Why, yes, I'd love to buy an undamaged, uncorrupted used I-touch.
May 28, 2010 9:00 AM   Subscribe

Buying a used 8gb 3rd gen I-touch from Craigs List. What do I need to check out before handing over the cash?

I found a used I-touch from Craigs List for $105. No picture was listed with the item. Since I've never even played with an I-phone, I-touch, or I-pad before, I'm not sure what I should be looking at in terms of making sure I'm not getting one that's used or damaged.

I will be meeting the seller this weekend, so I have time to ask him some questions today before meeting him and handing over the cash.
posted by HeyAllie to Computers & Internet (9 answers total) 2 users marked this as a favorite
 
Best answer: Look for the obvious. Does the screen have any deep scratches? This will affect the unit. Make sure to turn it on and play with the interface to ensure at least that it functions. Plug in some headphones. Make sure sound comes out of them. If you're in a hotspot, make sure the wifi is working. Have the seller show you that it will still sync with a computer (i.e., that this functionality is not damaged.)

You're getting the unit for essentially half price. I would be wary of this deal.

(Not to be a jerk or anything, but the products you mentioned are called iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. There is no "I-touch".)
posted by King Bee at 9:09 AM on May 28, 2010 [1 favorite]


Best answer: First power it down and back up (hold down the button at the top for a few seconds, then slide the button on the screen to off.
If you're meeting at a coffee shop, open Safari and see if it connects to the internet. Finally, play some youtube video and turn the volume all the way up and down. If all this checks out, and you are comfortable with the cosmetic condition, I'd go ahead and buy it.


Also be aware of the possibility that this could be stolen.
posted by special-k at 9:11 AM on May 28, 2010


Shine a light into the headphone plug/hole. The bottom should be white. If it is reddish, it has been wet (toilet?).
posted by I'm Doing the Dishes at 9:21 AM on May 28, 2010 [2 favorites]


There's probably going to be a lot of cheap iPods Touch (dear lord how I-touch grates on my nerves) on craigslist for a couple of months; Apple is giving away a free 8GB with the purchase of a new Mac as part of their annual back-to-school promo. A lot of people just flip them on eBay or craiglists to subsidize their new Mac. Don't be surprised if the UPC is missing or its still sealed. (I forget if Apple asks for the Mac's UPC or the iPod's UPC or both.)
posted by entropicamericana at 9:24 AM on May 28, 2010 [2 favorites]


Can I ask a related bonus-question? I'm about to get a free 8GB iPod Touch from Apple for buying a new computer for school, valued at $199. I don't want it. I'd like to sell it unopened, never used. What's the best way to do this to maximize what I get for it and not seem like I'm a scam? Locally on craigslist? Will I get more money on ebay?

Maybe you want to buy it from me, HeyAllie?
posted by TurkishGolds at 9:26 AM on May 28, 2010


This is pretty simple. Test it in the way you'd use it. Try to meet at a place that offers free wi-fi, and try connecting. Plug in your own headphones and play some music. Tap an app.

TurkishGolds, craigslist - just explain that it's unopened in box, received with purchase of a Mac. You may not get $199 (why should I pay you the same as the Apple store?), but you'll get a significant portion. Alternatively, consider giving it to someone less tech-savvy that might appreciate a new toy.
posted by chrisinseoul at 9:31 AM on May 28, 2010


Best answer: I just won one in a contest. I'd love to sell it for $199, but I think $135 or so is more realistic. Flashlight in headphone jack, listen to music, connect to Internet, watch a video.
posted by fixedgear at 10:58 AM on May 28, 2010


Consider that you can get them on eBay for about $30 more -- which would include buyer protections, the ability to see the seller's transaction history, etc.
posted by whiskeyspider at 11:24 AM on May 28, 2010


There is no 3rd gen 8GB iPod touch, the current 8GB is the same as the 2nd gen.

Make sure it has external speakers (ie play music without headphones) and volume rocker as the 1st gen didn't have either.
posted by wongcorgi at 10:26 PM on May 28, 2010


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