Top deals on CNET here
Apple iPod Classic (second generation, 120GB, silver)
Manufacturer: Apple Part number: MB562LL/A
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The iPod Classic refines the formula that put the iPod on the map. Few can match its combination of storage capacity, battery life, and intuitive user interface.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  | In stock Try Free Amazon Prime for one Month | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/02/2009 |
| Amazon.com Marketplace | | In stock | as of 12/02/2009 | |
 | | In stock | as of 12/02/2009 | |
 | Not yet rated | In stock | as of 12/02/2009 | |
 |  | In stock | as of 12/02/2009 | |
 |  | In stock | as of 12/02/2009 Refurbished |
CNET editors' review
Apple iPod Classic (second generation, 120GB, silver) price range: $199.95 - $249.95
- Reviewed by: Donald Bell
- Reviewed on: 10/01/2008
- Released on: 09/09/2008
The good: The second-generation iPod Classic adds a new Genius playlist feature to its time-tested combination of music, video, podcast, audiobook, and photo playback.
The bad: EQ control is limited; some older iPod video accessories may not be compatible; the plastic screen is susceptible to scratching; 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 refines the formula that put the iPod on the map. Few can match its combination of storage capacity, battery life, and intuitive user interface.
Editors' note, August 18, 2009: Rumors strongly suggest that a new line of iPods will be unveiled early in September of this year. For those considering the purchase of an iPod, we recommend holding off until these new models become available. Check out CNET's iPod Central for all iPod news updates.
The iPod Classic is Apple's iconic hard-drive-based MP3 player, with design roots that date back to 2001's original iPod model. If you can resist the fashion appeal and gee-whiz features of Apple's slimmer iPods, such as the iPod Nano and iPod Touch, the 120GB iPod Classic ($249) still delivers the most bang for the buck.
Design
The second-generation iPod Classic is indistinguishable from 2007's original model, except that the thicker 160GB version is no longer available. An anodized-aluminum faceplate covers the front of the Classic in either black or silver, while the back of the iPod is covered in the same scratch-showing, smudge-loving chromed steel found on most iPods.
The second-generation iPod Classic fits a whopping 120GB hard drive into the same enclosure as its 80GB predecessor, coming in at pocket-size 2.4 inches by 4.1 inches by 0.41 inch. The screen is still made from plastic, making it the only remaining iPod that hasn't yet switched to a scratch-resistant glass screen.
The second-generation iPod Classic is also now one of the only iPods to use a split-screen main menu layout, displaying menu items on the left half of the screen and a picture related to the selection on the right. For example, highlighting Music on the main menu causes the right half of the screen to display a drifting close-up of cover artwork from your music library. This split-screen effect is more beautiful than it is distracting, and applies to menu items such as movies, podcasts, and photos, as well. You also have the option to browse your music using the Cover Flow view made popular by the iPhone, however, the novelty of Cover Flow wears thin without a touch-screen display. Users with large music collections to sort through will prefer browsing using the list mode or search function.
Features
The only new feature distinguishing the second-generation iPod Classic from its predecessor is the ability to create instant Genius playlists. The Genius feature lets you create an instant 25-song playlists based on the musical characteristics of a single song, offering a new way to group together similar songs in your collection. Genius is easy to use, and the results are fun, provided your music collection holds enough songs to make interesting connections (with 120GB of storage, that shouldn't be hard). You can create and save Genius playlists directly onto your iPod, and with automatic syncing enabled in iTunes you can also transfer them back to your computer. Oddly, the Genius feature won't work if you haven't enabled Genius on your computer's iTunes software. If you find iTunes' Genius feature too demanding on your computer's resources or too invasive of your privacy (the feature reports your listening habits to Apple), then you'll need to live without the feature on your iPod as well.
Apple has also made it easier to record voice memos with the second-generation iPod Classic, although you'll need to pay a little extra to get the feature working. Many third-party iPhone headsets are compatible with the Classic's voice recording feature and beginning in October 2008, Apple will sell their own line of compatible headsets, as well. Without purchasing a compatible headset, however, there is no built-in way to create voice recordings with the iPod Classic right out of the box.
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 or rent 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 be switched on and off for video files that support them.
Apple's audio file format support remains the same. The iPod Classic allows for manually adding and deleting music and video files, but with 120GB of storage, many users will prefer to have their entire media library sync automatically. The Classic can also double as a USB hard drive in a pinch.
Performance
The iPod Classic's sound quality is clean and crisp, but still uninspired when it comes to sound enhancement options. Users do get more than 20 equalization presets to choose among--but half of them are either useless or indistinguishable from one another. Compared with products such as the Creative Zen, the Samsung P2, or the Sony S-Series Walkman, the iPod's sound quality still leaves room for improvement. That said, after listening with our Ultrasone HFI-2200 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 of 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.
