The 160GB iPod classic (Black) from Apple is the stalwart anchor of the iPod line. Offering the most storage of any iPod, the hard drive-based classic puts up to 40,000 songs, 200 hours of video, or 25,000 photos into your pocket. The classic features a bright 2.5" LCD screen, which displays album artwork and song information when playing music. You'll be able to navigate through music using a standard playlist menu, or through the gorgeous Cover Flow system, which displays a virtual wall of your digital album covers on the iPod's color screen.
Navigation is achieved using the venerable Click Wheel interface, which allows you to scroll through music and playlists by rotating your finger across its smooth surface. Simply click one of the 5 controls -- the unlabeled center button, Play/Pause in the 6 o'clock position, Previous at 9 o'clock, Next at 3 o'clock, and Menu at 12 o'clock -- to work your way through the intuitive menu system. To turn the device off, simply hold play for a few seconds. A physical "Hold" switch is located on the top of the device, allowing you to lock the controls to prevent an accidental song change or volume adjustment.
The iPod works with Apple's iTunes software, included with every Mac and available as a free download for Windows, to manage your music library. In addition to syncing your music library between your computer and portable device, iTunes syncs your calendars, contacts, notes, and games.
Like most current iPods, the classic connects to a computer and other peripheral devices using the Dock connector. This opens it up for use with a world of peripherals, including speaker docks, Bluetooth headphone adapters, and more. It includes a Dock to USB cable, allowing you to sync and charge the device with your Mac or PC.
The integrated battery can provide up to 36 hours of audio playback, or 6 hours of video playback, on a single charge. You'll be able to charge the device to 80% capacity in as little as 2 hours, and to full capacity in only 4 hours.
The iPod classic isn't just a media player. If you delve into its "Extras" menu, you will find that it sports the aforementioned calendar, contact list, notes, and games. It ships free with 3 games -- Vortex, iQuiz, and Klondike solitaire -- with more games available for purchase in iTunes. You can also set the iPod's time zone and create custom alarms for yourself. A sleep timer is available, allowing you to automatically turn the iPod off after a certain amount of time has passed -- as little as 15 minutes or as much as 2 hours. You'll also be able to access a stopwatch function, perfect for timing steeping time for the perfect cup of tea, and a screen lock function to prevent unauthorized access.
The Settings menu allows you to control all aspects of your iPod's functionality. You'll be able to use it to control shuffle and repeat functions, customize what items appear on menus, and adjust playback speed of audio books, perfect for those times when you only have a few hours of time to finish listening to the audio version of Anna Karenina.
The Settings menu also allows you to adjust the playback EQ, set the date and time, and control whether or not the iPod makes an audible 'click' while scrolling. You can also adjust music sorting order, LCD brightness, and set a volume limit, ensuring that you don't accidentally blow out your eardrums by setting the volume too high.
| Type | Hard Drive |
| Capacity | 160GB |
| Memory Card Slot | None |
| Display |
2.5" LCD 320 x 240 Pixel Resolution |
| FM Tuner | No |
| FM Recording | No |
| Voice Recording | No |
| Data Storage | Yes |
| Photo Capture | No |
| Photo Viewing | Yes |
| Video Recording | No |
| Video Playback | Yes |
| Text Reader | Yes |
| Formats Supported | Audio: AAC (8-320kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), MP3 (8-320kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, 4, Audible Enhanced Audio, AAX, and AAX+), Apple Lossless, AIFF, WAV |
| Connections |
Dock Connector 1x 1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Headphone |
| Battery | 1x Built-in Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery |
| Charger |
USB 2.0 AC Adapter (optional) |
| System Requirements |
Operating System Windows XP, Vista Mac OS X 10.40.11 Hardware USB 2.0 Port |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 2.4 x 4.1 x 0.41" / 6.10 x 10.41 x 1.04 cm |
| Weight | 0.31 lb / 0.14 kg |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
A month or less | 80% (8 reviews) | |
One-to-three months | ||
Three-to-six months | ||
More than six months |
Most Liked Positive Review
nice way to take ALL your music with you
having recieved a touch and marveling at its abilities,iwas was tempted and bought a classic as my music inventory is much bigger than the 16 gigs (14.5 available). since ive recieved it and...Read complete review
having recieved a touch and marveling at its abilities,iwas was tempted and bought a classic as my music inventory is much bigger than the 16 gigs (14.5 available). since ive recieved it and loaded my whole library on it,iv used it on a couple of long driving trips with an fm adapter and its real nice to be able to pick any song you want to hear with hassling with a bunch of cd's.
and i have a few movies on it(could do the same with the touch ,just not as much)which help kill the empty times we all have from time to time.
im thinking with the addition of a cable or two,i
could avoid taking dvds with me as well to kill those rainy days in fishing camp. the screen is ok for watching movies and videos,but its much better to be able to share on a bigger screen
with others.and being able to also carry some files around sounds pretty good to me.dont really need that sort of thing but it can be done with it.other than a fairly high price tag,i cant really find any thing wrong with it. one thing to be aware of though is when you buy a protective sleeve or case for it,they may come with a screen protector(clear plastic) and a thumbwheel protector as well. ive found that the thumbwheel would work whe covered with the heavy plastic.
tried a little modification to the sleeve which reall didnt turn out too good.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Works just fine after 2 weeks.
