iPod iPod 3rd Gen - connecting to current gen Mac

[micvog]

My daughter wanted a music player so my parents gave her their iPod 3rd Generation (10GB w/30-pin connector, 4 touch-sensitive buttons above the touch-wheel) and Bose SoundDock. My question is how do I connect this to a "Late 2015" iMac with USB 3 and Thunderbolt 2 ports to sync my daughter's music?

The cable that came with the iPod is a 30-pin-to-FW400. Google searches were contradictory - some claiming a 30-pin-to-USB cable won't work at all, to others claiming that I could sync music with iTunes but not charge the iPod. I am not concerned about charging since we have the Bose SoundDock.

What would be the least-expensive solution? A FW400-to-Thunderbolt adapter? A 30-pin-to-USB cable? The latter seems to be the least expensive option if it would work.

Thanks!

 

[rgarjr]

The 3rd gen Classic uses both FireWire or USB to sync up. To charge I believe it only uses FireWire which you can use the FireWire charger.

 

[ApolloBoy]

You can use any 30-pin to USB cable to sync it, but you will need to use FireWire or that Bose dock to charge it. BTW I'd recommend replacing the hard drive with a CF card (or CF-to-SD card adapter) and putting in a new battery if your daughter's gonna be using it on a regular basis.