Refurbished iPod 4G Monochrome — 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 4th Generation (Monochrome) 20GB Black/Red 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.
U2 Special Edition: black front, red Click Wheel, engraved band signatures on the chrome back. Same hardware as the 20GB White.
You're viewing this optionAbout This iPod
The 4G was also notable for being the first full-size iPod to benefit from the HP partnership (announced January 2004 at CES), which put iPods on shelves at retail locations where Apple had no presence and pre-loaded iTunes on millions of HP and Compaq PCs. HP sold the iPod+HP in both 20GB (PE435A) and 40GB (PE436A) variants with dual Apple/HP branding on the back.
About This Variant
The U2 Special Edition from October 26, 2004 (in stores mid-November) at US$349 — a black-front iPod with a red Click Wheel and the four band members' signatures engraved on the chrome back. Under the special shell it is the same 20GB thin-case hardware as the White M9282LL/A, so parts, battery, and software behavior are identical. It is the most collected 4th Generation variant; condition of the black finish and the engraving drives collector value.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Released | October 26, 2004 (available mid-November) |
| Discontinued | June 28, 2005 |
| Original Price | US$349 |
| This Listing | M9787LL/A |
What Changed
- Processor: Upgraded to 4th Generation logic platform dual-core at 80 MHz with 32 MB RAM (from 4th Generation logic hardware at 90 MHz)
- Storage: 20GB ($299) and 40GB ($399) — dropped smaller capacity tiers
- Features: 'Shuffle Songs' added to main menu — a nod to the increasingly popular shuffle playback mode that would soon inspire the iPod Shuffle
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 (up to 950 mAh) installed unless the listing states otherwise. |
| Battery Age | These iPods are about 22 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
This iPod syncs and charges over USB or FireWire through the 30-pin dock connector. For reviving a deeply discharged battery or running a full restore, a FireWire charger or a high-power USB port is the most reliable path.
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 | M9787LL/A |
| Apple Model Number | A1059 |
| Capacity | 20GB |
| Color | Black/Red |
| EMC | EMC 1995 |
Every variant in this generation shares the Apple model number A1059 — the order number engraved on the back is what identifies the exact unit.
All Available Variants
| Order Number | Capacity | Color | Case | Released | Original Price | Refurb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M9282LL/A | 20GB | White | Thin | July 2004 | US$299 | View refurb |
| M9268LL/A | 40GB | White | Thick | July 2004 | US$399 | View refurb |
| PE435A | 20GB | White (HP) | Thin | ~August 2004 | ~US$299.99 | View refurb |
| PE436A | 40GB | White (HP) | Thick | ~August 2004 | ~US$399.99 | View refurb |
| M9787LL/A | 20GB | Black/Red (U2 Special Edition) | Thin | October 2004 | US$349 | View refurb |
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Processor | 4th Generation logic platform |
| CPU | Dual ARM7TDMI, 80 MHz |
| RAM | 32 MB |
| Storage | 20GB HDD |
| Display | 2" Grayscale 160x128 |
| Battery (Original) | Original: Li-Ion, Apple-rated up to 12 hours music (616-0206/616-0183 part family) / Refurbished: New (up to 950 mAh) |
| Music Playback | Up to 12 hours |
| Connectivity | USB (Sync & Charge), FireWire (Sync & Charge) |
| Dimensions | 4.1 x 2.4 x 0.57" |
| Weight | 5.6 oz |
| Model Number | A1059 |
What's Included
- Refurbished iPod
Ships as the iPod only — no cable or charger is included.
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 Catalina and later: iTunes device sync moved out of iTunes; Finder is the supported device-sync path on modern macOS. Workaround: Use Finder for local music sync, or use iTunes on Windows. Apple Music subscription tracks cannot be synced to click-wheel iPods.
- Recent Windows: Standalone iTunes remains the supported Windows sync route for classic iPods. Workaround: Use the current Apple-supported iTunes for Windows release.
Rockbox
Status: Supported
Build: IPOD_4G
Stable port.
iTunes Compatibility
- Minimum: iTunes 4.6
- Recommended: iTunes No fixed maximum; Apple currently documents iTunes 12.13.x for Windows
- Note: The July 19, 2004 iPod press release says the 4G shipped with iTunes 4.6 on CD. Modern syncing uses Finder on macOS Catalina and later, or current iTunes for Windows.
- Compatible Toshiba drives include models ending in 004 or 006, such as: - MK4004GAH - MK2006GAL - MK2006GALC - MK3006GAL - MK4006GAL The 4th generation uses a DDKLtd MCD-D50SA-3 connector (pin-style).
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 or 256GB (iFlash-ATA1) offered in our builds confirmed with iFlash-Quad with four microSD cards |
| Format requirement | SDXC cards (64GB+) must be pre-formatted to FAT32 — default exFAT not supported by original firmware |
| Rockbox | Rockbox is supported (IPOD_4G); Stable port. |
| Model note | First Click Wheel model. Same Toshiba 1.8-inch IDE/PATA storage family as earlier full-size iPods; capacity depends on adapter, cards, formatting, and firmware behavior. |
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
How do I confirm this is the real U2 Special Edition?
Check three things: the black front with a red Click Wheel, the chrome back engraved with the four U2 band members' signatures, and the order number M9787LL/A (the shared model number A1059 appears on every 4th Generation iPod, so the order number is what identifies it).
Is the U2 edition different hardware from the standard 20GB?
No — it is cosmetically special but mechanically identical to the 20GB White (M9282LL/A): same monochrome screen, same Click Wheel electronics, same drive and battery family. Parts and repairs are interchangeable.
Does the U2 edition hold collector value?
It is the most sought-after 4th Generation variant. Value tracks condition: clean black faceplates and sharp signature engraving matter more than capacity. Sealed and complete-in-box examples command the strongest premiums.
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
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Compatibility Questions
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