first generation ipod

It's just a FireWire (400) cable, if this is really a 1st gen iPod that has a scroll wheel that physically turns on a circle.

NOTE: There is no cable that allows you to connect it to a USB port. The 1st and 2nd gen iPods ONLY sync and charge with FireWire. If you see a FireWire-to-USB adapter cable being advertised, DO NOT buy it. It's a scam. Using such a cable may end up damaging your iPod.

If you have a Mac with a FireWire 800 port or Thunderbolt port, please post back wth details. You can adapt those ports to work with a 1st gen iPod.

Assuming that means it does not have a FireWire 800 port, but it does have a Thunderbolt port (not necessarily true depending on your Mac model)...

You need an Apple Thunderbolt to FireWire 800 adapter

http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD464LL/A/apple-thunderbolt-to-firewire-adapte r

You can then connect a FireWire cable that has FireWire 800 on one end and FireWire 400 on the other end. OWC sells that type of cable

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer%20Technology/1394B96072BK/

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/NewerTech/1394B96012/ <- Short one

You may find other vendors with various length cables. It needs to be described as something like FireWire 800 (9-pin) to FireWire 400 (6-pin). The "6-pin" part is important, because FireWire 400 (4-pin) also exists. The iPod's port is FireWire 400 (6-pin).

See this post: Re: 1st generation Ipod (2001 /5GB) How to charge??

tt2