Ask a Tech Expert Now- JustAnswerApple iPod Classic (160GB, silver)
Manufacturer: Apple Part number: MB145LL/A
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- Product series
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- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The iPod Classic is a refinement of the formula that put the iPod on the map. Few can match its combination of storage capacity, battery life, and advanced user interface.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
Apple iPod Classic (160GB, silver) price range: $389.99
- Reviewed by: Donald Bell
- Edited by: Lindsey Turrentine
- Reviewed on: 09/10/2007
- Updated on:09/27/2007
- Released on: 09/07/2007
The good: The iPod Classic is just like the fifth-generation iPod with video, only slimmer, tougher, and injected with a more visually rich graphical user interface.
The bad: Video output now requires a proprietary cable; audio quality has not improved; some older iPod video accessories may not be compatible; users are required to use the latest version of iTunes, which may not work on some older computer systems.
The bottom line: The iPod Classic is a refinement of the formula that put the iPod on the map. Few can match its combination of storage capacity, battery life, and advanced user interface.
Editor's note: This review has been updated to include battery life data resulting from CNET Labs' testing.
The iPod Classic is the latest revamping of Apple's iconic hard drive MP3 player, formerly known as the Video iPod or fifth-generation iPod. As Apple's only remaining high-capacity MP3 player, the iPod Classic comes in both 80GB ($249) and 160GB versions ($349), available in black or silver.
Design
Cosmetically, the iPod Classic's improvements over its predecessors are minor. An anodized-aluminum faceplate now replaces the glossy, all-plastic facade found on the previous generation. Overall thickness has also improved, with the 80GB iPod Classic now measuring 2.4x4.1x.41 inches--just a fraction of an inch thinner than the 30GB Video iPod we had in our lab. The screen, however, is still made from scratch-prone plastic (unlike the iPhone's and iPod Touch's), and the chrome found on the back cover still begs for smudges.
The Classic's most impressive design improvement is its dramatically overhauled menu system. One of the most striking changes is a split-screen main menu that displays the selections on the right half of the screen and a picture related to the selection on the left. For example, highlight the Music selection on the main menu, and the right half of the screen displays a random, drifting close-up of cover artwork from your music library. This same effect accompanies menu items such as movies, podcasts, and photos. Some might write off this split-screen effect as pure novelty, but the end result is quite beautiful. The Cover Flow system, for browsing your music collection with an emphasis on album artwork, finally makes its Classic debut, although Cover Flow does lose some appeal when not on a touch-screen device such as the iPhone. We also found a noticeable amount of lag using Cover Flow. Users with large music collections to sort through will prefer browsing using the list mode or search function. That said, Cover Flow makes for a scenic and engaging, if slow, way to browse your music.
Features
The iPod Classic has very few new features to talk about. Support for video and music playback, as well as photos, podcasts, and video games, are virtually unchanged.
The iPod Classic supports H.264 or MPEG-4 video in MOV, MP4, or M4V file formats, with a maximum resolution of 640x480 at as much as 30 frames per second. You can buy videos through the iTunes online store or import them into iTunes and convert them for playback. (Many third-party software video converters also do a great job converting videos for the iPod.) The Classic supports many of the video features we look for in portable video players. For instance, the Classic can recognize and skip between the DVD-like chapter markers embedded in QuickTime movie files. It also does a dependable job automatically resuming video playback at the point at which you last left off. Closed captioned subtitles can now be switched on and off for video files that support them.
Looking past the obvious big-ticket improvements, the new Classic includes some small touches that are easy to miss. Apple's music shuffle function, for instance, has made a subtle evolution, now letting you easily engage and disengage the shuffle function on the fly, with just a few clicks of the scroll wheel's center button. By placing the shuffle setting options (Shuffle Song, Shuffle Album, or Shuffle Off) in a song's Now Playing window, Apple is effectively giving you the ability to randomize songs until you find an artist you like--a lazy listener's dream come true. We're also happy to see that Apple has bundled three video games into both the iPod Classic and the Nano, giving us yet another way to stay distracted.
Apple's audio file format support remains the same. Copy-protected AAC files purchased through iTunes are supported, of course, as well as MP3, Apple lossless, AIFF, WAV, and Audible files. We're happy to see that despite the iPhone's unique file management requirements, the iPod Classic allows for manually adding and deleting music and video files without the hassles of playlist syncing. The Classic can also double as a USB hard drive in a pinch.
