Krypsyn: His experience has not been mine. I got a 20gb classic model iPod as a gift around when that storage size first came out (7 years ago, give or take?), and the only problem I have had with it was having to replace the battery a year or two ago. Given how much I used it, I don't think that was a bad lifespan for a battery.
Had my experience been even half as bad as his, I think I would feel about the same way he does about the subject, however.
Once i finally got a working one it was pretty sweet. Even though the screens broken it still works fine and its been through alot of wear and tear. Ive played rugby with it in my pocket and it hasn't stopped working.