By Dr. Samuel Centralia, Ph.D., D.D.S., Esq.

Overview

It’s no exaggeration to say that the iPod is the single most successful gadget of the last decade. It’s just cool – dispassionately, objectively, empirically cool. No two ways around it – in both function and form, the iPod has proved revolutionary. In fact, a lot of people don’t know this, but Nostradamus predicted the arrival of the iPod in his little-known 1556 manifesto Prophecies Gadgetirium:

And lo, onto the land of Babel, at the dawn of the new millennium, shall come a widget. And it shall be called the iFod, or ePok, or DooDad – something to this effect. Clothed in rich colors and girt about with optional third-party accessories, it shall speak forth with a great voice, as of a mighty trumpet. And verily it shall hold dominion – yea, utter dominion – over the MP3 market space for years and years…

Nostradamus was a little hit-and-miss on the details, as usual, but he got the essentials right. There is no more lopsided consumer electronics market than the portable MP3 space. Hundreds of manufacturers are making portable music players, but Apple is fiercely dominant. As of April, 2007, Apple had sold 100 million iPods. To put that number in perspective, if iPods were people, which is sure to be a future release, as a country it would rank 12th in world population. It's one iPod for every person in the United Kingdom and Poland, with some left over to lay a Shuffle on everyone in the Bahamas and Tonga. They own 68.9% of the portable MP3 player market in the United States alone (source: NPD Group, March 2007).

The reason why is simple: Fabulous design. These things are so easy to use it’s ridiculous. The word “intuitive” is thrown around a lot, but in this case it really does apply. There’s no real need for a manual; Apple’s designers really are the best in the business. I even got my 65-year-old Scottish aunt using an iPod, and she refuses to buy a microwave.

If you’re looking to buy digital music player, the decision to go with an iPod is easy. The trick is picking the right one. You can get an iPod of $350, or you can get one for $35. That’s where we’d like to help. We'll go over the pertinent details of all models, spanning (at present) five generations – plus the Mini (two generations), the Nano (two generations), the Photo and the Shuffle (two generations). We'll also provide a bit of guidance on care and maintenance. Think of us as your friendly yeoman purser – or Virgil to your Dante, if you prefer – as we delve into the wonderful world of iPods.

General Overview

• Size. Most iPods (except for the Nano, Mini and Shuffle) are about the size of a pack of cigarettes. In general, they range from 3 to 7 ounces (see exceptions below).
• iTunes is Mandatory. They all sync with iTunes, which is free from Apple's website. Except for the earliest generations noted below, they take both Firewire and USB. Please note it needs to be USB 2.0. If your computer was made in 2002 or earlier, you should make sure you have USB 2.0.
• Battery life. The battery life published by Apple is, well – the polite term is “guideline.” This is important to remember. Does your cell phone ever last as long as the published battery life? Same with iPods. The published battery life basically assumes a) middle volume; b) playing in an endless loop; and c) never touching the controls. In short, laboratory conditions.
• Battery life problems. This issue has been somewhat blown out of proportion. All rechargeable batteries start to lose their zing after a couple of hundred charges. Since Apple's batteries are built in, and since people tend to use them every day, the issue of replacing the battery will eventually come up. But don’t sweat it too much -- there are services that can fix this (more on that under maintenance).
• Storage Sizes. A good rule of thumb, figure 1,000-1,250 songs per 5GB. This will vary, depending on your fondness for 40-minute prog rock “singles,” but it's a good rule of thumb. All iPods can be used both as a music player and as a portable hard drive.
  

First Generation iPods

Released in October, 2001, the first generation of iPods came in 5 GB and 10GB models and featured the control buttons surrounding the central scroll wheel. This was actually the only generation of iPod with a mechanical-action scroll wheel. As such, it’s still popular with DJs, as you can feel the wheel movement when bringing, you know, the block-rocking beats.

