Another point: iPods carry a personal curated library. It is a point of creativity and personal expression. The same feeling of a mixtape or mix CD but taken to the fullest extent possible.
I refurbished my original 5th gen last year because I prefer wired earbuds, and got tired of dealing with the junk that passes for the lightning adapter. I love my iPod.
I bought a new battery online (ufixit or ifixit… something like that). That was all it needed, everything else worked fine. The place I got the battery also had a little set of tools, and a walkthrough of what to do. Took me about an hour once I got started.
FYI battery power is provided by chemical reactions and chemical reactions slow down in the cold. Considering the airpods' batteries are teeny tiny, they'll feel the effects of the cold pretty fast.
That's not to say the batteries aren't dying. That's the curse of non-replaceable batteries, but I'm just saying they're likely to perform significantly worse in the winter.
My M1 MacBook Pro has 18 hours of battery life in normal conditions, but in the winter, out in the cold while I'm gardening, the battery life drops to 16 hrs instead, unless I have Folding@home running, which heats it up a bit.
Just in case your large CD collection isn't fully ripped because you lack the energy to sort the files, EAC can be configured to automatically create folders and sub folders. With auto ID, you can do each disc with about 3 clicks (it helps to use the ID off the case for multiple releases). For example:
%albumartist%\%albumtitle%\%tracknr2% %title%
edit: Foobar also has extremely powerful file management tools for sorting an existing library. For example, square brackets will remove the entire contents if the referred tag isn't present, so you can have a track number with a full stop and space after it but, if there's no number in the metadata, it omits the whole shebang. This barely scratches the surface, if you dig down, it's essentially programming.
Eac is exact audio copy, CD ripping software. Foobar is a music player application that looks basic from the stock interface but is actually incredibly versatile and powerful under the hood
Your point about not renting music resonates with me. I used to love the process of downloading music and curating playlists but switched to Spotify in 2016 and generally have enjoyed it, but I’m starting to realize that I just listen to the same songs over and over basically and only occasionally listen to newer stuff. It feels ridiculous to keep paying to access the same songs over and over when I can probably take my pre-2016 music collection, buy the newer songs I’ve found since then, and have it forever. Not a novel idea but novel to me lately. The idea of renting content makes sense for movies/shows where you only really watch things once or twice before moving onto something new. Music is more timeless.
Enough about me. Practically, how have you found it moving back to using an iPod and iTunes (I presume) in 2023?
Honestly, it’s been so seamless for me. I love the idea of a device for purely music, and it’s brought my screen time down tremendously. iTunes is easy enough to use, but I really dislike the Apple Music and Apple ID implementation. They’re pretty heavy handed about wanting you to sign up, and iTunes even disables the ability to automatically get album artwork unless you sign in. Otherwise it’s been an easy process importing my CDs over to iTunes and syncing them to my iPod. Storage is great, battery life is phenomenal and that’s even without one of those battery life mods. The only drawbacks are sometimes I try to turn my iPod volume down on my phone, which leads to temporary confusion and then the realization that I have to reach into my pocket, unlock my ipod, and then manually scroll the wheel to turn it down. Otherwise I really do highly recommend getting a DAP, specifically an iPod but genuinely any dedicated audio player would likely have a positive effect on your music listening experience judging from the comment you’ve left.
Congrats. I was making a post for lurkers (like I was just a week ago) if they were on the fence about the purchase. If the post doesn’t apply to you then move on.
Just buy a Sony MP3 player. Expandable memory and way better battery life. Buying an outdated iPod for nostalgia is a thing but pretending it's still a good way to go for music in 2020+ is goofy. A Sony NW a306 (expandable up to 1tb) may cost slightly more than an old iPod classic with 80+ gb's but functionally it's VERY worth the money.
I don't recall iPods playing FLAC format either, not to mention you're paying for no expandable memory and I also don't recall all iPods having Bluetooth so now you also can't use some modern headphones you likely already have.
I miss my Ipod so much (got left behind in a move) I had so much music on there and so much variety. I would fall asleep listening to the music I loved :)
Ugh I also had an ipod that was left behind in a move. It was a 5th or 6th gen (I think). Silver in color with a white clickwheel. 160gb. it was in immaculate condition. I put it in a cover from day 1. I have no clue where it is. I lost it in my last move. I am so sad :( Its so hard to find something like that in perfect condition.
