Rapid Repair

• The Rapid Repair website offers several model types of refurbished iPods and iPhones. Most devices are sold at a fraction of the retail cost. An iPod Nano, for example, is listed for $70, and a fourth-generation iPod sells for $100. When you buy an iPod from Rapid Repair, you'll also get a 90-day warranty on all products. All the devices are fully tested by a certified technician and are pre-installed with an extended life battery for maximum play time.
  
  

Mission Repair

• You can go to Mission Repair's website and find a wide selection of iPod models that have all been tested by certified Macintosh technicians. If you live in Kansas, you may live close enough to walk into the front door. Most iPods also come with new earphones, a new USB cable, instructions and a retail box. Mission Repair claims to use "advanced diagnostics" to diagnose iPods to "perfect working order." If you're unsatisfied with the iPod, you can return it with no questions asked.
  
  

Apple Store

• When you buy a refurbished iPod from your local Apple store, you'll be guaranteed that it has been tested and certified by Apple, and it will come with a one-year warranty. You'll likely find iPods for as little as $40, and Apple offers all model types.
  
  

Things to Look for Before Buying

• When people sell iPods it isn't always because they're getting a new one. Their iPod may have some serious damage to it that you should check before buying. The most common problem is the battery life. Most iPods tend to lose their capacity to hold a charge after two or three years, so check to see when the device came out.
  
  There are also several generations of iPods on the market, so do your research and find the one you want. First-generation iPods, for example, feature a large scroll wheel that physically turns, while fifth-generation iPods are equipped with click wheels and up to 20 hours of battery life.
  
  You also want to get an iPod that will be able to satisfy your storage needs. The iPods typically get 250 songs per 1 GB of memory. This doesn't hold true for every model, but it's an accurate threshold. You may also want to store photos, videos and other files onto your iPod, so shop around and look for one that is adequate for you.