Apple iPod classic (Late 2008/2G) 120 GB, 160 GB Specs (MB562LL/A*)
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As introduced on September 9, 2008, the Apple iPod classic (Late 2008/Second Generation) was equipped with a 120 GB 4200 RPM ATA-66 hard drive capable of supporting "up to" 30,000 songs in "128-Kbps AAC format" or "up to" 150 hours of video. On September 9, 2009, Apple upgraded the hard drive to 160 GB -- increasing the capacity to 40,000 songs or 200 hours of video -- and adding support for "Genius Mixes" via a software patch on September 28, 2009, but it otherwise essentially is identical.
Externally, the iPod classic (Late 2008/2G) models also effectively are identical to the 80 GB version of the "original" iPod classic (6G) that these models replaced -- 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. Like the "original" iPod classic models, the iPod classic (Late 2008/2G) models also do not support video out directly from the headphone jack, but only from the dock, an unfortunate "downgrade" from the iPod 5G Enhanced models.
However, the iPod classic (Late 2008/2G) models do offer modestly improved battery life compared to the "original" 80 GB model that was replaced -- 36 hours of music and 6 hours of video (the previous "original" 160 GB model provided greater battery life, 40 hours of music and 7 hours of video).
The software used by the iPod classic (Late 2008/2G) models is similar to that used by the "original" iPod classic, with the same "MacOS X Leopard" inspired interface enhancements -- including the Cover Flow option for selecting albums -- and the same iQuiz, Klondike, and Vortex games. However, the iPod classic (Late 2008/2G) models also add a "Genius" feature to dynamically create playlists based on "songs that go great together" and the "Late 2009" models provide the aforementioned "Genius Mixes" functionality.
Also see: What is the difference between the iPod classic (2G) and the "original" iPod classic?
Buy This iPod -- and all other new & used iPods -- at site sponsor PowerMax!
Upgrade This iPod at site sponsor Other World Computing. Batteries & accessories!
Click on the underlined category text for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important.
| Introduction Date: |
September 9, 2008* |
Discontinued Date: |
N/A* |
| Details: |
The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.
*Note that on September 9, 2009, Apple replaced the 120 GB model with a 160 GB one. Other than capacity, and support for "Genius Mixes", these essentially are the same as the earlier model. |
| Processor Type: |
Samsung ARM* |
Processor Speed: |
N/A |
| Details: |
*Apple provides no information on the processor used in the iPod classic (Late 2008/2G) models, but it uses an Apple branded processor, believed to be a Samsung ARM. For more information, please refer to the disassembly "guide" from the always excellent iFixIt. |
| Onboard RAM: |
64 MB* |
Storage Capacity: |
120 GB, 160 GB |
| Details: |
*No official information regarding the amount of onboard RAM for skip protection is available, but as the 5GE models had 64 MB of memory, these models are believed to have at least 64 MB of memory as well. If additional information becomes available, this will be updated.
It uses a Toshiba 1.8 inch (46 mm), 5 mm thick, 4200 RPM ATA-66 hard drive. Capacity was 120 GB prior to September 9, 2009, and 160 GB subsequently. |
| Song Capacity: |
30,000 or 40,000 |
Photo Capacity: |
25,000 |
| Details: |
The original 120 GB configuration is capable of holding an Apple-reported 30,000 songs in "128-Kbps AAC format" and "up to" 150 hours of video. Apple reports that the 160 GB configuration can hold up to 40,000 songs and 200 hours of video in the same formats. Either model can hold "up to" 25,000 photos. |
| USB Support: |
Sync & Charge |
Firewire Support: |
Charge Only |
| Details: |
The iPod classic models are capable of charging and syncing by USB via the dock connector, but cannot sync via Firewire "400". |
| Connectivity: |
USB, Audio* |
Ports: |
Dock, Headphone* |
| Details: |
*Unlike the iPod 5G models, the iPod classic models do not support video out via the headphone jack, they only provide video out via the dock connector port. Annoyingly, video out is only available while using an Apple cable, an Apple dock or another accessory with an "Apple Authentication" chip. |
| Case Type: |
Handheld |
Form Factor: |
iPod classic (6G) |
| Details: |
All iPod classic models -- "original" and Late 2008/2G -- use a case design inspired by the classic "full size" iPod models, but use an anodized aluminum silver or black front -- instead of polycarbonate -- and have a chromed stainless steel back. |
| Housing Color: |
Silver & Black |
Controller: |
"ClickWheel" |
| Details: |
Available in a two-tone housing with either a silver or black anodized aluminum front and a chromed stainless steel back. |
| Built-in Display: |
2.5" QVGA LCD |
Display Resolution: |
320x240* |
| Details: |
All iPod classic models -- "original" and Late 2008/2G -- have a "2.5-inch (diagonal) color LCD [display] with LED backlight."
