I have the opportunity to buy a used 160 GB iPod classic in excellent condition for $180. I've read about concerns regarding hard drive reliability with the 160 and wondered if anyone had thoughts on whether I should get a new 120 GB instead (around $225).
I would go with the 160GB. If it's in as good condition as you say, it's definitely a steal. You'll get 40GB more, and pay $45 less. Even though 120GB is a lot, those extra 40 could come in handy if you feel like backing up some data or putting a lot of movies on it.
Thanks for the input. I notice you have a 160 yourself. Have you had any trouble with it? Some in these forums have described 2-3 second delays between songs and clicking noises from the hard drive.
Go with the new 120GB if you want a good battery life out of it. The battery will never hold a charge after 200-300 charges. If he/she who now owns the 160GB now and charges it 3-5 times a week it won't be able to hold a charge after about 1.5/2 years. Plus you'd want to make sure that the ipod has the receipt as well so that you have your warranty. The clicking noises are present on the 80GB classic as well. Also if you don't want a fat ipod go for the 120GB.
I suspect the 160GB Classic will probably be the last high capacity iPod we'll see for years (not counting user modifications). I high capacity means anything, I'd go for the 160GB. I have one and am glad I have it. No problems at all.
A few features that the 120GB Classic will have that the old 160GB won't have:
Genius playlists
Pause and skip tracks with a headset that works with an iPhone. This means that you can skip, pause music by pressing a button on the headset. A very nice convenient feature.
Without doubt go for the 160Gb... I never thought I'd be able to fill my old iPod (30Gb) and now I'm well over 90Gb on my 160Gb. The 160Gb has an amazing battery life and will keep on going and going which is brilliant. Size-wise it's not much bigger than the 120Gb but the extra 40Gb does make a huge difference...
I have been through quite a few iPods in my life and the 160Gb is by far my favourite iPod... It holds everything I want to bring (bucket loads of podcasts) and then some...
If the bat dies after 200-300 cycles you will probably be looking for a new iPod anyway so I can't see what the big deal is. When my iPods "die" its time for a change anyway...
well i have one 160 gb ipod and i love it i have more space for songs and videos wich with the nano 4th gen i dint have also i had an 80 gb one but it got corrupted and i dont know what to do with it.
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Buy used 160 GB or new 120 GB Classic
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