Overview:

A mixed bag of confusing terms (nano, mini, shuffle, classic, soft touch, click wheel, 2nd generation, 1GB, 80GB, etc.)  How can I sort it all out?  How do I choose what's best for me?  It's easy!  Let's figure what you want and then we'll tell you what to buy...

You can scroll down immediately to What Should I Buy? for recommendations.  However, for those who want to understand the different features of each and every model, we suggest you read the whole article.

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The iPod is made by Apple.  iPod is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. and only those players made by Apple can be called iPods. Those other players NOT made by Apple are called MP3 players. In this guide and throughout its auction pages, Dyelectrics' use of the word "iPod" (or "iPods") refers exclusively to the players made by Apple.

Dyelectrics only sells brand name products: No imitations, no cheap imports, only the genuine original articles.

In addition to helping the reader in the selection of the right iPod, this guide will develop to also serves as an owner's manual, of sort, that summarily describes the main features and operations of the more recent models. You will soon be able to find your iPod below and learn how to operate it.

General Considerations

• Size: All iPods are small--about the size of a cell phone. They range from about 3 to 6 ounces (except for the Nano, Mini, and Shuffle--a little over half an ounce for the Shuffle, 1.74 ounces for the Nano.)
• The use of iTunes is required: All iPods work with iTunes, which is free software that can be downloaded from Apple's website. Except for the earliest generations, they connect to your computer through FireWire or USB 2.0 ports.
• Battery life: The advertised battery life is approximate and was determined under optimal conditions. The stated battery life doesn't mean the length of time that the battery can be used before you throw it away it but it is the length of time you can use it before recharging it.  All rechargeable batteries wear out with time and use. As a battery grows older it tends to lose some of its charging capacity and will eventually need to be replaced.  Please protect our environment: Recycle your old batteries!
• Storage capacity: iPods hold about 250 songs per 1GB. Of course, this depends upon the size or "complexity" of the piece of music. To find out how many songs your iPod or your contemplated iPod purchase holds, just multiply the number of advertised GB (Giga Bytes) by 250. Like most other storage devices, iPods can also be used as portable hard drives.

First Generation iPods

Introduced in the Fall of 2001, the first generation of iPods has a large central scroll wheel that physically turns. The controls (Play, Menu, Next, Previous) appear in a circle around the wheel. The first model had a capacity of 5GB. In March 2002, a 10GB model was introduced.

Battery life runs about 10 hours. Capacity is 5GB and 10GB. Compatible with Mac or Windows (unit needs to be reformatted to switch from one to the other.) They currently use software version 1.5.

Touch Wheel or 2nd Generation iPod

Introduced in July 2002, they came in 10GB and 20GB versions. The scroll wheel was replaced with a touch wheel. All touch wheel models have a FireWire port cover. Scroll wheel models don't, and dock connector models don't have a FireWire port. The touch wheel iPod controls look similar to the scroll wheel model but the touch wheel itself doesn't turn. Touch wheel models are considered second generation iPods.

Battery life is about 10 hours. Capacity is 10GB and 20GB. Compatible with Mac or Windows (unit needs to be reformatted to switch from one to the other.) They currently use software version 1.5.

Third Generation iPods

Introduced in April 2003, the third generation iPods came with storage capacities of 10GB, 15GB, and 30GB. In september a model with 20GB and one with 40GB were added, They featured a dock connector:

Battery life is about 8 hours. Connection: FireWire and USB 2.00. Compatibility to both Mac and Windows. They currently use software version 2.3.

Click Wheels or 4th Generation iPods

Introduced in July of 2004 the Click Wheel models have a Click Wheel like the iPod mini, but are larger and the Hold switch is on the top-right side. These models have a monochrome display. They are referred to as the fourth generation iPods. They came in two versions: The 20GB and the 40GB.

Battery life is 12 hours. Connection is through FireWire and USB 2.00 via the block connector. The unit can charge via USB as well. Compatibility to both Mac and Windows. They currently use software version 3.1.1.

     iPod Special Edition U2

The iPod Special Edition U2 is a standard iPod model with certain external differences including a black plastic exterior, a red click wheel, the signatures of the U2 band members and the words "iPod Special Edition U2" engraved on the back. The first model came with a 20GB hard drive. In June 2005, a new version of the iPod Special Edition U2 was introduced that was based on an iPod with color display Generation iPod. In June 2006, yet another version was introduced that is based on a 5th Generation iPod (also known as iPod with video) with a 30GB hard drive. In September 2006 a model based on the 5th Generation iPod (30GB Late 2006) was introduced. One can distinguish 5th Generation U2 Special Edition iPod (Late 2006) from the 5th Generation U2 Special Edition iPod by the last three digits of the serial number. These three last digits are W9G.

iPod Special Edition Harry Potter

The first model was based on an iPod with color display with a 20GB hard drive. In October 2005 a new version was introduced that was based on a 5th Generation iPod with a 30GB hard drive.

iPod photo

Also known as iPod with color display, it has the same controls as iPod (Click Wheel.)  Ideal for viewing album artwork and playing slideshows.

     Fifth Generation iPods

The iPod (5th Generation) is a hard drive based iPod featuring a large widescreen color display, a Click Wheel, and the capability of displaying photos and videos. Like iPod nano, it uses USB for syncing and comes in white and black.

