iPod Classic 7th Generation Review
iPod Classic like any other iPod family underwent design and technical modifications to reach its present seventh generation. Interestingly up till the 5th generation the models were just named as iPod and the tag ‘Classic’ was added later. Considering the transformation from the first generation to the latest, only a few tweaking is done to upgrade the iPod to the latest music players. iPod in the first generation is designed with the scroll wheel model and the second generation altered to a virtual wheel idea. Yet, both the generations had a fire wire port on the upper side. The 3rd generation iPod classic line-ups were packed with the dock connector. Further, many features were added from this model onwards. The 4th generation witnessed the addition of click wheel borrowed from the iPod shuffle. In the next generations viz, the fifth and the sixth video play back was added and the screen size had been increased. It was only at this point of time, that iPod was renamed as iPod Classic.
Overview
iPod Classic stands apart for its storage. Beauty, elegance, efficiency, and last but not the least, it is the memory capacity that puts it forward. With the storage capacity of 160GB, it can hold up to 40,000 songs. Many items such as the photos, videos, podcast can be stored intact and the user will land up finding still more space to add something. It could be because of some internal file compression technology used by Apple. Further, a few games are also added to give the extra mileage.
Design
The sixth generation iPod classic has got itself eliminated from the clear plastic. The main drawback noted in the plastic case is the higher sensitivity to scuff marks. But , this one comes with the anodized aluminum as used in the iPod Nano. The metal face is encompassed elegantly around the glass screen. It is a practical construction and avoids the occurrence of scratch marks on the screen. However, the rear stainless steel is still susceptible to finger prints.
The iPod Classic 7th Generation screen measures 2.5 inch diagonally and is a color LCD monitor with LED backlight. This renders a good visibility and clarity for the pictures and videos. We can understand the love for click wheel by Apple and hence the iPod classic is established with the click wheel as used in iPod Shuffle. The only difference is that an additional option such as the menu and the play/ pause is added to the click wheel, besides the forward and reverse button. But, unfortunately the volume control is hidden inside the menu options. It is not a smoother set-up, because the volume control is something that is highly preferred to be within the quickest reach, and can be cumbersome if it has to be altered through entering the click wheel menu options. The iPod classic can be turned on, by hitting any button on the device.
User Interface
The operation is simple in Apple iPod 7th Gen Media Player. It is just click and scroll. All the features are to be navigated from the main menu using the click wheel and the centre button. The details of the song, settings and information are contained within the menu. The selection is always made using the centre button. The main menu can be activated by pressing and holding it, an action animated from the iPod shuffle. The shuffle song option is also present. It is also possible to skip to any point of the song or the video using the centre button. A scrubber bar appears and the diamond icon represents the exact location of the item. Since the device can hold a good quantity of database, it is possible to search and pick the desired one using the search option. However the search feature is restricted to the music area only and it does not respond to videos or any other items. Something similar to that of a phone lock arrangement is possible in the iPod classic. By pressing the hold switch the iPod classic can be averted by activating from accidental touch. In case of poor video quality, the screen brightness can be adjusted, but prolonged brightness of the screen can affect the battery performance. The battery level is indicated on the extreme top right corner of the screen.
Features
Memory Capacity
The storage part is the alluring feature as far as this model is concerned. Apple iPod Classic 7th Generation Model’s memory is 160GB hard drive. The clearest reason for using the hard drive rather than the flash drive is the cost efficient storage. Most of such devices with flash drive memory fall in the expensive category. As per the latest technology, the iPod Classic picks up from the small sized drive to execute the commands. In addition to it, it runs on a complicated OS system. This aspect makes it susceptible to fail at certain occasions. This is the reason as why iPod classic though being the best amongst the iPod family to hold more songs, it is not integrated with the Nike+ usage. Even it is not highly recommended to be used during extreme conditions such as the running as it can lead to some mechanical failure. The usage of hard drive for storing the content has a limitation of drawing more power, External Hard Drives comes with the capacity up to 3TB. Meanwhile the flash drive memory gives better mileage and has several advantages. The main advantage is the speed and it gives a good operating experience. A smooth interface is maintained. Moreover, content like videos and games need a smart interface system and flash drive is the ideal choice. Further the energy efficiency of the flash drive is higher. Most of the Apple’s iPod models have drifted towards having the attractive flash RAM rather than the hard drive. The iPod classic hard drive has some hiccups such as stuttering during the playback. Though it is not of a major drawback, it is still a limitation.
