My new iPod... The Classic (please don't axe it apple)

[student_trap]

Hello everyone,

it's been ages since I last started a thread here but I just had to express somewhere that I think my new classic (which is hardly new in reality as it hasn't changed since 09!) is absolutely brilliant.

So I am sitting here, typing this post on my iPad, my iPhone in my pocket, MacBook on the coffee table and mac pro in the office, but am waxing lyrical over what many would deem the most boring bit of apple tech I own.

Why do I like it so much... Because I had forgotten just how wonderful it is to have all my songs in my pocket again.

And that's it really, it's nice that it doesn't have apps, it's nice that nobody can interrupt my listening by phoning me, it's nice that I can change songs without looking at it. But what I truly enjoy is humming a random tune, reaching in my pocket, and being able to listen to it right away.

I know this post may sound totally useless, and in a way it is. But to all those who like their classic iPod, please just jot a reply below, in the hope that when our current classics die, we will be able to walk straight back into an apple store to buy another.:)

[wrinkster22]

Did you just get it?
I would love to have one

[SuperCachetes]

I like my 80GB video iPod, but now it stays in the car's glovebox, where it could just as easily be a little portable hard drive. We had some good times, though. ;)

[student_trap]

Did you just get it?
I would love to have one

Yeah I just bought one. I've had many in the past, but been iPhone/touch/iPad only for the last few years.:)

[wrinkster22]

Yeah I just bought one. I've had many in the past, but been iPhone/touch/iPad only for the last few years.:)

did you obsess over the right case and all that?
Like 1/4 of MR threads have to do with iPhone 4s cases...

[student_trap]

did you obsess over the right case and all that?
Like 1/4 of MR threads have to do with iPhone 4s cases...

I actually bought a case for it before purchasing the unit itself! But I only got it to make it look smarter for work. Outside of work It goes au natural... My previous iPods have all lasted well without cases, and I like to see the design when I use it!

For those interested, here is the case I bought...

http://www.knomobags.com/uk/men/apple/ipod-classic-case/

[TheSuperSteve]

I would love to have an iPod classic as well. Something without apps that I don't have to manage. Something I can just drop all my content without having to think about it. Which is why I don't use my iPod touch anymore. Its too tempting to run it like I run my iPad and iPhone. Dropping a ton of apps on it and organizing it "just right" which drives me mad.

I'm waiting for it to come down in price before I buy one though. $249 is a wee bit too high for me for a media device using a spinning hard-drive. Feels a tad bit more fragile than an iPhone.

[Rawkfist]

I hope the Classic survives. A bump in capacity and maybe a better DAC would be nice. But really. I would settle for it just hanging around.

[ScottNWDW]

I like my 80GB video iPod, but now it stays in the car's glovebox, where it could just as easily be a little portable hard drive. We had some good times, though. ;)

I've had my 80GB classic iPod for years now as del and since getting my new Chevy Cruze a few months back it stays in the car now. It was great on a road trip to Key West, I made a long playlist and had iTunes randomize the songs and plugged it into the jack in the car and we listened to music for 8 straight hours with no two songs repeating. It was great and my travel companions loved it.

[TheNewDude]

Yeah my classic sits in the glovebox too. It's connected directly to the stereo system in the car. I can access the all my music right from my car's stereo. The only time i take the ipod out is when i want to add more music to it. Otherwise it just sits there and does it's thing!

I have the 60GB version and that's PLENTY of music.

[PieVine96]

My dad got a Classic (or the iPod ''Video'' to some) back in 2005, when I was 9 or so, and I've been holding off the newest Classic for a good few years now- ended up with an iPod Touch that broke after only 4 months, but will definitely get the Classic if they bring out a new one..

Glass screen, 1080p HD, enough battery life for music and films, and of course 250/320gb...

Oh, and what about a white front!? One can dream.. :rolleyes:

[wordsworth]

I bought a Classic a while back when there was talk of it being axed from the Apple product line. I'd been slow to include the iPod in my tech repertoire but after a few months with my iPod Nano 5G (bought when the Nano 6G had just launched, and which I didn't like as a design at all), I was convinced of their merit as a functional tool.

I haven't taken the iPod Classic from its box yet (it's the black iPod, by the way) but I have plenty of music to load onto it once my Nano is full. That's the point when I'll begin putting my entire music collection onto the Classic, but I'm in no hurry. And it could take a while!

Yes, I hope that they keep the Classic and upgrade it. We'll see…

[rogan]

My dad got a Classic (or the iPod ''Video'' to some) back in 2005, when I was 9 or so, and I've been holding off the newest Classic for a good few years now- ended up with an iPod Touch that broke after only 4 months, but will definitely get the Classic if they bring out a new one..

Glass screen, 1080p HD, enough battery life for music and films, and of course 250/320gb...

Oh, and what about a white front!? One can dream.. :rolleyes:

1080p on a 2.5" screen, gl ;]

[Scepticalscribe]

Hello everyone,

it's been ages since I last started a thread here but I just had to express somewhere that I think my new classic (which is hardly new in reality as it hasn't changed since 09!) is absolutely brilliant.

