Deals on 3rd generation nanos?

September 16, 2008 6:34 AM

iPod nano price drop for older models?

With the new iPod launch, I was assumiong there would be an opportunity to grab the older model (3rd gen) for a significantly better price. I really haven't seen any deals though (looking online). Does Apple offer reduced pricing on older models when they introduce a new generation? I'm not interested in refurbished models, only new, as it will be a present.

Any tips on where to look, either online or brick and mortar?

posted by genefinder to technology (7 comments total)

In the Apple Store, there's a Clearance section in the lower left, next to the Refurbs. Currently there are only last-gen shuffles and Classics, but I remember earlier there were Nanos listed.
posted by Tomorrowful at 6:48 AM on September 16, 2008

One problem you'll run into is that the old 3G was $50 more than the new 4G for a given size. So you're fairly lucky if they just reduce the price to be competitive with the new one. It looks like Amazon is selling the 3G at $140 ($60 off list) and the 4G at $150 ($0 off list), which is probably the best you can do right now, but keep in mind that they will drop the 4G to $140 as soon as they sell out of 3G.
posted by smackfu at 6:49 AM on September 16, 2008

I wouldn't look at the Apple stores; in the (semi-joking) words of one person I spoke to, "all the old machines are whisked away and made into toasters".

The refurb section of the online apple store might be a good bet. Alternatively, you could look for smaller brick and mortar places that are trying to shift now-old product.
posted by lowlife at 10:41 AM on September 16, 2008

Apple Certified Refurbished iPod nano
(previous generation): $99-$129.
posted by designbot at 12:59 PM on September 16, 2008

I believe the refurbuished items are basically indistinguishable from new items, by the way. They have the same warranty and everything.
posted by designbot at 1:01 PM on September 16, 2008

The major difference is the packaging, which tends toward brown cardboard box rather than shiny clear plastic. As a gift, it's kind of lame.
posted by smackfu at 1:39 PM on September 16, 2008

The refurbs are even less today, $79-99.

My family has purchased several refurbished products from Apple now (two laptops and three iPods) and they have all looked brand new, aside from the less fancy brown cardboard box they ship in.
posted by 6550 at 9:41 AM on September 18, 2008