How likely is it that the price of the new iPods will go up around the holidays?

As far as I can recall, Apple has never raided prices on existing models of iPods prior to the holidays ( or any other time I can remember.)

It’s more likely that they will release a 16GB iPhone and drop prices on existing models.

I would wait a month or so.

Apple has never (to my recollection) raised prices on iPods (I’ve worked in Apple retail for 7 years). They typically replace old products with new ones at an equal or lower price.

I doubt there’ll be much changes with the nano and classic (the main iPod lines) as the demand is steady going to the holidays.

Changes might occur with the touch and the iPhone as they’re completely new and still finding a market.

If you do want the nano or touch you can wait until November but I would strongly suggest you get it before December at the latest. There has not been a Christmas where I haven’t seen a crazy mother willing to throw her kidney at me for on one Christmas Eve.

Absolutely. The most likely scenario is that your favourite colour starts to get pretty scarce. I’ve already seen a few stores here where black and silver are practically the only colour nano that they have. The danger of buying it too soon is simply that you’ll fall in love with it, and have to buy another for your boyfriend.

Also if you go in-person to any electronics store (including Apple) they will attempt to sell you an extended warranty. It is almost never worth it, especially given the lower cost these days. The salesperson will attempt to do everything including jedi-mind trick you into it, but resist!

while artificialard is right in most cases, the only time you should get the extended warranty is from apple. It’s basically a lifesaver for desktops and laptops, and i’ve heard of some people getting apple care for their ipods, although i’m aways waiting for mine to break so I can get the newest one. haha.

This is likely a non-issue, but make sure iTunes works if you’re running a Vista machine. It’s supposed to work fine or with a couple of tweaks, but it won’t even install on my dad’s machine for some reason.

Good point ezraglenn – Apple’s own AppleCare warranty is a good buy for their computers but not always for iPods due to a number of reasons. But the iPod warranty is annoyingly complicated due to hidden charges so I’ve outlined how it works under the extended and standard warranty.

Included standard warranty:
1–6 months: mail-in repairs for free
6–12 months: $29USD shipping for any repairs

Extended AppleCare warranty that’s $39/$59USD for nanos/classics (respectively):
1–12 months: Mail-in repairs for free or in-store new product replacement instantly
1–2 years: Mail-in repairs for free or in-store new product replacement instantly

If you want the warranty: buy it later within the 1st year of purchase, but before the 1st year is over (as you can’t get it after). That way if it’s stolen, lost, or given away you don’t waste that money.

If you’re on the standard warranty after 6 months and need service: just buy the AppleCare. You get instant exchange. The price difference between shipping and AppleCare is just $10–20USD and you get an extra year of warranty.

It’s just that easy. As in, not.

Reference: Apple’s iPod Service FAQ

Don’t forget to check the Apple Special Deals page (on the right side of the Apple Store online) to see if you can get a refurb unit cheaper. You’ll get the full warranty (which you can extend with AppleCare), and pay quite a bit less than retail. Save the dough to buy yourself a Shuffle!

Yea, I’ve never seen apple raise prices on any existing product. They’ll always start high with new products (IE iphone price drop fiasco) and lower them over time.

Doubtful. Apple keeps their prices steady all the time.

I would definitely not buy anything until tomorrow. They will probably be releasing new iPods.