So I am sitting here, typing this post on my iPad, my iPhone in my pocket, MacBook on the coffee table and mac pro in the office, but am waxing lyrical over what many would deem the most boring bit of apple tech I own.

Why do I like it so much... Because I had forgotten just how wonderful it is to have all my songs in my pocket again.

And that's it really, it's nice that it doesn't have apps, it's nice that nobody can interrupt my listening by phoning me, it's nice that I can change songs without looking at it. But what I truly enjoy is humming a random tune, reaching in my pocket, and being able to listen to it right away.

I know this post may sound totally useless, and in a way it is. But to all those who like their classic iPod, please just jot a reply below, in the hope that when our current classics die, we will be able to walk straight back into an apple store to buy another.:)

Lovely idea for a thread and I agree with you completely.

I, too, have a classic (an 80GB which travels with me everywhere) and I also have the 64GB Touch, which, frankly, I use mainly as a music listening device as well. Along with almost everyone else who has posted in this thread, I love the idea of being able to carry my music in one device.

Given that I travel a lot (sometimes, to strange and occasionally inhospitable countries), I value being able to have my music collection readily to hand.

[Tadros86]

Between iPods being broken and stolen by ex girlfriends, I've been through about 8. I went a couple years without having one, wishing I had it again. Then my lovely girlfriend got me a current gen 160 GB Black iPod classic for my Birthday. Man do I love this thing! I only have about 9Gb free, and it's fantastic having all that in my pocket again. Every Podcast or song on my computer, now in my pocket again! It's great for car rides too. Can't wait to move to Cali and use this baby across country!

I do really hope Apple never discontinues this device. I don't want an iPod Touch since my iPhone is basically a better iPod Touch... I rather have the classic click wheel! I love just hitting a physical button and not having to look at a glass screen to choose the next song! But ah, all things must eventually come to an end right? And it sure does seem like the iPod era is coming to an end. Especially since the "iPod" section of the iPhone - the very convenient way of having my music and movies grouped together - is now gone. I miss that damn icon!

[OwenMeasures]

I have had iPod Touch & Nanos just thought my iPhone 4S can do all that my Touch can do... i then bought a 160GB Black iPod Classic and havnt looked back!!

I think it would be silly for Apple to axe the Classic, people that buy iPod Touch are young people that dont have an iPhone and want to play games, but alot of people (like ourselves) have a huge music library and just want an iPod that can have our whole library on it... not having to sacrifice song to put other on because you have ran out of memory. :apple:

----------

I also have a little latest Gen iPod Shuffle (for the gym) love that too, just for its simplicity!!

[TOMIMOT]

Hello everyone,

it's been ages since I last started a thread here but I just had to express somewhere that I think my new classic (which is hardly new in reality as it hasn't changed since 09!) is absolutely brilliant.

So I am sitting here, typing this post on my iPad, my iPhone in my pocket, MacBook on the coffee table and mac pro in the office, but am waxing lyrical over what many would deem the most boring bit of apple tech I own.

Why do I like it so much... Because I had forgotten just how wonderful it is to have all my songs in my pocket again.

And that's it really, it's nice that it doesn't have apps, it's nice that nobody can interrupt my listening by phoning me, it's nice that I can change songs without looking at it. But what I truly enjoy is humming a random tune, reaching in my pocket, and being able to listen to it right away.

I know this post may sound totally useless, and in a way it is. But to all those who like their classic iPod, please just jot a reply below, in the hope that when our current classics die, we will be able to walk straight back into an apple store to buy another.:)

I totally agree with you, I have an iPhone 4S and as soon as i heard that the iPod classic was discontinued i knew i had to get one. Yes its simple just strictly music and videos etc. But thats all i need in a music player really. I don't know The classic is just "classic" i had one 4 years ago back in high school it broke on me and ever since I've been sticking with an iPhone this whole time, its good to be re-united once again with an iPod.

RIP iPod Classic

[macgeek18]

Had anoption to buy one today, i bought the 6G 8GB nano instead. I love 160GB of storage, and the design, but believe it or not the FM radio was the deal breaker. (I don't have a stereo in my truck, the reason I got the nano with the radio.) It sure looked beautiful though, was very tempted. Just still a clickwheel fan.:D

[todd2000]

Yeah, I am going to be getting a Classic soon (I hope). I had a 30GB iPod Color (remember those) for a few years, and my friends bought me a 32GB 2nd Gen iPod Touch for Christmas like 3 years ago. I love it and it's still working well, but it is out of space. I love all the extra features of the Touch, but I really don't like it as much as a music player. Having to take it out of my pocket, and look at the screen to change tracks is annoying. I know I can get a remote, but still... I also like being able to carry all of my music with me, you never know what you might want to listen to at any given moment.

Right now I have about 32GB of music, which isn't a ton for some people, but wont fit on my Touch. I thought about getting a Refurb 64GB touch for the same price as a Classic, but at the rate Im going 64 won't last that long. I have a phone that can run apps and surf the web, without Wifi mind you, so I really don't need an iPod that can do those things. I just want a device that is designed to do what the iPod was originally made for, which is wait for it...... play music!

