Refurbished iPod Video 5G — inspected, function-tested, and ready to play. Confirm the exact capacity, color, and order number on this listing before you buy.
Product Overview
This refurbished iPod 5th Generation (Video) 30GB White is a complete working iPod listing for buyers comparing model, capacity, and condition.
Use the identification table below to confirm the exact configuration and order-number record.
- Back up all data before formatting or restoring
- This erases all data and reinstalls factory firmware
- For iFlash conversions: reformat SD card to FAT32 with all partitions deleted
Choose Your Option
This refurbished iPod comes in multiple configurations. Confirm capacity, color, case depth, and order number before choosing.
Refurbished iPod 5th Generation Video 30GB in white. Model A1136, order MA002LL/A. 2.5" color display, video playback, 14 hrs music.
You're viewing this optionAbout This iPod
Apple unveiled the fifth-generation iPod on October 12, 2005 — the first full-size iPod to play video. Steve Jobs said: 'The new iPod is the best music player ever — it's 30 percent thinner and has 50 percent more storage than its predecessor — yet it is listed around the same price and plays stunning video on its 2.5-inch color screen.' That same day, Apple launched iTunes 6 with paid video downloads including Lost, Desperate Housewives, and Pixar shorts.
The 5G launched in 30GB ($299) and 60GB ($399), in white or black — the first standard full-size iPod available in black. On September 12, 2006, Apple refreshed it into the 'Enhanced' model (the community calls it '5.5G'), cutting prices to 30GB ($249) and 80GB ($349), adding a brighter display, search, gapless playback, and improved video decoding. Apple's own name: 'Fifth Generation iPod (Late 2006).'
About This Variant
The 30GB White is the canonical launch model — the iPod from the October 2005 keynote. White is the classic iPod look. Thin case, 32MB RAM, Toshiba MK3008GAL drive. Apple rated it at 14 hours of music.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Released | October 12, 2005 |
| Discontinued | September 12, 2006 |
| Original Price | US$299 |
| This Listing | MA002LL/A |
What Changed
- Video Playback: First iPod with video playback — H.264 at 320×240 up to 768 Kbps and MPEG-4 at 480×480 up to 2.5 Mbps
- Display: 2.5-inch QVGA (320×240) with 260,000+ colors, replacing the Photo's 2.0-inch 220×176 65K-color display
- Industrial Design: Thinner profile despite larger display area; maintained signature Click Wheel interface
- Video Output: Composite video via headphone jack; composite and S-Video via dock connector — no authentication chip required
- Processor: 5th Generation Video logic platform (dual ARM7TDMI at 80 MHz) + Broadcom BCM2722 VideoCore II coprocessor for hardware video decoding
How This Compares
Why buyers choose this generation: The 5G/5.5G is the audiophile's and modder's iPod: the Wolfson WM8758BG DAC, native Rockbox, the easiest Classic-era teardown, and no storage ceiling. It's also the most variant-rich model (12 listings including two U2 editions). For buyers who care about sound character and tinkerability over raw capacity, this is the one.
What Refurbished Means
A refurbished iPod is a complete used iPod that has been inspected, cleaned, tested, and prepared for resale; it is not a sealed-new Apple retail unit.
| Area | What this listing means |
|---|---|
| Inspection | Function-tested complete iPod with model, controls, display, sync, and audio checked before sale. |
| Battery | Replacement battery installed unless the listing states otherwise. |
| Battery Age | These iPods are about 21 years old. Original batteries are well beyond their design life. |
| Storage | Storage is tested during restore/sync checks; flash-modded units disclose the adapter path separately. |
| Cosmetics | Cosmetic condition is listing-specific and may vary by shell, backplate, screen lens, and engraving wear. |
Battery Safety & Shipping
⚠️ Lithium-Ion / Li-Po Battery Safety. This product contains (or is) a rechargeable lithium-ion/lithium-polymer battery. Charge only with a compatible charger; don't leave it charging unattended or overnight, and unplug once fully charged. Avoid charging or storing in direct sunlight or other high-heat environments. Stop using and stop charging immediately if the battery swells, bulges, gets unusually hot, hisses, smokes, or leaks. Do not puncture, crush, bend, short-circuit, or try to "deflate" a swollen cell, and never press a lifted screen or case back down — it can rupture the cell. If electrolyte contacts your eyes, flush with clean water for 15 minutes without rubbing and seek medical care; on skin, wash with water and soap. Battery service should be done by a trained technician. Recycle through an electronics or universal-waste recycler, not household trash.