• Battery life. About 10 hours
• Storage. 5GB and 10GB
• Technology. Firewire (IEEE-1394) only. USB support was still a bit away
• Compatibility. Either Mac or Windows, not both. You can reformat the unit for either
• Quirks. The headphone jacks on this unit can chip easily. This was fixed in later revisions.
• Other Notes. If you have one in mint condition, seal it in a padded bag and don't touch it. This will be a serious collector's item in about 15 years, and can potentially underwrite your kids’ college years.
• Models. 5GB Mac - M8513LL/A, M8514LL/A; 5GB PC - M8697LL/A; 10GB Mac - M8709LL/A
  

Second Generation iPods

These were released in 10GB and 20GB versions in July, 2002. They were virtually identical to the first generation units. However, they replaced the scroll wheel with the touchwheel, thus disappointing DJs around the world and striking a final blow against the last vestiges of analog tech. From here on out, iPods would not have any moving control surfaces whatsoever. Other than the GB change and the scroll/touch controls, it's the same as first-generation units

• Battery life. About 10 hours
• Storage. 10GB and 20GB
• Technology. Firewire only. Not yet for USB...
• Compatibility. Either Mac or Windows, not both. You can reformat the unit for either
• Quirks. Still that chip-able headset port
• Models. 10GB Mac - M8737LL/A; 10GB PC - M8740LL/A; 20GB Mac - M8738LL/A; 20GB PC - M8741LL/A. Sometimes referred to in general as A1019

Third Generation iPods

The iPod gets a facelift! Rolled out in April, 2003, this was significant evolution for the heralded “look and feel” of the unit, and moved the iPod firmly into the mainstream. The control buttons moved from around the touchwheel to just below the LCD screen. The unit also got thinner, and the headset jack much more durable – you had to really try to bust this thing. At long last, USB support was added, though not for charging, just syncing. Oddly, battery life actually decreased a bit, to eight hours.

• Battery life. About 8 hours
• Storage. 10GB, 15GB, 20GB, 30GB and 40GB
• Technology. Firewire and USB 2.0. Apple also introduces the dock connector on iPods, still in use today.
• Compatibility. Mac/Windows at the same time.
• Quirks. Why did they shorten the battery life?
• Models. 10GB - M8976LL/A; 15GB - M8946LL/A, M9460LL/A; 20GB - M9244LL/A; 30GB - M8948LL/A; 40GB - M9245LL/A. Sometimes referred to in general as A1040
  

Fourth Generation iPods

Released in July 2004, Apple made another significant design shift with the controls. Replacing the touchwheel, they introduced the clickwheel, which had been used on the Minis. The “clickable” controls were now embedded in the wheel itself, simplifying the manual interface still further. Apple also started releasing specialty versions of this unit designed to leverage the company’s Jedi-like powers of cross-promotional marketing

• Battery Life. Getting better. 12 hours
• Storage. 20GB and 40GB
• Technology. Firewire and USB 2.0 via the dock connector. The unit can now charge via USB as well
• Compatibility. Still Mac and Windows
• Specialty versions. Apple got fancy, introducing a Black iPod as a special edition U2 model. It would later release a white model with Harry Potter engravings on the back.
• Models: 20GB - M9282LL/A; 20GB U2 - M9787LL/A; 40GB - M9268LL/A. Sometimes referred to in general as A1059
  

iPod Photo (Still Fourth Generation)

Apple rolled out its first color display with the iPod Photo. Released in October, 2004, it was the same exact unit as the Fouth Generation units, except with a color screen. No video compatibility yet. The screen was 220x176 pixels and displayed 16-bit color. The specs were, other than the color screen, the same as above.

• Storage. 20GB, 30GB, 40GB and 60GB
• Models. 20GB - MA079LL/A; 20GB U2 - MA127LL/A; 30GB - M9829LL/A; 40GB - M9585LL/A; 60GB - M9586LL/A, M9830LL/A. Sometimes referred to in general as A1099
• Quirks. Nice, but every device in the world can display photos on a tiny screen – I can get that on my electric shaver.  What we really need is...

