Questions about 240gb iPod and Rockbox

[CrusherW9]

Hello,

    I want to get a iPod video so I can put the 240gb hdd in it and Rockbox it but I have a few questions.

1. Can the 30gb video see both platters of the 240gb hdd (MK2431GAH)?
2. I read about the 30gb iPod having problems with large libraries because it has only 32mb of ram versus the 64mb on the 60gb and 80gb however I'm not sure if this applies to Rockbox. I know it effects the Apple firmware but how about Rockbox?
3. If the 32mb is fully operational, is there much difference performance wise between it and the 64mb iPods with Rockbox?
4. Are there any other differences between the iPod videos that would make one model specifically desirable?

I've done a lot of research but can't seem to find a definitive answer so thanks to anyone who knows any of the answers!

[Ste-]

Yes it will see both but you'll need a new packplate on the ipod as the 30gb was only made to hold single platter.
It should run no problems with the 32MB ram 64 would be better but afaik 32 should be enough.

[torne]

Rockbox's database (if you even use it) fits easily into the RAM of a 32MB player with plenty of room to spare. Any performance difference will be solely down to how much data can be buffered. More ram gives you slightly more battery life as it needs to spin the hard disk up less often, but the impact of this is not huge unless you listen to a lot of lossless audio formats (and even then, it's probably not that much).

[rbhawaii]

Get a 60gig with the fat back and make your life very easy. Buy a 950mah battery so you can upgrade that too with the 240gig  while the player is open. I have an ipod with 240gigs and the 950mah running a custom wps i made, the setup is so good that you will be happy forever!  

The minuses of a 30 gig skinny ipod video compared to a 60/80gig fat ipod video(60 and 80 are the same except for drive size)...
32mb cache (more disk spin up = less run time)
smaller mah battery with no way to fit a 850mah or 950mah = less run time
5mm drive compared to 8mm on the 60/80 = cant fit bigger drives

Thats why I say get a 60 and make it easy for yourself to upgrade. the 30 is not worth it - its just a little skinner and a little lighter = not worth it. I know its a little cheaper but considering you will be using your ipod rockbox video for at least 5 years (yes its that good) the extra money should not be a factor.

gamestop.com has AMAZING deals on ipod refurbs right now as of this writing dec 2011
 let me know if i can help further... have fun!