How to Test a Used iPod

The market for personal audio players is ever-changing. Even Apple seems to be releasing a newer version of its popular player every six months or so. This incredible turnover rate can make a new player obsolete in the blink of an eye. However, there is an upside to the change. The market for used iPods is growing. Before you buy a used player, keep these tips in mind.

Instructions

1. Take your iPod out of its packaging and press the Play button. This should turn the iPod on, unless its batteries are dead. If it doesn't start up, try charging it by plugging it into your computer or a power adapter.

2. Connect the iPod to your computer. Download iTunes if you haven't already and follow the given instructions to format the iPod.

3. Load your music collection into the iTunes Library. Then transfer a few test songs onto the iPod. Pick songs with a variety of different kinds of sounds: high, low, vocal and instrumental.

4. Eject the iPod using iTunes or the "Safely Remove Hardware" function in Windows.

5. Connect your headphones or earphones to the iPod.

6. Use the click wheel to adjust the volume to no more than 50 percent of capacity. Then, navigate through the iPod's folders to find a test song. Once you've found one, play it.

7. Listen to the track carefully and make sure there's no distortion, crackling or other noise. It's rare that these sorts of anomalies appear on an iPod, but it's important to check for them, especially if you bought the iPod from someone other than Apple.

Tips & Warnings

• Factory refurbished iPods combine the value of a used iPod with the reliability and support of one that's new.