iPod Classic, R.I.P.

[MissKittysMom]

I see that the iPod Classic has been withdrawn from the Apple online store. It was the only device that could hold my entire collection, and served me well for many years.

Last year, though, I switched over to an iPad mini with 128GB. I've had to be more selective about what music gets loaded on the device, but the touch interface is a huge improvement over the click wheel. Now if only I could find a music app that works well with large collections and an album-oriented focus. Apple has certainly ruined their own music app.

[Progatron]

My 120 gig classic is still serving me well after years of frequent use, with approx 40 days' of music on there... I'd hate to lose it now because I don't much care for the other options out there!

[notallwhowander]

Interesting, I was at Best Buy this weekend and the 160GB was still there, but who knows for how long. That's the model I own, and I'm right there with Progatron. The idea of unlocking a touch screen, then poking around for the right app to pause my music does not appeal. I like having a dedicated music device designed to that end.

[NogbadTheBad]

Bugger, guess I better grab one from elswhere to keep as a backup.

[Scott Bails]

I'll never understand why Apple won't use SD cards.

[Yves]

Bugger, guess I better grab one from elswhere to keep as a backup.

I was thinking the same thing though if my current one lasts for another 5 years or more, I'll probably be embracing a newer technology by then...

[Adrian]

I'll never understand why Apple won't use SD cards.

I've been patiently waiting for somebody to come up with a 1TB or so MP3 player. With the advent of the cloud, I suppose it's never going to happen.

[MissKittysMom]

Thoughts and experience on going to a touch device...

For iPads, Apple's smart case/cover make unlocking a non-issue. Unfortunately there is no such option for the iPod touch. Also, the music apps that I've seen and used have player controls on the lock screen, so you can pause and restart without unlocking. I put audio apps (music and podcast) on the iOS dock, so I don't have to search for them.

The big surprise was Bluetooth, when I bought a new car this year. You can pair your iPad or iPod touch with your car's music system. In my Accord, play and pause are on the dashboard. Volume and skip are on the steering wheel, right under my thumb. Stopping the car automatically pauses playback, and starting the car resumes playback, right where you've left off, including where you left off if you've been playing music away from the car. If nothing was playing, it starts a shuffle. All of this without touching your device at all.

So all the new technology isn't entirely bad.

[nosebone]

A lot of newer cars have USB inputs for flash drives, which you can load with music.

[Scott Bails]

A lot of newer cars have USB inputs for flash drives, which you can load with music.

A fantastic innovation.

[Gruno]

A lot of newer cars have USB inputs for flash drives, which you can load with music.

Sort of makes it more difficult to DJ a party like that

I got a new 160gb classic last December. I have another one that is about 6 years old, and a 128gb (I believe) that is about 8 years old. They all work great -- hope they continue to do so!

[nosebone]

A fantastic innovation.

It makes ipods obsolete for the car.

[Jerjo]

I've been putting off getting a 160g iPod the last couple years. Maybe now I'll just spring for a flash-drive MP3 player that takes SD cards.

[Garyhead]

Apple only supports a new iPod for 6 years. If the battery goes TU after that......they don't repair / renew. Under 6 years? $60.00 for a new one! I have replaced a 60GB & 120GB with 160's for that price.

Buy a spare? Ok, but I doubt they will be replacing them when the time comes.

I was told by an Apple Store salesperson....."seldom do we have a demand for 160GB iPods. No one has that much music". I need 2 just to hold my CD collection.....and I still have the Lp's-never-converted-to-cd collection.

Does anyone know a place that replaces the batteries in iPods?

[Rune Blackwings]

Apple has discontinued the iPod Classic, effectively saying "fuck you" to music lovers.

I am getting sick I am so mad...

[NogbadTheBad]

So does anyone have any suggestions for an alternative? A small MP3 player that will hold over 100GB? I don't want to use the cloud & I want my full collection on one portable device, or a portable device with a large capacity flash drive

[JKL2000]

Thoughts and experience on going to a touch device...

For iPads, Apple's smart case/cover make unlocking a non-issue. Unfortunately there is no such option for the iPod touch. Also, the music apps that I've seen and used have player controls on the lock screen, so you can pause and restart without unlocking. I put audio apps (music and podcast) on the iOS dock, so I don't have to search for them.

The big surprise was Bluetooth, when I bought a new car this year. You can pair your iPad or iPod touch with your car's music system. In my Accord, play and pause are on the dashboard. Volume and skip are on the steering wheel, right under my thumb. Stopping the car automatically pauses playback, and starting the car resumes playback, right where you've left off, including where you left off if you've been playing music away from the car. If nothing was playing, it starts a shuffle. All of this without touching your device at all.

So all the new technology isn't entirely bad.

I never even thought of trying Pause and Play on the dashboard while listening to BT audio in the car (though I use the volume controls, so duh!). Must try this! Thanks.

[JKL2000]

A fantastic innovation.

It makes ipods obsolete for the car.

My car has that, but I had a flash drive go corrupt, so it put me off them. But aside from that it's a great thing.

[Yves]

Apple has discontinued the iPod Classic, effectively saying "fuck you" to music lovers.

I am getting sick I am so mad...

What they're saying is: "Why should I SELL you storage space when I can RENT you storage space?"

It's all about siphoning your $$$$$ .

[MissKittysMom]

Does anyone know a place that replaces the batteries in iPods?

https://www.ipodrepaircenter.com

I understand that you can get larger hard drives there, also.

[Library Jon]

So what will be our options once the Ipod Classic disappears?


Library Jon

[Scott Bails]

I don't want to use the cloud

May I ask why?

[Gizmotron]

Damn! I was hoping that when this time came they would spring an even larger device on us. Especially for those of us that use Lossless files, the 160GB was essential. I use TWO (and my wife has one). And the Cloud isn't much of a solution...no Lossless support, right? And you are out of luck when in the mountains and the deserts (which is where I really want tunes.)

The public has spoken: they only want crappy sounding MP3 music and small iPods and cell phones can store that.

[Gizmotron]

May I ask why?

Try accessing the Cloud when you have no cell service or internet or WiFi...you know, those places that make up the vast majority of this continent.

[Scott Bails]

Try accessing the Cloud when you have no cell service or internet or WiFi...you know, those places that make up the vast majority of this continent.

I've never encountered this - ever - somewhere where I'd want to listen to music.