Shipping. A refurbished iPod shipped with its battery installed ships as UN3481 (lithium-ion batteries contained in equipment); a loose replacement cell shipped on its own ships as UN3480 (lithium-ion batteries). Cells have passed UN Manual of Tests and Criteria 38.3 testing.
Exact Model Identification
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Order Number | MA002LL/A |
| Apple Model Number | A1136 |
| Capacity | 30GB |
| Color | White |
| EMC | EMC 2065 |
All Available Variants
| Order Number | Capacity | Color | Released | Refurb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA002LL/A | 30GB | White | October 2005 | View refurb |
| MA146LL/A | 30GB | Black | October 2005 | View refurb |
| MA003LL/A | 60GB | White | October 2005 | View refurb |
| MA147LL/A | 60GB | Black | October 2005 | View refurb |
| MA452LL/A | 30GB | Black/Red | October 2005 | All refurbs |
| MA444LL/A | 30GB | White | September 2006 | View refurb |
| MA446LL/A | 30GB | Black | September 2006 | View refurb |
| MA448LL/A | 80GB | White | September 2006 | View refurb |
| MA450LL/A | 80GB | Black | September 2006 | View refurb |
| MA664LL/A | 30GB | Black/Red | September 2006 | All refurbs |
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Processor | 5th Generation Video logic platform (ARM7TDMI, 80 MHz) |
| RAM | 32 MB |
| Storage | 30GB Toshiba MK3008GAL HDD |
| Display | 2.5" Color QVGA 320x240 |
| Audio CODEC | Wolfson WM8758BG |
| Battery (Original) | Original: ~580 mAh Li-Ion (Apple-rated 14 hours music) / Refurbished: New replacement (580 mAh listed) |
| Battery Life (Music) | 14 hours |
| Battery Life (Video) | 2 hours |
| Dimensions | 4.1 x 2.4 x 0.43 inches |
| Weight | 4.8 oz |
| Model Number | A1136 |
| Introduced | October 2005 |
| Discontinued | September 2006 |
What's Included
- Refurbished iPod
- USB charge/sync cable
Original Apple accessories (earbuds, dock adapter, etc.) are not included.
Compatibility
Modern Sync Notes
- macOS: macOS Sequoia 15.4 and later can break native iPod recognition for some owners; if Finder or Apple Music does not see the iPod, use Windows iTunes or an older Mac for restore and sync.
- Windows: iTunes 12.6.5 on Windows 10 or Windows 11 is the most reliable restore and sync path for many classic iPods.
- Streaming: These iPods do not provide native Spotify, Apple Music streaming, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.
Known OS Compatibility Issues
- macOS Sequoia 15.4/15.4.1 and 15.5: Sequoia 15.4/15.4.1 broke iPod recognition for many 5G/5.5G users. Sequoia 15.5 partially restored function for some users through an AMPDeviceDiscoveryAgent permission prompt. Workaround: For first-time setup or recovery, use a known-working Windows iTunes or older macOS restore setup. Treat process-kill workarounds as diagnostic only, not guaranteed repair instructions.
Rockbox
Status: Supported
Build: IPOD_VIDEO
Stable IPOD_VIDEO port for original 5G and Enhanced 5.5G variants. Install via Rockbox Utility. FAT32 is required for Rockbox. Adds FLAC/OGG/Opus playback. The PP502x-family sleep/wake glitch is documented for 5G/5.5G as well as earlier PP502x iPods; use the documented Rockbox workaround rather than claiming 5G is unaffected.
iTunes Compatibility
- Minimum: iTunes 6+ (5G original), iTunes 7+ (5.5G Enhanced)
- Recommended: Use a current Windows iTunes desktop release or a confirmed working older macOS setup; avoid pinning this listing to a stale latest-version number.
