Ok, So Seriously, Does the Classics Screen Scratch Easily?

It may just be me, but it seems like the Classic screen may be a little less scratch-prone. I could just wipe my finger across my 5.5G's screen, and there would be a small scratch. I've done the same thing with the Classic, and theres not a scratch on it yet. Let's see how it'll look in a week!

I'm planning on going case-less also. I don't feel as paranoid with it like I did with the 5.5G. It's pretty durable.

I am sorry but all iPods (except for the shuffles) need cases. The screens are just too scratch susceptible along with the metal backings. Anyone who uses an iPod without a case is just asking for it. If you ever plan on watching videos or looking at pictures on the iPod's screen then you definitely need a case. To me, there is nothing more annoying than watching a movie and seeing a big scratch over the characters.

I see what you mean, but what is the point? I have been OCD upsessed with protecting my gadgets for the future because of things like resell value. The thing is, recently, I realized how fast it goes down even if you have it in excellent condition. The case just ends up getting in the way-even good ones that don't attempt to get in the way. I have a showcase for my 5.5 Gen iPod and while it is great, it just seems to get in the way of how the iPod was designed. Why use a case and add weight to the iPod? Not only does it do stuff like that, but it also adds to the "protect it" factor making you paranoid about what and when you use it. I have held caseless iPods from friends/relatives before and let me tell you, the difference is amazing, you can actually hold the iPod without worrying about damaging it (ironic isn't it?) and thoughly enjoy the look and feel of the iPod in your hand-prehaps the way it was designed to be used. My cousin doesn't have a case on his iPod, and yes the screen is scratched up (5th Gen iPod), but when you turn the screen on, you can hardly (if at all) notice the scratches.
iPods in my opinion have almost become like cell phones-a common device that goes through a lot of common usage and gets tossed through the elements. General lifespan is around 2 years-3 or 4 if you're lucky because of heavy usage or replacements.

Sorry kornchild, this little rant isn't directly against you-some people like cases and some don't care about them. I just figured this was an oppurtune time to post my thoughts on cases since I did make a post like this in the cases section around a week ago and it got deleted.

At any rate, thanks for the advice! :D (and seriously, this rant is not me trying to be a jerk to you)

Agreed, if not for just scratch protection, then for protection against being dropped. My favourite thing to do is to just keep it in an iPod sock or any slip cover. That way it's protected and when you take it you, you still get the real deal.

Yea, but one of my friends has dropped his iPod 5Gen on concrete from about three-four feet up without a hard case and it was fine besides a small hardly noticible dent on a corner.

Yea, but one of my friends has dropped his iPod 5Gen on concrete from about three-four feet up without a hard case and it was fine besides a small hardly noticible dent on a corner.
For alot of people, that could have meant hard drive damage.
If you want to take that chance, by all means don't use a case.

I've seen conflicting stuff too, but it SEEMS like the more informed comments (users who actually have them, etc) say it is not glass.
Shame, too
Also, I think if it were, that'd be seriously well known.
I'd consider it a selling point.

I'm surprised apple didn't continue with the whole "Aluminum and Glass" thing they had going with the new iMacs.

This has been a major question for me, too. But frankly, i think we can deduce that the iPod screen still IS plastic - otherwise, Jobs would have talked up the new glass screens, right?

Yea, but one of my friends has dropped his iPod 5Gen on concrete from about three-four feet up without a hard case and it was fine besides a small hardly noticible dent on a corner.

Your friend was extremely lucky. I didn't take your rant as a personal attack. Believe me, after working for the government and having them criticize my work, I can separate my business life (which is what I view iLounge as) from my personal life. I have been personally called out on this website before so I know how it feels and your post didn't do that to me so all is fine.

I see what you mean about using an iPod as designed. I have been using a iSkin eVo3 on my 5G iPod since December and I haven't looked back. I guess that is part of the problem in that people never really seem to find the right case. Well, I found the right case. It is kinda funny because my iPod with the eVo3 skin on it takes up the same volume as my older 3G 40GB iPod. The eVo3 really keeps a slim form factor and I love it. I am actually not paranoid whenever I have my iPod in a case, I feel paranoid whenever it is out of its case though. The outer clear plastic casing for the eVo3 is scratched to hell though and I just couldn't imagine having those scratches on my iPod. Then again, I am very picky even about the tiniest of scratches. That is why I have a case that fully surrounds my iPod and doesn't have any openings what so ever. I have always used cases on my iPod (except for my 2G shuffle) but the eVo3 was the first time a case felt right.

As for the iPod screens, I have conducted some research on this. It appears that the screens are exactly the same as the 5.5G unit. They have the same resolution and pack the same dpi (which I think is around 124 or something like that). I also think they have the same brightness as Apple didn't make any mention of that.

I really don't see a need for glass screens on the iPod classic as the screen is big but it is not that big and a clear protector will do a lot to help it. You can pick up those clear screen protectors for $10 or less. The iPhone and iPod touch have much bigger screens though that go through a lot more contact. You have to constantly touch the iPod touch (duh!) just to play a song. So it's screen goes through more abuse than a normal iPod screen. I don't even know if the iPod touch uses a glass screen, I imagine it does though.

During my drives (bumps), my ipod is always falling off my car seat and onto the floor. Of course I use a case. :p

Yea, but one of my friends has dropped his iPod 5Gen on concrete from about three-four feet up without a hard case and it was fine besides a small hardly noticible dent on a corner.

Sure, I on the other hand dropped mine (5 gen) roughly the same distance (from out of my pants pocket) onto the root of a tree. And it totally smashed the hard drive. I believe the right drop from even around 3 feet on to carpet can damage something.

But I digress. I'm going caseless with a screen protector on my new classic. And seeing that the screen is actually recessed from the main body it will work perfect.