While the iPod Classic is a top-tier product, we long for some additional features, including the ability to use the headphone jack as a composite-video output, allowing photos and videos to be played to your television set without a third-party interface. While we can understand removing the little-used AV output feature to save on construction costs, we're even more surprised that Apple has rendered all of the recently released iPods incompatible with a number of third-party 5G video accessories as well. If you're hoping to use a new Nano or Classic with an existing video dock, be sure to check that the product explicitly states it is compatible with the iPod Classic. Apple's own Universal iPod Dock ($50) and component AV cable ($50) are guaranteed to work, of course.
Plus, there's our standard list of long-neglected iPod features: FM radio, line-input recording, SD memory expansion, custom EQ, and native support for WMA and subscription music services. We're not holding our breath.
Performance
Despite the major interface overhaul, the iPod Classic's sound quality still sounds just middle-of-the-road. Although middling sound quality doesn't seem to affect iPod sales, you'd think Apple would eventually address this long-standing complaint--if only out of pride. Users do get more than 20 equalization presets to choose among--ranging from subtle enhancement to dramatic bass boosting. Compared to products such as the Creative Zen V Plus, the Cowon iAudio 7, or the Toshiba Gigabeat U, however, the iPod's sound quality still leaves room for improvement. That said, after listening with our Ultrasone HFI-700 headphones as well as a set of Shure SE310 earphones, we can say with confidence that the Classic's fidelity will certainly satisfy most users.
Video playback was the most impressive aspect of the iPod Classic. While we were impressed by the crisp resolution of the iPod Nano's smaller 2-inch screen, the 2.5-inch screen found on the iPod classic is easier on the eyes. Both players share the same 320x240 resolution and are capable playing files encoded at 640x480. By purchasing an additional component AV cable from Apple, it's possible for users to output resolutions up to 480p (720x480) to a television.
Aside from the increased storage capacity and upgraded interface, the iPod Classic's enhanced battery life is one of the better reasons to fork over your money. The 80GB Classic is rated at 30 hours of audio playback and 5 hours for video, while the 160GB version promises 40 hours of audio and 7 hours for video. While products such as the Archos 405 will deliver similar results for video playback, MP3 players capable of 30 to 40 hours of audio playback are a rare find. Our CNET labs team found the 80GB iPod Classic is capable of 45 hours of audio playback and nearly 9 hours of video playback under realistic conditions. Although we didn't have the opportunity to test the 160GB iPod Classic, we think it's reasonable to expect that it will at least match, if not surpass, these results.
Is it worth upgrading?
If you're looking for an iPod that can store more than 16GB of music and video, the iPod Classic lineup is the only option now available to you. Those of you with more modest storage requirements of 20GB to 60GB will simply have to step up to the 80GB model or consider an iPod alternative. For file-hoarders anxious to break the 80GB Video iPod storage limitation, the 160GB iPod is a logical step forward.
Before you leap, however, you should know that the iPod Nano, the iPod Classic, and the iPod Touch, all require iTunes 7.4 or later in order to be compatible with your computer. We recommend testing the compatibility of the latest version of iTunes with your computer before making the purchase.
The iTunes factor
No iPod review would be complete mentioning Apple's iTunes music software. For better or worse, the integration between an iPod and Apple's iTunes music software is nearly airtight. If this is going to be your first iPod, it's worthwhile to download iTunes ahead of time to see if it works well on your computer and is intuitive for you to use. You should also be aware that most of the music and movies available for purchase on the iTunes online store will play only in iTunes or on an authorized iPod and cannot be transferred to a non-Apple MP3 player.
Final thoughts
As the availability of high-capacity hard drive MP3 players seems to be on the decline, we're happy to see that Apple is continuing to develop them. The iPod Classic doesn't deliver the novelty of the iPod Nano or the iPod Touch, but it is still one of the best-designed high-capacity MP3 players on the market.
User reviews
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You know you want it.
by skywalkr2 on October 1, 2007
Pros: Lots of room, Lots of Battery Life, Menus very beautiful, Easy to navigate
Cons: Still very scratchable - needs protective cover
Summary: You know what you are getting when you purchase an iPod. You are not buying line in recording, FM reciever, etc. So if you want these options - don't ...
