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  • The iPod Touch is Cheaper on Amazon. But Should I Buy One?
Technology Articles > Gadgets > Apple iPods > The iPod Touch is Cheaper on Amazon. But Should I Buy One?

Here’s a hot tip: You can get the latest generation {{http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001FA1O0O/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=uncbwibl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217153&creative=399349&creativeASIN=B001FA1O0O|iPod Touch (4th Gen)}}from Amazon.com and save about $20 compared to what you’d pay at the Apple Store or at Apple.com. What’s the catch? As far as I can see, there doesn’t appear to be one. The link included in the beginning of this paragraph is to an 8 GB fourth generation iPod Touch for $204.99. On Apple.com, that exact same model is $229. Because Apple iPods are all the same within a generation, there’s no danger of getting a lesser version. Nor is this item refurbished. This appears to be a brand new iPod Touch, except $20 bucks cheaper. I can’t think of a valid reason why you shouldn’t buy it from Amazon.com instead of Apple.com or in the store.

What about the AppleCare Warranty?

Most people who are hesitant to buy an Amazon iPod Touch are worried about the warranty. I can see where they are coming from--if you aren’t careful. you could accidentally buy a used iPod or an iPod from a shady Amazon Marketplace dealer that’s not an authorized Apple reseller. In those cases, you may not get the Apple warranty. But if you make sure that the Apple iPod Touch is shipped and sold from Amazon.com, you don’t have to worry. Amazon.com is a legitimate Apple reseller which means that the warranty you get is the exact same warranty that you’d get if you bought it from the Apple Store or Best Buy or Wal-Mart. In fact, it says right there in the product details: 1-year limited warranty. This covers product defects that are the manufacturer’s fault. That is, if it craps out inexplicably or is dead on arrival. You can bring it in to the Apple Store just like you would if you bought it there. It doesn’t cover accidental damage or damage caused by misuse, however.

Also, all Apple customers have the option to extend their warranty by purchasing an AppleCare Protection Plan. For something like $50 to $100, you can get coverage for three years or more. You don’t have to buy it from the Apple Store to get this, nor do you have to buy the protection plan at the time of purchase. In fact, you can wait until the last day before your limited warranty runs out and then buy the AppleCare Protection Plan separately. I don’t recommend it though--if your iPod Touch is a lemon, it’s going to bite it before a year is up anyway.

iPod Touch Engraving

Well, I guess there is one thing that you can’t get from Amazon that you can only get from Apple.com: engraving. Engraving lets you personalize your iPod Touch by etching a message or graphic on the back of it.It’s sort of a nice touch, if you’re giving the iPod for a graduation present or anniversary gift or something. But if you don’t care about dedicating your iPod Touch to any particular commemoration, then it’s no big loss.

The best part about buying from Amazon.com is that you can usually get free shipping and/or coupon codes or other offers. It’s harder to find discounts for Apple.com. I recommend signing up for Amazon Prime if you want other good deals.


{{http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001FA1O0O/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=uncbwibl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217153&creative=399349&creativeASIN=B001FA1O0O|iPod Touch (4th Gen)}} - Amazon.com