Where to Find the Best Bargains on iPods

So you glance down at your child's Christmas list and see that your child has listed an iPod on their wish list for this year. This guide is meant to help those who don't know to differentiate gigabytes from baby bites, or MP3's from empty trees.

1. The first thing you must figure out is just what is an iPod . An iPod is a type of music player that plays MP3 music files. It is sorta like an old 8 track player that stores all your 8 track tapes in one place, only better. There are all types of MP3 players and Apple has cornered the market with the introduction of their ipod several years back. Make sure you are truly looking at an ipod.

2. A great way to save money on an iPod is to know exactly how much memory you need. There is no need to purchase a 64 gigabyte iPod when all you will ever need is 8 gigabytes. One gigabyte will typically hold between 200 and 400 songs depending on the length of the song and quality of it's recording, so assume 300 songs per gigabyte and you will be in good shape. You can save yourself several hundred dollars by purchasing the size you need over the largest ipod made.

3. Know your search engines. Once you have the iPod size you are looking for begin with a simple search using your favorite search engine. Almost every major search engine has some type of shopping feature that will list for you the best prices on the product you are looking for.

4. Go to your favorite big box store and compare prices. Most of your favorite stores carry iPods and accessories.

5. Don't be afraid to negotiate with your local stores. Arm yourself with coupons, printouts of prices from internet searches, and ads from other circulars. Often these stores would rather give you a lower price just to keep you from going somewhere else.

6. Don't be afraid of refurbished items. Perhaps you just can't afford the iPod your teenager is looking for. Nobody can distinguish refurbished from brand new. Beware, this can also be a danger. Don't purchase a "brand new" iPod only to later find out it is refurbished. Unscrupulous vendors have been known to make the swap and charge full price.

Hopefully these tips will help you find the perfect iPod for your teenager or child. Now, get out there and go shopping.