In late 2005, Apple introduced the iPod nano. The arrival of this extremely popular MP3 player meant the end of the line for both the 4GB and 6GB iPod Mini. As a result, the iPod Mini is now only thought of, if at all, as old and outdated technology. And with a few exceptions, you can probably only buy a used iPod Mini online.
I think there’s still a place for the old iPod Mini and for many reasons… Here are my top six.
Worth
Apple recently announced that they have increased the storage capacity of the iPod Shuffle. The latest version of the iPod Shuffle retails for around $49 (for the 1 GB model) and around $69 (for the 2 GB model). For their money, buyers of the new iPod Shuffle will be able to store between 1,000 and 1,500 songs.
Recently on eBay, I saw the 4 GB iPod Mini model available for as little as $70. This means that for $20 more, the buyer of the 4 GB iPod Mini model could get four times the storage capacity.
The only way this won’t work is if size is an important issue for you. The iPod Mini, despite its name, is more than 3 ounces heavier, 2 1/2 inches longer, and just under half an inch wider than the iPod Shuffle.
Price
I have always believed that when it comes to price, selection, and purchase safety; The best place to buy used iPods is online, and more specifically on eBay. The reason for this is that you have millions of sellers available to millions of buyers. This creates the possibility that you can find the exact model you want at the exact price you want to pay. Combine this with eBay’s ability to record and display a buyer’s feedback and you create a situation where you can make your purchase with complete confidence.
memory key
At 4 or 6 GB, the used iPod Mini is a great memory stick. Not only can you use iPod Mini to store songs, but you can also use it to store and transfer files between computers. If you’re an IT professional or business owner, this means you can use iPod Mini for legitimate business purposes. Consequently, most jurisdictions and some companies will allow you to post or write off your tax purchase.
Great boot for kids and adults.
If you’re new to “digital life” or have small children who need to be entertained, buying a used iPod Mini online is the ideal solution. Since you can usually get one for a decent price, it lessens the risk of owning one from a cost perspective. If the purchase doesn’t work out, then you won’t really lose much money. Whereas if you were to buy one of the newer iPods, you could be paying a lot of money for something you may not use.
Backup for iTunes
If you were to buy a 6 GB iPod Mini online, you can store up to 1500 songs. If you already own a newer iPod and it has 1500 songs on it, this means you have about $1500 worth of music that could be lost in that rare moment of carelessness. Syncing those same 1500 songs to a used iPod Mini provides a little insurance against the day you accidentally dumped your double cappuccino on your newer iPod. As a bonus, you’ll have a second MP3 player to listen to your music.
hacking ability
For those of you who are technically savvy or just technologically adventurous, a used iPod Mini presents a great opportunity to indulge your urge to explore. Many of the used iPod Minis you’ll find online are out of warranty. This removes that last psychological barrier to trying things you discovered online.
For example, you can change the original battery and replace it with a longer lasting 850 mAh Li-ion battery. Or maybe you want to try upgrading your used iPod Mini to run iPodLinux or Rockbox firmware; allowing you to play music without using iTunes. Or how about replacing 4GB and 6GB micro drives with larger capacity 8GB, 16GB or even 32GB CompactFlash cards?
A used iPod Mini is certainly older, outdated technology, but it’s technology that’s still useful. Add to that the fact that it can be had at a great price and you’ll find that your purchase of an iPod Mini online is actually a smart one.
copyright used-istuff.com 2008
