I could not resist showing off my shuffle to lab visitors, Paul and Chris, dropping by for a week before flying back home to London.

They were seduced too. A quick check at the UK store revealed that a shuffle sells for £55 (SGD163.30) compared with SGD138 here. Paul was especially tempted because he reckoned that it will solve his Christmas shopping conundrum and the shuffle makes great stocking stuffing. In any case, we headed to town for dinner at my favourite ramen shop and decided to walk over to iShop for a quick look-see.

As it happened, iShop is celebrating their first year anniversary and discounts are being offered for the shuffle. The first sales person we asked told us that the 15% off deal was on and quoted us a price of SGD117. I almost fell over and had to resist my urge to push Paul into closing the deal as he wanted to buy 6 'pods (That's a total saving of £90!!!). Trying not to appear too enthusiastic, I walked away to leave Paul and Chris to think about it without me trying to exert any pressure on them. I should have, cos the next saleperson they spoke with told them that the 15% discount is no longer valid but there still is a special price of SGD127.

In the end, Paul bought six pods and Chris bought one. I bought a new neoprene sleeve for my powerbook and everyone goes home happy.

Maybe I should think about going into sales if nothing academic works out. LOL.