What can't an iPod Nano get you these days? First the device was used barter-style for cab fare (albeit this was a forced barter), and now the BellTel Lofts in Brooklyn are using the $140 gadgets as bribes. The NY Times reports that Ilan Bracha of the Bracha Group at Prudential Douglas Elliman have set a goal to lure at least 300 top-producing Manhattan brokers over to the property with a "BellTel Lofts-branded iPod Nano in a custom-made and branded leather-bound portfolio containing video footage, images and updates” on the project. All they have to do to claim their prize made the trip over the bridge for a private tour of the building's units; so far there have been 180 takers, and 20 have been from Brooklyn. That's right, even in-borough brokers can take one home if "they bring in five groups of buyers" with to BellTel with them. If Apples aren't the new currency, they're certainly the new dangling carrots. more ›

When word came out that an out-of-town girl was forced (allegedly by Port Authority officers) to pay for an airport cab fare with her iPod Nano, the NY Post began to wonder about bartering working in modern day NYC. They took an iPod of their own around town to see just what they could get for it, and it's not looking so good. The results: at a cart on 5th Avenue and 47th Street, it'll get you 100 hot dogs (score?), but the bartering ended there. Garrett Popcorn, jewelry shop Avianne & Co., and clothing retailer New York Look wouldn't take the iPod for their precious goods. One cashier at the latter shop told the paper, "that's just for taxis." However, while individuals should probably keep cash on hand, small businesses have been turning to bartering with funds being so tight. more ›