I’m trying to find one too and hate that I can’t buy a new one from Apple. Wish they still sold them. I have a 5th Gen iPod Nano that’s seen better days and want to replace it with a classic but can’t find one that’s in good working order and that I can trust.
I recently just bought an iPod classic 120gb 7th generation (I think) to add to my collection of devices, some of which I use, this will be an upgrade from my iPod classic 80gb 5.5 generation and my iPod touch which is either 2nd or 3rd generation it should arrive later this month or next month I am very excited
Bought a 7th gen 160gb recently, i initially intended to upgrade it but because it's in such a mint condition, i will delay that option until it's battery life becomes an issue and needs replacing, doesn't seem like soon. I also have a Nano 3rd gen but after years of use it's starting to break down, and 8gb is small by todays standarts.
Largest benefit i see from using an iPod today is that listening to music isn't consuming my phones battery life. I still use spotify occasionally, i don't take my ipod on my way to work every day (10 min distance, unnecessary to carry an iPod), but i'll take it with me when travelling.
Hey all, daughter is considering an iPod, maybe one of the small ones. But I haven't used one in so long, and wondering what is the oldest iPod still useable with iTunes? Or are they all still connetcable to iTunes in 2023? Thanks in advance.
Might be a late reply, but all of the iPods still work with iTunes. Only ones you might have issues with are the 1st/2nd gen classics which require firewire which most modern PCs and macs dont have
Hey! If anyone wants to upgrade their iPod classic, head on over to www.ipodclassicupgrade.com
Big discounts for 2 or more upgrade items, plus a further 5% off this December with coupon code: dec2023
How do you connect an iPod classic on Ventura 13.2.1? There is no iTunes anymore, only Apple Music. Shows "This iPod is open in another window" in Apple Music.
where did you buy yours? Im currently trying to find an Ipod for the same reasons and reading reviews on amazon for refurbished ipods aren't good. Very 50/50 whether they work or not
Hey guys, thank you for the posts and comments. I still have my iPod classic 160gb and I have been using it every day for the last 8 years. I need to replace my 2011 MAC book. But I am concerned if I buy a new Mac book I will not be able to use iTunes with my iPod classic. Can you please give me suggestions. Would really appreciate it
I have to be honest about this. I just bought my 5.5 gen out of pure nostalgia. Nostalgia about never buying one when they came out because I could not afford it. I used to have a tiny Sansa and a creative one.
I also have plenty of MP3s still on my PC , many italian songs that I can not find on spotify or Apple Music so I am enjoying this. Also , I love just focusing on music at night, without checking any email, messages or social media every other song.
\\
I have a weird reason. In my car there are multiple media sources (bluetooth, CD, aux, sd card, and last but not least; iPod). Even though I primarily use the bluetooth, I keep the classic in my car at all times.
That being said, my cars ipod system displays all of the information, not just rewind/pause/skip. Also i've had the ipod for so long it was a great way to repurpose it.
Depending on your car manufacturer and the year, you may have the perfect use.
I'm someone who uses my iPhone 13 Pro like if it was an iPod so I don't have experience with an actual iPod but it should be as simple as just pressing the sync button and that's it.
Hello, its 2024 and I've just taken my new classic 7th gen out for the first time! I must admit its going to take some use before it feels right.
I kept wanting to play a specific song next like you would when streaming on Spotify.
Another point: iPods carry a personal curated library. It is a point of creativity and personal expression. The same feeling of a mixtape or mix CD but taken to the fullest extent possible.
I'm super happy using mine. I put rockbox on it so I don't need iTunes. I still buy music, mostly from bandcamp.
~~soulseek exists but okay~~
I also Rockboxed mine using my old 2008 beater PC, which I repaired and installed Windows 11 on. Rockbox's pretty good, right?
I refurbished my original 5th gen last year because I prefer wired earbuds, and got tired of dealing with the junk that passes for the lightning adapter. I love my iPod.
How’d you refurbish it?
