With Apple patent-trolling it's competitors (and vice-versa!) competition is getting fierce. Apple shares many parts with other companies, including Samsung, who it's locked in court with. Currently, Samsung is producing phones that are solidly competing with Apple using the Andorid platform.

Samsung also supplies Apple with flash memory. But just to spite them, Apple may be switching providers, which means a possibly inferior product at an increased price.

What can you do? Wait it out…buy used.

Used ipods, ipads, and iphones are a great way to avoid the consequences of Apple's legal trouble. Often refurbished, ipods that have been used often retain their original quality (a hallmark of Apple products). The main potential downside of used ipods and other iproducts is a redued battery life (since Apple has trended into making products with solid cases) but that doesn't mean you can't go to Apple and pay to have them replace your used ipod's battery for less than the cost of a new ipod!

Even so, there are benfits to used ipods besides price. Some prefer the older button interfaces on used ipods, as well as color options that are no longer available. Used ipods also provide an increased assortment of sizes, both in terms of what you hold in your hand and memory.

And if Apple ditches Samsung, improved memory might be even more important for used ipods!