The Full-Sized iPods


The iPod has changed since its debut in 2001, and it continues to evolve. Sometimes the changes are simple: bigger hard drives to store even more songs. Sometimes the changes bring significant new capabilities, such as the ability to store photographs and play video.

Each new generation brings improvements and enhancements to the software inside the iPod. Apple often makes these enhancements available as software updates for older iPods, although the oldest models have been left behind by some upgrades. For example, older iPods (specifically, ones that do not have dock connectors) can't play back songs compressed using the Apple Lossless encoder, nor do they provide as many menu-customizing options.

But every iPod, from the latest nano to the original 5GB granddaddy, can play back purchases from the iTunes Music Store. (With the oldest iPods, you must download and install a software update that teaches them about the AAC format.)

The features change, but the iPod's name remains the same. Because of this, the iPod family is often categorized according to "generations." Here's a look at each generation of full-sized iPod and the features and capabilities that are common across the iPod line. We'll take a closer look at the littlest iPodsthe mini, the nano, and the shuffleon later pages.

iPod Common Ground

All current iPods that have display screens (as opposed to the tiny, screenless iPod shuffle) provide a common set of features and capabilitiesstarting with the obvious ability to play audio files. All iPods support iTunes playlists and provide shuffle modes for random-listening fun. And they all provide sound-enhancing equalizer settings similar to those provided by iTunes itself (page 56).

Beyond these basics, all current iPods also have some non-musical talents, which are covered in the following pages.

Video Playback

All current full-sized iPods (but not the iPod nano) can store and play videos that you buy from the iTunes Music Store (page 34) or convert for iPod playback yourself (page 96). You can watch the videos on the iPod's screen or connect the iPod to a TV set.

Photo Display

Use iTunes to transfer photos from your iPhoto library, then view them on the iPod's screen or on a connected TV set (page 94).

Address Book

If you store addresses in Mac OS X's Address Book, Microsoft's Entourage, or other programs, you can transfer that information to your iPod and carry your contacts with you (page 104).

Calendar

Similarly, you can stash calendar events in Mac OS X's iCal software and transfer them to your Mac. You can even have the iPod sound an audible alarm when a calendar event arrives.

Extras

All current iPods also provide some fun and practical (and sometimes both) extras: a stopwatch function, an alarm clock mode, and some games.

Dock Connector

An iPod's dock connector is the gateway to a world of accessories and expansion opportunities, from radio receivers to radio transmitters to external speaker systems (page 108).

On a more basic level, if you buy an optional dock (below), you can connect the dock to your stereo and a power outlet and have a convenient way to charge your iPod and play it through your stereo system.

An iPod Timeline

First Generation 20012002

5GB and 10GB capacities; mechanical scroll wheel.

Second Generation 2002

10GB and 20GB capacities; non-moving touch wheel.

Third Generation 2003

10GB40GB capacities; backlit buttons; dock support.

Fourth Generation 2004

20GB40GB capacities; color screen and photo-display capabilities (iPod photo only); elegant click wheel controller.

Fifth Generation 2005

30GB60GB capacities; large color screen; video display capabilities.



The Macintosh iLife '06
The Macintosh iLife 06
ISBN: 0321426541
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2004
Pages: 229
Authors: Jim Heid

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