iPod 160GB Classic questions

**Finnn** · 06-27-2008, 11:16 PM

Chaps I have an opp to get the 160GB or 80GB classic as a perk (FOC). Tell me, can the ipod be used as a pure external hard disk to store files etc ... if it is going to be hooked up to a mac to transfer music and video files, can it also be connected to a Windows PC to transfer files like a USB drive?

I understand it now does not come with a USB wall power charger, do the el cheapo P300 or thereabouts chargers do the job or must I stay away from those?

Would people opt to get the 80GB over the 160GB - is there anything like longevity or failure more common with 160GB?

**Sponsor** · 06-27-2008 11:16 PM

**aldrichlim** · 06-27-2008, 11:24 PM

i don't own any ipods but i've seen some of my friends use their ipods as external hd's, so this is possible.

if i were you get the best that your money can afford. always remember you get what you pay for (well most of the time)

I dont know any issues with it but one thing i like about the 160gb is its battery life 40hrs vs 30hrs (80gb)

**IronMan** · 06-27-2008, 11:53 PM

Yes, you can definitely use the iPod as an external drive in both Mac and PC without any drivers.

I'm not sure about Mac-formatted iPods as my iPods are all FAT32. If the [iPods in the] Mac format uses HFS+, then you cannot use it in Windows, unless you have MacDrive.

If you have the cash, opt for the 160GB model. It has more battery juice too.

**mcsix** · 06-28-2008, 02:11 AM

Go for the 160GB model since you want to use it for back-up, you can never go wrong with more disk space. I, on the other hand, only have the 80GB since I only use it for songs, videos and podcasts.

**philpangandian** · 06-28-2008, 06:18 AM

About buying a cheap charger, I would suggest Apple brand only. I would not risk my expensive iPod for a P300 charger.. Remember that iPods have only one connection for both charging and accessing their files. Wrong charger could affect the iPod's motherboard..

**macdrive007** · 06-28-2008, 07:47 AM

Originally Posted by Finnn

I understand it now does not come with a USB wall power charger, do the el cheapo P300 or thereabouts chargers do the job or must I stay away from those?

not the el cheapo, but the powertogo ipod chargers being sold at digital hub/walker at about Php600. I've used them and they work great! thinner too... stay on branded stuff. =)

**michelledsbona** · 06-28-2008, 08:49 PM

i'm intending to get the 160gb ipod, too! just waiting for the price to get a bit lower, great since it works as an external hd, too!

**bon** · 06-28-2008, 09:43 PM

Originally Posted by Finnn

Chaps I have an opp to get the 160GB or 80GB classic as a perk (FOC). Tell me, can the ipod be used as a pure external hard disk to store files etc ... if it is going to be hooked up to a mac to transfer music and video files, can it also be connected to a Windows PC to transfer files like a USB drive?

An iPod that is initially formatted by a Windows PC will be formatted as FAT32 - this is readable and perfectly usable in either a Mac or a PC. On the other hand, an iPod that is initially formatted for a Mac will have an HFS+ partition, which is not readable by a Windows PC without third party software. This is an important consideration when using the iPod as an external USB drive to transfer files between Windows PCs and Macs.

iTunes on a Mac will have no trouble reading and writing to a FAT32-formatted iPod.

**IronMan** · 06-28-2008, 09:50 PM

Originally Posted by philpangandian

About buying a cheap charger, I would suggest Apple brand only. I would not risk my expensive iPod for a P300 charger.. Remember that iPods have only one connection for both charging and accessing their files. Wrong charger could affect the iPod's motherboard..

I agree. A friend gave me his used USB charger [generic and not Apple-branded] and when i tried it for the first time, i noticed the iPod confusingly toggled between being charged and not!!! i immediately disconnected and threw the charger out the window!!

**bon** · 06-28-2008, 10:22 PM

Originally Posted by IronMan

I agree. A friend gave me his used USB charger [generic and not Apple-branded] and when i tried it for the first time, i noticed the iPod confusingly toggled between being charged and not!!! i immediately disconnected and threw the charger out the window!!

This is an indication that the mAh rating of the USB charger is insufficient to recharge the iPod. Ideally you should find a charger capable of at least 1000 mAh output to charge most iPods.