All iPod Models Aren t Equal, But They Are All Cool


All iPod Models Aren't Equal, But They Are All Cool

There have been several generations of iPods, and each new generation includes improvements to the previous generation. The current generation of iPod comes in two basic models: the iPod and the iPod mini. Previous generations of iPods look similar to the current versions, but included different controls, software, and capabilities. All of these models are definitely cool, and all perform the same basic function. However, each offers specific features and options. Let's take a quick look at the current crop of iPods and then take a brief stroll down the iPod's memory lane.

Note

At press time, the three versions of iPods (two models of the iPod and the iPod mini) detailed in this chapter were available. However, Apple frequently updates the iPods to increase storage space and add new features. To get the scoop on the latest iPod models right now, go to http://www.apple.com/ipod.


The iPod

The fourth major generation of iPods was a substantial improvement over the first three generations and quickly made the much-beloved-but-now-obsolete original iPods go the way of other extinct digital devices. Added to the previous generation's improvements of the addition of the Dock port, larger hard drives for more music storage, improved controls, better software, and more accessories were the adoption of the iPod mini's Click Wheel control and longer battery life (see Figure 1.1).

Figure 1.1. The iPod will definitely rock your world.


Note

If you haven't purchased an iPod yet (what are you waiting for?), I recommend that you get the 40GB model if you can afford its additional cost. For $100 more, you get twice the storage space (which means you can take twice as much music with you) and a Dock, which you will find very handy.


Within the iPod family are currently three major versions, the biggest difference among them being the size of the hard drive they contain. There are also minor differences in accessories between the two. Here are the current members of the iPod clan (see Figure 1.2):

Figure 1.2. Pick an iPod, any iPod; you can't go wrong.


  • 20GBThe base iPod model isn't really basic. It offers a 20GB drive and includes the same great features as its bigger sibling. The only other difference is that this model doesn't include a Dock. With its 20GB hard drive, you can fit as many as 5,000 songs on this iPod. And that's a lot of music! The current list price of this model is $299.

  • 40GBThe top-of-the-line iPod has a 40GB hard drive, rated at 10,000 songs. Because of this, it is slightly heavier (by a mere 0.6 ounces) than the other model. The "big" iPod currently costs $399.

Note

Throughout this book, I use the term iPod to refer to either one of these models as a whole. When I need to refer to a specific model to explain a difference, I will do so by its drive size, as the "40GB iPod."


Small Is Beautiful: The iPod Mini

As if the iPod isn't small enough, Apple produes an even smaller iPod, known as the iPod mini. These smaller iPods offer similar features to their bigger cousins and include a 4GB hard drive rated at 1,000 songs. Unlike the iPod, which comes only in its elegant white and silver finish, the iPod mini comes in five colors (see Figure 1.3).

Figure 1.3. The difference between the various iPod mini models is only skin deep.


iPod: The Previous Generation

The previous generation of "full size" iPod was similar to the current models. The primary difference is that you controlled them with four buttons and a Scroll Pad instead of the more elegant Click Wheel that was introduced on the iPod mini and has been proven to be the better way to control your tunes (see Figure 1.4). The battery of these models doesn't last as long as the current editions' do; they were rated for only 8 hours of play time as opposed to the current models' rating of 12 hours. Still, this generation of iPod was a tremendous improvement over previous versions.

Figure 1.4. The previous generation of iPod provided four buttons and the Scroll Pad for controls.


Because you can't buy these models anymore (at least not new ones), I won't be providing specific details on how to use them in this book. Fortunately, they work very much like the current versions do. If you have one of these models, just use its separate buttons (such as the Play/Pause button) instead of the corresponding locations on the current models' Click Wheel. There are also some minor software differences, but the vast majority of information in this book will be as useful to you as it is for someone who is using the latest and greatest iPod version.

Note

If you pay close attention, you will notice that I call the current "full size" iPods the fourth generation, but I only describe three generationsin this brief overview. That's because the second generation of iPod was notable only because it was the first version that was compatible with Windows computers. Also, the second generation of iPod was relatively short-lived.


The One That Started It All: The Original iPod

The first generation of iPod offered many of the same features as its successors, although it had a smaller hard drive (the first iPod included a 5GB drive) and was larger and heavier than later generations (see Figure 1.5). It was also compatible only with Macintosh computers, and its software was a bit more limited, too. Although it is no longer being produced, this is the model that started it all, and for that we owe it a debt of gratitude (if one can owe anything to a device, that is).

Figure 1.5. The first, but not the best, iPod had a 5GB hard drive and paved the way for the later generations.


Note

When I need to differentiate between an iPod and iPod mini, I will do so with those terms. Otherwise, iPod refers to both iPods and iPod minis.


Because the original iPod hasn't been produced for a long time, it seems unlikely you will be using this model while you are reading this book (because the book assumes you are relatively new to the iPod world). To save some pages, I won't be covering the original iPod elsewhere in this book. Much of the information about iPods and iPod minis is also applicable to the original iPod, but there are some significent differences in its controls and software.

Note

Although the original iPod is obsolete in the sense that it is no longer in production, you might be able to find a used one for sale. If you can find a good deal on one, this can be a good way to enter the iPod market or to get a second iPod. The original iPods are still very useful; I have one myself and use it quite often.




iPod + iTunes Starter Kit
iPod and iTunes Starter Kit (2nd Edition)
ISBN: 078973463X
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2003
Pages: 187

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