~~  Complete iPod original/iPod Photo Guide  ~~

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IPod original/iPod Photo

Now on to the original iPod.  This is the model that began the iPod craze, and also the one that introduced Apple to the music player market.  Apple’s history of beautiful yet functional personal computer designs have been carried over to their music player family.  Since the initial introduction of the iPod in late 2001, it has managed to dominate the market in all categories.  Whether it be in design, features, functionality, or quality, Apple has continuingly innovated to result in the best product available.  Five generations of excellence already released have paved a road to success for the future of this portable player.   What will be featured in the future generation releases?  No one can be sure, but you can be sure that Apple is constantly at work and the new release will be even more amazing that a wide screen equipped, video capable, “music” player.
 Apple has released a numerous amount of models after the initial 5 GB iPod in 2001.  They have created not just a music player, but a cultural phenomenon.  The eighteen models divided into five generations have evolved drastically with each new release.  The easiest and most efficient way to cover all of the models is to present a table.  Use the table below to quickly compare statistics and features.  Following the table you can read more detailed information on each generation.

1G 

First available model was 5 GB in October 2001, The 10 GB model was available in March 2002, Featured a scroll wheel, Only available for Mac computer

2G 

First introduced models for windows OS but required Fire wire connectivity, Shipped with a wired remote, Two models 10 and 20 GB released in July of 2002, Introduced the touch wheel, 20 minute skip protection

3G   

 Available in 10, 15, 30 GB models after release in April 2003, Lighter and thinner enclosure, Touch wheel was revised and turned into a thumb wheel, Backlit navigation buttons addedIncluded a dock connector in package, 25 minute skip protection, improved software with greater customization, games, and alarm clocknew voice recorder featurewindows models were shipped with usb connectors instead of Firewire

4G 

Available in a 20 or 40 GB model in July 2004, Smaller, Has an improved 2 inch backlit LCD display, 25 in skip protection

 The first three generations of iPods had a profound effect on the family tree.  Many features have been integrated into the newer generation models from their ancestors.  I will briefly cover the older generation models and than go into detail with the fourth and fifth generation models.
 
There is a very noticeable change at first glance in the fourth generation iPod design.  The separate clickwheel and the top layout of the function buttons seen on the third generation model have been combined for a more functional design and sleeker look.  A slightly thinner body, about one millimeter for the 20 GB model, is perhaps even more amazing considering the larger hard drive capacity.  The hard drive capacities are available in 20 GB and 40 GB for one hundred dollars more.  The value for the full sized iPod continues to rise in the capacity category.  There are no other design changes to note.  All of the connections have remained the same and have not moved.  The body features the same sleek chrome back and shiny acrylic front.  The introduction of the new click wheel design on the iPod is exactly what I was waiting for.  It was great on the mini and is even more useful when navigating thousands of sound on the iPod.  There does not seem to be a particular reason for Apples decision to change the displays backlight from white to blue.  Many people argued that the previous white light made viewing of the text a slight bit easier.  I saw no noticeable difference in the readability of the text.  The argument is that black text is easier to read on white than on blue, which is true, but nonetheless, the clarity is just the same.  The actual display itself is still the same two-inch monochrome one seen on the previous model.  Battery capacity is a very notable change.  The eight hour battery life of the G3 was barly acceptable.  A 50% increase from the previous model in battery life is a step in the right direction.  Another plus is that the 12 hour battery life proclaimed by Apple is actually a conservative estimate.  It appears that they have finally accounted for battery power decimation over use and different uses for different members that require more battery consumption.  Add a charge time of four hours for a full charge and only two hours for an 80% charge, and you have a very impressive battery statistics that will make everyone smile.  I average about 13 hours of playtime with minimal function use.  However, after more than average use in car, and home everyday my power began to deteriorate after about 14 months of use.  My warranty was over and was no longer covered for a free battery change.  I decided to wait it out until the new model release.  Average users should be able to get about two years life on their battery after which you will have to pay for a replacement.  If you notice that the life of your battery as decreased to about half of its original, take advantage of the warranty.  That is if you are still covered under the one year warranty.  The only other option is to have it replaced for about $70 by a professional.  I will miss the user replaceable batteries of the previous models.  That is a great bit of money, which is largely why I am more inclined to upgrade rather than replace.  While the value per megabyte in iPods continues to rise, in some other aspects it is not.  Aside from a few minor tweaks to the player’s operating system, and the few things mention above, the fourth generation iPod is identical to the previous model release.  There was very little incentive for G3 iPod owners to upgrade to the new model.  Sure the battery life increased by four hours, but that was after it decreased by two hours after the 3G introduction from the G2.  The clickwheel is a great addition to the iPod also, but it was first introduced on the mini.  That leaves the G4 with no key intuitive features credited to itself.  The minis introduction in 2004, just six months before the G4 release, is perhaps to blame for the lack of new features on the iPod.  It appears that Apples focus in that year was to develop more portable and affordable devices, which they successfully accomplished with the mini and the shuffle release shortly after 2004.
 The lower price tag on the G4 is perhaps due to the fact that this model is very similar to its predecessor.  The smaller twenty gigabyte racked in at $299, while the better valued forty gigabyte was $399 after its initial release.  Aside from the 20 GB storage difference, slightly smaller size of the 20 GB, and the included dock connector in the 40 GB model, these two are a completely identical package. 

The conclusion I will make will perhaps be a little easier to take now with the new models available.  At the time though, I was not satisfied with my purchase.  When I made my purchase I knew little of the new features.  I knew of the improved battery life and the scrollwheel, which were two things I really wanted.  However, shortly after using it, I realized that it was almost identical to the previous model.  Aside from the two things I purchased it for, there was nothing else.  New users would certainly be more excited with the purchase.  Veteran users such as myself should defiantly hold out for the next release.  The next release, which is now know as the 5G or iPod with video.

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