;p