So a few months ago, while I was installing an update, my first gen ipod touch froze and has not been responding since. I performed a bunch of stuff on it, restoring the whole thing, went through the whole troubleshooting process on itunes/apple, etc. To no avail. It's dead.

I had pretty much thrown it somewhere and planned to get some other music player. Recently though, upon discussing my graduation, my brother told me that if I could get my ipod fixed, he'd buy me a new one (..and pay for the fix). My question now is, where is the best place to get this fixed, and fixed for good? Frankly I don't see the point of getting a first gen fixed and spending $$ on doing that, but if my brother wants it then that's his choice. I guess it'd be safest to say getting it fixed at apple, but does anyone have any idea how much that costs? I'm trying to find someone I can email on apple to get an estimate, couldn't find an email though. :p I don't have an apple store nearby, either.

Or maybe I should just go to some electronic fixing place? but would that be wise, since I want this ipod to stay unbroken.

PS: I purchased this ages ago, a month after the very first ipod touch came out, so warranty = dead.

Oh and lastly, I realize that the 3rd gen ipod touch came out not so far ago, but can anyone estimate when the fourth gen will come out? They are releasing a new iphone this summer..

Thanks in advance, and sorry if questions are stupid.