The iPod Classic's enhanced battery life is one of the better reasons to fork over your money to Apple. The 120GB Classic's rated battery life of 36 hours of audio playback and 6 hours for video is fairly conservative, actually. Our CNET labs found the iPod Classic to be realistically capable of 39 hours of continuous audio playback or 8.8 hours of video playback. MP3 players capable of 30 to 40 hours of audio playback are a rare find, but the Classic's 8-plus hours of video playback is in a class of its own.
Is it worth upgrading?
If you're looking for an iPod that can store more than 32GB of music and video, the 120GB iPod Classic is the only option now available to you. For file-hoarders anxious to break the 120GB iPod storage limitation, you may want to consider picking up one of 2007's 160GB Classic's before they disappear from the market.
Before you leap, however, you should know that the iPod Nano, the iPod Classic, and the iPod Touch, all require iTunes 8 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 without 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 futuristic 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
-
-
NO NO NO NO NO NO (find an older model)
by Doc1200 on February 23, 2009
Pros: Cover flow, 24hr clock, lighter weight, BOLDER font display,
Cons: Noticeable decrease in AUDIO QUALITY, click wheel is less sensitive ,
Summary: 14 years of DJ'ing experience here so please..hear me out.
I am ALL for an increase in presentation of your product: Sleeker design, menu options, color, etc.
But ...Summary: 14 years of DJ'ing experience here so please..hear me out.
I am ALL for an increase in presentation of your product: Sleeker design, menu options, color, etc.
But when you SIGNIFICANTLY sacrifice Audio quality for appearance, then we have a serious problem here.
I purchased 4: count em' FOUR, iPod 120GB classics, and EVERY SINGLE ONE, had the exact same problem: when trying to increase or decrease the volume using the click wheel, and when plugged into a NON Apple product, ( i used 3: a Sony CD head unit with an auxiliary headphone jack and 2 sets of different headphones) the audio becomes what i call "pixilated". IE, you can literally hear the decrease in the sound output. When compared with a 4th gen iPod, there is NO QUESTION, that a difference can be heard.
I suspect that it has something to do with the lighter weight of the product. There is a distinct possibility that the loss of thickness in the iPod also meant a loss of circuit boards. Newer technology does NOT necessarily mean an increase in audio quality. I expected A LOT more from a company like Apple.
If you REALLY want an iPod, try to find a 4th Gen, or wait for a 7th gen, and hope they iron out the problem..otherwise, buy something else. :(8 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Easy to love, all around great player
by notkennyg on November 28, 2008
Pros: The iPod classic is just that; great for music, podcasts and videos. It has a great battery life which is perfect for long, cross country plane rides. I thought the screen size would be too small, but it was really, very fine.
Cons: Sometimes navigating the click wheel can become clumsy, e.g. if you're on a treadmill or walking - you have stop what you're doing to navigate but it's only a minor infraction. iPod buds don't fit my ears and don't sound all that good.
Summary: I bought an iPod Classic to replace a Creative Zen M player, which I thought was pretty nifty as well. However, navigating the Classic is much easier even without the ...
Summary: I bought an iPod Classic to replace a Creative Zen M player, which I thought was pretty nifty as well. However, navigating the Classic is much easier even without the jump-to buttons and shortcuts the Creative player features. I was also a bit leary of being held hostage to iTunes but the sync process with the iPod is so easy unlike the Creative player which sometimes was clunky. The iPod also features a really easy to read screen that includes album artwork that only sometimes worked with the Creative unit.
I love the space that's available in such a small player. I can now load up my CD collection, as well as download podcasts and videos without worrying about running out of space.
True - the unit is easily scratched particularly the slick, silver back. I purchased a neoprene cover at the Apple store and it includes a lens to cover the sreen and clickwheel. Problem solved!
The out-of-the box ear buds don't sound all that great. It should also include adaptors for people like me with slightly mismatched ear sizes. The music is oustanding when I use my Audio Techica noise canceling headphones. However, while appropriate for a plane ride or kicking back at home; they are too big for working out. Definitely invest in a nicer pair than what comes in the box.
Get the iPod Classic for your essential music needs and if you don't really need the sexy look and applications on the iPod Touch.5 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
It's average.
by ithomas94 on November 18, 2008
Pros: The click wheel.
User interface is simple, great for first timers.
Great battery life.
The fact that many third-party accessories are out for the ipod.Cons: The click wheel.
