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iPod Bench

iPod 1st generation

The one with the mechanical scroll wheel and a FireWire port. We could not find a teardown we trust for it, so we have not drawn its insides.

Open the interactive page All iPods

What is inside

We could not find a teardown for this model that we trust, so we have not drawn it.

Quick facts

  • Screen: 160 x 128 monochrome LCD, about 2 inches
  • Wheel: A mechanical scroll wheel that turns, with four buttons around it
  • Connection: FireWire only, no USB
  • Chip: PortalPlayer PP5002
  • Storage: 1.8 inch Toshiba hard drive, 4,200 rpm, 5GB or 10GB
  • Battery: About 1,200 mAh lithium polymer

Change the storage

  • No flash adapter is confirmed for this model. iFlash lists the 2nd generation and earlier as not compatible, and iPodWiki says the boards depend on FireWire.

Rockbox

Limited. Rockbox lists the first and second generations with serious issues, and on some units the scroll wheel does not work under it.

What goes wrong

  • Sad iPod icon, or a folder with an exclamation mark: Usually the hard drive. Charge it, reset it, try disk mode, and if it still clicks or whirs, replace the drive.

Mods that are documented for it

None found.

Parts to search for

Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These links only search by name. Match your exact model before you buy. Disclosure

What we have not confirmed

  • How the case opens, what the parts are called and how they are laid out. We found no source we trust.
  • Battery voltage and connector.

Where this came from

Written in our own words from the pages above. Opening an iPod can break it, and a lithium battery that is bent, punctured or shorted can burn, so wear eye protection and stop if one is swollen. Boards and batteries vary, so check your own. Not affiliated with Apple.