[nate13]

I just recently got a hold of a 7th gen 160GB classic and it is WONDERFUL! Between the genius mixes and having all of my music right in my pocket... It is simply wonderful.

It was my first Apple product and now I have the iPhone 4s. As simply amazing as the 4s is, I just can not seem to stop using my Classic. There is something about it that will never be able to be disregarded or duplicated.

Look at the iPod Classic. This is where it all began and the Classic is still just as valuable to it's owners now as it was then. the elegance, the simplicity, the functionality. Apple got it right from the start.

[Yaboze]

Nice, I love my Classic and I say it every day if I have to. I love having everything with me at all times and not having to pair down songs to fit on the smaller iPods.

[macgeek18]

Returned the nano today and bought a black iPod Classic. syncing it now, never owned a click wheel so im excited to finally own one.

[Gorion]

I had a black 80GB (or was it 60?). I think it was the 2nd iPod Color that came out. It was nice to be able to switch songs without having to look at it. I miss that.
I have a 4th Gen iPod touch now. I really like it, but there are certain things that I miss about the click wheel...

[RenoG]

Love my classic, it mostly stays connected to the home theater. I have 60g video and that stays connected in the car.

[kywildcats]

I have a 30 gb right now. I use it almost daily. I can not stand the thought of getting one of the other iPods. Breaks my heart to think that they might give it the axe. I am going to be getting a new one before much longer.

[touchmonkey]

160g Classic, full, 90% lossless, FTW.

[Rawkfist]

120gb full of 100% ALAC. Seriously considering buying a 240gb 5th gen or go a 7th gen 240gb for the same price. Kinda like the Genius playlist capabilities. Rapid Repair sells them. I'm gonna give Apple a little more time to see what they're gonna do before I drop $400.00!

[macgeek18]

I'm using my classic now more than I ever used my shuffle and Touch. I don't know whats up with that but it's easier to use a scroll wheel in the car than a touch for some reason.

[dougie555]

I have a ipod classic 120gb and I take it with me everywhere. It has 100gb music on it and still growing. I only want a mp3 player to play music and not to play games or phone etc.
It would be a sad thing if they stop making the classic. No other mp3 player offers the amount of storage.
The Ipod Classic is the best.
Hopes that Apple dont stop it as soon my harddrive will be full and then i will need more storage and theres nothing else about that offers storage like the classic.

[Sol]

If the iPod Classic gets updated with a higher capacity drive, it might just hold my whole music library in Apple Lossless format. Apple should acknowledge those of us who appreciate the best audio quality and re-design the Classic with this in mind. As well as the larger capacity, they could also include a superior DAC and headphone amp component to really show off the higher quality files that will fit on it.

[DJHonda84]

I love my iPod classic! I use it daily, and see no reason to rely on a network connection to have all of my music with me. The idea of shifting toward cloud-based music storage is too flawed in too many obvious ways for me to give it a serious thought. Also, my experience has shown me that hard disks aren't evil. I'm on my third hard-disk iPod and never had any problems. I've used all of my iPods heavily and haven't babied them. Only replaced when upgrading. Hopefully Apple will keep this gem around at least until the iPhone can hold 256GB locally.

I admit that the classic's UI does feel dated, but I wouldn't change a thing about it other than a capacity boost. :D

I totally agree with you, I have an iPhone 4S and as soon as i heard that the iPod classic was discontinued i knew i had to get one. Yes its simple just strictly music and videos etc. But thats all i need in a music player really. I don't know The classic is just "classic" i had one 4 years ago back in high school it broke on me and ever since I've been sticking with an iPhone this whole time, its good to be re-united once again with an iPod.

RIP iPod Classic
It has not been discontinued. New units still for sale on Apple's website and elsewhere.

[Meatball]

I love my iPod Classic! Stores my entire lossless itunes collection for playback on car stereo or my BeatsBox :).

[touchmonkey]

I had to apologize to a friend when I argued that you couldn't tell the difference between a lossless/cd version and a high bit-rate mp3.
You can.
Mp3's were created when storage space was a problem. With a high capacity unit like the iPod Classic, that's less of a problem. They should upgrade it, not discontinue it.
I'm enjoying quality over quantity, and hearing what I've been listening to for years, as if for the first time.
There probably is a thread about this already, but I'm now a lossless convert. Artists should join the fight to hear their music as they recorded it.
Neil Young met with Jobs about the issue, and although it wasn't resolved at the time he noted that Steve listened to his music on vinyl.
Mp3's aren't totally evil (almost, but not totally), but everything has unintended consequences.
Convenience can be an enemy.

[puma1552]

The only thing I'm sad about is the fact hardly anyone posts in this forum anymore. Then again, Apple hasn't been giving us much to post about.:cool:

I love my Classic, listening to it now, and took it out of it's case for the afternoon to enjoy it's form factor (bought it in '09 after release, still absolutely flawless with a very healthy battery). Still waiting for Apple to give it a refresh.

I really think this year is do or die for it. I really think this will be the year that it either gets updated or dropped altogether. With Cook at the helm, it just might have a chance at being updated, we know Jobs likely didn't care for it but maybe Cook will breathe a little life into it.

