iPod – Full information, models, tech specs

Conceived by the Apple Inc. as portable digital media player and multi-purpose pocket computer which can serve as external data storage device, the first iPod was released in October, 2001. iPod can use iTunes software and third parties software to transfer data, such as music, videos, photos, e-mail settings, and so on to the computers supporting these features.

The iPod line came from Apple’s digital hub, when the electronic giant decided to join the market of personal portable music players. Apple’s hardware engineering chief Jon Rubinstein assembled thus a team of engineers to design the iPod, but Apple did not develop the iPod software entirely in-house. It used instead PortalPlayer’s reference platform for their first iPod.

iPod Models

iPod classic

classic 146 - iPod – Full information, models, tech specs

  • iPod classic 1st Gen - The original Apple iPod broke new ground in the portable MP3 player market by combining a small hard drive, a unique “Scroll Wheel” controller for easy one handed operation, a simple, easy-to-use operating system designed for mobile devices...
  • iPod classic 2nd Gen - The iPod classic Second generation replaces the scroll wheel used on the iPod 1st generation with a touch sensitive scroll wheel.
  • iPod classic 3rd Gen - Compared to the earlier models, the iPod classic 3rd Gen was completely redesigned. It had a lighter, slimmer and more rounded case.
  • iPod classic Color Display - There were two iPod classic Color Display models to offer: a 20 GB or 60 GB model.
  • iPod classic 4th Gen - This model acquired a lot of features from the junior model iPod nano, including: the touch-sensitive scroll wheel with four auxiliary buttons under it; the energy-efficient component
  • iPod classic 4th Gen 30 GB -  The iPod classic Photo 30 Gb was the revised 40Gb and 60 Gb iPod models. First, Apple dropped the capital P in “Photo”.
  • iPod classic Photo - The iPod classic Photo 40 Gb and 60 Gb models hit the market in October, 2004, and started the color screen portable players war.
  • iPod classic 5th Gen
  • iPod classic 5th Gen Enhanced
  • iPod classic 6th Gen
  • iPod classic U2 20 GB

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The name iPod was proposed by Vinnie Chieco. The name recalls the famous phrase used in 2001: A Space Odyssey movie: Open the pod bay door, Hal! Originallly, the phraserefers to the EVA Pods of the Discovery One spaceship. The current iPod models user several color schemes.

The iPod line uses many accessories. Many of them are made by Apple, but a large number of accessories is marketed by third party companies. Some accessories add extra features, such as sound recorders, wired remote controls, FM radio tuners, audio/visual cables for TV connections. Some of them offer unique features like the Nike+iPod pedometer and the iPod Camera Connector.

The iPod line can play various audio file formats including MP3, AAC/M4A, Protected AAC, AIFF, WAV, Audible audiobook, Apple Lossless and more. It can display JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, and PNG image file formats. Fifth and sixth generation iPod Classics, as well as third generation iPod Nanos, can play MPEG-4 (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC) and QuickTime video formats (with some restrictions).Note that the iPod cannot play music files from competing music stores that use rival-DRM technologies like Microsoft’s protected WMA or RealNetworks’ Helix DRM.

As to video games, they are playable on various versions of iPods. Third parties like Sega, Square Enix, Namco, Electronic Arts, Hudson Soft all making games for the iPod. The games are in the form of .ipg files.

iPod line includes the following models: iPod classic, iPod mini, iPod nano, iPod shuffle. Each of the models has its generations, that’s updated versions of the model.

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Comments

This post currently has 2 responses

  • Just to point out, the iPod touch is perfect for children under 12 who do not need a phone service, but like a portable device for app availability. I am confused why so many adults can not understand this. If I had to guess, Apple was thinking of children when marketing the iPod touch.

  • I have a 4th gen ipod I am trying to reinstall the firmware but I can’t seem to find it at the apple company. The ipod will not connect to my computer or charge properly, but today it seems to be charging now for some reason.
    I would like to know were can I find the firmware for my ipod 4th gen no. A1099 color. Can you help me.

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