68kMLA Classic Interface

This is a version of the 68kMLA forums for viewing on your favorite old mac. Visitors on modern platforms may prefer the main site.

Click here to select a new forum.
iMac G4 OS9 and iPod
Posted by: acn128 on 2024-09-15 08:26:16
Hi,

I have an iMac G4 (700 MHz) and am running OS 9.2.2 on it.

AFAIK iTunes 2.0.4 is the latest version that runs on OS9.

My question is: What iPod is the latest model that is compatible with iTunes?
If I read it correctly, it's the iPod 2nd gen, right?

Then another question:
Is it possible to swap the HDD in an iPod 2nd gen with flash storage, so that it still can sync with iTunes?
If not, what are good sources for replacement HDDs?

Thank you very much!!

Regards,
acn128
Posted by: sstaylor on 2024-09-15 09:50:04
These guys have a wide range of adapters for iPod flash storage. At a quick glance, the oldest models I saw were 3rd gen, but maybe they have something for 2nd gen.
Given the scarcity of click wheel iPods, maybe it would be worthwhile to install an OS X partition to support somewhat later models.

Store – iFlash.xyz

Store archive.
www.iflash.xyz www.iflash.xyz
Posted by: acn128 on 2024-09-16 01:31:22
Thank you for your answer.

So I guess no flash option for the 2nd gen iPod.

Do you know any sources for working HDDs for such an iPod? 🙂
Or is it possible to use iPods other than 1st and 2nd gen with iTunes on OS9?

Regards,
Anna
Posted by: finkmac on 2024-09-16 03:30:21
you can do a flash mod but as far as I’ve been able to figure out you need an industrial CF and you need to manually prepare the partitions on the ipod
Posted by: LaPorta on 2024-09-16 04:59:15
My understanding (which may be outdated) is that the first gen used actual FW-based HDs, which do not lend themselves to being replaced by any sort of SD or CF replacement. Not sure if the same thing was true of the second gen.
Posted by: finkmac on 2024-09-16 05:23:03
that is completely false. all (non flash) ipods use ATA hard disks. I don't even think "firewire based hard disks" exist. In fact I know they don't exist.

every spinning disk ipod can be solid state modified. just a matter of how you do it.

Spoiler content hidden.
Posted by: LaPorta on 2024-09-16 06:58:26
that is completely false. all (non flash) ipods use ATA hard disks. I don't even think "firewire based hard disks" exist. In fact I know they don't exist.

every spinning disk ipod can be solid state modified. just a matter of how you do it.

Spoiler content hidden.
Thank you. This may have been some old wives tale I became the victim of.
Posted by: KnobsNSwitches on 2024-09-16 07:40:58
You can actually use a 3rd-gen iPod on Mac OS 9, as long as it is on firmware 2.0.1.

I've tried...many times to get a that firmware to install and format for Mac on a compact flash card in a 3G iPod, with no luck. (I can get it format with for windows on firmware 2.0.1, but that doesn't help on Mac OS 9...)

But the original spinning disk iPod HD works in Mac OS 9 with iTunes on firmware 2.0.1.
Posted by: trag on 2024-09-16 16:13:43
I'm not familiar with the particular models, but some of the iPods used a PATA ZIF 1.8" hard drive. The interface is PATA (parallel). The connector is a ribbon cable with a ZIF connector. The spinny drive is tiny.

These drives were also used in the Dell Latitude D430 and D420, and some HP laptop from the same era. The largest capacity drive made in this form factor was the Toshiba MK2431. Here's a page with more information: https://drivesolutions.com/toshiba-...ache-1-8-8mm-laptop-hard-drive-mk2431gah.html

Those were being cleared out for about $80 at one point, at least ten years ago.

However, there are PATA/ZIF to MSATA adapters, and these are far superior. The adapter is the Sintech PA6007 and it's about $12. The same adapter is or was available on Ebay and Amazon often without the Sintech name, so I don't know if Sintech makes all of these, or if they're just one source for a card that some other fabricator churns out.

Anyway, add the 1.8" ZIF PATA to MSATA adapter to a $25 MSATA card, or splurge, spend $60 and get a 1 TB MSATA and you're good to go, assuming you have one of the older iPods that used such hard drives.
Posted by: Dude.JediKnight on 2024-09-17 14:36:50
You can actually use a 3rd-gen iPod on Mac OS 9, as long as it is on firmware 2.0.1.

I was just about to say this exact thing… I had the installer for that version saved somewhere on one of my old HDDs. I think I first read about it on LowEndMac many years ago, but I never actually made use of it.


Regarding CF/SD adapter boards for iPods:
I have several old 3rd/4th gen iPods (including an iPod photo) with dead HDDs that I’d like to get working again. Is there some technical reason to use a CF adapter, or can I just choose an adapter board based on the type and sizes of cards that I already have on hand (which would be SD cards)?
1