Two lawsuits mean a small credit ($45) will be due to Canadian owners
of older iPods: first-, second- or third-generation iPods purchased
before June 24, 2004.

Apple agreed to a settlement covering both claims. The deal has to be finalized in court in Montreal on May 26 and in Toronto on June 20.

As many as 80,000 Canadians could be eligible, including 11,310 Quebecers, said Montreal lawyer Philippe Trudel, who represented Lenzi.

A Toronto firm that handles public relations for Apple Canada did not return a call yesterday.

The $45 offer is considerably less than the amount sought by the Montreal plaintiff. Lenzi initially asked for $137.77 from Apple for a replacement battery, plus shipping and handling, $50 for inconvenience and $400 in exemplary damages.

It should be noted, however, that the settlement is a credit, not a refund.  Thus, Apple is still getting "something" out of the deal.  The Apple site mentioned in the article which has information on the settlement lists claim forms as "coming soon."