So I got my 2nd replacement iPod last Thursday and plugged it into the wall charger (with the firewire cable). After a few hours, I check it and it says that it's fully charged. When I plug it into my computer with a 4 pin firewire converter plug, it says I have to charge the unit before proceeding.

So I take the unit to work and plug it in. iTunes doesn't recognize the iPod, but my computer attempts to update the firmware. iPod tells me to plug the unit to the wall charger to finish flashing the firmware.

I plug the iPod into the wall and it goes through the firmware update. iPod resets and tells me it's fully recharged. I unplug and it shows no charge. However, when I plug into my work computer using USB 2.0, iPod starts to charge. However, now my work computer does not recognize the iPod and home computer is still having difficulty seeing the unit.

By this time, and out of complete frustration, I call tech support who insist that it's the wall charger. I insist that it's the iPod and insist on a unit that works right. Tech Support relents and sends a dispatch for me to return my iPod. Also, over the weekend, after having managed to get about a quarter charge from my work computer on Friday, my home computer manages to miraculously discover my iPod and I was able to manage my songs and files through iTunes.

Today I bring my iPod back to work and not only get a full charge by hooking into my computer, but after updating to iTunes 5.0, my work computer not only recognizes the iPod, but it seems to be working nicely.

However, I have the return box, and I'm still within warranty. I have a friend who is going to loan me his charger to see whether mine is faulty.

Here are my questions: 1) How long can I hold on to the return box in case I discover the iPod (and not the charger) is faulty?
2) If the charger is faulty, how do I cancel my iPod replacement request and request a replacement charger, or can I send the charger in the box I got to return the iPod?