Most interesting discussion of this on Slashdot. Found it at Gizmodo.
"A sinister cabal of superior writers."
Why you never see an iPod on sale
Apple iPod 10 GB White M8976LL/A (3rd Generation) OLD MODEL
The super-slim iPod redefines what a digital music player should be. It's lighter than 2 CDs, can hold thousands of songs, and downloads music at blazing speeds. Now you can take your entire music ...
Article comments
1 - Mac Diva
Nuh huh. My first iPod was a gift, but I bought the second one -- on sale. CompUSA had a sale during which all smallish gadgets, including MP3 players, were discounted 20 percent right before Christmas. There was no exclusionary language in the ad. I simply asked them to honor the advertisement.
Another, unchanging, way to get an iPod on sale is to buy it through the Apple Education Store or through a college computer store.