iPod Classic Alternatives?

[Bubbles]

I like having my vast music collection on my iPod Classic. Alas with Apple having retired them last year (and my iPod getting on a bit) I was having a think about the alternatives that are avaiable. When it comes to replacing it, I'd like a simple device like the iPod Classic that can be used purely for playing music. I don't need a iPod Touch with access to lots of apps and not much storage space, just something to play my music, audiobooks and podcasts with around 100GB of space. What options do I have?

[3s-gtech]

I have a few Classics, and an iPhone. For simplicity (and compatibility with my ICE) the older models win hands down. They're good tough devices - what are you finding is playing up? They're pretty simple to split open and upgrade, with new batteries and using CF cards instead of the old ZIF IDE HDD (which makes them much quicker, more durable and less power hungry!) Only problem is 128GB CF cards are still pricey (branded ones from £90 or so).

[andyturpie]

Ibasso or Cowon devices are worth a look at.

[Bubbles]

I have a few Classics, and an iPhone. For simplicity (and compatibility with my ICE) the older models win hands down. They're good tough devices - what are you finding is playing up? They're pretty simple to split open and upgrade, with new batteries and using CF cards instead of the old ZIF IDE HDD (which makes them much quicker, more durable and less power hungry!) Only problem is 128GB CF cards are still pricey (branded ones from £90 or so).

 

Nothing specific. As it's coming up to 4 years old I was simply thinking about what alternatives that are currently avaiable (something I've not thought of before) if something does happen and I can't repair it. Second hand ones on eBay seem to be carrying a premium on eBay so wanted to see what options are out there in terms of alternatives.

[LeMarchand]

Only problem is 128GB CF cards are still pricey (branded ones from £90 or so).

 

I've used an adapter in CF card devices with some success - may be worth a punt?

@Bubbles: I know it's more complex than you want, but surely an older model phone + 128GB SD card will do what you want? Depending on what you get you could fiddle with the GUI to simplify it.

[Mstevens1687]

I have played around with various ways of getting more capacity in the iPod classic range - the best way i have found is a £4 ZIF to mSata adapter from eBay and then buy a mSata drive of required size. I have tried ZIF to CF with a adapter which works but is pricey. I also tried ZIF to CF adapter to SD.... this has several areas of failure and needs a larger back case... Before buying a large capacity drive its always best to check that the generation iPod you are building can handle the large capacity

[Arthur]

Sony NW-ZX2?

 

http://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/walkman/nw-zx2

[Bubbles]

Sony NW-ZX2?

 

Portable MP3 Hi-Resolution Digital Music Player | NW-ZX2 | Sony UK

 

Very nice, but at £950, it's a tad expensive!