Representative photo of this model. Your unit may vary.
Refurbished iPod 4th Gen Monochrome — 20GB White
Model A1059
$106.95
- 20GB hard drive
- New battery
- Tested by iMods
- 1-year limited warranty
Sold out
Not for sale right now
We are not selling this iPod at the moment.
- Apple original iPod, tested by iMods
- 1-year limited warranty · 30-day returns from delivery
- Built after you order: ships in 3 to 5 business days. Free US shipping on orders of $200 or more.
In the box: the iPod only, no cables.
Your iPod
This iPod
What you get with this iPod
What we did
- Tested before sale: controls, display, sync and audio
- New battery fitted
- Original 20GB hard drive, tested during restore and sync
- Original Apple case with normal signs of use
In the box
In the box: the iPod only, no cables. The 1-year limited warranty is our own cover on this iPod and runs from the date of delivery.
Versions
How to identify the iPod 4th Generation: model and order numbers
| Order number | Listing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| — | Refurbished iPod 4th Gen Monochrome — 40GB HP Invent Edition | From $125.95 |
| — | This listing | From $106.95 |
| — | Refurbished iPod 4th Gen Monochrome — 20GB HP Invent Edition | From $112.95 |
| — | Refurbished iPod 4th Gen Monochrome — 40GB White | From $131.95 |
| M9787LL/A | Refurbished iPod 4th Gen Monochrome — 20GB U2 Special Edition (M9787LL/A) | From $162.95 |
Setup and reset
How to reset, turn off and restore the iPod 4th Generation
Reset: slide Hold on and off, then hold Menu and the center button until the Apple logo appears. It keeps your music and files; some settings may reset.
Something wrong with an iPod like this? Parts and free repair quote
iPod details
About this iPod
Overview
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.
Model snapshot
Match capacity, color, generation, and order-number family before choosing a complete working iPod.
Product Overview
This refurbished iPod 4th Generation (Monochrome) 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 4th Generation 20GB White M9282LL/A. First full-size click wheel iPod, 4th Generation logic platform processor, battery rated up to 12 hours music, USB + FireWire sync and charge.
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
Standard 20GB White Click Wheel model from July 19, 2004 at US$299 — thin 0.57-inch case at 5.6 oz.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Released | July 19, 2004 |
| Discontinued | June 28, 2005 |
| Original Price | US$299 |
| This Listing | M9282LL/A |
What Changed
- Processor: Upgraded to 4th Generation logic platform dual-core at 80 MHz with 32 MB RAM
- 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 | A new replacement cell is fitted before the iPod ships — a 1,200 mAh pack in the current build — unless the listing states otherwise. Apple rated the original at up to 12 hours of music. |
| 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. |
What's Included
- Refurbished iPod
- 1-year limited warranty
Ships as the iPod only — no cable, wall charger, or headphones are included.
Model and specs
Exact Model Identification
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Order Number | M9282LL/A |
| Apple Model Number | A1059 |
| Capacity | 20GB |
| Color | White |
| EMC | EMC 1995 |
Every variant in this generation shares the Apple model number A1059 — the order number is what identifies the exact unit. The order number is not engraved on the case: the back carries the model number (A1059), the EMC number and the serial number.
All Available Variants
| Order Number | Capacity | Color | Case | Released | Original Price | Refurb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M9282LL/A | 20GB | White | Thin | July 2004 | US$299 | This page |
| 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 cell fitted, 1,200 mAh in the current build |
| 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 |
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. The iPod shipped with iTunes 4.6; on a current machine use iTunes for Windows, or the newer Apple Devices app, and Finder on recent macOS.
- 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 for Windows, or the newer Apple Devices app, is the restore and sync route on current Windows. There are no separate drivers to chase, and the era-specific download links in old forum threads are stale.
- 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: the current Apple-supported release — Apple documents iTunes 12.13.x for Windows; on macOS Catalina and later, Finder
- 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.
