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

23 replies

Carlo Medina Author

Level 1

5 points

Jun 11, 2007 8:32 PM in response to rrlwelter

REALLY? how come if I buy it through my school, iPods only cost me $235?

Jun 11, 2007 9:29 PM in response to Carlo Medina

Wow - sure wish I knew the answer to that! In December, when we bought ours, Apple told me "No more education discount." My neighbor is the tech guru for the district I work in, and SHE was told "no more education discount." Daughter tried from her university, and also was told "No more education discount."

Maybe they've changed back.

If they'll give you that, go for it!

Rebecca

Jun 12, 2007 6:25 AM in response to rrlwelter

I believe I remember hearing that they don't do the discounts with iPods anymore--however, they do with the computers.

Often in the Fall, they run student specials though. I think that I heard if you buy a Mac computer before September 1st and an iPod on the SAME RECEIPT, then you get $199 towards the iPod.

Carlo Medina Author

Level 1

5 points

Jun 14, 2007 4:00 PM in response to Carlo Medina

I have another follow-up question. Are refurbished iPods available at the Apple Store? or are they all just online exclusives?

Jun 14, 2007 6:52 PM in response to Carlo Medina

According to two Apple stores near me, refurbished are only available online. They do have them in the stores, but they are reserved for warranty replacement only.

However, it's free shipping on all of them (even the shuffle we bought my parents), and it comes quickly, so you've only got about 2 days to wait.

Rebecca

Carlo Medina Author

Level 1

5 points

Jun 14, 2007 7:28 PM in response to rrlwelter

Really?! Free shipping only takes 2 days? Wow, that's pretty neat! When I saw that they offered free shipping, I assumed it would take like a week or so.

Carlo Medina Author

Level 1

5 points

Jun 15, 2007 11:00 AM in response to Carlo Medina

Also, someone mentioned the iPod recycling program...If I recycle my old iPod, will I be able to apply the said 10% discount toward purchasing a refurb iPod?

Chris CA

Level 10

82,513 points

Jun 18, 2007 4:13 PM in response to Carlo Medina

If I recycle my old iPod, will I be able to apply the said 10% discount toward purchasing a refurb iPod?
No. The 10% discount is only good instore, not online.
Although, I would definitely call and ask, especially since Apple is trying to be more "green".

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New vs. Refurbished