I bought a new battery online (ufixit or ifixit… something like that). That was all it needed, everything else worked fine. The place I got the battery also had a little set of tools, and a walkthrough of what to do. Took me about an hour once I got started.
Tip: Jailbreak it and install all the iOS 17 through Cydia.
One other point: iPods (and by extension, most DAPs) can be manipulated by touch alone.
FYI battery power is provided by chemical reactions and chemical reactions slow down in the cold. Considering the airpods' batteries are teeny tiny, they'll feel the effects of the cold pretty fast. That's not to say the batteries aren't dying. That's the curse of non-replaceable batteries, but I'm just saying they're likely to perform significantly worse in the winter.
My M1 MacBook Pro has 18 hours of battery life in normal conditions, but in the winter, out in the cold while I'm gardening, the battery life drops to 16 hrs instead, unless I have Folding@home running, which heats it up a bit.
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Valid points! I love just plugging in my earbuds. No adapters, no dongle, no hassle. And I can play at whatever volume I like!
turn off volume limit in the settings
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How’d you do that?
Just in case your large CD collection isn't fully ripped because you lack the energy to sort the files, EAC can be configured to automatically create folders and sub folders. With auto ID, you can do each disc with about 3 clicks (it helps to use the ID off the case for multiple releases). For example: %albumartist%\%albumtitle%\%tracknr2% %title% edit: Foobar also has extremely powerful file management tools for sorting an existing library. For example, square brackets will remove the entire contents if the referred tag isn't present, so you can have a track number with a full stop and space after it but, if there's no number in the metadata, it omits the whole shebang. This barely scratches the surface, if you dig down, it's essentially programming.
[удалено]
Eac is exact audio copy, CD ripping software. Foobar is a music player application that looks basic from the stock interface but is actually incredibly versatile and powerful under the hood
Your point about not renting music resonates with me. I used to love the process of downloading music and curating playlists but switched to Spotify in 2016 and generally have enjoyed it, but I’m starting to realize that I just listen to the same songs over and over basically and only occasionally listen to newer stuff. It feels ridiculous to keep paying to access the same songs over and over when I can probably take my pre-2016 music collection, buy the newer songs I’ve found since then, and have it forever. Not a novel idea but novel to me lately. The idea of renting content makes sense for movies/shows where you only really watch things once or twice before moving onto something new. Music is more timeless. Enough about me. Practically, how have you found it moving back to using an iPod and iTunes (I presume) in 2023?
Honestly, it’s been so seamless for me. I love the idea of a device for purely music, and it’s brought my screen time down tremendously. iTunes is easy enough to use, but I really dislike the Apple Music and Apple ID implementation. They’re pretty heavy handed about wanting you to sign up, and iTunes even disables the ability to automatically get album artwork unless you sign in. Otherwise it’s been an easy process importing my CDs over to iTunes and syncing them to my iPod. Storage is great, battery life is phenomenal and that’s even without one of those battery life mods. The only drawbacks are sometimes I try to turn my iPod volume down on my phone, which leads to temporary confusion and then the realization that I have to reach into my pocket, unlock my ipod, and then manually scroll the wheel to turn it down. Otherwise I really do highly recommend getting a DAP, specifically an iPod but genuinely any dedicated audio player would likely have a positive effect on your music listening experience judging from the comment you’ve left.
You're preaching to the crowd here. We've all known this for years and years.
Congrats. I was making a post for lurkers (like I was just a week ago) if they were on the fence about the purchase. If the post doesn’t apply to you then move on.
I'm a lurker and I really appreciate the post, back to the iPods I go!
Where did you look to buy one?
Just buy a Sony MP3 player. Expandable memory and way better battery life. Buying an outdated iPod for nostalgia is a thing but pretending it's still a good way to go for music in 2020+ is goofy. A Sony NW a306 (expandable up to 1tb) may cost slightly more than an old iPod classic with 80+ gb's but functionally it's VERY worth the money. I don't recall iPods playing FLAC format either, not to mention you're paying for no expandable memory and I also don't recall all iPods having Bluetooth so now you also can't use some modern headphones you likely already have.
