ipod wanted

jenniferone

Hi,
My grandson wants an ipod for christmas. Has anyone any idea where to get the best deal on these.
thanks

Allexie

Have a look on ebay and maybe consider importing one from the USA.

Sub_2

The price of iPods seems very tightly controlled, if you want a new one you really aren't going to find much of a saving no matter who you go to.

It's true they are significantly cheaper in the US, so if you happen to be travelling there or know someone in the States who could send one on to you then that will be the best way to go. However, using eBay to buy one from the US isn't a great idea (in my humble opinion). You'll find that by the time the traders shipping fees etc are added on to the deal the saving will be small, then balance that against the very real risk of having customs hit you for import duties (which *are* due). Even if it gets through customs without being taxed, you are then left with a US sourced iPod, what if you ever have trouble with it... do Apple UK warranty foriegn purchased units? *shrug*

I'd suggest your grandson could choose a *much* better mp3 player than the iPod, but then (I guess?) he's young and the whole trendy fashion thing will be important to him, so his choice is understandable

The cheapest way for you to get an iPod for him will be direct from Apple UK, using the Educational Discount they offer. Presumably your grandson is at school, so he is entitled to the discount (although Apple don't actually check on purchasers educational status, so you can use it even if you fib).

Standard prices for latest generation iPods are £219 and £299 depending on hard drive capacity, with the bog standard discount you can buy at £200 or £275. Not a huge saving, but every little helps.

Link for Apple Educational store is:

http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/ukInd

Fill in whatever you think most appropriate in the boxes, like I said, despite what the text says, Apple don't check up, so maybe use the name of your local university?

Now, having said all that I just noticed that Amazon are doing the 40gig version at £269 which is a bit cheaper still, but they have no stock and say delivery is 4 - 6 weeks, which means they haven't got a clue when they'll next have any. Stock is a real problem, and might get even worse closer to christmas.

Buying iPods is a bloody nightmare!

If I were you, I'd seriously ask your grandson if he's sure he wants an iPod, there are some much better alternatives out there, you'll get a better deal and he'll get a much better mp3 player. There are rumoured to be a couple of very interesting new (similar HD) players out before christmas from other respected manufacturers, grandson could have the very latest thing if he chooses more wisely

Good luck.

kawan2

If you want to save a bit, how about a refurb, direct from Apple ? Looks good, and I'm sure is fully warrantied etc.

http://promo.euro.apple.com/promo/ipod_special/uk/

Sub_2

If you want to save a bit, how about a refurb, direct from Apple ? Looks good, and I'm sure is fully warrantied etc.

http://promo.euro.apple.com/promo/ipod_special/uk/

I almost mentioned those in my post, they do seem a reasonable deal, and come with a full 1 year Apple warranty, but...

they are the old 3rd generation iPods, which have now been superceded by the new 4th gen design. There's nothing wrong with that per se, but grandson (and his friends) will all know that he's been given an old out of date model. That's likely to take the shine off his christmas pressie.

I guess it depends though on available budget, and just how good a boy he's been this year