In late 2005 Apple introduced the iPod nano. The advent of this extremely popular MP3 player meant the end of the line for both the 4 GB and 6 GB iPod Mini. As a result, the iPod Mini is now only thought about, if it is thought about at all, as old and obsolete technology. And with a few exceptions, it is likely that you'll only be able to buy a used iPod Mini online.
I believe that there is still a place for the old iPod Mini and for a lot of reasons.. Here are my top six.
Value
Apple recently announced that they have increased storage capacity of the iPod Shuffle. The latest version of the iPod Shuffle retails for about $49 (for the 1 GB model) and about $69 (for the 2 GB for). For their money, purchasers of the new iPod Shuffle will be able to store between 1000 and 1500 songs.
Recently on eBay, I've seen the iPod Mini 4 GB model available for as little as $70. This means that for $20 more, the purchaser of the iPod Mini 4 GB model was able to get four times the storage capacity.
The only way that this doesn'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 a little less than half an inch wider than the iPod Shuffle.
Price
I have always believed that when it comes to price, selection, and security of purchase; 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 will be able to 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 purchaser'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 makes a great memory key. Not only can you use the iPod Mini to store songs, but you can also use it to store and transfer files between computers. If you are an IT professional or an entrepreneur, this means that he'll be able to use the iPod Mini for legitimate business purposes. Consequently, most jurisdictions and some companies will allow you to expense or write off the purchase against your taxes.
Great Starter for Kids and Adults
If you are new to the "digital life" or if you have young children who need to be entertained, buying a used iPod Mini online is the ideal solution. Since you can usually get one at a decent price, you diminish the risk of owning one from a cost perspective. If the purchase doesn't work out, then you really won't be out a lot of money. Whereas if you were to buy one of the newest iPods, you could be paying a lot of money for something that you may not use.
Backup for iTunes
If you were to buy a 6 GB iPod Mini online, you'll be able to store up to 1500 songs. If you already own a newer iPod and have 1500 songs on it, this means that you have about $1500 worth of music that could be lost in that rare moment of carelessness. Synchronizing those same 1500 songs to a used iPod Mini, provides a little insurance against the day when 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 on.
Hack-ability
For those of you who have a technical aptitude or simply technologically adventurous, the used iPod Mini represents a great opportunity to satisfy your urge to explore. Many of the used iPod Minis you'll find online are out of warranty. This removes that one last psychological barrier to trying things that you found out about online.
For instance you can switch out the original battery replaced it with a longer life 850mAh lithium-ion battery. Or maybe you want to try flashing your used iPod Mini to run iPodLinux or Rockbox firmware; allowing you to play music without using iTunes. Or how about replacing the 4 GB and 6 GB micro drives with higher capacity 8 GB, 16 GB or even 32 GB CompactFlash cards?
A used iPod Mini is certainly older and obsolete technology, but it's technology that is 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 to be a smart one indeed.
I believe that there is still a place for the old iPod Mini and for a lot of reasons.. Here are my top six.
Value
Apple recently announced that they have increased storage capacity of the iPod Shuffle. The latest version of the iPod Shuffle retails for about $49 (for the 1 GB model) and about $69 (for the 2 GB for). For their money, purchasers of the new iPod Shuffle will be able to store between 1000 and 1500 songs.
Recently on eBay, I've seen the iPod Mini 4 GB model available for as little as $70. This means that for $20 more, the purchaser of the iPod Mini 4 GB model was able to get four times the storage capacity.
The only way that this doesn'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 a little less than half an inch wider than the iPod Shuffle.
Price
I have always believed that when it comes to price, selection, and security of purchase; 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 will be able to 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 purchaser'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 makes a great memory key. Not only can you use the iPod Mini to store songs, but you can also use it to store and transfer files between computers. If you are an IT professional or an entrepreneur, this means that he'll be able to use the iPod Mini for legitimate business purposes. Consequently, most jurisdictions and some companies will allow you to expense or write off the purchase against your taxes.
Great Starter for Kids and Adults
If you are new to the "digital life" or if you have young children who need to be entertained, buying a used iPod Mini online is the ideal solution. Since you can usually get one at a decent price, you diminish the risk of owning one from a cost perspective. If the purchase doesn't work out, then you really won't be out a lot of money. Whereas if you were to buy one of the newest iPods, you could be paying a lot of money for something that you may not use.
Backup for iTunes
If you were to buy a 6 GB iPod Mini online, you'll be able to store up to 1500 songs. If you already own a newer iPod and have 1500 songs on it, this means that you have about $1500 worth of music that could be lost in that rare moment of carelessness. Synchronizing those same 1500 songs to a used iPod Mini, provides a little insurance against the day when 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 on.
Hack-ability
For those of you who have a technical aptitude or simply technologically adventurous, the used iPod Mini represents a great opportunity to satisfy your urge to explore. Many of the used iPod Minis you'll find online are out of warranty. This removes that one last psychological barrier to trying things that you found out about online.
For instance you can switch out the original battery replaced it with a longer life 850mAh lithium-ion battery. Or maybe you want to try flashing your used iPod Mini to run iPodLinux or Rockbox firmware; allowing you to play music without using iTunes. Or how about replacing the 4 GB and 6 GB micro drives with higher capacity 8 GB, 16 GB or even 32 GB CompactFlash cards?
A used iPod Mini is certainly older and obsolete technology, but it's technology that is 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 to be a smart one indeed.
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