Why get an iPod when you already have a phone?
Let’s explore the possibilities...
Apple discontinued the iPod in 2022, but it feels like people stopped using iPods way before that.
But now they are back!
I used to have a 6th generation iPod Classic and that thing was fantastic.
The metal faceplate looked awesome and there was more than enough room to store all of my favorite music.
But mobile phones and streaming services have taken over as the primary way people listen to music nowadays.
While they are more convenient, there are still many advantages to using an iPod.
Here’s why you might want to rock an iPod again (or for the first time):
- Replacing and upgrading the battery can give you amazing battery life
- Adding a SD card reader can give you 1TB of storage or more on certain models
- Remove yourself from distractions like phone calls and text messages
- Have fun buying physical media like CDs again
- Download and listen to higher quality recordings than what’s available on streaming platforms
- Own songs that might get removed from streaming services
- Store your entire music library on one device
- Customize your iPod with colors Apple never offered
- Using Rockbox will allow you to get around storage and playback limitations imposed by Apple
- It’s fun and nostalgic
- You don’t have to worry about keeping your phone charged to listen to music
- More money goes to the artists when you buy songs, compared to streaming or buying used CDs
- It works without the internet
- No more annoying notifications and suggestions from streaming apps
- Be more intentional and aware of what you’re listening to
- It’s a conversation starter
- And more!
Now that you know why an iPod can be a great thing to have, here’s how to get one.
DIY or Already Done
There are 2 ways to get an iPod, you can either buy it refurbished, or you can refurbish it yourself.
Since they are so old, most iPods will have something wrong with them, usually the battery or hard drive.
So before you make in impulse purchase, ask yourself if you want to do the work yourself, or if you want to buy one that’s already done.
If money isn’t an issue, then buying a pre-made one can save a lot of time and headache.
Put in the order and Chad’s your uncle.
But if you want to save a few bucks or you like to tinker, then buying a broken iPod and fixing it up yourself can be a lot of fun.
Just be very wary of “new” iPods. You never know what is actually in that sealed box.
I like to buy used iPods because they are lower risk (cheaper) and I can see what I’m getting.
You can look for refurbished and used iPods on:
Rockbox or iTunes
The next questi