I'm still in the stone age with no smart phone or wifi portables. Some guy is selling a used 3rd gen iTouch 8GB with no accessories and needs new battery for $60. It's jailbroken, whatever that is. He said it works fine plugged in (no plug included). No scratch on screen and a few minor ones on back.

I looked on ebay and see that I can get replacement batt for under $6! But Apple sells them for about $80! Are the ebay batteries cheapos that will crap out after a few months?

What's the difference between 3g and 4g iTouch? I have the cash for a new model, but if I can get a used (even older model) for cheap, then I'll get it.

Given that this iTouch needs a new battery and charger, is $60 a deal? Pass or buy?

First, stop calling it an "iTouch" it's either an iPod Touch or just Touch.

Except for the first gen, the Touch models generally follow the iPhone features.

3rd Gen Specs

The key distinction between it and the current model is that it lacks the video and still cameras.

Jailbreaking (aka "rooting) is the process of bypassing Apple's proprietary software to allow additional software and features that Apple does not provide or sanction.

I'd be dubious about a Touch from an owner that didnt have the relatively cheap charger or has a battery that needs to be swapped out. It's not a hard job to do

Get as much gigs as you can afford, 8 gig for music, movies and apps is not that much; go for more storage.

When I buy new apple products I always look for refurbished ones, never had a bad experience with it: 32gig iPod touch.

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1979 Black on Black, 300CD (sold), 1990 Black 300SE, Silver 1989 Volvo 780, 1988 300CE (vanished by the hands of a girlfriend), 1992 300CE (Rescue).

I passed on the IPOD TOUCH

I was going to meet up with him but while I was waiting for him to get home, I googled battery replacement for the Touch. Looks straightforward, but still looks complicated. Apparently you can screw it up if you're not careful. Apple can replace it for $80. I figured that I'll just by a 4th gen model, either an ebay refurbished or brand new if I can.

the $6 battery will give you $6 service. the only good ones are Apples and apple or apple dealers wont work on a rooted phone

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1982 300CD Turbo (Otis, "ups & downs") parts for sale
2003 TJ with Hemi (to go anywhere, quickly) sold
2001 Excursion Powerstroke (to go dependably)
1970 Mustang 428SCJ (to go fast)
1962 Corvette LS1 (to go in style)
2001 Schwinn Grape Krate 10spd (if all else fails)

Good thing I passed that "dea" then!

Jorn, is that link to the latest 4th gen iPod Touch? It doesn't say anything about model in the description.

Btw, exactly how does wifi work on the Touch? If I go to a place that has wifi, will I automatically have internet access? Are there username and passwords I have to use? Will I need to buy something at the store to get the free wifi?

The link is to the 3rd Gen. 4th Gen has the cameras and better (retina) display.

WiFi on the Touch is built in and provides net access. You access it the same way a wifi equiped computer would access the service. Some sites are wide open and unsecured, while others may require a login and password. Airports, libraries, hotels, etc. have different methods of access.

3rd gen? Darn, I want all the bells and whistles of the 4th gen.

So 3rd doesn't have a camera?

Looks like it's the 3rd gen. it's a 2009 model. Wifi will work the same as with your computer or phone: you will need a password and user name. Coffee shops give it for free and some cities do.

__________________
1979 Black on Black, 300CD (sold), 1990 Black 300SE, Silver 1989 Volvo 780, 1988 300CE (vanished by the hands of a girlfriend), 1992 300CE (Rescue).

Torn between smartphone and a Touch. Think I will forgo the smartphone since after doing some research, I learned that even if I get a Samsung Captivate from a third party that is locked for ATT&T or unlocked, AT&T will still charge me a data plan once I put in my SIM card from my "dumb" phone. Too much hassle.

A. Today I found a deal on a 4th gen 8gig Touch with original box and all accessories and 1 year Apple warranty for $159 (obo). Seller said screen is like new and there are some minor scratches on the back. Item was an open box.

B. Second choice is a 4th gen 32gig in "like new" condition with all accessories (no warranty) plus screen protector and case. Seller won't go lower than $200.

Which is the better deal?

Btw, Apple is now selling refurbished 4th gen Touch on their site. 8gig goes for $199 and 32gig goes for $259.

Go with option A with warranty? I know option B has more gigs, but I'm afraid of no warranty for that price.

So you install the stock firmware and re-root it once the genii at the Apple store are done with it. Not a big deal.

PS - sad how much of a control freak Stevie J is. I can understand why iPhones are locked down to hell and back (cell provider requirements), but the iPods that are WiFi only shouldn't be gimped in that way. There should simply be a setting known as "expert mode (turn on at own risk)." Ah well, maybe when he retires or croaks it...

Buy a used/"fallen from the truck" iPhone off EBay or Craigslist. You can use it as an iPod Touch without the SIM card, and if you ever want a smartphone, you just get a SIM with data plan for it and insert it. Best. Of. Both. Worlds.

As a consumer device, the hardware restrictions keep things neat and simple for the average consumer. Similar to how Mercedes sets up their ECU and rev limiter.

There are no hardware restrictions. Only gimped software, specified by a senile old codger that's slowly dying of cancer.

REALLY? I think I may just found an iPhone 4 32gig in like-new condition plus warranty for $200.

If it's true I will buy it today if the seller can meet.

It's locked to ATT, which is the carrier I used. But I heard that the iPhone uses a different size SIM card. Will ATT charge me for a new SIM card?