After getting the feared RED X last month, I decided I wasnt going to let that be the end of my iPod. 7th gen, 160gb, slim line.
Found these nifty little flash cards, that will take up to 4 microSD cards and figured getting away from a optical HDD would be better in long run.
https://www.iflash.xyz/store/iflash-quad/Figured for $40, why not? Plus $150 for 512gb of microSD cards, way cheaper than any iPod Classic on eBay currently (499$ +)
Opened the case, swapped the hdd out for the flash drive, with microSD cards, replaced the holdswitch.headphone jack and battery with a 850mah, longer. Bam, I'm tested at almost 490gb, and have finally been able to sync my full iTunes. Something I've never really been able to do, without using two iPods. I still prefer the 30pin > rca jack for real listening, but for now i'm happy.
Am curious if anyone thinks I should go ahead and RockBox this or not. iTunes does work for now and no errors.
EDIT: NEVERMIND, ROCKBOX is ok, what a difference compared to iTunes, wish it was more reliable.
This is described in Youtubes as being difficult, it is not. I just went slowly and got the cheapo tools that came with the extra parts. I got some additional rear covers but never ended up needing them as the metal spludger and guitar picks were enough to pop the case.
Wife, sister, family all want boosted iPods. Wish the iPads were as easy, unfortunately they are all part of the boards.