Refurbished iPhones and iPods at the online Apple Store make a great frugal Christmas present for anyone on your list.
The Apple Store sells refurbished iPods and iPhones at its online store at considerable savings, and often with free shipping. These popular items make great cheap Christmas presents.
Each iPhone and iPod is tested and certified at Apple and sold with a one-year warranty.
These limited-time offers evolve with changing merchandise, but good deals spring up constantly. In early October 2007, the Apple Store listed 2GB Apple iPod Nanos (previous generation) at $79 shipped, $149 original price. The 80GB iPod (also previous generation) sells for $219 ($349 original price). No iPhones were available in early fall, but the Apple site encourages shoppers to check back for listings in the future.
According to Apple, each Apple Certified Refurbished Product:
- is fully tested (including full burn-in testing).
- is refurbished with replacement parts for any defective modules identified in testing.
- is put through a thorough cleaning process and inspection.
- is repackaged (including appropriate manuals, cables, new boxes, etc.).
- includes the operating software originally shipped with the unit and the custom software offered with that system.
- is given a new refurbished part number and serial number.
- is placed into a Final QA inspection prior to being added to sellable refurbished stock.
Apple also offers an extended warranty on refurbished items for $59.
