As consumers are slowing coming back from the recessionary struggles of the last year, they are more budget-ipodsconscious than before. Frugality has become a way of life and consumers are not likely to jump on an impulsive buy as they may once have done. Even the most popular ‘must-haves’ have seen a decline in sales, leading to many manufacturers to slash prices in order to keep sales numbers up.

After reports that iPod sales had fallen, Apple along with found Steve Jobs, has dropped prices on many of the older iPod models in an effort to make them more affordable. Since introducing the first iPod in October 2001, the iPod has become the most popular, portable mp3 player. In 2005, the iPod Nano debuted, followed by the iPod touch in 2007.

Due to lowered sales figures and struggling consumers, Apple has dropped prices for many of its most popular phones. According to the online store price list at the Apple store, the following deals are in effect for consumers.

• iPod Nano (8GB): $130 was $150

• iPod Nano (16GB): $150 was $200

• iPod Classic (120GB): $230 was $250

• iPod Touch (8GB): $190 was $230

• iPod Touch (16GB): $250 was $300

• iPod Touch (32GB): $280 was $400

The announcement was made by a surprise guest and master of ceremonies, Steve Jobs, who returned to work after a liver transplant earlier in the year.  Apple hopes that with the lower prices on their popular models, consumers will find the iPod even more attractive. However, some analysts have expressed concern about the lack of new features on the newer models. A video camera was added to only the iPod Nano, which also has a pedometer and an FM radio.

As consumers are springing back from a rough few years and with the holiday shopping season in sight, Apple has made some very attractive price reductions, making iPods more affordable. During the price cut reveal, it was also noted that iPhone sales have topped more than 30 million, with an impressive 75,000 applications now available. It appears that Apple’s consumer consciousness will aid the company in rebounding from the recent data speculating that Apple is falling behind Japanese sales of the Sony Walkman. Other analysts also believe that Apply’s iPhone can be hampering sales because the phones feature a replica of the iPod’s features.