Switch mode Altoids iPod charger using 3 ‘AA’ batteries

Ian writes – “The goal of this project was to build an efficient Altoids tin iPod (firewire) charger that runs on 3 (rechargeable) ‘AA’ batteries. This project started out as a collaborative effort with Sky on PCB design and construction, and I on circuit and firmware. As it is, this design will not work. It is presented here in the spirit of “the concept of a derivative project…” – Link.