- Note: On Windows, use the desktop iTunes restore path for 5G/5.5G iPod Video sync or restore checks. On macOS Catalina+, iTunes was replaced by Music/Finder and reliability varies by release; for initial restore or recovery, a known-working Windows iTunes or older macOS setup is recommended.
- The iPod 5th Generation drive is interchangeable, but the 30GB model uses a slim drive.
- Logic board RAM breakdown: 5G iPod Video (820-1763-A board): - 30GB model: 820-1763 with 32MB RAM - 60GB model: 820-1763 with 64MB RAM 5.5G iPod Video (820-1975-A board): - 30GB model: 820-1975 with 32MB RAM - 80GB model: 820-1975 with 64MB RAM The 64MB RAM boards provide better performance primarily with larger capacity drives.
- Model A1136 is the iPod 5th Generation (Video)
Flash Storage Upgrade
A stock refurbished iPod can keep its original storage style, but many buyers choose flash storage when they want a quieter, lower-power player with fewer moving parts.
| Topic | Buyer Guidance |
|---|---|
| Why buyers upgrade | No moving parts, silent operation, lower power draw, improved battery life, and room for higher-capacity libraries. |
| Maximum confirmed capacity | 128GB up to 2TB (iFlash Solo / Dual / Quad) offered in our builds confirmed with iFlash Quad; stock Apple firmware still depends on FAT32 setup, card quality, restore host, and RAM track-limit caveats. The FAT32 partition ceiling is about 2TiB. |
| Format requirement | SDXC cards (64GB+) must be pre-formatted to FAT32 — default exFAT not supported by original firmware. Rockbox also requires FAT32. |
| Rockbox | Rockbox is supported (IPOD_VIDEO); Stable IPOD_VIDEO port for original 5G and Enhanced 5.5G variants. Install via Rockbox Utility. FAT32 is required for Rockbox. Adds FLAC/OGG/Opus playback. The PP502x-family sleep/wake glitch is documented for 5G/5.5G as well as earlier PP502x iPods; use the documented Rockbox workaround rather than claiming 5G is unaffected. |
Warranty & Returns
Every iPod and part iMods sells carries a free limited warranty, and domestic returns are handled free of charge.
Warranty period
Every product iMods sells — parts and iPods, in any condition (used, refurbished, or new) — carries a 1-year limited warranty. The warranty period starts on the day of purchase, not the delivery date.
Refund or exchange
Defective items returned under warranty are exchanged by default. A domestic refund is possible only when it is requested within 30 days of placing the order; this window can be extended in very limited circumstances.
What the warranty covers
Defective parts or loss of functionality without liquid or physical damage, problems arising from work iMods performed (for example, display lines after iMods opened the iPod to install storage), and manufacturing defects in parts iMods installed.
What it does not cover
Accidental drops or physical damage, liquid damage that affects function, loss of function from user error or mishandling, damage from improper disassembly or reassembly, and damage caused during your own modifications. iMods reserves the right to decline coverage for customer-caused damage.
Disassembly, RockBox, and compatibility
- Simply disassembling and reassembling the iPod does not void the warranty; improper disassembly or reassembly does.
- Installing RockBox does not void the warranty, but it is done at your own risk, and a board bricked during a RockBox install is not covered. RockBox must be uninstalled before any warranty return; if it is still installed and has not been discussed with sales@imods.com, the iPod is shipped back as-is.
- These vintage iPods are not guaranteed to work with Apple M-series Macs, which Apple no longer supports. iMods will help troubleshoot, but M-series compatibility is not warranty-covered; iMods tests and supports with era-correct hardware.
Returns process
Email sales@imods.com to request a return label or use the iMods return form. For international returns, contact sales@imods.com; the procedure varies by region.
iMods.com is not affiliated with Apple Inc.
