Refurbished iPod 2G — 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 2nd Generation 20GB 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.
Choose Your Option
This refurbished iPod comes in multiple configurations. Confirm capacity, color, case depth, and order number before choosing.
Refurbished iPod 2nd Generation 20GB White M8741LL/A (Windows compatible). 2nd Generation logic platform, Wolfson audio DAC, 1,200 mAh Li-Po battery, FireWire only.
You're viewing this optionAbout This iPod
Equally significant, the 2G was the first iPod available for Windows, bundled with Musicmatch Jukebox Plus (since iTunes for Windows did not yet exist). This opened Apple's portable music player to the vast Windows user base for the first time — a strategic move essential to the iPod's eventual mass-market dominance. Separate Mac and Windows SKUs were required (M8737LL/A and M8740LL/A for 10GB, M8738LL/A and M8741LL/A for 20GB).
The 20GB capacity was a new high for the iPod line, holding up to 4,000 songs. Hardware refinements included slightly more rounded edges, a FireWire port cover, and the inclusion of a wired remote and carrying case as standard accessories. The 2G had a relatively short production run — roughly nine months — before being replaced by the completely redesigned 3rd Generation in April 2003.
About This Variant
Windows-formatted 20GB flagship — shipped FAT32 with MUSICMATCH Jukebox (iTunes for Windows arrived October 2003). Same thick-case hardware as the Mac 20GB (M8738LL/A); factory formatting is a collector distinction, not a functional one.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Released | Announced July 17, 2002; available late August 2002 |
| Discontinued | April 28, 2003 |
| Original Price | US$499 |
| This Listing | M8741LL/A |
What Changed
- Interface: Mechanical scroll wheel replaced by solid-state capacitive Touch Wheel — more durable and smoother, setting the design direction for all future iPod input methods
- Platform: First Windows support via Musicmatch Jukebox Plus — required separate Mac and Windows SKUs but opened the iPod to the vast Windows user base
- Design: Slightly more rounded body, added FireWire port cover, included wired remote and carrying case as standard accessories
- Connectivity: Still FireWire only — no USB support. Same FireWire port for sync and charging
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 | New 1,200 mAh Li-Po installed unless the listing states otherwise. |
| Battery Age | These iPods are about 24 years old. Original batteries are well beyond their design life. |
| Storage | Storage is tested during restore/sync checks. Unless flash-modded, the original 1.8-inch mechanical hard drive is a 20+ year-old part; treat remaining drive life as unknown. |
| Cosmetics | Cosmetic condition is listing-specific and may vary by shell, backplate, screen lens, and engraving wear. |
Charging & Connection — Check Before You Buy
FireWire only — no USB. This iPod cannot sync or charge over USB. You need a 6-pin FireWire 400 cable and a FireWire power adapter to charge it. Plain USB-to-FireWire adapter cables do not carry FireWire power correctly and can damage the iPod.
| Connection | What works |
|---|---|
| Sync | FireWire 400 (6-pin) only |
| Charging | FireWire power adapter or powered FireWire port only |
| USB | Not supported for sync or charging |
This listing ships the iPod only — no FireWire cable or charger is included, and you will need them to charge the iPod.
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 | M8741LL/A |
| Apple Model Number | A1019 |
| Capacity | 20GB |
| Color | White |
| EMC | EMC 1942 |
Every variant in this generation shares the Apple model number A1019 — the order number engraved on the back is what identifies the exact unit.
All Available Variants
| Order Number | Capacity | Platform | Case | Released | Original Price | Refurb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M8737LL/A | 10GB | Mac | Thin | July 2002 | US$399 | View refurb |
| M8738LL/A | 20GB | Mac | Thick | July 2002 | US$499 | View refurb |
| M8740LL/A | 10GB | Windows | Thin | July 2002 | US$399 | View refurb |
| M8741LL/A | 20GB | Windows | Thick | July 2002 | US$499 | This page |
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Processor | 2nd Generation logic platform (ARM7TDMI, 90 MHz) |
| RAM | 32 MB |
| Storage | 20GB HDD |
| Display | 2" Monochrome 160x128 |
| Audio DAC | Wolfson audio DAC (exact chip pending teardown verification) |
| Battery (Original) | Original: 1,200 mAh Li-Po / Refurbished: New 1,200 mAh Li-Po |
| Music Playback | Up to 10 hours |
| Connectivity | FireWire only (no USB) |
| Dimensions | 4.02 x 2.43 x 0.84" |
| Weight | 7.2 oz |
| Model Number | A1019 |
What's Included
- Refurbished iPod
- 1 year warranty
Ships as the iPod only — no cable or charger is included.
Compatibility
Modern Sync Notes
- Broad compatibility: works with all popular Windows versions — Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11 — as well as Macs; any system that can run iTunes 7.4 or later can sync and restore this iPod.
- 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: on current Windows, standalone iTunes 12.6.5 is the most reliable restore and sync path for touch-wheel iPods.
- Streaming: These iPods do not provide native Spotify, Apple Music streaming, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.
Known OS Compatibility Issues
- macOS Sequoia 15.x: Legacy iPod recognition may be unreliable on newer macOS releases; 32-bit iTunes unavailable. Workaround: Use Windows standalone iTunes or an older Mac with a known-good iPod sync path.
Rockbox
Status: Supported
Build: IPOD_1G2G
Shared target with 1st Generation. Stable port.
iTunes Compatibility
- Minimum: iTunes 3.0
- Recommended: iTunes 12.6.5
- Note: Mac version used iTunes 3.0+. Windows version originally used Musicmatch Jukebox Plus (iTunes for Windows not available until 4.1 in October 2003). FireWire only — USB not supported. iTunes 12.6.5 on Windows is the last version with full classic iPod support.
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 | No model-specific maximum is currently confirmed in the curated flash-mod packet. |
| Firmware note | No model-specific flash-mod product is listed for this generation; FireWire restore behavior and the early storage connector make these specialist builds. |
| Format requirement | SDXC cards (64GB+) must be pre-formatted to FAT32 — default exFAT not supported by original firmware |
| Rockbox | Rockbox is supported (IPOD_1G2G); Shared target with 1st Generation. Stable port. |
Buyer FAQ
What should I check when it arrives?
Confirm the order number, capacity, color, and Apple model number against Exact Model Identification. Then test charging, sync/restore, controls, audio, hold switch, display, and several full tracks before loading your library. This listing is for 20GB, White, M8741LL/A.
Does this work with my Mac or PC?
Use the Compatibility section for generation-specific requirements. For current machines, Windows iTunes is often the simplest restore path; on newer macOS versions, use Finder or Apple Music first and fall back to an older Mac or Windows iTunes if the iPod is not recognized.
How long does the battery last on a used one?
Runtime depends on battery age, capacity, storage type, and backlight use.
What is different about this exact variant?
Windows-formatted 20GB flagship — shipped FAT32 with MUSICMATCH Jukebox (iTunes for Windows arrived October 2003). Same thick-case hardware as the Mac 20GB (M8738LL/A); factory formatting is a collector distinction, not a functional one. Identify it by capacity 20GB, color White, or order number M8741LL/A.
Why people land on this part
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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Compatibility Questions
ipod 2nd gen itunes, firewire ipod modern mac, ipod firewire m1 mac, ipod 2nd gen rockbox, ipod firewire to usb-c
Other Models to Consider
Compare refurbished iPods across the other model families, or jump to flash mods for this generation:
- Flash mods for iPod 2nd Generation →
