iPod: New versus Refurbished (for iMod)

[debrey]

Hi there,

I'm planning on getting an iPod Photo (60 gigs) to be iModded. I have been trying to look for new models on the theory that I want this thing to last as long as humanly possible. But it would expand my possibilities if I looked for refurbished ones as well. Does anyone have any thoughts on how much better a new one is versus a refurbished one?

-- David

 

[LDMES]

Bought mine from smalldog.com refurbed. Came looking like new, if someone gave it to me as a present, I would never had known it was a refurbed model, plus I got it on sale for $189. It sells normally for $209 I believe. I'd say save your money, buy a refurbed model and use the money you save to buy a nice IC Mini 2 Mini (since you said your going to send it to Vinnie to be iModded) or a nice case to protect the unblemished iPod you'll receive. Just my 2 cents worth, you have to do what is right for you.

PS You can see mine here(Past the halfway point on the page): http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showt...200547&page=23 as an example as to where the rest of your money can go...ahhhh Head-Fi....

 

[debrey]

It isn't the look so much that I'm worried about. It is just that iPods do have a tendency to break. If you buy a refurb unit, you are getting some used parts, which I can only assume means it is likely to break sooner. That's my worry.

PS: Nice Rig! I'm thinking about going for a Xin amp.

 

[LDMES]

Understand your concern...so far it works fine. I'm sure there are others out there who have had theirs longer and can give you a better idea as to long term quality. So far no regrets right now. And from what I've read, once iModded (as the warranty becomes void) if you have a problem with the iModded iPod Vinnie will help you with it. You should contact him directly if you need more info. He was very prompt in dealing with me.

I asked Vinnie with regards to refurbed units and smalldog before I made my purchase from smalldog and sent my iPod to him. Here is the question and his response:

Quote:

Me - "I will be getting a refurb-ed unit. Have you ever dealt with smalldog? If so is there any difference between one they have refurb-ed and the refurb-ed ones they sell that they haven’t done? On a refurb-ed unit, would it be advisable to change the battery? Or is that not an issue I need to concern myself with?"

Quote:

Vinnie - "Small Dog seems to be a good company and in my experience their refurbed units are good. I'm not sure if they refurb them or if they buy them refurbed from Apple. Refurbed units should have a new battery."

 

[LDMES]

Hopefully others will add their thougths on the matter that can help you with your decision. You gotta do what you think is right for yourself.

PS Thanks for the complement. I too have been thinking about getting a SuperMacro 1V...oh to spend more money...

[A short disclaimer: Just to clarify, I am not trying to tell you where to spend your money or how much to spend, all that's up to you. I get nothing from anyone regarding my opinions. Just trying to pass on some info to help you. Other Head-Fiers advice has been helpfull to me...they got me on to smalldog when I was trying to figure out what to do, and I have no regrets about my purchase. Just trying to do the same.]

 

[kugino]

Quote:

Originally Posted by debrey /img/forum/go_quote.gif It isn't the look so much that I'm worried about. It is just that iPods do have a tendency to break. If you buy a refurb unit, you are getting some used parts, which I can only assume means it is likely to break sooner. That's my worry. PS: Nice Rig! I'm thinking about going for a Xin amp.

there's no proof that new ones break less often than refurb ones. in fact, i'd be willing to bet that the failure rates are about the same. save your money and get a refurb...

 

[mrarroyo]

I do not understand what you mean by new ones. The new iPods 5G or 5.5G can not be iModed. You are left with used or re-furbished 4G. The chance to find an NOS 4G is very slim.

 

[sberger]

you'll be fine with a refurb imod. vinnie does a great job, and really, about the only thing that can go wrong is a bad battery, which can be replaced. so if that's the only thing that's holding you back i'd say go for it, because you'll be blown away by what vinnie does to that little box.

 

[blessingx]

My 4G HD just died (and expensive to replace - a refurb 5G approaches the price) so it's not just the battery. Personally I haven't spent the money on an iMod because of the nature of portables and their potential longevity issues.

 

[sjt78]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo /img/forum/go_quote.gif I do not understand what you mean by new ones. The new iPods 5G or 5.5G can not be iModed. You are left with used or re-furbished 4G. The chance to find an NOS 4G is very slim.

Not true in my experience. Just take a drive to the nearest Target and I be they have at least one 4g ipod in the glass case. Every Target I've been to still has leftover stock, but they are not discounted so you'll be paying full price for a discontinued item. They are out there though if you really wanted a NOS 4g.

 

[kiwirugby]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo /img/forum/go_quote.gif I do not understand what you mean by new ones. The new iPods 5G or 5.5G can not be iModed. You are left with used or re-furbished 4G. The chance to find an NOS 4G is very slim.

Zipzoomfly.com has them new for $299.99.

 

[LDMES]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kiwirugby /img/forum/go_quote.gif Zipzoomfly.com has them new for $299.99.

Yes but for $90.00 less you can get the refurbed and use the $90 to get a nice IC Mini2Mini.

 

[debrey]

I ended up finding a new iPod Photo 60 on ebay for 215 (with shipping). But it took a long time -- I don't think it was worth it. If you want a new one, go with Zipzoomfly (cheapest I could find new) or with small dog (hard on ebay to get much better of a price on apple factory refurbished, but it is possible). There was also a new one on ebay for 260 (with shipping) but it was there at the beginning of the week and by the time I realized it was a good deal, it was gone.

-- David

 

[kiwirugby]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LDMES /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yes but for $90.00 less you can get the refurbed and use the $90 to get a nice IC Mini2Mini.

good point!