Buyer FAQ
What's the difference between the 5G and 5.5G Enhanced?
The 5.5G 'Enhanced' (Late 2006) adds a display Apple rated as 60% brighter, a search function, gapless playback, and improved video decoding (H.264 up to 640x480 vs 320x240). It also introduced the 80GB option. Both share the same Wolfson WM8758BG DAC — the 5.5G does NOT sound different. If the Music menu has 'Search,' it's a 5.5G. A 60GB is always a 5G; an 80GB is always a 5.5G.
Is 30GB enough for my library?
Apple rated the 30GB at up to 7,500 songs (128-Kbps AAC). That's plenty for a curated playlist but small for a whole collection. The 30GB also has only 32MB RAM, which can cause instability with very large track counts. If you need more, choose a 60/80GB or consider an iFlash mod — but note the 30GB's thin case limits battery and internal space.
What's the deal with the Wolfson DAC?
The 5G/5.5G uses the Wolfson WM8758BG, prized by many for a warm, musical sound — especially through a line-out dock and external amp. The later Classics switched to Cirrus Logic. The debate is genuine: some measurements favor the Cirrus, some ears prefer the Wolfson. Both the 5G and 5.5G share the same DAC, so the 5.5G doesn't sound 'better' than the 5G. Treat the Wolfson as a sound-signature preference, not a measured fact.
Can I play FLAC on this?
Not in Apple's firmware. Stock supports AAC, MP3, Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV. Install Rockbox (stable port, IPOD_VIDEO build) to add FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, Opus, and gapless playback. Rockbox needs the iPod formatted as FAT32.
Is the U2 edition just cosmetic?
Yes — internally identical to the standard 30GB of the same generation. The 5G U2 (MA452LL/A) is a standard 5G; the 5.5G U2 (MA664LL/A) is a standard Enhanced. The collector appeal comes from the black front, red Click Wheel, engraved U2 signatures on a gloss-black back, and the short production run. Beware aftermarket 'U2-look' units assembled from parts listings.
Does this work with my Mac?
On older Macs, yes via iTunes or Finder. On macOS Sequoia 15.4+, syncing is unreliable — users report broken recognition tied to the AMPDeviceDiscoveryAgent service. The safest paths are Windows iTunes, an older Mac, or Rockbox for iTunes-free use.
How do I choose the right ZIF cable?
The 5G/5.5G uses different ZIF cables depending on the drive manufacturer. Toshiba drives use cable 632-0337 / 821-0386-03 (some late 5.5G 80GB units carry the Toshiba flex 821-0728-01). Hitachi drives use cable 632-0340 / 821-0387-03. The 632 number is the Apple service number and the 821 number is printed on the flex — same part, two labels. These lanes are not interchangeable — the wrong cable causes no storage detection. When installing a flash adapter, check which cable orientation the adapter requires.
How long does the battery last?
Apple's original ratings: 14 hours music (30GB), 20 hours music (60/80GB), and 2-6.5 hours video depending on model. A 20-year-old original battery often delivers far less. Thin batteries are 616-0229 (580 mAh), thick are 616-0232 (~850 mAh). Most refurbished units ship with a new battery.
What should I check when it arrives?
Test both headphone channels and dock line-out (the Wolfson WM8758BG can develop cold solder joints — if pressing on the lower-right corner of the case restores audio, the audio IC needs reflow, not a new headphone jack). Check the Click Wheel, Hold switch, screen for dead pixels, and confirm capacity in Settings > About. For stock-drive units, listen for clicking.
Common Names & Search Terms
Buyers find this iPod using these names and phrases:
Product Names
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Comparisons People Make
What Buyers Are Looking For
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Collector & Enthusiast Terms
ipod video u2 edition value, rarest ipod video, ipod 5.5g collector, ipod video sealed in box, best sounding ipod
Compatibility Questions
ipod video work with mac sequoia, rockbox ipod video, ipod video itunes alternative, ipod video spotify, ipod video flac
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