Low End iPod

For a good look at the iPod's development and evolution, we recommend Tom Hormby's Brief History of the iPod.

Classic iPods

First Generation (Oct. 2001)

The original iPod (right) had a 5 GB hard drive and could put "1000 songs in your pocket." The distinguishing characteristics of a 1G iPod are four buttons surrounding the scroll wheel, a FireWire port on top, and a scroll wheel that actually turns. <more>

Second Generation (July 2002)

The 2G iPod replaced the rotating scroll wheel with a touch sensitive wheel that doesn't turn physically. Other than that, it looks just like a 1G iPod. <more>

Third Generation (April 2003)

Apple changed the navigation system with the 3G iPod, replacing the four buttons surrounding the scroll wheel with four buttons between the scroll wheel and the screen. The 3G iPods were the first to support both FireWire and USB, and they have a dock connector on the bottom instead of a FireWire port on the top. <more>

Fourth Generation (mid-2004)

Returning to it roots, the 4G iPod dispensed with separate buttons and used the scroll wheel itself for both navigation and control. The click wheel has been used on all subsequent models. <more>

iPod photo (Oct. 2004)

The iPod photo (right) is a slightly thicker, slightly heavier 4G iPod with a color screen and support for video output. Apple phased out the iPod photo name when it gave all regular iPods color screens and video support in 2005. <more>

iPod color (June 2005)

The iPod (with color display), commonly called the iPod photo, is essentially an iPod photo with the word photo removed from its name. <more>

iPod video (Oct. 2005)

details to come

iPod classic (Sept. 2007)

details to come

iPod mini

First Generation (Jan. 2004)

The iPod mini is 100% iPod in a smaller package. To protect the internal hard drive, the mini uses an aluminum case. It shipped in five different colors and stored 4 GB. <more>

Second Generation

One thing clearly distinguishes the 2G iPod mini from the original - 18 hour battery life vs. 8 hours in the original, thanks to a more efficient processor. Available in four colors, the 2G mini has its capacity engraved on the back. <more>

iPod shuffle

First Generation (Jan. 2005)

The iPod shuffle is tiny, and it has no screen, giving you a lot less control over your playlist. But if you like to listen on shuffle, iTunes makes it easy to manage your music collection and create your own playlists for this minuscule music player.

Second Generation (Sept. 2006)

details to come

iPod nano

First Generation (Sept. 2005)

details to come

Second Generation (Sept. 2006)

details to come

Third Generation (Sept. 2007)

details to come

Fourth Generation (Sept. 2008)

details to come

iPhone

First Generation (June 2007)

details to come

iPhone 3G (July 2008)

details to come

iPod Touch

First Generation (Sept. 2007)

details to come

Second Generation (Sept. 2008)

details to come