Chosen Solution
Looking for a way to identify the “thick” 160GB Classic by model number or serial number, without measuring. Trying to buy “thick” Classics on-line, without having to have seller measure iPod. I think the difference is only about 0.1"
Unfortunately, there is no distinction in model number between the thick and thin 160 GB Classics. The best way I have found to distinguish them without opening it up is to do the following: Locate the serial etched on the rear panel of the iPod.Go to Apple’s Online Service Assistant and enter your serial number and country.Look at the text under the picture on the left. If it reads “iPod Classic,” you have the thick version. If it reads “iPod Classic (Late 2009),” you have the thin version. Good luck!
I found one is slightly heavier 5.7ounce~163g for thick 4.9 ounce ~137g for thin so iweighed mine with a digital kitchen scale to find out also see below link http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/ip… thanks..
take a look at everyiPod.com The distinct model numbers are listed there for the original (thick) and Late 2008 (thin) models of the Classic 160GB (there are also different model numbers for silver and black variants) you can also try the model lookup page on the same site.