Apple iPod classic (Late 2008/7th Gen) 120 GB, 160 GB Specs
Identifiers: iPod classic - MB562LL/A* - A1238 - 2173
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As introduced on September 9, 2008, the Apple iPod classic (Late 2008/7th 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 (some refer to this configuration as the "3rd Generation" iPod classic or the 8th Generation iPod).
Externally, the iPod classic (Late 2008/7th Generation) models also effectively are identical to the 80 GB version of the "original" iPod classic (6th Generation) 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 2008/7th Generation) models also do not support video out directly from the headphone jack, but only from the dock, an unfortunate "downgrade" from the iPod 5th Generation Enhanced models.
However, the iPod classic (Late 2008/7th Generation) 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 2008/7th Generation) 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 2008/7th Generation) models also add a "Genius" feature to dynamically create playlists based on "songs that go great together" and the "Late 2009/8th Generation" models provide the aforementioned "Genius Mixes" functionality.
Also see: What is the difference between the second and third iPod classic (7th Generation) and the "original" iPod classic (6th Generation)?
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
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| Introduction Date: |
September 9, 2008* |
Discontinued Date: |
September 9, 2014 |
| 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.
Also see: All iPhone models introduced in 2008. |
| Processor Speed: |
N/A |
Processor Type: |
Samsung ARM* |
| 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. |
| 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 |
| 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 2008/2nd Gen) models provide "up to" 36 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): |
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 |
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 -- 103.5 mm by 61.8 mm by 10.5 mm (140 g). |
| Mac Support: |
Mac OS X 10.4.11/10.6.8* |
Windows Support: |
Windows XP SP3/Vista |
| Details: |
Apple originally reported that this iPod is compatible with a "Macintosh computer with a USB 2.0 port, Mac OS X 10.4.11 or later, and iTunes 8 or later."
It is also 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."
*All 120 GB models support Mac OS X 10.4.11. For the 160 GB configuration Apple introduced on September 9, 2009, the company increased the iTunes software requirement up to version 9, but maintained compatibility with Mac OS X 10.4.11. However, Apple quietly increased the system requirements of late 160 GB configurations to Mac OS X 10.6.8 or higher in October 2012. If you are buying a 160 GB configuration -- and need compatibility with Mac OS X 10.4.11 or Mac OS X 10.5.x -- be sure to verify with the seller whether the specific 160 GB model being sold supports Mac OS X 10.4.11 or higher or if it only Mac OS X 10.6.8 or higher. |
| 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: |
Apple 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: |
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 |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$100-US$200 |
| Details: |
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 (Late 2008/7th 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 |
Brazil: |
R$899 |
| Mexico: |
MXN $3889 |
United States: |
US$249 |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
€239 |
Belgium: |
€229 |
| Denmark: |
DKK 1,799 |
Finland: |
€251 |
| France: |
€259 |
Germany: |
€229 |
| Luxembourg: |
€217,65 |
Netherlands: |
€229 |
| Norway: |
NOK 2.090 |
Portugal: |
€239 |
| Spain: |
€239 |
Sweden: |
SEK 2.595 |
| Switzerland: |
CHF 379 |
United Kingdom: |
£189 |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
RMB 2,198 |
Hong Kong: |
HK$1,888 |
| India: |
Rs 15,200 |
Indonesia: |
Rp 3,163,000 |
| Japan: |
¥29,800 |
Korea: |
KRW 379,000 |
| Malaysia: |
RM 899 |
The Philippines: |
PHP 13,490 |
| Singapore: |
S$388 |
Taiwan: |
NT$9,490 |
| Thailand: |
THB 8,900 |
Vietnam: |
VND 7,599,000 |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: |
A$339 |
New Zealand: |
NZ$429 |
Ten of the most popular Q&As about the iPod line follow.
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