Q: I have an older, third generation iPod that came with a power adapter that connects to the iPod’s Firewire cable. I wonder: can that adapter can be used to safely charge my new fifth generation iPod as well?
– Mike
A: It most certainly can – if, of course, you also have a Firewire-to-Dock Connector cable. Any existing iPod or iPod nano can be charged via Firewire. For other readers, however, the same is not true in the opposite direction: first- to third-generation full size iPods cannot be charged via USB. Below is a full table of each iPod’s charge and sync capabilities over Firewire and USB 2.0.
| iPod Model | USB2.0 | Firewire |
| 1st Gen | – | Charge & Sync |
| 2nd Gen | – | Charge & Sync |
| 3rd Gen | Sync only | Charge & Sync |
| 4th Gen | Charge & Sync | Charge & Sync |
| Photo | Charge & Sync | Charge & Sync |
| 5th Gen | Charge & Sync | Charge only |
| 1G/2G mini | Charge & Sync | Charge & Sync |
| 1G/2G nano | Charge & Sync | Charge only |
| 1G/2G shuffle | Charge & Sync | – |