Before You Buy iPhone or iPod

Looked at in one way, an iPod touch or iPhone may represent a multi-hundred-dollar hole in your bank account. Looked at in another way, though, these devices are tools to help you save money. In fact, with some smart strategy, you can use an iOS device to save around $1,000 a year.

When people get very into their iPods and iPhones they often don't notice what's going on around them. And, when people are out in public, this can lead to trouble: walking into walls, getting hit by cars, falling down.

Thinking of upgrading to your iPod or iPhone, or just looking to make some quick cash? There are a number of companies that will buy your used electronics.

Before you pay full price for your new iPod, check out this page at the Apple Store. This is the page for refurbished iPods, which carry both a heavy discount and an Apple warranty. You can also buy an extended warranty on these iPods. If you're comfortable not getting a 100% new iPod, you'll save some major coin by buying here.

Just got an iPhone, iPod, or iPad? Check out these links for some quick tips on getting up and running with your new device.