iPod on ebay... is it worth the risk?

An iPod expert is needed to answer the question. Maybe it can be reformatted?

I've noticed that iPods on eBay get bid up to ridiculous levels, sometimes over $200 for 5GB units. Demand is just too high for the auction format to work well. Some MR folks have let their 5GB's go for around $100 on this board.

usually that problem is either

a) needs a reformat
b) dead HDD...

now i'd give it 50/50 but u'd assume that the previous owner had tried everything to get this sucker to work....so i wouldnt take the risk personally

Sounds like it just needs a software restore to me... but, I woun't take that chance.

Well economically speaking the current bid is 27$ plus the 8.75$ shipping, so that thing runs you about 40$ right now

it would technically be worth if because he says it turns on, so it looks like a software failure, but i could bewrong or maybe something got lose.

So it is a gamble, i would call an apple resellers or the apple stores tech support and ask about this problem.

Also email the guy selling it, i didn't read weather it still plays, i guess it wouldn't.... but i figure with something like this, leave nothing to interpretation, and just ask....

don't buy this particular ipod. look for another 5gig which will probably sell for 100-150. if you can't afford that, i think you may be out of luck.

yeah ask him to try to run a software restore one more time... also i think it may be illegal for him to ask you to pay the paypal fee....not illegal but against ebay rules

Refurb...

Don't know your price range, but I noticed this on Apple's refurb section today... At least with an Apple refurb you get a warranty.

iPod 10GB MAC (prior version w/ touch pad, remote & carrying case) - Refurbished

$169