iPod R.I.P.

My poor iPod died today and is no longer under warranty...the very nice guy at the Apple Genius Bar told me that my options were:

1. Turn it into a paperweight.
2. Pay $250+ to get it repaired.
3. Sell it on eBay for parts...should be able to get $125.
4. Recycle it with Apple and get 10% the purchase of my next purchase.

He also said that if I had paid $59 for the AppleCare plan, he would have been able to replace it at no charge. Normally, I am morally opposed to the extended warranty plans, but I am definitely going to get it with my next iPod.