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. See the 128GB Flash Mod Kit (IDE flash adapter + 128GB SD Card Included) page for the DIY kit, capacity options, and card guidance.
| 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 in our own builds, on the single-card IDE flash adapter this model takes. |
| Format requirement | Restore first; if the restore or sync fails on a 64GB-or-larger card, prepare it as FAT32/MBR and restore again. SDXC cards of 64GB and above are exFAT out of the box, and the original firmware does not read exFAT. |
| Rockbox | Rockbox is supported (IPOD_4G); Stable port. |
| Model note | First full-size Click Wheel iPod (the mini introduced the Click Wheel six months earlier). Same Toshiba 1.8-inch IDE/PATA storage family as earlier full-size iPods; capacity depends on adapter, cards, formatting, and firmware behavior. |
Other Models to Consider
Compare refurbished iPods across the other model families, or jump to flash mods for this generation:
Setup and care
Charging & Connection
This iPod syncs and charges over USB or FireWire through the 30-pin dock connector. Plan on FireWire power to finish a restore: the original FireWire wall adapter, any iPod charger made before 2005 (they were FireWire-based), or simply an iPod FireWire cable and a powered FireWire port on an older computer. Owners report some high-power USB sources passing the check — that is not guaranteed, so do not count on it. Ordinary charging and syncing over USB is a different matter and works normally.
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 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 front panel or a bulging case back down — it can rupture the cell. On this iPod the pack lies behind the Click Wheel, so a swelling cell shows itself as a center button that has gone stiff or stopped clicking while the ring around it still works, or as a front panel that will no longer sit flush against the metal back. Stop using it and see the battery page. 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 is handled as lithium-ion batteries contained in equipment (UN3481); a loose replacement cell is handled as a lithium-ion battery (UN3480). Carrier, packaging, and destination restrictions can vary, so follow the current checkout and shipping instructions for the offered route.
Questions
Buyer FAQ
Restore & sync: what does a restore on this model need?
Copy anything you want to keep off the iPod first — a restore erases it. Owners describe the failure this way: a restore asks for a power adapter partway through, a phone-charger USB brick doesn't clear the prompt, the attempt ends in a sad face, and the computer can't see the iPod afterwards. That prompt is the restore-finalize handshake, not damage. The software crosses over USB, then the iPod shows the wall-outlet-and-charger picture and waits for 12V on the FireWire power pins before it installs. Plan on FireWire power to finish it: the original FireWire wall adapter, any iPod charger made before 2005 (they were FireWire-based), or simply an iPod FireWire cable and a powered FireWire port on an older computer. Owners report some high-power USB sources passing the check — that is not guaranteed, so do not count on it. Once a restore has finished properly, the iPod syncs over USB again as normal. There are no separate drivers to chase: use iTunes for Windows, or the newer Apple Devices app, on Windows, and Finder on recent macOS. Era-specific download links in old threads are stale.
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, M9282LL/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?
Standard 20GB White Click Wheel model from July 19, 2004 at US$299 — thin 0.57-inch case at 5.6 oz. Identify it by capacity 20GB, color White, or order number M9282LL/A.
Should I buy stock or Flash-Storage Modded?
Choose stock if you want the original hard-drive experience and lower modification complexity. Choose flash adapter-modded if you want solid-state storage, lower power draw, and no spinning hard drive. For this generation, known flash-storage data lists flash adapter or similar IDE-to-SD adapter, 128GB or 256GB (ATA1 flash adapter) offered in our builds.
You May Also Want
Replacement batteries available if the included battery needs future service.
Related: 128GB Flash Mod Kit (IDE flash adapter + 128GB SD Card Included)Upgrade the original hard drive to flash storage for improved durability.
Related: Replacement Hard Drive (40GB)Use a hard drive only when restoring original-style storage; use the model's flash-storage path when a compatible adapter path is available.
Search terms
Why people land on this part
Common Names & Search Terms
Buyers find this iPod using these names and phrases:
Product Names
ipod 4th gen 20gb white, ipod 4th generation refurbished, ipod 4g click wheel, first click wheel ipod, ipod A1059, ipod classic 4th gen monochrome, ipod 4th gen 40gb, M9282LL/A, M9268LL/A, M9787LL/A, PE435A, PE436A
What Buyers Are Looking For
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Collector & Enthusiast Terms
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Compatibility Questions
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Refurbished and custom
Your music. Your kind of iPod.
Pick your iPod, then its color, storage and battery. On the iPod Video 5th Gen and the iPod Classic 6th and 7th Gen you can also choose a new case in your colors and, with flash storage, the 2000mAh extended-life battery. Every iPod we sell is cleaned, tested, fitted with a new battery and covered by a 1-year limited warranty.
Want a silent iPod? Choose flash storage: it has no moving parts to wear out, and it goes up to 1TB on the iPod Video 5th Gen and the iPod Classic 7th Gen.
