If I were to buy a new iPod, I would checkout the Apple refurb section on their website.
I'm going to buy a new computer myself soon. I'm a Mac user, and they are not quick about going obsolete. I just want a new computer for grad school. I will more than likely buy a refurb Macbook Pro; I do not want a glossy screen, which is all the Macbooks come in. Refurbs are just as good, if not better, than the ones you buy in a store, and they're much cheaper. BTW, you can now run both Windows and the Mac OS on Macs, but you have to purchase Windows. The Microsoft Office Suite and all sorts of other goodies are available for Mac OS, so that shouldn't be a worry unless you're doing highly technical science work, where that can be a problem. However, the computer guy in my college's physics department (he's one of those Linux nuts) switched to a Mac, so take that for what it's worth. Go to an Apple store and play with one before you buy it. Windows (haven't played with Vista yet) and Mac OS is becoming more and more similar. For normal, basic uses, it's very easy to go between the two. A handful of things are different, but- you won't go crazy from the differences.
If I were to get a PC, I never had a problem with a Dell. I've had friends who've had great luck with Toshiba. However, I would get a friend to build my computer for me or do it myself. You can actually build your own laptop or desktop from parts, and it's cheaper. You lack the warranty, of course, but it is an option. My friend had her brother do that, and it worked fine.