Just bump the capacity, glass screen with a little better resolution (size is fine, just not so pixelated), maybe a small tweak or two for the GUI, and maybe a new front plate or some subtle tweak to it cosmetically to make it look fresh again. I'd buy one instantly.

[Swampthing]

My 160GB iPod Classic is still in use each day on my commute to work and back. The larger capacity is enough to hold thousands of songs, audio books, and the latest synced podcasts that I listen to. I love the simplicity of OS 2.0.4 and the impressive battery life blows away the iOS devices.

My fear is that either one of two things will happen. Apple will drop the Classic completely since it hasn't even been mentioned in years now. Or worse, it will be remade into some iOS device.

What I want is larger capacity, maybe more impressive graphic resolution on the screen - perhaps a retina screen - but keep the same form factor. With all the iOS devices I have, I still couldn't sufficiently replace my iPod Classic with any of them. :apple:

[touchmonkey]

Could we have dox on Jobs not liking the iPod?

[Larrupin]

I love my classic too.....tried the touch and it just didn't have the same magic. I hope Apple gives the classic another refresh and doesn't just drop it.

[glittersparkles]

i was given a 6th gen nano in replacement of my 1st gen nano, and i have to say i hate it.
i also have a Classic, and a Mini, and i prefer them so much more - the classic the most, however the mini i use for the bus etc., but i like the feel of the click wheels, and the screens being normal (e.g. not touchscreen), they are so much more hardwearing! apple needs to put more advertising and ideas into the classic, then people will buy them more. not necessarily adding wifi or anything like that, as the classic is simply a classic music player, fully of reliability; but an update at last would be nice!

i got my classic in 2008 and its still holding strong :)

[blkjedi954]

Hello everyone,

it's been ages since I last started a thread here but I just had to express somewhere that I think my new classic (which is hardly new in reality as it hasn't changed since 09!) is absolutely brilliant.

So I am sitting here, typing this post on my iPad, my iPhone in my pocket, MacBook on the coffee table and mac pro in the office, but am waxing lyrical over what many would deem the most boring bit of apple tech I own.

Why do I like it so much... Because I had forgotten just how wonderful it is to have all my songs in my pocket again.

And that's it really, it's nice that it doesn't have apps, it's nice that nobody can interrupt my listening by phoning me, it's nice that I can change songs without looking at it. But what I truly enjoy is humming a random tune, reaching in my pocket, and being able to listen to it right away.

I know this post may sound totally useless, and in a way it is. But to all those who like their classic iPod, please just jot a reply below, in the hope that when our current classics die, we will be able to walk straight back into an apple store to buy another.:)

=====================================================

For ALL the same reasons you mentioned, I share the same affection and love for my 160GB iPod Classic. My music library being everywhere that I am. I couldn't imagine a world without my Classic. Coming from the owner of a 32GB 3GS, 32 GB iPhone 4, 64GB iPhone 4S (all black) and 3 iPod touches from 2nd gen to 4th gen, an iPod shuffle for workouts and a recently purchased 160GB Classic for my vast music library, I would have to say that my affection for the Classic was surprisingly intense. Never knew that I would love it the way that I do.

[Jez27]

I recently saw a video on YouTube where someone stumbled across an "old" iPod and they were reminiscing about the click-wheel and a time before touch-screens and apps and the like.

It got me thinking myself, wasn't it an awesome time when MP3 players, or iPods, simply played music and nothing else?

My iPad doesn't hold any of my music, just movies/games/media apps. My iPhone has a selection of songs on it, but once you've heard them (it's a 16GB and has to cope with apps/photos etc as well as music) you've heard them all.

Then I've got the iPod Touch. The thing that came before any Apple device I had (other than an old 8GB Nano that I sold to a mate of mine). 32GB but also has the same distractions on it in the form of apps, games and the internet.

I'm seriously considering palming that off onto someone and investing in a Classic, myself. It's awesome having your entire music library in your pocket, instead of a repetitive collection, and the feeling of using a click-wheel these days is ever so slightly nostalgic - even though it feels like it was only yesterday that every iPod had one.



TL;DR - Nothing beats the feeling of a click-wheel & being back in a time before apps & mobile internet were distracting you from the music that your iPod was there to serve you with!

[Kid A]

look, i wouldn't hold my breath for the iPod classic, folks.
it's dead.

I'm surprised the classic is still for sale, but it can't live forever.

Unless.... wait wait wait...
Scrap the bulky form-factor and hard drive (ick, IMO)... Resurrect the clickwheel iPod nano form factor. Just call it "the new iPod". Slap in 32, 64, and 128 (is that doable yet?) GB flash storage options. Give it bluetooth and WiFi for wireless syncing/iTunes match/AirPlay! I'd buy that yesterday. I just don't like the idea of carrying around a clunky classic with hard drive, IMO. True, nothing like that will ever happen... but, I guess the point of my little excursion into fantasy-land is that I nonetheless feel for you classic lovers.

But back to reality....
ummm....
iTunes Match, people. time marches on. :rolleyes:

(yes, i know, blah blah, lossless, etc.)