The small screen, which contradicts Apple's statements about it being a 'true' video player.
The scratch-prone back.
The scratch-prone screen.
iTunes.
Laggy graphics-heavy interface.
Cover Flow.
So-so audio quality.Summary: I've had my iPod Classic for a year now (the first generation) and my bottom line is that its just average.
It's very disappointing to find that Apple ...Summary: I've had my iPod Classic for a year now (the first generation) and my bottom line is that its just average.
It's very disappointing to find that Apple has stopped doing anything on the iPod model that was considered before to be its flagship product.
Cover Flow and the UI are both laggy, and the click wheel, after a year of use, is sometimes laggy and nonresponsive.
My iPod's back is also very scratched up, and the screen has some scratches as well.
And just as a test, I attempted to scratch the iPod's chrome back. With my FINGERNAIL. and it did scratch. How sad.
All in all, it seems that the Classic is just going to die, as the Zune is (IMO) a much better option in the huge storage line of mp3 players.
Unless Apple does something incredible with the next generation of the iPod Classic line, the Classic will stop selling as much as it used to.
Also, the included earphones are shoddy and they don't have a full range; there's near to no bass, and the earphones break way too easily.
Conclusion: The iPod Classic is an average mp3 player, which is very sad, seeing as the Classic line is just a shadow of what it used to be. The audio quality and the lack of other features is a putdown as well, seeing as so much work obviously went into the interface, but near to no thinking time was spared for the features. I was very disappointed with the iTunes 8 update; I was hoping for an overhauled UI, at the very least, and I just got a feature that should have been there from the get-go.2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Great storage capacity and build quality
by columbus13 on May 13, 2009
Pros: 1. For those of you who can't walk without all the music they ever had, this is the product you should be looking for.
2. The build quality is also great.
3. Screen is crystal clear and bright.
4. Ipod gets thinner by every generation..!Cons: 1. Sound quality is not great. Clipping occurs even at medium volumes for all high bass presets.
2. Hangs every now and then when hooked up with docking devices like harman kardon.
3. The device is heavier and is not meant for gym workouts.Summary: Its an average device for the price. Though its not meant for jogging and workouts, it can be conveniently used during almost all day to day activities. I hope that ...
Summary: Its an average device for the price. Though its not meant for jogging and workouts, it can be conveniently used during almost all day to day activities. I hope that apple will address item no. 1 in "cons" through some firmware updates. I had to get my first 120G ipod replaced by apple coz the HDD got damaged since i left it inside the car overnight during cold weather...! If you are someone who can manage with medium quality music, this one is worth a try. Audiophiles stay away...! There are better players in the market for lesser price now a days. :-)
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
it has a mind it will delete ur music nd freeze
by jaydaelbert on March 28, 2009
Pros: its ok i mean its apple technology so its kool
Cons: i have had 2 of the ipod 120 gb and they both froze on me and deleted my music off of itself
Summary: get an older ipod b/c they still have kinks to wk out on this 1
Summary: get an older ipod b/c they still have kinks to wk out on this 1
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Best iPod Out there exept for tiny flaws
by milliedog on March 7, 2009
Pros: I like it because, it has video, pictures and it can hold alot of music. I have a silver 120Gb and it cant hold all of my music(i have 156Gb) but, it holds my favs and it is stylish.
Cons: I dont like the audio input it kind of sucks plus, the EQ is really bad
Summary: It is a good product. And can hold alot of stuff i give it a 4 out of 5 and its super sexy
Summary: It is a good product. And can hold alot of stuff i give it a 4 out of 5 and its super sexy
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Still solid performer...
by pshuster72 on October 1, 2008
Pros: Proven winner, big storage capacity
Cons: Still not a big fan of the wheel, menus could be a little easier to maneuver.
Summary: Bottom line, I have been a Toshiba Gigabeat user for years, but because of lack of support, needed to switch over to another MP3 player. Ipod has been surprisingly better ...
Summary: Bottom line, I have been a Toshiba Gigabeat user for years, but because of lack of support, needed to switch over to another MP3 player. Ipod has been surprisingly better than I antipicated. Until the other brands come out with larger hard drive capacities, it's the only choice. I do miss my Gigabeat, though. Maneuvering around the screens was much easier and I didn't have to deal with the 'wheel', but I'm getting used to it with this new one. I would recommend not using iTunes, though. I put all of my songs on with Winamp and am much happier that way.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
its cool, love it
by sh9683 on October 27, 2009
Pros: its capacity, durable, (ive droped it on pavement while ridding my bike and dropped several other times on hard floor and still works fine). sounds good! good vid quality!
