iPod Apple No Longer Offers Pre-5G Refurb iPods?

[neoelectronaut]

With my 3G iPod on it's way out, I was hoping to pick up a 4G 40GB iPod from Apple's site, solely for the Firewire support, as I am stuck with USB 1.1 on my Mac, and I can't wait a week for my iPod to sync.

Regardless, I used to look every month or so and they had some decent deals--such as a 40GB 4G with Dock and accessories for around $249.

Now, all that Apple offers older than the Nano or the iPod "video" is the Mini. Is this temporary or is this a "for good" thing?

 

[teckman]

Refurbed iPod@smalldog

www.smalldog.com have a batch of refurbed iPod Photo. I'm not sure that's the iPod you want. It definetely has the Firewire connectivity plus the combo USB 2. They have a small batch to choose from and quite a lot of other iPods to pick from. That's where I picked up my strawberry iPod mini, they call it pink. It was an absolutely a great deal from the refurbed end. Check in the iPod Area. I was looking for an obsolete iPod mini and there it was in smalldog. Great, I got one. There was not an inkling of a problem. It didn't come with the factory box,[who cares,] that's about what I missed about the deal but I have my strawberry iPod mini.

 

[Tommyg117]

This is bad news. There are always 3rd party stores though.

 

[neoelectronaut]

So that's one vote for Small Dog...any other reccomendations for picking up a 30GB or above iPod Photo/Color Refurb (Or even New...through, if Refurb, I'd like it to look brand new, basically.)

The battery on my 3G is going dead again, and rather than spending $25 to replace it again I figure I'd just be better off getting a new one.

EDIT: The nice thing aboue Apple's refurb 40GB model is they offered it with a dock and charger, which small dog does not. If this would be possible that would be cool also.

 

[teckman]

My iPod was perfect if it was new. There was no scratches, dents or smears and shiny just as if the iPod mini was new. I would imagine there would be notes when the iPod is slightly scratch or something by smalldog. They do put notes about products.
The battery has not failed me. Tho, I used my iPod mini mostly on weekends and use my iMac when at home. The longest I had listened to my music was about 4 hours on one sitting. The iPod battery indicator seemed to have plenty of juice left. Somewhere around half drained.
There was a few times I disconnected in a hurry while the battery was charging. It seemed to give about an hour worth playing time. That was about enough time to go do laundry and return. I usaully wait until the indicator stops pulsating and then I'm sure i have a good enough charge. I have not even tried to listen to 8 hours of music on one sitting. I could probably add a few sitting sessions to make 8 hours worth of playing just so I could actually find out if my iPod goes that far. I'm almost sure my iPod mini does. The doubt is all about me. I guess it is a human against machine thingy!!!!

 

[bousozoku]

Refurbished units are always dependent on what needs repair. There should be others but you can never depend on anything really, except those iPods no longer covered by AppleCare. I suppose that's not completely true. Someone may be willing to pay for a replacement.