[macgeek18]

The last 2 weeks I've been using my classic on my 20 minute drive to work and back and for two weeks have never touched it but hit play and forward and never heard the same song twice. Incredible.
Oh I also never have charged it in two weeks. I'm so impressed I'll probably never buy another iPod but a Classic.

[Sol]

Scrap the bulky form-factor and hard drive (ick, IMO)... Resurrect the clickwheel iPod nano form factor. Just call it "the new iPod". Slap in 32, 64, and 128 (is that doable yet?) GB flash storage options. Give it bluetooth and WiFi for wireless syncing/iTunes match/AirPlay! I'd buy that yesterday. I just don't like the idea of carrying around a clunky classic with hard drive, IMO. True, nothing like that will ever happen... but, I guess the point of my little excursion into fantasy-land is that I nonetheless feel for you classic lovers.

In my experience with a 3rd gen iPod (I think; it was the last monochrome screen click-wheel model), the hard drive was the weakest part that broke down every two years or so of daily use. The hard drives used today are probably more reliable and it is good to have the option of an iPod with comparatively massive storage capacity for lossless libraries. From Apple's point of view, the current iPod Classic would fill that gap in their product line and an SSD version of it would be pointless because they already have the iPod Touch.

Having said that, maybe it is possible to replace the hard drive of the Classic with an SSD. There are probably a few threads on Mac Rumours about this already.

[penfan82]

I have iphone 4s iPad and at touch but have always said I love my classic best I love having almost all of music withme especially on long trips hoping they never do away with it

[serafko]

In my experience with a 3rd gen iPod (I think; it was the last monochrome screen click-wheel model), the hard drive was the weakest part that broke down every two years or so of daily use. The hard drives used today are probably more reliable and it is good to have the option of an iPod with comparatively massive storage capacity for lossless libraries. From Apple's point of view, the current iPod Classic would fill that gap in their product line and an SSD version of it would be pointless because they already have the iPod Touch.

Having said that, maybe it is possible to replace the hard drive of the Classic with an SSD. There are probably a few threads on Mac Rumours about this already.

Link to a thread about IPOD and SSD

http://www.head-fi.org/t/566780/official-ipod-video-classic-5g-5-5g-6g-6-5g-7g-ssd-mod-thread

[someone28624]

My Classic just died last month and despite my iPad, iPhone, and MacBook Pro, just like you said, I walked right to the apple store and replaced it. It was so nice to be able to do that. I still marvel at the iPod Classic every time I use it.

[JerZyT28]

I've had my 80GB classic iPod for years now as del and since getting my new Chevy Cruze a few months back it stays in the car now. It was great on a road trip to Key West, I made a long playlist and had iTunes randomize the songs and plugged it into the jack in the car and we listened to music for 8 straight hours with no two songs repeating. It was great and my travel companions loved it.

I waited until I found a great deal, got my 80gb iPod video today...I love it so far...I bought so when my gti gets here, I'll have my whole music library in the car without having to curse myself for not putting certain music on it (ex. My 16gb nano)

[Sylent Syd]

I've wanted a Classic for a long time, and am really excited to finally be getting one. (I'd earned enough reward points through my CC company to redeem a free one).

I currently have an 8GB iPod Touch, which I've had for over two years. Unfortunately it's not iCloud compatible, so deciding what songs I want to axe in favour of newer songs is a painstaking process. So the 160GB will do the trick for me.

And I'm also of the mindset that it'll be discontinued sooner than later, and that makes me want one even more! :cool:

[Silverbird0000]

Hello everyone,

it's been ages since I last started a thread here but I just had to express somewhere that I think my new classic (which is hardly new in reality as it hasn't changed since 09!) is absolutely brilliant.

So I am sitting here, typing this post on my iPad, my iPhone in my pocket, MacBook on the coffee table and mac pro in the office, but am waxing lyrical over what many would deem the most boring bit of apple tech I own.

Why do I like it so much... Because I had forgotten just how wonderful it is to have all my songs in my pocket again.

And that's it really, it's nice that it doesn't have apps, it's nice that nobody can interrupt my listening by phoning me, it's nice that I can change songs without looking at it. But what I truly enjoy is humming a random tune, reaching in my pocket, and being able to listen to it right away.

I know this post may sound totally useless, and in a way it is. But to all those who like their classic iPod, please just jot a reply below, in the hope that when our current classics die, we will be able to walk straight back into an apple store to buy another.:)

With iTunes Match, your iOS devices will have access to your entire library. After I started using iTunes Match, I stopped using my iPods. I am an iPod collector, but I don't use them very much for music anymore, they have become more of a decoration. I am looking to buy an new iPod Classic as the newest iPod I added to my collection was a 5G Classic. I really hope Apple does not kill the Classic. I believe it is the only true iPod. The Nano is cute, but does not hold enough music, and the shuffle is just a joke.

[Flake]

my current dream device is an iPod classic but perhaps slightly thinner with flash storage and higher resolution screen. most important is the click wheel though. the clicker on my old 2g nano is broken and it makes me very sad. I'm going to keep a click wheel for a long time.

[InuNacho]

Put a radio in the Classic and I'm sold (again).

