How often does an ipod need to be replaced?

i have an apple ipod which is working good enough if a better one compare to this one will come means i surely change it to that one because i frequently upgraded my ipod rather than using long with the old ones....

I have the first mini that came out. It's in perfect condition other then the battery doesn't last as long. But technology improves every day so investing in a new ipod is a good idea. I got a 5th generation ipod video for $250 with 32 gb drive, and now I can spend the same amount of money on the new version of the video with longer battery life and nicer graphics, and almost 4 times more drive space!

I didnt have the original ipod but i had the ipod mini and that had to be replaced after a bout a year as it just stopped working. I now have an ipod nano which i have had for about two years now and havent experienced any problems with. I do think it is bad though that a product that is so expensive should have to be replaced in such a short space of time.

I've got the 4th generation 8gb ipod. unfortunatly i threw it in the wash with some clothes and killed it. Now i cant get it to turn back on. Even worse i cant even get a new one now cause i lost my job.