Quick Gage: Apple iPod classic 120GB

[Rob Williams]

The iPod isn't an unknown product, but I happen to be a new owner of the 120GB classic, so I thought it'd be a good idea to take a look at things from a fresh perspective, since I've spent next-to-no time ever with an iPod before. The classic lacks a few features of other iPod models, but if storage is your primary concern, this one should be right up your alley.

You can read the full look at the iPod classic here and then discuss it here. Disagree with a few of my points? Have recommendations for me? Bring em up!

I, too recently purchased the 120gb Classic having given my 80gb to my nephew. Prior to buying it, though,I sampled, the Nano and the Touch and they both had severe disadvantages for me. The Nano's wheel was just too small for my fairly large fingers and it felt just a tad too delicate. The Touch to a great degree limits its use for jogging. I usually would keep the player in a pocket or case and without a click wheel that you can feel, you have to actually look at the Touch's screen for any adjustments.

The Classic, of course, has a hard drive rather than the other Apple's players' flash drive technology. Is this old technology? Yes, but data transfer rates supposedly are faster, though, as you noted some things like Artwork, is a bit slow.

Your review paints an accurate picture and there is very little I could add. I think the decision by Apple to offer only black and silver reflects the rather subdued yet serious, no-nonsense character of most Classic purchasers. Most of the girls in the high school I work have the multi-colored Nano; whereas many boys who collect videos and podcasts have the Classic. Like you, I only use mine for music.

I hate to admit it, but I have only used 5gb of my total, but to me, the Classic's asthetics and its fit and comfort in my hand are worth it. There is no better value for the dollar. I saved the 5% sales tax here in Virginia by buying it in my local military exchange, plus a discount. For $230, it is a clear winner!

[Rob Williams]

Thanks for the input, Bob!

I agree on all of your points as well... I like the bulk-factor of the classic, because it's nice to know that the player I'm holding requires more than two fingers to snap in half. Plus, it's just comfortable to hold, and fits nice into a pocket.

I'm still debating on the jogging usefulness of the Classic though. I've thought about working out with it, but something about the fact that the Classic uses a mechanical hard drive is holding me back. It just doesn't seem that safe to be moving around too much when the storage device has moving parts. Have you got quite a bit of experience with this?

Originally Posted by Bob Foster, Lt Col, USAF

I hate to admit it, but I have only used 5gb of my total

Whoa, haha. You need to load that sucker up with something else I think, or pick up some new tunes ;-)