[sinser]

And I'm also of the mindset that it'll be discontinued sooner than later, and that makes me want one even more! :cool:

Go for it. I bought mine a few months ago and I'm happy with it. It's a timeless device, all function and no frills.

[thefeebster]

The day they stop making these is the same day i go and hoard them!

Bought the 5G when it came out, it died in 2009. Got the 6G right after and haven't looked back. I simply can not imagine life without a classic and having the option to have my whole music collection in my pocket. I transit every day and this never leaves my side.

Its survived many tumbles out of my pocket, a bit dented at the corners but still runs flawlessly. I too love the simplicity of the click wheel and the interface. Only thing i'd change is directed at the 3rd party case creators! Pretty difficult to find anything in stores nowadays. Good thing for ebay.

[peapody]

I just got one a couple weeks ago...really love having all my songs in my pocket.

Been really hard to find a case though. I settled on a poorly applied wrapsol, that I am not digging too much. The last time the classic has been updated it was Sept 2009. So about 950 days since last update, whereas each cycle has been about 300 days before that. I'll probably pick up a couple more if Apple discontinues the classic.

[sinser]

I just got one a couple weeks ago...really love having all my songs in my pocket.

Been really hard to find a case though. I settled on a poorly applied wrapsol, that I am not digging too much.

I have this (http://www.iskin.com/evo4_overview.html) one and it's perfect. It's still on sale.

[Sylent Syd]

Go for it. I bought mine a few months ago and I'm happy with it. It's a timeless device, all function and no frills.

I did go for it - got it last week - and i LOVE it! :D So great to have all my music in my pocket - and still with under a 100GB to fill up. I've been ripping a good portion of my vinyl collection with my Macbook Pro and Garage Band to add to it as well.

I'm keeping my iPod Touch - Just restored it to the factory settings and using it for apps.

[kuebby]

I also LOVE my classic, at least as much as any other piece of Apple tech I own, because it's perfectly crafted for what it does.

I was in a slightly altered state of mind the other day and I was explaining to my friends how the iPod classic is the perfect piece of technology for what it does. The only improvements I could really imagine, or even desire, would be more capacity (unnecessary for me right now, but I could see it in the future) and an SSD (too costly now, but again, in the future...).

For just listening to music it really is perfect. It's just the right size to fit in your hand and be completely usable with just one hand; the scroll wheel and text menus really are the best way to navigate 100s of artists.

Personally, I plan on continuing to own a classic until I can get my music collection safely implanted in my brain.

[MultiFinder17]

My trusty old 30GB 5G is still kickin'! I use it heavily, even though I have an iPhone and an iPad. One of its primary uses is as a carPod, as I can operate it without having to look down at it (Aaah, physical buttons). At this point in its life, I believe that only the back plate, headphone jack assembly, internal frame, and click wheel are original - everything else (front, center button, logic board, LCD, HDD, battery) has been replaced at one time or another. Still, I love that it's easy to open up and work on, which is one of the things that has kept me on the 5G and not the 6G.

[JMG]

I still have and use my 160gb Classic in one of my cars to play videos to the monitor. Perfect for the kid on long drives! I can't fit all of my movies on my iPhones or iPad so it fills that role nicely. I have gotten over the click wheel though. If they ever release a 100+gb iTouch, the Classic will be retired. So much more functionality with a touchscreen to find music and make playlists etc.

[bobbyjames]

if Apple were to axe the Classic this year, when roughly could it happen? June? September? I've been thinking about getting a Classic for a while now as I've filled my iPod Touch up and I don't need it for the apps anymore as I've got an iPhone. Part of me has stopped myself buying though in case they do update it this year. Will we likely hear any plausible rumours leading up to an announcement either way on the Classic?

[Zendokan]

Well, I hope that a 7th generation of the Classic comes, for me Apple has to do only one thing: replace the hard drive with a SSD; That's all.

I bought last Saturday an iPod Nano 16GB after extensively testing the Shuffle, Nano, Touch and Classic.

The Shuffle was disgarded right away: a music player without screen...nothing for me.
The Touch was overkill in functionality and too expensive GB wise with previous generation technology, because I already own an iPhone 4S and iPad 2. It's a great device and perfect as an intro to the Maciverse, but I'm already in it.

So this left the Nano and the Classic. The Classic could store all my music, lay perfect in the hand and had a better sound than the Nano and still I bought a Nano and the sole reason was that the Classic has a HD.
Something that I'm not a fan of in portable devices, especially now that notebooks are making the switch to SSDs.

So, I hope that Apple brings an identical Classic as the 6th gen out with a 64, 128 or 256 Gb SSD and I'll be the first to buy it.

[Silverbird0000]

Well, I hope that a 7th generation of the Classic comes, for me Apple has to do only one thing: replace the hard drive with a SSD; That's all.

I bought last Saturday an iPod Nano 16GB after extensively testing the Shuffle, Nano, Touch and Classic.

The Shuffle was disgarded right away: a music player without screen...nothing for me.
The Touch was overkill in functionality and too expensive GB wise with previous generation technology, because I already own an iPhone 4S and iPad 2. It's a great device and perfect as an intro to the Maciverse, but I'm already in it.