Cons: click wheel, i often have to lock and unlock for it to work! but its not that bad
Summary: when i first bought my ipod it froze all the time it was kind of ennoying, but that stopped after a few month and its not freezing any more! its ...
Summary: when i first bought my ipod it froze all the time it was kind of ennoying, but that stopped after a few month and its not freezing any more! its a great music and vid player. i would recommend it for sure! the click wheel is the only bad i don't like about it! oh and the battery doesn't last nearly as long as they claim, but thats fine, cuz it still lasts a long time
-
worse than the previous model for recordings
by adelheid-integralvoice on October 9, 2009
Pros: I like the general iPod tecnology
Cons: I hate to have spent a lot aof money t for getting a worse product. Worse in the sense of the software on it. the voice rcording functiont has become a great risk. one touch - and all your recording is gone without the possibility to have it back.
Summary: I hate to have spent a lot aof money to buy a new iPod for then getting a worse product. Worse in the sense of the software on it. the ...
Summary: I hate to have spent a lot aof money to buy a new iPod for then getting a worse product. Worse in the sense of the software on it. the voice rcording function - for me it is the main use I do with the iPod - has become a great risk. one touch - and all your recording is gone without the possibility to have it back. No security questions, nothing. the cancellation function is immediately below the salvation function - and if the wheel is still roling while you press the central button evrything ist gone for ever. The second possibility to loose ALL recordings you have on the iPod is when you take of the microfone. Then the first choice offered is: "cancel all". And if by chance you touch the iPod in a wrong way while putting it onto the dock - good bye evrything. There is a third possibility to easily unwanted cancellation: when you want to hear a recording the first choice the iPod gives to you should be: "listen" (don't you think?!) instead the cursor is on "cancel". What a mess!! Software created by a beginner in primary school!!!! Anyway: if you want to use the iPod for recording try to buy an older version although it has not this much of Giga (anyway, with the new one you never arrive at this much as you will cancel at least half of it on the way)
-
from Amazon...to eBay
by wahrheit242 on August 14, 2009
Pros: Nice menu. Long battery life. 120GB capacity.
Cons: Not as beautiful as the older 30 & 60 GB Videos. Low output and bad quality sound for the EU versions. Requires itunes 8+... (I've lost many songs from my -saved- playlists).
Summary: I've been a loyal iPod fan...'till now. My new Classic is 3 days old and it's already listed on eBay.
Sound : In contrast with the old iPod ...Summary: I've been a loyal iPod fan...'till now. My new Classic is 3 days old and it's already listed on eBay.
Sound : In contrast with the old iPod Video, is awful. Output volume is too low and cannot be fixed by any software I've tried.
Cosmetics : Front panel is uninspired (in both versions) and the back is the usual silver (1000 scratches/week, unless you use an ugly case). Navigation pad is sometimes insensitive, and some other...hypersensitive.
Final thoughts : Most of all I'm sick of the Apple's demands ('do not use this as a HD', 'do not share your files', 'do not hear it loud'). I thought that I paid for a music player...not for a nanny.
Time to leave 'iThings' behind and go for a Cowon...
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Apple
- Part number: MB562LL/A
- Bottom Line: The iPod Classic refines the formula that put the iPod on the map. Few can match its combination of storage capacity, battery life, and intuitive user interface.
General
- Product type Digital player
- PC interface(s) supported Hi-Speed USB
- Digital storage Built-in 120 GB Hard disk drive
- Weight 4.9 oz
- Dimensions (W x D x H) 2.4 in x 0.4 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 Kbps
- 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 1 x Docking station, 1 x Headphones Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm
Battery / Power
- Battery Lithium ion Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
- Mfr estimated battery life 36 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 Microsoft Windows Vista, Apple MacOS X 10.4.11 or later, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP3, Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP3
Sustainability
- CNET Labs: Battery drain test / Video playback 532 min
- CNET Labs: Battery drain test / audio playback 2378 min
Product series
-
Apple iPod Classic (second generation, 120GB, black)
Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Digital player, AAC, MP3, WAV, AIFF, Audible, Apple Lossless, 120 GB, Lithium ion Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
-
Apple iPod Classic (second generation, 120GB, silver)
Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Digital player, AAC, MP3, WAV, AIFF, Audible, Apple Lossless, 120 GB, Lithium ion Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
Accessories
Manufacturer info
- Apple
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Apple products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://www.apple.com
- Address:
One Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA 95014 - Phone: 1-408-996-1010
%20-%20Compare%20prices,%20reviews,%20user%20opinions%20-%20Shopper.com&srcUrl=http://shopper.cnet.com/mp3-players/apple-ipod-classic-second/4014-6490_9-33247504.html){kind=small}