Fifth Generation (Video iPods)

With the fifth-generation model, released in October, 2005, the iPod truly came into its own, threatening to dislodge all competitors with extreme prejudice. The look was basically the same as the Photo/4th generation, with a smaller wheel and larger screen. The unit now featured a 320x240 pixel LCD and the ability to play videos. Apple continued ot enhance this lineup – adding longer battery life, a brighter screen and finally a totally hotrod 80GB version in September, 2006.

• Battery Life. 16-20 hours for music, 2-3 hours for video. Newer models get up to 4.5 hours of video
• Storage. 30GB, 60GB and 80GB
• Technology. USB 2.0 only. Say goodbye to Firewire...
• Compatibility. Mac and Windows
• Colors. Black and White (casing, not the screen). Also comes in a U2 version released 6/06
• Models. 30GB white - MA002LL/A and MA444LL/A (Enhanced); 30GB black - MA145LL/A and MA446LL/A (Enhanced); 30GB Black U2 - MA452LL/A; 60GB white - MA003LL/A; 60GB black - MA147LL/A; 80GB Black - MA450LL/A; 80GB White - MA448LL/A
  

iPod Minis - 1st Generation

Released in January 2004, these units were an instant sensation. Available in five colors, tiny and half the weight of some iPods, these were extremely popular, particularly with the more fashion conscience.

• Battery Life. 12 hours
• Storage. 4GB
• Technology. USB 2.0 and Firewire
• Compatibility. Mac and Windows
• Colors. Silver, Blue, Pink, Green, Gold
• Models. Silver - M9160LL/A; Blue - M9436LL/A; Pink - M9435LL/A; Green - M9434LL/A; Gold - M9437LL/A. Sometimes referred to in general as A1051
  

iPod Minis - 2nd Generation

Released in February, 2005, this was an update to the popular Minis. The colors were a bit more vibrant, the battery life was beefed up, and they now came in 4GB and 6GB versions. But otherwise, it was the same unit.

• Battery Life. 18 hours
• Storage. 4GB and 6GB
• Technology. USB 2.0 and Firewire
• Compatibility. Mac and Windows
• Colors. Silver, Blue, Pink, Green
• Quirks. Discontinued in September, 2005, the aftermarket prices actually went up, as demand for these units is still huge
• Models. 4GB Silver - M9800LL/A; 4GB Blue - M9802LL/A; 4GB Pink - M9804LL/A; 4GB Green - M9806LL/A; 6GB Silver - M9801LL/A; 6GB Blue - M9803LL/A; 6GB Pink - M9805LL/A; 6GB Green - M9807LL/A.
  

iPod Shuffle

Released in January, 2005, this was Apple's first step into the Flash player market. Weighing less than an ounce (!), the Shuffle was a radical idea – a unit with no controls and no screen, meant to simply play downloaded music randomly. Crackpot idea? Apple now owns more than half the Flash player market in the U.S. Look for the new iPhone Shuffle this year, a next-generation mobile phone which simply calls people randomly. Just kidding.

• Battery Life. 12 hours
• Storage. 512MB and 1GB (120 and 240 songs)
• Technology. USB 2.0 only
• Compatibility. Mac and Windows
• Quirks. No screen to navigate music. But you can find them for as little as $30.
• Models. 512MB - M9724LL/A, MA133LL/A; 1GB - M9725LL/A
  

iPod Shuffle 2nd Generation

The Incredible Shrinking iPod continues its journey through into the microverse. This refresh of the Shuffle holds 1GB and is about the size of a quarter. It was released in September, 2006. Pretty colors followed in February, 2007. Next step: Direct implantation into cochlear tubes. Battery Life. 12 hours

• Storage. 1GB (240 songs)
• Technology. USB 2.0 only
• Compatibility. Mac and Windows
• Quirks. No screen to navigate music.
• Models. 1GB - MA564LL/A
  

iPod Nano

Incredible -- that's the only way to describe the Nano. When Apple released these in September, 2005, the collective lovestruck sigh of one million tech-fetishists was heard worldwide. Based on Flash memory (as opposed to a bulkier mechanical hard drive) the size of this unit is amazing – it’s 1/4" thick (3 credit cards) and weighs 1.5 oz. That's the same weight as 42 paper clips. Allow me to retype: 42 paper clips! It also packs a color screen. Just when you thought iPods couldn’t get any cooler…