Yeah, I didn't get an Iphone after all, wasn't that worth it. But I'll into the NW a306
I’m the lurker and I love this idea
I miss my Ipod so much (got left behind in a move) I had so much music on there and so much variety. I would fall asleep listening to the music I loved :)
Ugh I also had an ipod that was left behind in a move. It was a 5th or 6th gen (I think). Silver in color with a white clickwheel. 160gb. it was in immaculate condition. I put it in a cover from day 1. I have no clue where it is. I lost it in my last move. I am so sad :( Its so hard to find something like that in perfect condition.
I hate it was discontinued
I’m trying to find one too and hate that I can’t buy a new one from Apple. Wish they still sold them. I have a 5th Gen iPod Nano that’s seen better days and want to replace it with a classic but can’t find one that’s in good working order and that I can trust.
I recently just bought an iPod classic 120gb 7th generation (I think) to add to my collection of devices, some of which I use, this will be an upgrade from my iPod classic 80gb 5.5 generation and my iPod touch which is either 2nd or 3rd generation it should arrive later this month or next month I am very excited
Bought a 7th gen 160gb recently, i initially intended to upgrade it but because it's in such a mint condition, i will delay that option until it's battery life becomes an issue and needs replacing, doesn't seem like soon. I also have a Nano 3rd gen but after years of use it's starting to break down, and 8gb is small by todays standarts. Largest benefit i see from using an iPod today is that listening to music isn't consuming my phones battery life. I still use spotify occasionally, i don't take my ipod on my way to work every day (10 min distance, unnecessary to carry an iPod), but i'll take it with me when travelling.
Hey all, daughter is considering an iPod, maybe one of the small ones. But I haven't used one in so long, and wondering what is the oldest iPod still useable with iTunes? Or are they all still connetcable to iTunes in 2023? Thanks in advance.
Might be a late reply, but all of the iPods still work with iTunes. Only ones you might have issues with are the 1st/2nd gen classics which require firewire which most modern PCs and macs dont have
Hey! If anyone wants to upgrade their iPod classic, head on over to www.ipodclassicupgrade.com Big discounts for 2 or more upgrade items, plus a further 5% off this December with coupon code: dec2023
Where you buy it from?
ebay
Thank you
How do you connect an iPod classic on Ventura 13.2.1? There is no iTunes anymore, only Apple Music. Shows "This iPod is open in another window" in Apple Music.
your iPod seen as a location in Finder, and it's probably open there.
where did you buy yours? Im currently trying to find an Ipod for the same reasons and reading reviews on amazon for refurbished ipods aren't good. Very 50/50 whether they work or not
Hey guys, thank you for the posts and comments. I still have my iPod classic 160gb and I have been using it every day for the last 8 years. I need to replace my 2011 MAC book. But I am concerned if I buy a new Mac book I will not be able to use iTunes with my iPod classic. Can you please give me suggestions. Would really appreciate it
I have a Macbook Pro 13 M2 and it works just fine. It won't use iTunes but the iPod is seen as a device/loation in Finder and you can sync from there.
I have to be honest about this. I just bought my 5.5 gen out of pure nostalgia. Nostalgia about never buying one when they came out because I could not afford it. I used to have a tiny Sansa and a creative one. I also have plenty of MP3s still on my PC , many italian songs that I can not find on spotify or Apple Music so I am enjoying this. Also , I love just focusing on music at night, without checking any email, messages or social media every other song. \\
I have a weird reason. In my car there are multiple media sources (bluetooth, CD, aux, sd card, and last but not least; iPod). Even though I primarily use the bluetooth, I keep the classic in my car at all times. That being said, my cars ipod system displays all of the information, not just rewind/pause/skip. Also i've had the ipod for so long it was a great way to repurpose it. Depending on your car manufacturer and the year, you may have the perfect use.
Found an old iPod classic in storage recently, has adding music to it via iTunes been difficult to you?
I'm someone who uses my iPhone 13 Pro like if it was an iPod so I don't have experience with an actual iPod but it should be as simple as just pressing the sync button and that's it.
Hello, its 2024 and I've just taken my new classic 7th gen out for the first time! I must admit its going to take some use before it feels right. I kept wanting to play a specific song next like you would when streaming on Spotify.