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iPod Q&A - Published September 17, 2008
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What is the difference between the iPod classic (Late 2008/2G) and the "original" iPod classic?
On September 9, 2008 -- along with the much higher profile iPod nano 4G and iPod touch 2G -- Apple quietly released the iPod classic 2G to replace the "original" iPod classic.
iPod classic - Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.
Externally, with the exception of a slightly more textured "ClickWheel", the second generation iPod classic models are identical to the 80 GB version of the "original" iPod classic -- the "original" 160 GB configuration only varies in thickness -- with a 2.5" color LCD display with an LED backlight (320x240, 163 ppi) and either a silver or black anodized aluminum front and a chromed stainless steel back.
Internally, the "original" iPod classic models have either 80 GB or 160 GB 4200 RPM ATA-66 hard drives and sold for US$249 or US$349, respectively, and the second generation iPod classic is only available with a 120 GB hard drive for US$249. Battery life of the second generation iPod classic has been improved modestly -- 36 hours of music and 6 hours of video -- when compared to the "original" 80 GB iPod classic which provided 30 hours of music and 5 hours of video. However, the 160 GB configuration of the "original" iPod classic provided 40 hours of music and 7 hours of video.
None of the iPod classic models -- original or second generation -- support video out directly from the headphone jack, but only from the dock connector using a compatible Apple cable or dock or another accessory with an "Apple Authentication" chip, an unfortunate "downgrade" compared to the iPod 5G Enhanced models that proceeded the "original" iPod classic.
The software used by the second generation iPod classic models is similar to the software used by the "original" iPod classic -- derived from the version of OS X introduced by the iPhone -- with the same "MacOS X Leopard" inspired interface enhancements, Cover Flow option for selecting albums, and the same iQuiz, Klondike, and Vortex games. However, the iPod classic 2G models also add a new "Genius" feature to dynamically create playlists based on "songs that go great together".
For your convenience, the primary differences between versions are summarized below:
| classic (Original) | classic 2G | |
|---|---|---|
| Hard Drive Size: | 80 GB, 160 GB | 120 GB |
| Song Capacity: | 20,000, 40,000 Songs | 30,000 Songs |
| Battery Life (Music): | 30 Hours, 40 Hours | 36 Hours |
| Battery Life (Video): | 5 Hours, 7 Hours | 6 Hours |
| Genius Feature: | No | Yes |
| Dimensions (Inches): | 4.1 x 2.4 x 0.41 (0.53*) | 4.1 x 2.4 x 0.41 |
| Weight (Ounces): | 4.9 oz (5.7 oz*) | 4.9 oz |
| Price (As Introduced): | US$249, US$349 | US$249 |
* The 160 GB configuration of the "original" iPod classic was slightly thicker (0.53 inches) and heavier (5.7 ounces) than the 80 GB configuration.
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