New vs. Refurbished

Question

Level 1

5 points

New vs. Refurbished

I just broke my almost 2-year old iPod color, and I've been dying without my music. Being in college, I'm a little short in money and I don't start a job for a few more weeks. I really need an iPod now, and I'm contemplating buying the new iPod 5G, or getting a refurbished one. I've looked around and people have said that refurbished has old parts but new casing. Apple has said that refurbs have gone through thorough testing to make sure that performance is above par. There is also a 2-year warranty with refurbs as with new, as I understand. Am I right on these? Those extra dollars saved would really help. I still have a part of me that wants to buy a new one. What should I do? I'm in a dilemma here. I'm planning on buying it tomorrow. For those who bought refurbished iPods, are there discernable differences? Is the performance, battery life, and other aspects not up to standards? Any help and advice would be awesome!

Windows XP

Posted on Jun 11, 2007 3:16 PM

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Answer 1

Jun 11, 2007 3:19 PM in response to Carlo Medina

my sister bought a refurbished ipod and it never worked well for her. it just kind of quit. but i guess if there's a warranty it might be good...but if you can hold out and get a new one it's much better....that way you won't have constant problems..
good luck anyway :S

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Answer 2

samdogmom

Level 4

1,705 points

Jun 11, 2007 3:27 PM in response to Carlo Medina

Search these forums--lots of people ONLY buy refurbished iPods and they're very happy with their purchases. I have never bought a refurbished iPod, but after reading many posts about what a good experience it was for most owners, I will definitely consider this option in the future--as long as I don't need my name engraved on the back of the iPod this is a great way to get a piece of electronic equipment that isn't going to last forever anyway!

The good thing about refurbished items is that they are completely tested to make sure they work. The iPod you buy in the store might actually be less reliable than a refurbished item--because it hasn't been tested.

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Answer 3

Jun 11, 2007 3:30 PM in response to Carlo Medina

My daughter and I both bought refurbished iPods just after Christmas. Hers was perfect right out of the box, and mine had issues. However, the Apple store replaced it with no problems or questions, and the newer refurbished one is perfect.

We've not noted any difference in performance/sound/battery life between ours and family with full retail iPods, so I'd seriously recommend going the refurbished route.

Rebecca

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Answer 4

Chris CA

Level 10

82,513 points

Jun 11, 2007 3:31 PM in response to Carlo Medina

Apple has said that refurbs have gone through thorough testing to make sure that performance is above par.
It meets the specs of new iPods.

There is also a 2-year warranty with refurbs as with new, as I understand
They come with a standard one year warranty. You can get the Applecare Protection Plan which extends the warranty to 2 years (and covers all shipping costs).

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Answer 5

Jun 11, 2007 3:45 PM in response to samdogmom

a piece of electronic equipment that isn't going to last forever anyway!

What? What are you talking about?

: )

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Answer 6

samdogmom

Level 4

1,705 points

Jun 11, 2007 4:23 PM in response to Kenneth Nielsen

Ummmm---do you actually think your iPod will still be running strong in 20 years???!!! How long do your computers last? Even TVs don't last more than 10 years or so.

How old is your car? I could go on and on....When you use an electronic device every day or frequently--it wears out. Obviously you have to replace the iPod battery after "x" number of uses. At some point the whole thing is going to fail. The electronic touchpad on my oven failed after 7 years. Nothing lasts forever anymore.

On Edit: Blush--Sorry I missed the :)! My apologies!

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Answer 7

Carlo Medina Author

Level 1

5 points

Jun 11, 2007 4:14 PM in response to Carlo Medina

Wow, thanks for all the responses! I've researched the forums for opinions. Even though so many people have positive experiences with the refurb iPod, there were also others that have had some problems with it. That's why I'm unsure about this.

About the two-year warranty I mentioned, I meant with the extra Apple Care Warranty extension. I was going to ask if it's still eligible for that but with further searching, I found that I can get it.

If my refurb iPod breaks down, they'll fix it like I bought it new right? Like with some companies, they treat any of their "used" or "refurb" items as like second-class products that they don't even give you the full service that they give their newly purchased products. This isn't the case for Apple right?

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Answer 8

Chris CA

Level 10

82,513 points

Jun 11, 2007 4:21 PM in response to Carlo Medina

If my refurb iPod breaks down, they'll fix it like I bought it new right?
Correct. It carries the full warranty, same as a brand new iPod.
Oh, it comes in a plain, brown box and not the fancy Pirates of the Caribbean box.
Apart from that, it's as good as new.

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Answer 9

samdogmom

Level 4

1,705 points

Jun 11, 2007 4:21 PM in response to Carlo Medina

I think its a crap shoot when you buy new and when you buy refurbished. You've got to take your chances. How much money can you save? That's what you have to consider. If the amount is significant--it's worth the risk. If the amount isn't that great--then you need to pause and seriously consider what you're doing. If you're saving $10 and paying more for an extended warranty, obviously this is a bad deal--but if you're saving a lot and paying very little for the extra piece of mind--then it's worth considering.

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Answer 10

Carlo Medina Author

Level 1

5 points

Jun 11, 2007 4:26 PM in response to Carlo Medina

Also, is the Educational Discount for college students still apply for refurbished items? If so, that would mean, I would save even more!

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Answer 11

Chris CA

Level 10

82,513 points

Jun 11, 2007 4:29 PM in response to samdogmom

Even if you save $10 (it's more), you are getting the exact same warranty as a new iPod.

$70 for a 2nd Gen, 4GB Nano.
$30 for a 2nd Gen Shuffle.
$50 for 30GB 5G.

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Answer 12

Jun 11, 2007 4:32 PM in response to samdogmom

Ja, I expect my iPod could be running in 20 years. I fully expect to be on Antiques Roadshow with it.

I should get it autographed by Steve Jobs to make it really worth something then.

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Answer 13

Chris CA

Level 10

82,513 points

Jun 11, 2007 4:34 PM in response to Kenneth Nielsen

Like all the signatures on the inside of the Mac Plus...

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Answer 14

samdogmom

Level 4

1,705 points

Jun 11, 2007 4:35 PM in response to Kenneth Nielsen

HA! Good luck with that! But a working iPod that's 25+ years old will be a collectors item!

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Answer 15

Jun 11, 2007 8:31 PM in response to Carlo Medina

Well, unfortunately, Apple doesn't give the education discount on the iPod itself anymore, whether new or refurbished. But they will give you the discount on the extended warranty.

Rebecca

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