The iPod 2009 release is 3rd generation, 2010 release is 4th generation. If she wants 4th then you need to make sure you read when it was released on the apple site. All the refurbs I saw listed the original release date. Looked like 199.00 for an 8GB 4th generation. There really are not ever "deals" on Apple product really. Refurb from Apple saves you a couple bucks, and on ipod and ipad they always completely replace the housing on the unit, so it looks brand new. Refurbs from other distributors are not always mint condition, so if you go refurb, I would stick to buying from Apple. The only other options for deals are from people selling them on craigslist or the like, but who knows what some of those have been through. On those devices I think it makes a lot of sense to buy from Apple, and have the full warranty in effect.