For us music lovers, who could forget the golden age of the iPod? Fast forward to today, and we’re swimming in endless music streaming apps, with all the bells and whistles to personalise our playlists. Sure, it’s convenient, but with all those options, have we traded control for chaos? Has “smart” tech overshadowed the simple joy of just listening to music, no frills attached?
While scrolling through the internet, I stumbled upon a post about someone rediscovering an old iPod Classic. This sparked a wave of nostalgia in me, as I never owned one when they first launched. Intrigued, I decided to get my own iPod Classic from eBay, and from there, I fell down a rabbit hole into the modern community of iPod enthusiasts.
Why I Still Use an iPod in 2024
As we navigate the modern digital landscape, many are turning to what’s called “digital minimalism” to counteract the distractions of smartphones and streaming services. For me, the iPod serves as a perfect example of simplicity. I value how straightforward it is, which allows for a focused music experience devoid of the notifications and distractions found on modern smartphones.
I’ve found that with my iPod it encourages “proper” listening—whether during a workday or while taking a walk—by eliminating the overwhelming array of choices presented by streaming platforms. My iPod Classic has a whopping 16GB of storage (Compared to my phone’s 512GB), which means I must be selective about my music, promoting a more curated and personal library.
One of my biggest gripes with modern subscription services is that they can remove songs and albums at any time or make them “unavailable in my country.” For example, I was discussing with a friend the Jennifer Saunders cover of “I Need a Hero” from Shrek 2 (aka the perfect sequel). However, due to copyright reasons, I couldn’t find it on Spotify, despite having listened to it the previous week and it being in my guilty pleasure’s playlist!
By curating a local music library, I maintain complete control over my collection, leading to a more meaningful relationship with my music. What began as a light-hearted experiment into a nostalgia I never had soon revealed that using an iPod disconnects me from the streaming algorithms that often just shove whatever is currently popular into my personal playlists via its “Smart Shuffle” feature.
Despite the extra time and effort, I put into trawling local charity shops and rummaging through my parents’ attic for physical CDs to upload to my iPod, I find that this labour of love enhances my listening experience. The process of sourcing these physical copies adds a tangible connection to the music that streaming services simply can’t replicate. In a world where everything is instant and easily accessible, taking the time to hunt down each album feels rewarding.
Upgrading a Classic iPod
As a bit of a tinkerer, I started researching how to modernize this device while keeping its core function and essence intact. I discovered that a small corner of the internet has embraced the challenge of modernizing the iPod with flash storage and improved battery life!
Due to the restrictions at the time, the iPod 5th Generation that I own has a spinning disk drive because SSDs were too expensive to manufacture at a large scale for the price point. However, thanks to advancements in manufacturing and the accessibility of SD cards today, enthusiasts are selling upgrades for our classic devices.
For instance, by swapping out the spinning disk drive for a “Flash mod,” which is a PCB board with four SD card slots, I can achieve up to 1TB of storage (if I had that much music!). This upgrade also frees up enough space inside to expand the battery to three times its original size! The best part is that this process is relatively easy. Given the size of the components inside and the plastic casing, no soldering is required. You simply unplug the old parts, plug in the new ones, clip it all back together, reformat, and you’re on your way!
Conclusion
The iPod remains a powerful tool for those seeking to have a bit of nostalgia with their relationship with music in the digital age. Whether through modification or just embracing simplicity, the iPod offers a pathway to more intentional and meaningful interactions with music. As we continue to navigate a world filled with distractions, it serves as a reminder of the joy and appreciation that can be found in the simple act of listening.