iPod Classic: Introduction

The iPod classic, as the name suggests, is the original iPod released by Apple. To begin with it was simple called the 'iPod', as it was the only model released by Apple. Only after Apple had created their 'Nano', 'Shuffle' and 'Touch' models, did Apple feel the need to rename their original iPod as a 'Classic', to differentiate it.

The design and features of the Classic have altered since it's release in 2002. Every major update of the 'classic' model is categorised as a 'Generation'. So far there have been 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.

  Classic: Generation One. Initially it was launched with a storage capacity of 5GB.

  Classic: Generation Two. The main update was increased storage and a touch sensitive wheel.

  Classic: Generation Three. Increased touch sensitivity and a slimmer and lighter case.

  Classic: Generation Four. Another new wheel, which was created for the Nano, had a Special Edition U2.

  Classic: Generation Five. Colour display and video playback were implemented into this generation.

  Classic: Generation Six. Increased storage, first model to be called Classic, increased battery life.

What are the major additions over the generations?

• The first touch sensitive controls and screens from generation two-four.
• The first colour screen with generation four.
• Video playback with generation five.
  

Whilst the iPod classic has continued to evolve, it's overall design is basically still the same. Without doubt, it has altered less than the Nano has, from generation to generation. The Classic's height and width dimensions, the dimensions of the LCD display, the size and function of the scroll wheel, firewire input, phono input, have all remained virtually unchanged.

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

iPod Classic: Sound Quality

When it comes to sound quality, the classic iPod has altered generation to generation. A test conducted by Cnet claimed that the 5th generation video iPod has the best sound quality of any generation. 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.

It has been suggested that the quality of the headphones, used in conjunction with an iPod, will have a greater effect upon sound quality than whichever iPod is used. Almost every test conducted about the sound quality of an iPod, has concluded that the standard Apple earbuds should be replaced with a quality pair of earbuds/headphones.

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 Classic's 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. It would appear that Apple has tended to focus it's efforts upon it's user interface, and experience, rather than the raw technical ability of it's sounds reproduction.

iPod Classic: What does the future hold?

It's rather bleek. In the US, Apple has scaled back the number of versions available, selling just one, containing a 120 GB hard disk. Apple has been marketing the Classic less and less, rarely commentating on it at Apple's yearly trade shows.

Whether Apple will discontinue the 'classic' is debatable, and probably unlikely. However, Apple has seen fit to discontinue iPod models in the past, such as the 'mini'. But, to discontinue their original 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. Because the Nano 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.

However, if flash memory capacity equals hard disk storage, 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. As of 2009, mp3/media players continue to sell in record numbers.