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 |
| Video Resolution | 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
| 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 Video: H.264 (1.5-2.5Mbps) M4V, MP4, MOV; MPEG4 (2.5Mbps) M4V, MP4, MOV |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Connections |
Dock Connector 1x 1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Headphone |
| Battery |
1x Built-in Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery Providing up to 36 Hours per Charge |
| Charger |
USB 2.0 AC Adapter (optional) |
| Charging Time |
Quick Charge: 2 Hours Full Charge: 4 Hours |
| 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 :(
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 227 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
I've been an Ipod classic fan for many years. There is no replacement for the amount of storage on this device and the ease of the iTunes application. I lost my ipod and wanted a quick replacement. B&H picked, packed, and shipped my order the same day I ordered it. Awesome turn around! I also love the Bill Me Later option. Thanks B&H. I'll definitely check back with you when I'm looking for future elctronic technology.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
Great Product I use it basically for music.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
Yesterday, somehow it stopped playing music, I restarted the ipod with menu + middle button and it started working again. But this got me a little worried since I just purchased it last week. Other than that, everything else seems to be working fine. Apple hasn't disappointed me so far. I own a ipod touch, iphone, ipad, and now a classic
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
Used to play through home stereo and car stereo.
Great Capacity: Imported 700 cd's and still have half the gigs left.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
This is the MP3 player with the largest amount of memory. Because I hate listening to compressed music, I boycotted mp3 players until this model came out. Because of the large amount of memory, I could store a large amount of music in a non-compressed format. I have recorded most of my music in the apple lossless format with which I've been quite happy.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
using this as a music server on a high end audiophile 2 channel stereo system (t+a electronics and dynaudio focus speakers) and works great. use a separate dac with loseless files, so the space is needed and just works as a storage unit. works like a charm and coupled with good cables and my dac/controller, does the job at a very affordable price.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
7th ipod, ease of use as any other apple products. although it is an old tech machine, no comparison in terms of storage capacity and size with any other player.
purchased to pair it with headphone amp hence DAC or Amp quality was not an major issue.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
As I understand it, the Ipod Classic is still the only device with enough storage for a music enthusiast. I do wish they made a white one.
We're all waiting for Mac minds to come up with improvements on Itunes however.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
It is so much faster and easier to operate than a touch screen.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
nothing fancy but incredible storage space and does exactly what it's supposed to. loaded with as many larger lossless files for superior sound quality especially when used with quality headphones/headphone amp or connected to a quality home/auto stereo. B&H has the great price.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
It's the best audio device around. Great for playing music, watching videos and more. At B&H you get the best deal, with no tax and free shipping.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
I use it every day and it's amazing.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
Good sound quality
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
Storing my entire music library in Apple Lossless format, so I can get best sound without CD's. I only wish it played podcasts at 2x-speed like the Touch does.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
Holds a lot of music. Light weight.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
Can fit my entire music library on a single organized source.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
160GB and apple design / ease of use! How can you go wrong?
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
Great replacement for my stolen 6 year old Ipod
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
The most amazing iPod that Apple ever made. Ok, u cannot connect with wifi, cannot use FaceTime but that's why I have my iPhone. It`s not so small as iPod nano, but that`s ok to me. All I want is to listen music and need a big storage like iPod Classic have. 160B is not for every mp3 player! ;)
i luv my iPod Classic! <3
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
The battery life for one is fantastic! Storage space is great! Not a fan of the extra step with iTunes. I'm sure for those with Macs it's not a problem. Overall great product.
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 :(
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 227 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
I've been an Ipod classic fan for many years. There is no replacement for the amount of storage on this device and the ease of the iTunes application. I lost my ipod and wanted a quick replacement. B&H picked, packed, and shipped my order the same day I ordered it. Awesome turn around! I also love the Bill Me Later option. Thanks B&H. I'll definitely check back with you when I'm looking for future elctronic technology.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
Great Product I use it basically for music.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
Yesterday, somehow it stopped playing music, I restarted the ipod with menu + middle button and it started working again. But this got me a little worried since I just purchased it last week. Other than that, everything else seems to be working fine. Apple hasn't disappointed me so far. I own a ipod touch, iphone, ipad, and now a classic
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
Used to play through home stereo and car stereo.
Great Capacity: Imported 700 cd's and still have half the gigs left.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
This is the MP3 player with the largest amount of memory. Because I hate listening to compressed music, I boycotted mp3 players until this model came out. Because of the large amount of memory, I could store a large amount of music in a non-compressed format. I have recorded most of my music in the apple lossless format with which I've been quite happy.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
using this as a music server on a high end audiophile 2 channel stereo system (t+a electronics and dynaudio focus speakers) and works great. use a separate dac with loseless files, so the space is needed and just works as a storage unit. works like a charm and coupled with good cables and my dac/controller, does the job at a very affordable price.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
7th ipod, ease of use as any other apple products. although it is an old tech machine, no comparison in terms of storage capacity and size with any other player.
purchased to pair it with headphone amp hence DAC or Amp quality was not an major issue.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
As I understand it, the Ipod Classic is still the only device with enough storage for a music enthusiast. I do wish they made a white one.
We're all waiting for Mac minds to come up with improvements on Itunes however.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
It is so much faster and easier to operate than a touch screen.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
nothing fancy but incredible storage space and does exactly what it's supposed to. loaded with as many larger lossless files for superior sound quality especially when used with quality headphones/headphone amp or connected to a quality home/auto stereo. B&H has the great price.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
It's the best audio device around. Great for playing music, watching videos and more. At B&H you get the best deal, with no tax and free shipping.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
I use it every day and it's amazing.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
Good sound quality
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
Storing my entire music library in Apple Lossless format, so I can get best sound without CD's. I only wish it played podcasts at 2x-speed like the Touch does.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
Holds a lot of music. Light weight.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
Can fit my entire music library on a single organized source.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
160GB and apple design / ease of use! How can you go wrong?
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
Great replacement for my stolen 6 year old Ipod
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
The most amazing iPod that Apple ever made. Ok, u cannot connect with wifi, cannot use FaceTime but that's why I have my iPhone. It`s not so small as iPod nano, but that`s ok to me. All I want is to listen music and need a big storage like iPod Classic have. 160B is not for every mp3 player! ;)
i luv my iPod Classic! <3
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 160GB iPod classic (Black, Current Model):
The battery life for one is fantastic! Storage space is great! Not a fan of the extra step with iTunes. I'm sure for those with Macs it's not a problem. Overall great product.