So this left the Nano and the Classic. The Classic could store all my music, lay perfect in the hand and had a better sound than the Nano and still I bought a Nano and the sole reason was that the Classic has a HD.
Something that I'm not a fan of in portable devices, especially now that notebooks are making the switch to SSDs.

So, I hope that Apple brings an identical Classic as the 6th gen out with a 64, 128 or 256 Gb SSD and I'll be the first to buy it.

The current model is the 7th Generation. A new one would be the 8th Generation.

[kokako]

I hope the keep the classic going but I doubt they will it doesn't really sell much now.
I bought classics from 2001 until around 2008, now I'm on iPhones and iTunes match, most of my stuff is ALAC, just though I'd future proof my iTunes collection early on, I have some AIFF stuff from early on, I have close to a TB of music now, some high end monitors and some good cans but I don't notice the quality too much between the iTunes match 256 stuff and the lossless, iTunes only has to flick a switch and we'll get the ALAC version and they'll do that eventually just like they moved from 128 to 256, for anyone that's ever submitted music to iTunes for sale you'll remember from day one it was submitted through iTunes producer software as AIFF now ALAC so it's all lossless on their servers, when you buy it it's encoded on the fly to 256.
Classics are great iconic design and totally convenient, imatch is great and you can listen to the stuff before its downloaded so very spotifyish in that respect but classics still do have a place hope they live on ...but they won't.

[jcchristopher]

I like having my whole music collection available to me in my car--but since it's now up to 1TB, the classic is the only thing that comes close.
I don't understand why they haven't put a bigger HD in it though.

[Chaucer498]

I still have the original Ipod. The very first one that was firewire only and I swear it still works every bit as good as it did when I first took it out of the box. The battery still keeps a charge too. I take it out every so often and plug it in and listen to the old songs I have on it. I don't think I'll ever get rid of it. I remember plugging that bad boy into a firewire port of a PC and getting an automatic BSOD. lol Love that Ipod.

[Zendokan]

The current model is the 7th Generation. A new one would be the 8th Generation.

IIRC:
1st generation: October 23, 2001
1st generation revision 1: March 21, 2002
2nd generation: July 17, 2002
3rd generation: April 28, 2003
3rd generation revision 1: September 8, 2003
3rd generation revision 2: January 6, 2004
4th generation: July 19, 2004
4th generation with Photo: October 26, 2004
4th generation with Photo revision 1: February 23, 2005
4th generation with Colour display: June 28, 2005
5th generation: October 12, 2005
5th generation revision 1: September 12, 2006
6th generation: September 5, 2007
6th generation revision 1: September 9, 2008
6th generation revision 2: September 9, 2009

The next one would be the 7th generation.

[Silverbird0000]

IIRC:
1st generation: October 23, 2001
1st generation revision 1: March 21, 2002
2nd generation: July 17, 2002
3rd generation: April 28, 2003
3rd generation revision 1: September 8, 2003
3rd generation revision 2: January 6, 2004
4th generation: July 19, 2004
4th generation with Photo: October 26, 2004
4th generation with Photo revision 1: February 23, 2005
4th generation with Colour display: June 28, 2005
5th generation: October 12, 2005
5th generation revision 1: September 12, 2006
6th generation: September 5, 2007
6th generation revision 1: September 9, 2008
6th generation revision 2: September 9, 2009

The next one would be the 7th generation.

From everyipod.com:

As introduced on September 9, 2008, the Apple iPod classic (Late 2008/7th Generation) was equipped with a 120 GB 4200 RPM ATA-66 hard drive capable of supporting "up to" 30,000 songs in "128-Kbps AAC format" or "up to" 150 hours of video. On September 9, 2009, Apple upgraded the hard drive to 160 GB -- increasing the capacity to 40,000 songs or 200 hours of video -- and adding support for "Genius Mixes" via a software patch on September 28, 2009, but it otherwise essentially is identical (some refer to this configuration as the "3rd Generation" iPod classic or the 8th Generation iPod).

Externally, the iPod classic (Late 2008/7th Generation) models also effectively are identical to the 80 GB version of the "original" iPod classic (6th Generation) that these models replaced -- the "original" 160 GB configuration only varies in thickness -- with a 2.5" color LCD display with an LED backlight (320x240, 163 ppi) and either a silver or black anodized aluminum front and a chromed stainless steel back. Like the "original" iPod classic models, the iPod classic (Late 2008/7th Generation) models also do not support video out directly from the headphone jack, but only from the dock, an unfortunate "downgrade" from the iPod 5th Generation Enhanced models.

[peapody]

So, I hope that Apple brings an identical Classic as the 6th gen out with a 64, 128 or 256 Gb SSD and I'll be the first to buy it.

I don't see the point of a 64gb classic...and it is even a stretch at 128gb. The market that the classic hits is for those with massive libraries that cant be fit into the ssd line up.

It has been 3 years since the last classic refresh. Not sure if it is looking good or bad for an classic refresh.

[millar876]

I love my classic, it lives inside my sony car stereo and i can control it with my steering wheel controlls. its a 5th gen 120GB silver one.

