you need to add a bit of wire from the hot side pin on the USB connector to the metal case of the USB connector to make it work for ipod mini but other then that it works just fine for ipods don't know where u got your information?
yeah it's simple as hell I have 6 of the little devils setting next to me right now, all you need is a
box like say a alitods gum tin or radio shack project box
9v battery
9vbattery leads
5v regulator
Female USB A connector
A bit of wire
And a switch
The 5v regulator has three connections a in for the 9v from the battery a ground for the ground of the battery and the ground of the Female USB, and a output which is where you get you 5v which is what usb provides for power.
Knowing that USB uses 5v all you need to do is figure out with of the 4 pins in the usb connector is the positive and which is the ground and your good to go.
I think hack a day and a few other sites have directions with pictures, but it’s pretty simple and just takes a tiny bit of though to figure out.
Also this thing will charge any thing that can charge with a USB cable not just your Ipod, that said people who are willing to pay for the over priced Ipod are willing to pay good money to have you make them this little toy! Enough money that I could afford a some more laptop ram, something to think about.