Summary: You know what you are getting when you purchase an iPod. You are not buying line in recording, FM reciever, etc. So if you want these options - don't buy an iPod and then polute it's rating because of features you didn't pay for.
For $350 - you get 40 hours of music playback, 7 hours of video playback, and 160GB of storage. No one else compares with those numbers (esp 160Gb). Combine this (w/iTunes) with the free handbrake software and you can take your entire CD and DVD library with you! Try doing that with a flash memory device.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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ipod CLASSIC it's ok.....
by champhf on September 15, 2007
Pros: very nicely put together
Cons: lacks alot of miner details
Summary: i have my ipod classic for 3 days now and i must say it is very nice and crazy sexy. i still think there is so much that could have ...
Summary: i have my ipod classic for 3 days now and i must say it is very nice and crazy sexy. i still think there is so much that could have been resolved. i feel they could have seen if they added a much desired FM radio insted of forcing you to buy one. i sold my creative zen vision:m for this and i feel i steped down in quality ad features. the creative zen vision:m has only one flaw and it is the controls you use, it is sloppy. but under the hood it will deliver a built in mic as well as so much more. my point is if you have a 5gen ipod don't sell yours for this. besides the interface and a some new crippled features it is the same. nice if you got it but not top of the line in built in features.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Incredible Features! A Fantastic Choice!
by Cuttersack on September 6, 2007
Pros: Great Capacity! Amazing Disign!
Cons: Pricey! It is Very Expensive! Scratches are very possible if you dont buy a case!
Summary: Bought One and The Screen is Bright and BIG! Videos come out better then other Ipod Videos! It's Classic and Great!
Summary: Bought One and The Screen is Bright and BIG! Videos come out better then other Ipod Videos! It's Classic and Great!
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I love what I have been given! Thank you.
by fujitsulover on December 23, 2009
Pros: Apple has made a reputation for themselves by making visually appealing products that does a function well! In this case, play music and movies! Thank you.
Cons: I wish the battery would last longer and the conversion time would be less, but that might not give me something to do! At least I can rest my ears while it recharges and convert movies.
Summary: Jesus Christ is number one! He is number one because he has blessed me with a few wonderful Christmas and Birthday presents. I have a wonderful mother who has taken ...
Summary: Jesus Christ is number one! He is number one because he has blessed me with a few wonderful Christmas and Birthday presents. I have a wonderful mother who has taken good care of me. She works 6 days a week to bring home nourishments for the family. What more can a son ask for than an Ipod Classic 160gb Silver? Although I am poor and do not have enough money for an Apple account all year long, I am grateful for the music that I can get from the internet. You just need a laptop, a 1TB hard drive for storage of music and movies to transfer to your Ipod Classic (160gb Silver), an internet connection, and that's about it. I just hope I can take good enough care of what I have to last me for a lifetime. I do not want to waste what I have. I pray that I always come through for my mom. She is old and still works hard. The least that I can do is appreciate what she gives me. This means taking good care of all of the things she gives me for as long as I live.
Anyways, here is my review. Watching movies on the Ipod for the first time was a boring experience. After converting a few more titles into Ipod format, I have found that I was able to get through a complete movie. I guess the situation lended itself to me. I was waiting for my mom to finish shopping.
Music listening for the most part is boring unless you mix it up so that you do not know what is coming up next. I guess that is why 160gb is so important.
Well... I am not an expert reviewer so I apologize for anything that may be off topic. I hope that you can gain some useful information for you to decide to buy or not and Ipod.
I just like the Silver color because that is as close as it gets to white.
I was surprised that my mother got this item for me even though it costs maybe $269 including tax.
The battery lasts only for about 2 hours in my personal experience while watching movies.
However, it seems to stretch while listening to music.
I guess not using the screen extends battery life and also the movie playing is pretty intensive!
Anyways, while I was sitting in the car watching a movie, the battery bar goes red at the end of an hour and 40 minute movie. But as soon as I switched to music playing... the bar turns green again for maybe indicating an additional 4 hours of play. I used it, so it was pretty much like that.
