Apple, for the third year in running has started its promotional offer called back-to-school. They are offering discounts up to 199 US dollars for iPod touch or any other iPod which is bought along with a Mac. This offer is exclusively open for teachers, students, staff members and even parents. There will get discounts between the range of $79 and $199.

The maximum discount of $199 is equivalent to the price of Apple’s low-end iPod touch with 8GB memory. Apple also has phones which look pretty much like iPhone and are available for $299 and $399.

This promotion is primarily is repeat of the last two years refunds. In the first year Apple offered discounts up to $299 and last year the maximum discount offered was $229. The iPod touch is a highly successful phone and during the first quarter of this year its sales grew by 63% with regard to last year’s first quarter sales.

This robust growth of iPod touch has resulted in an overall increase in revenue of iPod by 12% which is by far the best performance in last two years. Although there are many who believe that the iPad will hamper the success story of iPod, Apple denies any such trends.

Apple has made it very clear that there was no impact on iPods sales after the launch of the iPad, but the thing is the iPads were made available in market in April and the results were for the first quarter. So, it isn’t very clear how the iPad will impact the market for iPod but Apple is optimistic about iPod.

It’s not unreasonable to think that this is too good a deal to be true and there must be some flaws in it. But true to Apple’s reputation this iPod is a spectacular device and offers a variety of colors to choose from. And this is not all; there are some fantastic new features in it as well. The most prominent additions are the video and audio recorder, FM radio and an in built speaker.

Another very prominent change is in the size of the screen, which has been increased to 2.2 inches form the previous 2 inches and although a 0.2 inch does not sound like a big increase, it does give a great viewing experience. But my favorite new feature in this new iPod is the pedometer which keeps records of the calories burned and also uploads them in Nike+iPod website.

Incase you are using Apple’s refurbished products for the first time and are apprehensive about it, let me assure you that you will get almost a brand new experience. I must say this latest addition from Apple is a great buy and the price makes it an unbelievable offer.

To make up for the issues that some users of iPod Shuffle have faced with their headphones, Apple has declared a free replacement of the Apple headphones that were used with the third generation iPod shuffle worldwide. There were reports of remote malfunctioning in these headphones in certain conditions. These headphones were mainly manufactured between February last year and February this year. Users can also get their Apple earphones that are working intermittently in this program.

The iPod Shuffle of third generation was remarkably small and had the latest Apple headphones with it. The headphones came with a remote control to adjust the playback functions. These headphones had a control chip in the remote that was essential for the functioning of the iPod Shuffle. Users started facing problem on this issue and consequently Apple had to come up with the replacement program. The Apple headphones that have been recalled for replacement have the following issue in the iPod Shuffle 3G models. The controls are non-responsive at times and work intermittently.

Users also experience unexpected increase and decrease in the volume. These models also have unexpected voice feedback play. So users can make a note of the serial number of their iPod Shuffle if they have the above symptoms. Users would require furnishing the following information when they use the Online Service Assistant for the replacement process. The serial number of the iPod, the shipping and billing addresses along with the credit card information. Once your request is completed, you would be sent a replacement along with an envelope where the original headphones would have to be put to ship back.

In keeping with the tradition of Black Friday which is observed every year in the US, Apple has cut prices on some of its items to woo the shoppers in the UK this year as well. The day after the Thanksgiving holiday is marked by crowded malls and shopping complexes in the US where people in large number throng the place in order to make their holiday shopping. The shoppers are always trying to find the best deal possible that serves their purpose as well as their pockets.

Based on this concept, the online Apple store exhibited an online teaser advertisement which showed a variety of Apple items covered up in a red bow with a tag that reads “This Friday”. The items include iPhones, iPods, something similar to an electronic razor, an Apple TV and more iPods. These items will certainly be wonderful gifts for your dear ones in the festive season ahead. Another blurb on the Website Apple Store urged the users to come back to the Apple Online Store for the one day shopping event on last Friday. It also promised some amazing iPods and iPhones gift ideas without any shipping charge.

Apple though has not made its users in the US clear about what the reduced prices would be for this year. Although speculations are that it certainly will be a lucrative one. In last year UK bargain hunters had great discount on the iMac but the prices of the iPods saw only a minimal fall which was not appreciated much by the shoppers.

Visit the iPod Engraving Gallery and get inspired with several great and appealing ideas. Come on use the Free iPod Engraving and say anything you wish to say in a sweet yet stylish way. Don’t forget to add a personal laser engraved message to any iPod. Use it and see how easy it is and the best thing is that it is free.

Just visit an Apple Store and select the iPod you want to gift your loved one or you can even try it on your own iPod. Add a personal message like “Happy Birthday” or any quotation, whatsoever pleases you and get it engraved on your iPod right in front of you.

You can also avail the signature gift wrapping and gift message in just $ 5 and Apple Store will be shipping the iPod and its accessories in a beautiful gift box with a personalized greeting card recurred by a red ribbon.