• Battery Life. 14 hours
• Storage. 1GB, 2GB and 4GB
• Technology. USB 2.0. No firewire syncing
• Compatibility. Mac and Windows
• Colors. Black and white (the casing, not the screen)
• Models. 1GB White - MA350LL/A; 1GB Black - MA352LL/A; 2GB White - MA004LL/A; 2GB Black - MA099LL/A; 4GB White - MA005LL/A; 4GB Black - MA107LL/A

iPod Nano 2nd Generation

A refresh of the Nanos released in September 2006. It replaced the scratch-prone case with colored aluminum, which provides much better protection and lends a certain future-primitive appeal to the proceedings. The battery life was also increased.

• Battery Life. Up to 24 hours
• Storage. 2GB, 4GB and 8GB
• Technology. USB 2.0.
• Compatibility. Mac and Windows
• Colors. Silver, Pink, Blue Green, Black
• Models. 2GB Silver - MA477LL/A; 4GB Silver - MA426LL/A; 4GB Green - MA487LL/A; 4GB Pink - MA489LL/A; 4GB Blue - MA428LL/A; 8GB Black - MA497LL/A
  

A Note About HP iPods

Hewlett Packard agreed to distribute Apple iPods from 2004 through 2005. The relationship dissolved in the fall of 2005, but during that time HP released 4th generation units, including the Photos, Minis and Shuffles. What's the difference, you may ask? Other than the HP logo engraved on the back, not a single thing. Nothing. Nada. They’re identical to the Apple iPods -- down to the suppliers and the factories that produced them. However, if looking for a deal, you'll often find slightly better prices on 4th generation units made by HP.

Maintenance

Except for the Minis and Shuffles, all iPods have polished metal backs. They scratch very, very easily -- you might even want to eschew harsh language in their vicinity. As a result, we strongly recommend always using a case. The best are rubberized cases that fit the iPod like a skin. It’s a good idea to just keep the case on all the time. Protects them from the dropsies, too.

When looking for iPods, you can save money by buying used ones. Full disclosure: Dyscern sells predominantly customer-returned iPods that have been used. It’s what we do; but we also happen to genuinely believe you can get incredible deals this way.

As far as batteries go, Apple will replace the battery on any iPod for $59. If you google iPod battery replacement, however, you can find services doing this for $40 or less. If you're handy, you can even buy a battery replacement kit for $10. However, it is extremely tricky to open an iPod up. We only recommend this if you are a certified spinal surgeon. Just kidding, but you do need to be very patient, and very handy. Otherwise, spend the extra money and have the battery replaced (and even beefed up) by a professional.

Recommendations

What do we recommend? All of them! It really depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for ultimate portability (“Mine’s smaller!”), check out the Nano and the Mini. If you want maximum storage, go with the purebred line. An informal poll held here at Dyscern World HQ suggests women like the smaller models; men dig the bigger hard drives. Read into this whatever socio-gender insights you will.

We also get asked a lot about "the kids" and what they want. The short answer: Any iPod. We've found that time and time again. As long as it’s an iPod, they’ll dig it. If it’s not an iPod, they’ll be polite and say “thank you” – but they won't really want it. It’s a brand thing, really – iPods are simply much more fashionable. It’s like junior high circa 1985: Did you want the Jordache jeans, or did you want the Toughskins? In general, shoot for an iPod with at least 20GB for a teen.

We hope this was useful. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to drop us a line!

Dr. Samuel Centralia holds several dozen advanced degrees in computer technology, theoretical physics, applied mathematics, organic chemistry, dangerous explosives, situational ethics (medical and professional), and high-yield subsonic demolition. He has authored 20-odd groundbreaking nonfiction books, including "Shattered Motherboards, Shattered Lives," "Cloned: An Unauthorized Autobiography," and the worldwide bestseller, "Gigabyte!" He lives in a series of fortified underground bunkers with his dog, Copernicus.