Music capabilities
The music features is similar to that of any iPod family. The iPod Classic can be synchronized through the iTunes and songs be exported. It is possible to enter the song lyrics in to the iTunes in the plain text format. The same can be viewed while listening to the songs. Album art work can be displayed by the iPod Classic and hence if it is added it can be viewed. The music can be synchronized automatically or it can be managed manually. Using the rating system, if the user rates the song from 1 to 5, the iPod Classic can automatically creates Smart Playlist in the iTunes.
Podcast can be downloaded and organized and viewed effectively, it presumes from the place where it was left. Audio Books can be transferred to the iPod Classic and the play speed can also be set. The chapters can be navigated using the forward and the rewind button. By adding the iPod Radio remote accessory available for iPod Classic, it is possible to listen to the radio.
Video Features
The videos such as the movies or the TV shows can be rented from the iTunes, similar to that of buying songs. It can be brought using the Apple account or America Online account. But this option is limited to some of the countries only. Another interesting feature is the ability to watch the iPod Classic videos in the television. By purchasing an Apple AV cable, the iPod Classic can be connected to the television and the videos can be viewed in the large screen.
Photo Features
The photos available in the computer can be transferred to the 7th Generation iPod Classic. Since the resolution factor varies with respect to each picture, the iTunes shrinks the picture resolution. The full resolution is usually not added to the iPod classic and is added only when requested. Otherwise, it is kept in the best possible resolution applicable for viewing in the device.
Miscellaneous Features
iPod Classic 7th Generation release is configured with three games, namely Klondie, Vortex and the iQuiz. Any additional games can be brought from the iTunes. Furthermore, the iPod Classic can synchronise contacts, calendars and manage the To-Do List. Address book from Mac or Windows can be synced with the iPod classic through the iTunes. Voice memo recording can also be done. The voice memo quality can be pre-set by the user. However the recording will continue only for two hours.
Performance
The key feature of the iPod classic is the memory capacity. It can store up to 40,000 songs when stored in the AAC format at the usage limit of 128 Kbps. It can hold even up to 25,000 photos, but has to be shrunk to be fit in the iPod Classic. Apple has integrated wisely, the cover flow technology to flip through the songs rapidly. This is important criteria required, as the iPod classic storage limit is very high. The refresh rate and the response time is good, however iPod Classic does not exhibit the backward compatibility with respect to certain games aspect.
Verdict
It would be an understatement to say that the iPod Classic memory is good, but it is fabulous. The device is sturdy but not solid enough to be taken for gym activities.
The sound effects are not diluted in this generation, but we should say Apple has further enriched the quality. However, the volume control could have been retained in the main click wheel, which is quite a drawback. But, for certain reasons like the excellent storage limit and the music play back time, which runs up to 36 hours, people cannot keep their hands off from the iPod Classic.
iPod Classic 7th Generation – Technical Specification Table
| Manufacturer | Apple |
| Model Name | iPod Classic 7th Generation |
| Product Type | Digital Player |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 2.4 x 0.41 x 4.1 |
| Weight | 4.9 ounces |
| Body Housing Material | Aluminum |
| Memory | 160GB Hard Drive |
| System Requirements | Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP Home, Mac OS X v10.4.11 or later |
| Compatible audio CD format | AAC, Protected AAC, MP3, Apple Lossless, AIFF, HE-AAC, MP3 VBR, and WAV |
| Software | iTunes version 9.0 or later |
| Digital Features | MPEG-4 playback, JPEG photo playback, H.264 video |
| Additional Features | Genius technology, FM radio, Calendar, To-Do List |
| User Interface | USB port with 2.0 compatibility |
| Input and Output | Dock Connector to USB Cable, Earphones |
| Battery | Rechargeable lithium ion battery |
| Play back Time | 36 hours of recharge time |
| Warranty | One year |
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