Apple iPod classic ("Original"/6th Gen) 80 GB, 160 GB Specs
Identifiers: iPod classic - MB029LL/A* - A1238 - 2173
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The "original" Apple iPod classic (Sixth Generation) uses an 80 GB or 160 GB 4200 RPM ATA-66 hard drive capable of supporting "up to" 20,000 songs or "up to" 40,000 songs in "128-Kbps AAC format" or "up to 100 hours" or "up to 200 hours" of video, respectively.
Externally, the iPod classic models are similar to the iPod 5G Enhanced in design with a 2.5" color LCD display with an LED backlight (320x240, 163 ppi), but use slightly thinner cases with either a silver or black anodized aluminum front and a chromed stainless steel back, compared to white or black polycarbonate fronts on the previous models. Most notably, perhaps, the iPod classic models were the first "full size" iPod models to not be offered in white.
The iPod classic models also offer substantially improved battery life compared to their predecessors -- 30 hours of music and 5 hours of video for the 80 GB model and 40 hours of music and 7 hours of video for the 160 GB model -- compared to 14 hours of music and 3.5 hours of video for the previous 80 GB model. Unfortunately, the iPod classic models no longer support video out directly from the headphone jack, but only from the dock.
The software is substantially improved, with "MacOS X Leopard" inspired interface enhancements derived from the version of OS X used by the iPhone -- including a Cover Flow option for selecting albums. Three games were bundled as well -- iQuiz, Klondike, and Vortex.
Also see: What is the difference between the iPod classic and the Enhanced 5th Generation iPod?
Despite the age of this device, site sponsor OWC has inexpensive, compatible headphones and some upgrades and parts for vintage iPods while supplies last.
- Tech Specs
- Global Original Prices
- Popular Q&As
Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important.
| Introduction Date: |
September 5, 2007 |
Discontinued Date: |
September 9, 2008 |
| 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.
Also see: All iPhone models introduced in 2007. |
| Processor Speed: |
N/A |
Processor Type: |
Samsung ARM* |
| Details: |
*Apple provides no information on the processor used in the "original" iPod classic (6G) 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: |
80 GB, 160 GB |
| Details: |
*No official information regarding the amount of onboard RAM for skip protection is available, but as the previous 80 GB model had 64 MB of memory, these models are believed to have at least 64 MB of memory, if not 128 MB. |
| Song Capacity: |
20,000 or 40,000 |
Photo Capacity: |
25,000 |
| Details: |
Apple reports that the 80 GB model can hold "up to" 20,000 songs and the 160 GB model "up to" 40,000 songs in "128-Kbps AAC format". Either model can hold "up to" 25,000 photos. Additionally, Apple reports that the 80 GB model can hold "up to 100 hours" of video and the 160 GB model "up to 200 hours" of video. |
| 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 |
| Details: |
The iPod classic models 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: |
The iPod classic (6G) models 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): |
30 Hours, 40 Hours |
| Details: |
The 80 GB model provides "up to" 30 hours of music playback and the 160 GB model "up to" 40 hours of music playback.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells replacement batteries this iPod. |
| Battery Life (Photos): |
N/A |
Battery Life (Video): |
5 Hours, 7 Hours |
| Details: |
Apple does not provide estimated battery life for photo playback. However, the 80 GB model provides "up to" 5 hours of video, and the 160 GB model provides "up to" 7 hours of video playback.
|
| Full-Charge Time: |
"About 4 Hours" |
Apple Order No: |
MB029LL/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.
*MB029LL/A is the order number for the 80 GB configuration in silver. The 80 GB configuration in black is MB147LL/A, the 160 GB configuration in silver is MB145LL/A, and the 160 GB configuration in black is MB150LL/A. |
| Apple Subfamily: |
iPod classic |
Apple Model No: |
A1238 (EMC 2173) |
| Details: |
Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.
Also see: All iPods with the A1238 Model Number and the 2173 EMC Number. |
| Dimensions: |
4.1 x 2.4 x 0.41* |
Avg. Weight: |
4.9 ounces* |
| Details: |
In inches - height by width by depth (80 GB model) -- 103.5 mm by 61.8 mm by 10.5 mm (140 g). *The 160 GB model is slightly thicker (0.53 inches) and heavier (5.7 ounces) -- 103.5 mm by 61.8 mm by 13.5 mm (162 g). |
| Mac Support: |
Mac OS X 10.4.8 |
Windows Support: |
Windows XP SP2/Vista |
| Details: |
Apple reports that this iPod is compatible with a "Macintosh computer with a USB 2.0 port, MacOS X 10.4.8 or later, and iTunes 7.4 or later."
It is compatible with a "PC with USB 2.0, Windows Vista or Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later, and iTunes 7.4 or later." |
| Audio Support: |
Apple reports that the iPod classic (6G) models 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: |
Apple reports that the iPod classic (6G) models sync iPod-viewable photos in "JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PSD (Mac only), and PNG formats". |
| Video Support: |
Apple reports that the iPod classic (6G) models 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: |
Shipped with "earphones, USB cable, [and] dock adapter."
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells accessories like cases, stands, keyboards, speakers and more for this iPod. |
| Original Price: |
US$249, US$349 |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$75-US$200 |
| Details: |
Originally, the 80 GB iPod classic models were US$249 (MB029LL/A, MB147LL/A) and the 160 GB models were US$349 (MB145LL/A, MB150LL/A).
Please note that on average the estimated current retail pricing of used systems is updated twice a year (please refer to the date on the bottom of the page for the date last updated).
Photo Credit: Apple Computer. |
Global original prices for the iPod classic ("Original"/6th Gen) in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region. Please note that prices with an asterisk (*) are bound by carrier contractual obligations.
For global original prices for all iPod, iPhone, and iPad models in one particular country on a single page, please refer to Everyi.com's Global Original Prices section.
If you have additional original prices for this iPod, please share. Thank you.
Original Prices - North & South America
| Canada: |
C$279, C$399 |
Brazil: |
N/A |
| Mexico: |
N/A |
United States: |
US$249, US$349 |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
N/A |
Belgium: |
€249, €349 |
| Denmark: |
DKK 1899, 2599 |
Finland: |
N/A |
| France: |
€259, €359 |
Germany: |
€249, €349 |
| Ireland: |
N/A |
Italy: |
€249, €349 |
| Luxembourg: |
N/A |
Netherlands: |
€249, €349 |
| Norway: |
NOK 1.990, 2.790 |
Portugal: |
€239, €339 |
| Spain: |
€239, €339 |
Sweden: |
N/A |
| Switzerland: |
CHF 399, 579 |
United Kingdom: |
£159, £229 |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
N/A |
Hong Kong: |
N/A |
| India: |
N/A |
Indonesia: |
N/A |
| Japan: |
¥29,800, ¥42,800 |
Korea: |
N/A |
| Malaysia: |
N/A |
The Philippines: |
N/A |
| Singapore: |
N/A |
Taiwan: |
N/A |
| Thailand: |
N/A |
Vietnam: |
N/A |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: |
A$349, A$479 |
New Zealand: |
NZ$399, NZ$549 |
Ten of the most popular Q&As about the iPod line follow.
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