Getting iPod 4th Gen Back to Life

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to purchase a broken 4th generation iPod for RM70. Now, if you’re an avid Apple follower and an audiophile, you may already understand the intrigue behind my decision. For those who are not familiar, it’s worth doing some homework to fully grasp the context. So, let’s delve into how I brought this old device back to life.

One thing I knew for certain was that the iPod required a new battery and a replacement for its faulty hard drive. Personally, I didn’t want to deal with a music player that relied on a mechanical spinning drive, especially when using it on the go or around the house. Although hard drives offer larger storage capacities compared to flash drives, I prioritized reliability, similar to what I experience with my iPhone. Luckily, flash drives have become more affordable, and I was able to use a compact flash (CF) card as a replacement. With the assistance of @aiFrantz, I ordered the necessary parts from overseas. Trust me, you won’t find these items at local retailers.

After patiently waiting for two weeks, the package finally arrived.

Left : CF adapter with housing. Right : Old, broken 1.8inch hard drive.

Left : New, incompatible battery 1200mAH. Right : Old, still working battery(!)

Compact Flash adapter. Short of SSD for iPod.

The cost of the components totaled around RM150. Adding the 16GB CF card for RM80 and the initial iPod purchase of RM70, the total investment came to RM300. Now, I cannot predict how long this refurbished device will last, but that’s a story for another day. At the time of writing, a fully functioning iPod (4th and 5th gen) is available for RM250. However, if you consider the age of the device, it’s worth factoring in the potential need to replace the hard drive and battery, unless you opt for a Classic model. Personally, I wasn’t interested in the 5th gen, which supports video playback since I already have my iPhone for that purpose.

Unfortunately, the new battery I purchased didn’t work with my iPod. I’m uncertain if I acquired the wrong battery or if it arrived faulty. As a temporary solution, I decided to continue using the old battery, which surprisingly still functions. However, I haven’t measured its battery life to determine how long it will last on a single charge.

When it comes to music, I consider it a worthy investment that greatly impacts both my professional and personal life. That’s precisely why I’m willing to spend a significant amount on high-quality earphones or headphones. I don’t merely want to listen to my music; I want to immerse myself in the emotions it evokes. I crave the true enjoyment of each note. Quality matters to me, and I simply can’t settle for less. If you were to judge me, you could say that I’m an individual who listens with a deep emotional connection, rather than someone who questions the purpose of a device solely dedicated to music.

But please, refrain from judging my music taste. My preferences range from Stacy to Arch Enemy. Yes, it may seem like an odd combination, but it’s what resonates with me and brings me joy.