Ive had, Original mac only 5Gb iPod, 3rd Gen, Photo, video then my current one. each time I've only upgraded due to the newer ones of the highest capacity, as my library grew by number of songs, bit rate or both. after iTunes matching my library (saves a few weeks of recodes) of just over 12000 songs i have around 8GB left. and i can no longer fit all my audio books on it at the same time as my music. I'm kind of waiting for an upgrade or a higher capacity iPod Touch. the wifi synching on that would be handy, the thing would never have to leave my car

[kaielement]

As my music collection has grown so has my iPods started off with 4th gen 20gb iPod and I never thought I would fill that up but I did moved on to 40 gb 3rd den filled that up and then got a 30gb 5th gen iPod video and didn't have enough room. When the 160 gb cam out I grabbed it and have owned two now and I have about 80 gb of music and some movies and still have about 30gb left. So yeah my collection is still growing so it would be nice to have like a 250gb or something.

[Zendokan]

From everyipod.com:

As introduced on September 9, 2008, the Apple iPod classic (Late 2008/7th Generation) was equipped with a 120 GB 4200 RPM ATA-66 hard drive capable of supporting "up to" 30,000 songs in "128-Kbps AAC format" or "up to" 150 hours of video. On September 9, 2009, Apple upgraded the hard drive to 160 GB -- increasing the capacity to 40,000 songs or 200 hours of video -- and adding support for "Genius Mixes" via a software patch on September 28, 2009, but it otherwise essentially is identical (some refer to this configuration as the "3rd Generation" iPod classic or the 8th Generation iPod).

Externally, the iPod classic (Late 2008/7th Generation) models also effectively are identical to the 80 GB version of the "original" iPod classic (6th Generation) that these models replaced -- the "original" 160 GB configuration only varies in thickness -- with a 2.5" color LCD display with an LED backlight (320x240, 163 ppi) and either a silver or black anodized aluminum front and a chromed stainless steel back. Like the "original" iPod classic models, the iPod classic (Late 2008/7th Generation) models also do not support video out directly from the headphone jack, but only from the dock, an unfortunate "downgrade" from the iPod 5th Generation Enhanced models.

This is just a case of "You say tomato and I say Potato" ;)

On some sites, the september 2008 upgrade is called "6th generation Revision 1" and on other sites it's called "7th generation".

I'll just start calling it "The future 'New iPod Classic' " :D to keep in the trend of "New iPad".

[Zendokan]

I don't see the point of a 64gb classic...and it is even a stretch at 128gb. The market that the classic hits is for those with massive libraries that cant be fit into the ssd line up.

It has been 3 years since the last classic refresh. Not sure if it is looking good or bad for an classic refresh.

I think that the market that the Classic hits has two parts:
1) those with massive libraries
2) those that want a device that plays music without all the other options that iOS devices provide (namely the Touch).

If Apple can get the price and size down of SSD, a 64gb, 128gb and 256gb line would sell.

The 64gb as step in to the series would be profitable enough.
Not everyone needs to walk around with all of his collection because in that case I would walk around with 11 iPods Classic.
I've got several "playlists" in iTunes that I switch between.

[kyjaotkb]

This is just a case of "You say tomato and I say Potato" ;)

On some sites, the september 2008 upgrade is called "6th generation Revision 1" and on other sites it's called "7th generation".

I'll just start calling it "The future 'New iPod Classic' " :D to keep in the trend of "New iPad".

Actually the 1st/2nd revision of the Classic have, in their black versions, a slightly paler finish than the original one. I have a 2007 black classic, I can definitely see a difference with the current one in the Apple store - current one looks a bit more grey, mine is "blacker".

[ThaDoggg]

I have a 80GB classic and I switch it between cars depending which one I drive. I would be pissed if Apple gets rid of it as there's nothing else in the lineup that has such a big hard drive.

[JBazz]

I am considering a classic for my audio books. I would love to have all books available on one device. I think I have around 200 books? I keep several on my iPad, a few on my phone and iPods. But there really isn't anything I can find that comes close.

It takes so long to download a book. I am constantly removing and downloading books as my mood changes. The thought of syncing once and only having to worry about new purchases seems like heaven.

I came on tonight to see if any rumors of updating or dropping are out.

[MacSignal]

Much love for the Classic! But it could be so much better: 240 GB SSD, radio, lighter/thinner/stronger case, better battery life, larger retina-style display, audio improvements. I hope future versions of the Classic will have all of this.

[ChrisTX]

I have owned every iPad, almost every iPhone, several iPods(older classics, mini, and a few nanos), 2 MacBook Pros, Apple TV, etc... And outside of my iPhone, my 160GB iPod classic is the one piece of tech, and Apple device that is guaranteed to be with me at all times! It stores my entire music collection, and rides with me wherever I go. If I leave the house without it, you can guarantee I am turning around to go get it! My life revolves around music of various types, and it is imperative that the iPod classic is apart of my life. The first 20gb iPod I purchased many moons ago caused me to fall in love with Apple, and soon after purchase my first Mac. Great thread, so glad to share. :D