*320-by-240-pixel resolution display at 163 pixels per inch. The iPod classic models are capable of displaying video on an external display at 640x480. |
| Battery Type: |
Lithium Ion |
Battery Life (Music): |
36 Hours |
| Details: |
The iPod classic (Late 2008/2G) models provide "up to" 36 hours of music playback.
Site sponsor Other World Computing has replacement batteries that are higher capacity than the stock models as well as cases, headphones, speakers, and other accessories. |
| Battery Life (Photos): |
N/A |
Battery Life (Video): |
6 Hours |
| Details: |
Apple does not provide estimated battery life for photo playback. However, the iPod classic (Late 2008/2G) models provide "up to" six hours of video playback. |
| Full-Charge Time: |
"About 4 Hours" |
Apple Order No: |
MB562LL/A* |
| Details: |
Apple reports that the iPod classic models charge completely in "about 4 hours" and also will "fast charge" in 2 hours to 80% capacity.
*MB562LL/A is the order number for the 120 GB configuration in silver. The 120 GB configuration in black is MB565LL/A. The 160 GB configurations have been assigned MC293LL/A and MC297LL/A, in silver and black, respectively. |
| Apple Subfamily: |
iPod classic (120 GB) |
Apple Model No: |
A1238 |
| Details: |
Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model. |
| Dimensions: |
4.1 x 2.4 x 0.41 |
Avg. Weight: |
4.9 ounces |
| Details: |
In inches - height by width by depth -- 103.5 mm by 61.8 mm by 10.5 mm (140 g). |
| Mac Support: |
MacOS X 10.4.11 |
Windows Support: |
Windows Vista/XP SP3 |
| Details: |
Apple reports that this iPod is compatible with a "Macintosh computer with a USB 2.0 port, MacOS X 10.4.11 or later, and iTunes 8 or later."
It is compatible with a "PC with USB 2.0, Windows Vista or Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 3 or later, and iTunes 8 or later." For the 160 GB configuration Apple introduced on September 9, 2009, the company bumped the iTunes software requirement up to version 9. |
| Audio Support: |
Apple reports that all iPod classic (6G) models -- "original" and Late 2008/2G -- support "AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, and 4), Apple Lossless, WAV, and AIFF." |
| Photo Support: |
Apport reports that all iPod classic (6G) models -- "original" and Late 2008/2G -- sync iPod-viewable photos in "JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PSD (Mac only), and PNG formats". |
| Video Support: |
Apple reports that all iPod classic (6G) models -- "original" and Late 2008/2G -- support "H.264 video, up to 1.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Low-Complexity version of the H.264 Baseline Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; H.264 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Baseline Profile up to Level 3.0 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; MPEG-4 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats." |
| Incl. Accessories: |
Ships with "earphones, USB cable, [and] dock adapter." |
| Original Price: |
US$249 |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$249 |
| Details: |
To purchase an iPod, free of sales tax, please visit site-sponsor PowerMax.
Photo Credit: Apple Computer. |
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