William Reade
Level 1 (9 points)
iPod

Q: iPod Nano 6th Generation Devices

I have an iPod Nano 6th generation. I would like to continue using it for playing music at night while I sleep. I had an iHome device but that recently died. I have two requirements for a new device. The device needs to plug into a wall outlet and it needs to charge the iPod Nano.

 

Can anyone suggest a new device?

iPod nano (6th generation), Windows 7

Posted on Sep 11, 2016 9:00 PM

by Kenichi Watanabe,Solvedanswer
Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe
Level 8 (38,485 points)
Mac OS X
A:

For a 6th gen (not 7th gen) iPod nano, the cable is the standard 30-pin to USB docking cable, that Apple previously included with iPods and other devices.  Apple still sells it; the official replacement is

 

http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MA591G/C/apple-30-pin-to-usb-cable

 

NOTE:  If you have a docking cable that you use to sync iPod to your computer running iTunes, it's the same cable.

 

There are also numerous third-party versions of this cable from the usual online sources, like Amazon.  Doing an Internet search on "30-pin USB docking cable" should provide results.

 

One odd thing to consider is the size of the plug for the external powered speakers.  I have an older 5th gen iPod nano.  The dock connector and headphones jack are right next to each other.  If the "handle" around the headphones plug is too large (fat), it does not fit when docking connector is also attached.  I don't have a 6th gen nano, but you can check how much space is available between the two connectors.

Posted on Sep 13, 2016 10:43 AM

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William Reade

Q: iPod Nano 6th Generation Devices

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,Helpful

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Sep 13, 2016 10:44 AM in response to William Reade
    Level 8 (38,485 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 13, 2016 10:44 AM in response to William Reade

    There are two separate functions here.  Charging the iPod and powered speakers.  The iPod has two separate connectors for audio output and power, so you don't need to constrain yourself to one device. 

     

    Use a common USB power adapter (that plugs into wall outlet), like the type that comes with iPhone or other device, and standard USB docking cable to charge the iPod's battery.  Connect any common self-powered speakers, like the type that people use with computers, to iPod's headphones jack.  This is how I use my iPod touch on bedside table.

  • by William Reade,

    William Reade William Reade Sep 13, 2016 7:18 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (9 points)
    iPod
    Sep 13, 2016 7:18 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    Kenichi,

     

    Thanks for your response. Since this is an old iPod, I don't have a charging cord that will connect to it. Can you recommend a reliable place to get such a cord for this iPod version?

     

    Thanks,

     

    Will

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,Solvedanswer

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Sep 13, 2016 10:43 AM in response to William Reade
    Level 8 (38,485 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 13, 2016 10:43 AM in response to William Reade

    For a 6th gen (not 7th gen) iPod nano, the cable is the standard 30-pin to USB docking cable, that Apple previously included with iPods and other devices.  Apple still sells it; the official replacement is

     

    http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MA591G/C/apple-30-pin-to-usb-cable

     

    NOTE:  If you have a docking cable that you use to sync iPod to your computer running iTunes, it's the same cable.

     

    There are also numerous third-party versions of this cable from the usual online sources, like Amazon.  Doing an Internet search on "30-pin USB docking cable" should provide results.

     

    One odd thing to consider is the size of the plug for the external powered speakers.  I have an older 5th gen iPod nano.  The dock connector and headphones jack are right next to each other.  If the "handle" around the headphones plug is too large (fat), it does not fit when docking connector is also attached.  I don't have a 6th gen nano, but you can check how much space is available between the two connectors.

  • by William Reade,

    William Reade William Reade Sep 13, 2016 10:43 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (9 points)
    iPod
    Sep 13, 2016 10:43 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    Kenichi,

     

    Thanks for all that info. That was very helpful!

     

    Will

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Sep 13, 2016 10:47 AM in response to William Reade
    Level 8 (38,485 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 13, 2016 10:47 AM in response to William Reade

    Thanks for reporting back with outcome.