Let’s face it; reconditioned stuff is the way to go if you really don’t feel like shelling out the extra cash for a new product. However, reconditioned electronics don’t exactly have the best reputation, and this may be part of the reason you’re hesitant about purchasing them. A reconditioned iPod is the exact same way. Of course, when buying a reconditioned iPod, you’re getting the brand name and the product that you want, but are you getting the quality and features worth the price?
When you’re looking to buy a reconditioned iPod, there are simply some things that you need to watch for. After all, a reconditioned device is one that, at one point, was damaged or malfunctioned. Just because the device appears brand spanking new doesn’t mean that it’s going to operate that way or you’re going to be getting a great deal.
Since I’ve actually purchased a reconditioned iPod at one point, I feel that one of the first things you should look for in a reconditioned iPod is a buggy operating system. Of course, reconditioned items have been renovated to operate correctly and appear new, but you really want to be careful when purchasing reconditioned merchandise because it could still be faulty. Do a thorough check of the operating system by trying to play a few songs, browsing the menus, opening folders, keeping an eye on the battery life (it might not be as strong as it was when it was brand new), etc.
Next, take a good look at the screen. Typically, an iPod that’s been reconditioned will sport a screen that is like new, but you’ll want to take a look at this yourself to make sure. After all, you’ll be the one using it after the purchase. Make sure that there aren’t any scratches or scuffs, and don’t forget to hold it against the light to get a very close look.
Compare the price to the product. It’s a good idea to evaluate whether or not you feel as if you’re getting the bang for your buck. Is the seller charging $200 for a iPod that’s reconditioned with a scratched body and battery life loss? Take these types of things into consideration, and don’t buy something that you feel is worth a lot less.
Lastly, make sure the actual capacity closely matches the advertised capacity. Because internal memory tends to be a tad bit smaller than the advertised capacity, it’s important to check just to see just how much smaller the capacity is. If you’re being sold a 2GB iPod that really only contains 1.2GB of storage, you do not need to close the sale.
Of course, most reconditioned devices really are just like new devices, but there are some that could end up causing you a lot of lost money. Always look over reconditioned devices and ask the seller questions. It doesn’t hurt.
