Why is the iPod classic so slow?

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Level 1

57 points

Why is the iPod classic so slow?

I was playing with the iPod classic at the Apple store and it ran slow. The iPod touch runs fast. My old iPod video (5th gen) runs slow. Why doesn't the iPod classic run as fast as the iPod touch or not any faster than my old iPod video? I thought Apple cared about a fast easy user experience like on their iPhone. Don't people complain about Android phones running slow? The iPod classic is so sluggish it's annoying. Why do they want their iPod classics to run slower than an old Zune?

Posted on Dec 23, 2012 12:39 PM

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Answer 1

dhinged Author

Level 1

57 points

Dec 28, 2012 7:34 PM in response to the fiend

I'm going to answer my own question with my own determined answer since half of the responders don't seem to understand what I'm talking about and the other half don't have an answer.

It's because they put an inadequate chip in the device. Period. It can't do 30-60 frames consistently like an iPhone or even Android. That's sub-par Apple quality. I'm disappointed. I'm still going to use it of course, but I expect more from Apple. Sorry you all have to see it here, but if I wrote Apple they wouldn't care, but I guess nobody here cares about speedy devices either, right? Nevermind.

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Answer 2

the fiend

Level 7

23,466 points

Dec 24, 2012 9:31 AM in response to dhinged

iPods can't run - they don't have legs.

If you would like a more serious answer, please explain what exactly is "running slow". Does video run slower than it's supposed to? Do songs play at slow speed? Is it scrolling through a long song list - or what?

By the way, there's probably little point in comparing an iPod with Android or a Zune to anyone here, 'cos frankly - who cares? Regarding your comparison, you either accept iPods they way they are, or buy yourself an Android device, or Zune.

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Answer 3

CDJunkie

Level 2

155 points

Dec 25, 2012 12:42 AM in response to dhinged

The reason the Classic is slower than the iPod Touch is because the Classic is hard drive based. It takes much longer to access the content on a hard drive. It's a physical property of both devices.

By the way, my Classic is faster than my friend's Zune.

Enjoy your music.

CDJunkie

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Answer 4

dhinged Author

Level 1

57 points

Dec 27, 2012 12:35 PM in response to CDJunkie

I meant the frame rate. It's laggy. Sometimes it sticks. I'm not sure if a button press actually worked or not sometimes. Sometimes it's so choppy that I'm not sure it transitioned or bugged. The iPod touch is really fast, no confusion there. It doesn't seem to load things any faster; just low frame rate on the Classic. I thought they put the best processors in them for their needs to make them run fast and look good.

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Answer 5

the fiend

Level 7

23,466 points

Dec 27, 2012 12:43 PM in response to dhinged

At the end of the day, you've tried this iPod in the store. You didn't like the results of your demanding tests. So don't buy one.

The iPod Classic isn't for everyone, but for those of us with large music collections, that won't fit onto other iPods, then the Classic is the answer.

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Answer 6

dhinged Author

Level 1

57 points

Dec 27, 2012 12:54 PM in response to the fiend

I bought the iPod classic because it can store all of my music uncompressed and plugs into a remote-controlled dock I can plug into my stereo. The iPod is the easiest to use and most compatible (and capable) with existing devices; that isn't my problem. My problem is it runs slow compared to other Apple devices. This isn't the kind of quality I expect from Apple. It should have a chip in it that can run on-screen events at 30-60 frames per second consistently. Sorry if you disagree.

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Answer 7

the fiend

Level 7

23,466 points

Dec 27, 2012 1:05 PM in response to dhinged

Well, it could just be that the processor in the Classic doesn't like the particular video you were using, although I did base my answer on your first post, which said I was playing with the iPod classic at the Apple store... . As far as I know, in-store demo videos are not included on purchased iPods. So your decision to purchase was presumably based on your tests of it in-store.

It's still a matter of "you makes your choice - you pays your money".

My choice was to stick with my 160GB Classic for it's capacity, but to buy an iPod Touch in addition, for it's other abilities (including widescreen for videos, compared to the Classic). I realise that's not an affordable option for many people. But it was my solution.

Maybe that's why Apple provide choices.

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Answer 8

dhinged Author

Level 1

57 points

Dec 27, 2012 2:27 PM in response to the fiend

I wasn't watching a video, I was playing around with a bunch of its features. I have an iPod "video" (meaning the 5th gen iPod, which was alternatively called the "iPod video", sic capitalization). The frame rate is slow on the current iPod classics, seemingly as or more slow than my old iPod 5th gen. I was surprised and disappointed they didn't upgrade that when all of their other devices run so fast and look so nice. It seems a stark contrast to their philosophy, and I want a fast, good-looking, responsive device, not a slow laggy "just give em what works" device like Apple fan boys are always complaining about with Android and Windows etc.

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Answer 9

the fiend

Level 7

23,466 points

Dec 27, 2012 2:57 PM in response to dhinged

I don't have anything further to add to this discussion.

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