A 16 GB nano was my first ipod. I did like it, but decided my next mp3 would not be Apple due to the software restrictions. My nano was stolen so I researched mp3s...Read complete review
A 16 GB nano was my first ipod. I did like it, but decided my next mp3 would not be Apple due to the software restrictions. My nano was stolen so I researched mp3s and my conclusion was that nothing currently competes with the ipod for storage capacity. I wanted greater than 16GB this time around.
The volume on 0 is still audible, not too loud but why can't I control my minimum volume. After a little research I found that this is common to ipod. Because of this volume issue and the fact that it is Apple I can only give this a 3 although I am happy with the product so far.
I recommend ipod only if you want storage capicity above 16GB, 16GB and under go with something else.
Hopefully by the time I need another mp3, there will be other things that can complete with the ipod. But for now, it is Apple only by default :(
Reviewed by 195 customers
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Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
I thought that this will be a good mp3 player with 160 gb memory. I copied 4 gb of mp3 files and tried to play them. The ipod adamently says that there are no music files to play. The instruction is also poor. I don't want itunes and I don't like to buy anything from itunes store. Even then the player is adament in using itunes. I am ready to sell this fresh piece for a lesser price.
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Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
Worth all the price...
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
you cant go wrong with a ipod at a great price
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
is a good product, with a large memory capacity. The sound quality is fantastic Apple then.
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Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
I bought 2 of this items.. it's a great product!!
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Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
I'm a truck driver and this Ipod is an amazing player to have when you're on the road for hours at a time! When I'm stoped I even watch videos, shows, and movies!
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Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
The product is used for Music, and for small video's.
The Music can be shuffled and is so clear, and the video's are also very clear to watch.
I've not noticed and thing that isn't great about it.
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
Apple products are a class apart and my all new Apple 160 GB iPod classic is no exception . The big storage of 160GB really impressed me this means as promised by Apple 40,000 songs, 200 hours of video and 25,000 photos all can vary depending on the quality. The size of the LCD display is 2.5" and is big enough to view photos and videos.
The sound quality is outstanding. There is a navigation wheel that allows me to browse through the playlist menu. The battery life also is amazing with 36 hours of audio playback and 6 hours of video playback. Not just music and video the iPod also supports calendars, contacts, alarm, games and not to forget stopwatch function.
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Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
I really love my ipod.
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Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
this is my fifth ipod over years. i sold my third gen touch to get this classic. huge storage, great battery life, and best of all i can change the song without looking while driving.
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Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
sound excellant
should come with better instuctions or manual
need college degree to figure out how to work it
getting the hang of it but they should make it more simple for dinosaurs like me
other than the previous I like it and recommend it for someone wants alot of music pictures etc.
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Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
sound quality and control responsivness is very good. ipod classic drawback is that acompaining accessories are hard to locate brcause retailers only stock for ipads. also a hard time finding how to transfer files from ipod to computer.
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Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
Loads of storage;
crystal clear sound;
easy to use;
solid as a hokey puck.
Pros
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Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
I use this almost exclusively for music files. Bought it because I wanted a large storage capacity, and this one has it in abundance! There is a strange noise that the iPod makes while processing commands, but I understand that this is common to all Classics.
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Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
you can take it all with you - music, movies, photos, text files - etc
smart software
great customer support (less that 5 minutes -live)
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Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
I use the iPod Classic to store songs from all of my old records, tapes and CDs'. My goal is to fully utilize the capacity of the Classic. So far, I'm 40% there. The ease of use of the Classic, in conjunction with iTunes, is one of it's best features. I play the music in my car, on airplanes and on my Bose iPod player at home. The sound is incredible. I love everything about the Classic! And by the way ...., B&H offers the best price anywhere.
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Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
I got this as a replacement for my old 30G Classic and I am very satisfied. Easy to use and LOTS of storage! Battery is MUCH improved.
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Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
After using several iPod Nano's I felt the time was right to go bigger, bolder and better. I wanted to have my complete music collection with me in high quality. Because I was really satisfied with my earlier iPods I thought it would be the right choice to buy an iPod Classic 160 GB.
160 GB: that's a whole lot of storage. Right now I've got over 4000 songs on it (MP3, 320 kbs) and it's only 20% full. You can easily browse between your albums and songs. Even by using the search function! Unfortunately there is no keyboard to input names, but the scrolling wheel works fine enough. The complete menu is easy to customize and the sound quality meets the excellent Apple standards.
Aren't there any negative points? Yes there is. One. In comparison with an iPod Nano, the Classic is quite big. Having it in your pocket it feels kind of heavy and bulky. No way you won't notice you forget to take it with you ;-)
In conclusion this iPod is really great in use and sound quality. Despite it being big it is a nice personal audio player that while you're on the road.
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Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
All the features you need in an Ipod with a good amount of storage.
Pros
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Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
Its amazing how much music can be stored on this device. The only problem is not being able to make a playlist or delete songs directly from the ipod.The hold button makes it perfect for the gym or sports.
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