i just went on holiday for a week, leaving my ipod with about half its charge. when i got back it was practically empty. is this normal, or something to be worried about?

it's one of the newest ones.

I think this is normal with all batteries.. I believe they call it the memory-effect or something. I have had this "problem" with all kinds of battery powered stuff. I wouldn't worry about it.

But then again, I could be wrong...

ok thanks.

I don't own an iPod, but I've read enough posts about iPod to know that, an iPod doesn't actually turn off. It just goes to sleep mode so that it can be turned on again within seconds. Therefore, a week of sleep mode operation definitely drains your battery. There's nothing to worry about!

Actually, iPods (at least the 3G ones) shutdown for real after less than 2 days of sleep mode.
But it can drain a battery nonetheless.