The program used to transfer musics and movies to the Ipod needs a little work. But I can't complain because everything is on my Ipod pretty much. Even resetting the Ipod keeps the entire collection on the hard drive which is a life saver! I didn't have to resend my data back to the Ipod. I am listening to Garth Brooks right now. It is a good song. Anyways, that is my opinion. These are just my reviews. You have your preferences I am sure. I just load whatever song is on the internet onto my Ipod even though I do not like them maybe because I can hehe.
Well. If you load 160gb worth of movies, you can probably last for 2 months on the road as long as you have a wall charger or car charger. If you are busy, the movies might last 6 months or longer!
Music are the same pretty much. I think. Well, I am trying to find things to do so I am listening to my Ipod right now while I am writing this review. I am surprise that I am still typing. I guess it is doing its job of keeping me entertained. So, if you work like type for a living or house clean, and so forth, you definitely need this! It cuts out all the distractions and you are just working.
Please... this is such a special item that you should handle it with care even though it may be built well from what it seems. You can carry it in your pocket and switch the hold button to the right to prevent it from activating while you walk and listen.
If you are vain, you can use the back as a mirror.
The screen and the back attracts finger prints quickly, so that can't be helped. Just keep everything alway from the screen and hold the back gently.
There is supposed to be a lossless format, but I haven't tried it out yet. The current ripping is okay the way it is. I try to use it the way it is so that I don't mess anything up.
At the end of this review, I hope you have made up your mind to take good care of it and go get one. Owning one of these is like owning a Mercedes Benz C280. It may be old looking, but it works and takes you from point A to point B.
Well... I have tried other mp3 players and they break down easily. They cost less, but they are more brittle and have less function. Like the one from a certain company broke within like 2 weeks of use. Cross my fingers, this is my second day!hehe Well, I have about 300 words to go... so I hope it is as impressive as the beginning and middle :)
Something like this is only for rich people... so if you have one, you are lucky! I am disabled, bipolar, and poor... but my mom is old, works hard, and cares... so I guess once in a life time, s -
The GB and price are AWESOME! BUT GLITCHY
by Bijan_Parandeh on December 16, 2008
Pros: Price
SpaceCons: Glitchy
Possible problems with Vista
Glitchy Cover FlowSummary: I've always had ipods, but my new classic started crashing a lot. When I looked online this problem seemed really common, especially with vista. It appeared that it was ...
Summary: I've always had ipods, but my new classic started crashing a lot. When I looked online this problem seemed really common, especially with vista. It appeared that it was really difficult for it to sync all the memory.
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This device doesn't last
by whoolee on May 1, 2008
Pros: Works great for a year
Cons: Only seems to work for a year
Summary: I've just gone through my second ipod in two years. One day the ipod sad face just came up and would no go away no matter if it was ...
Summary: I've just gone through my second ipod in two years. One day the ipod sad face just came up and would no go away no matter if it was restored or not.
Apple Service is 149, which is very high considering a new ipod is 249
Why this device won't last the test of time I have no idea.
Going to try a Zune next -
Features...
by milrtime on September 12, 2007
Pros: A caveman can use it.
Cons: Lots of em.
Summary: From Cnet's own review..."Plus, there's our standard list of long-neglected iPod features: FM radio, line-input recording, SD memory expansion, custom EQ, and native support for WMA and ...
Summary: From Cnet's own review..."Plus, there's our standard list of long-neglected iPod features: FM radio, line-input recording, SD memory expansion, custom EQ, and native support for WMA and subscription music services."
Shouldn't those things take the rating lower than an 8? or are people just going to start pretending these things aren't possible on a DAP if Apple never implements them?
It's also not compatible with older video docks (apple says "give us more money")
The fact that you even need a video dock because the headphone jack doesn't do video anymore (apple says "give us more money")2 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Land of the free I dont think so
by richardmashatt on April 20, 2008
Pros: great sounds and looks
Cons: After you burn 7 cds they cut you off NOT FAIR
Summary: I though this was it I love the sound and great looks and feel but after i burn a cd for my 2 cars bed room basement cd player in ...
