iPod Classic

Introduction

The iPod classic is as the name suggests, the original and first iPod model ever released by Apple. It was originally just called an 'iPod', because Apple only began by releasing one model. By the time Apple had created their 'Nano', 'Shuffle' and 'Touch' models, they needed to rename their original model as a 'Classic' to differentiate it.

It's design and features has been altered since it's inception in 2002. Every major overall of the 'classic' model is categorised as a 'Generation'. So far there are six generations, beginning in 2002, with a new model released every year in the UK, except for 2007. Generally speaking each generation improved upon the last in terms of, weight, slimmer dimensions, battery life and storage space.

Major additions? The first generation iPod classic came with a black and white display, the fifth generation iPod had a colour display, whereas the sixth generation iPod came with the capability to play MPEG videos at a resolution of 480x480.

Whilst the iPod classic has continued to evolve, it's overall design is basically still the same. It has certainly altered less than the Nano has from generation to generation. The overall height and width dimensions, the dimensions of the LCD display, the size and function of the scroll wheel, firewire input, and phono input, have virtually remained unchanged. This is highlighted below, with images of the first and sixth iPod generations,

The iPod has not always led a trouble free life, the first generation model was beset with battery problems, likewise the Nano, with screen problems. Apple even created a website, www.appleipodsettlement.com, to settle with claimants. The deadline for settlements for the 'classic' iPod is set at January the 8th, 2009.

When it comes to sound quality, the classic iPod has altered a little from generation to generation. A test conducted by Cnet claimed that the 5th generation video iPod has the superior sound. A claim made by many audiophiles. However, to the average ear, the difference between all the generations is slight to none. The earlier generations tend to have a rich mid-range, whilst the later generations performed slightly smoother at a higher-range. The quality of the headphones used seemed to have a greater effect on the overall outcome. What is certain, almost every test into the quality of the iPod's sound has concluded that the standard Apple earbuds should be replaced with a superior version.

Independent reviews have usually concluded that the iPod's sound quality does not match, or exceed, the quality of many of it's current competitors. Notable Sony. Technically, the iPod classics primary advantage over it's competitors is it's storage capacity. The iPod classic is the only iPod to use a hard disk, rather than flash memory, this enables far greater storage space. Support for Apple's lossless audio compression is another plus point, keeping audio files in a more complete condition, in comparison to compression's such as mp3.

Of course the design, style and marketing of the iPod has had alot to do with it's popularity. But, the key focal point of Apple, has been the iPod's user interface and iTunes download software. Winning awards, and the plaudits of many critics, Apple's software is still the one to beat.

News

Mp3 players selling at record numbers

How's the future look for the 'classic'?

Not as rosy as it once was. In the US, Apple has scaled back the number of versions available, selling just one, containing a 120 GB hard disk. Apple has also been marketing the model less and less, rarely commentating on it at this year's trade shows. Whether they will totally discontinue the 'classic' is debatable, and probably unlikely. However, Apple has seen fit to discontinue iPod models in the past, such as the 'mini'. To take this action on their originally and venerable model could be seen as sacrilege by many iPod advocates.

Presently the 'classic' is the only iPod to use a hard disk. All the new models feature flash memory, which is increasing in storage capacity year on year. The redesigned Nano contains a similar design to the classic, but slimmer, and more light weight. It also has a colour screen, and all the functions of the classic. And, because it uses flash memory, it's more economic to make, and cheaper for the consumer. Therefore, the only advantage of the classic currently, is it's larger storage space.

But, once flash memory catches up, who can say if the classic will still be produced. Or the nano for that manner. Perhaps the classic and nano will be agglomerated into a new model.