Using an iPod in 2026 ⇥ disconnect.blog

Paris Marx is trying to wean himself off U.S. tech services, in large part because of the leverage this dependence enables. On streaming music, and with a reasonable rejection of Sweden-based Spotify, Marx was left with a couple other options:

I’ve been on Apple Music for the past few years, but recently switched to Deezer 🇫🇷 and don’t see why I would need to go back given the catalogs of music-streaming services are pretty similar — unlike on the video side of things. Maybe another plus: Deezer isn’t trying to push video at me like Spotify does.

[…] Like streaming video though, there is another option: grabbing an old iPod or new MP3 player and loading it up with the music you want to listen to.

Well, Marx found his old iPod and is figuring out what needs modernizing and fixing up.

For Christmas this past year, a family member wanted a replacement for their iPod Nano. I looked up and down for options — something small and usable while running, but still a quality product with an easy syncing experience. I found I had basically two options: cheap iPod Shuffle lookalikes that are slow and difficult to use, and extremely expensive players for enthusiasts. So I bought a refurbished iPod Nano — and they love it.

While I was shopping in that store, it was awfully tempting to pick up a refurbished iPod Classic for myself. I still have a 60 GB fifth-generation model, though I do not think it can hold a charge. I remember when that felt like a lot of storage. I do not miss my iPod Touch or old iPhones, but I miss that iPod.