Summary: I though this was it I love the sound and great looks and feel but after i burn a cd for my 2 cars bed room basement cd player in my family room took one to my mom and dad house the kids did something to it and broke it I came home tryed burn another one to take over there Itunes said NO after I paid my money to them not fare I will never buy anything elese from them again I will go to best buy or any place eles and buy my cds and make as many as I want. I am not selling them or giving them away I should have the right to make copys as fit. I say buy the ipod buy your MUSIC from some where elese and USE A NOTHER PROGRAM TO BURN THEM YOU WONT FEEL USED LIKE I DID SHAME ON YOU ALLPLE AFTER I PAID 350 BUCKS PLUS TAX AND GAS TO GET ONE YOU GOT ME ONE TIME NEVER AGAIN!!
0 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Apple
- Part number: MB145LL/A
- Description: Decisions, decisions. Who needs 'em? Why should you have to choose what to put on your iPod? With a large storage capacity, iPod classic lets you carry everything in your collection everywhere you go. In completely new, even thinner, all-metal design, this iPod is a modern classic. The iPod classic gives your music and video room to move. It also has plenty of energy, good looks (a sleek, all-metal design), and a great personality (a brand-new interface with Cover Flow). In other words, iPod classic makes an ideal companion. Why not get to know it better?
General
- Product type Digital player
- PC interface(s) supported Hi-Speed USB
- Digital storage Built-in 160 GB Hard disk drive
- Weight 5.7 oz
- Dimensions (W x D x H) 2.4 in x 0.6 in x 4.1 in
- Body material Aluminum
- Color Silver
- Included accessories Docking station adapter
Digital Player / Recorder
- Supported digital audio standards AAC, MP3, WAV, AIFF, Audible, Apple Lossless
- Playback modes Playlist, One track repeat, All tracks repeat, Random play / shuffle
- Response bandwidth 20 - 20000 Hz
- Supported bit rate 16 - 320
- ID3 tags support Yes
- External hard drive function Yes
- Additional features MPEG-4 playback, JPEG photo playback, Variable bit-rate compatible
Built-in Display
- Audio system built-in display LCD
- Diagonal size 2.5 in
- Resolution 320 x 240
- Backlight display Yes
- Display menu language Czech, Dutch, Greek, Danish, French, German, Korean, Polish, English, Finnish, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, Japanese, Hungarian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional)
Audio Features
- Sound output mode Stereo
- Timer Wake, Sleep, Stopwatch
- Built-in clock Alarm, Stopwatch, Digital clock
- Additional features Notes, Calendar, Cover Flow, Phone book, Hold button, Date display, Photo wallet, Built-in games, Volume limiter, Upgradeable firmware, USB 2.0 compatibility, Playback speed control, Battery level indication
Equalizer
- Equalizer type Digital graphic
Remote Control
- Remote control None
Headphones
- Headphones type Binaural Ear-bud
- Sound output mode Stereo
- Response bandwidth 20 - 20000 Hz
- Impedance 32 Ohm
- Connectivity technology Wired
Connectivity
- Cable(s) included USB cable - External
- Connector type Docking station, Headphones Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm
Battery / Power
- Battery Lithium ion Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
- Mfr estimated battery life 40 hour(s)
- Recharge time 4 hour(s)
- Power device type None
System Requirements
- Peripheral / Interface devices USB port (compatible with 2.0 specification)
- Operating system Apple MacOS X 10.4.8 or later, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP2 or later, Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2 or later
Sustainability
- CNET Labs: Battery drain test / Video playback 533.115 min
- CNET Labs: Battery drain test / audio playback 2749.815 min
Product series
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Apple iPod Classic (80GB, silver)
Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Digital player, AAC, MP3, WAV, AIFF, Audible, Apple Lossless, 80 GB, Lithium ion Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
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Apple iPod Classic (160GB, silver)
Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Digital player, AAC, MP3, WAV, AIFF, Audible, Apple Lossless, 160 GB, Lithium ion Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
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Apple iPod Classic (80GB, black)
Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Digital player, AAC, MP3, WAV, AIFF, Audible, Apple Lossless, 80 GB, Lithium ion Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
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Apple iPod Classic (160GB, black)
Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Digital player, AAC, MP3, WAV, AIFF, Audible, Apple Lossless, 160 GB, Lithium ion Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
Accessories
Manufacturer info
- Apple
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Apple products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.apple.com
- Address:
One Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA 95014 - Phone: 1-408-996-1010
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