Battery life is 16 to 20 hours for music and 2 or 3 hours for video. Newer models get more (up to 4.5 hours.) Storage sizes come in 30GB, 60GB and 80GB. Connection through USB 2.00. Compatible with both Mac and Windows. Current software version is 1.2.2.

iPod mini - 1st Generation

Introduced in January 2004, available in five colors and about half the weight of other iPods, they became an instant hit. They are smaller and the Hold switch is on the top-left side. The Click Wheel button labels are on the wheel itself.

Battery life is 8 hours. Storage capacity is 4GB. Connection is with USB 2.00. Compatibility with both Mac and Windows. Firmware version is 1.4.1.

     iPod mini - 2nd Generation

Introduced in February 2005, they have the hard drive size engraved on the back of the unit. The Click Wheel text color matches the case color.

Battery life is 18 hours. Storage capacity is 4GB and 6GB. Connection is USB 2.00 and FireWire. Mac and Windows compatible. They use software version 1.4.1.

iPod shuffle

Introduced in January 2005, the iPod Shuffle is smaller than the iPod mini and has no display. There are LED lights on the front and back. The capacity of the drive is engraved on the front USB connector.

Battery life is 12 hours. Storage capacity is 512MB and 1GB. Connection is USB 2.00. Compatibility with Mac and Windows. They currently use Firmware version 1.1.5.

     iPod shuffle - 2nd Generation

It is smaller than the original iPod shuffle and has no USB connector. Battery life is 12 hours of audio. Compatible with Mac and Windows. Storage capacity is 1GB. Currently uses Firmware version 1.0.3.

     iPod nano

iPod nano is smaller than iPod mini and has a color screen and a Click Wheel but has flash memory instead of a hard drive. Song and photo syncing only occur over USB 2 (not FireWire.)  iPod nano comes in white and black. The capacity of the unit is engraved on the back of the case (1GB, 2GB, or 4GB.)

Battery life is 14 hours. Compatible with Mac and Windows. Currently uses Firmware version 1.3.1.

     iPod nano - 2nd Generation

It is distinguished from other models by its smaller size and its colors. In addition, the dock connector and headphones port are both located on the bottom of the unit.

The iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition is an iPod nano (2nd Generation) available in red and with a 4GB or 8GB drive capacity. With each iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED purchased, $10 from the sale goes directly to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa.

Battery life is 24 hours audio. Storage capacity is 2GB, 4GB,and 8GB. Connection is through USB 2.0.  Compatible with both Mac and Windows. It currently uses Firmware version 1.1.3.

     iPod nano - 3rd Generation

Introduced in September 2007, the iPod nano (3rd Generation) is available in 4GB or 8GB capacity, and comes in 5 colors. It has a wider screen. Its Hold switch is located on the bottom. It has the ability to play video. The serial number's last three digits will be one of the following: YOP, YOR, YXR, YXT, YXV, YXX.

Battery life: 24 hours audio, 5 hours video. Storage capacity 4GB and 8GB. Color display: 2 in. It currently uses Firmware version 1.0.2.

     iPod classic

Also introduced in September 2007, the iPod classic is a hard drive-based iPod featuring a large, widescreen color display, a Click Wheel, and the capability of displaying photos and videos. Like other models, it uses USB for syncing. It is available in silver and black, and has an anodized aluminum and polished stainless steel enclosure.

Battery life: 40 hours audio, 7 hours video. Color display: 2.5 in. Storage capacity is 80GB and 160GB. It currently uses Firmware version 1.0.2.

     iPod touch

The iPod touch, also introduced in September 2007, features a 3.5-inch (diagonal) widescreen multi-touch display and 8GB or 16GB flash drive. You can browse the web with Safari and watch YouTube videos on the first ever Wi-Fi iPod. You can also search, preview, and buy songs from the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store.

Battery life: 22 hours audio, 5 hours video. Color display: 3.5-inch multi-touch. Wireless data: WiFi. Storage capacity is 8GB and 16GB. Currently the iPod touch uses Firmware version 1.1.2.

Maintenance

Most iPods have polished metal cases and do scratch very easily. It is strongly recommended that you use a case for protection.

Battery replacement is performed by Apple. Currently the cost is $59.  You may find other services on the Internet that will do it for about $40. If you are handy, you can get a kit for about $10. Doing it yourself saves money but you must be extremely careful and patient as the operation can be tricky.

What Should I Buy?

• Want to play up to 240-250 songs? Go for the shuffle. It is light, small and compact. Another good choice: The earlier generation iPods. They are less complicated, sturdy and offer all the features one would really want at unbeatable prices.
• Want up to 1,000 songs, up to 3,500 photos, up to 4 hours of video, or some of each? Go for the nano 8GB.  The nano 16GB will give you double that. Earlier generation nanos 1GB will give you 250 songs. The 2GB, 500 songs and the 4GB, 1000 songs.
• Want to play up to 20,000 songs, up to 25,000 photos, up to 100 hours of video, or some of each? A definite overkill (so is the price) but it's there: Go for the iPod classic 80GB. If you want even more: 40,000 songs, 25,000 photos, 200 hours of video, go for the classic 160GB.
• Want up to 1,750 songs, up to 10,000 photos, up to 10 hours of video, or some of each? Go for the iPod touch 8GB. The 16GB will give you up to 3,500 songs, up to 20,000 photos, up to 20 hours of video, or some of each. It's the most expensive but if you need to look cool, they'll make you pay for it!
• If price is a consideration, then we recommend that you purchase an earlier generation iPod.  You can find all their features described above at the beginning of this article.  Best options? Returned or refurbished iPods. Click here for great deals.

Here, at Dyelectrics, we hope you found this basic guide helpful.  Please feel free to email us if you have any question. We're always glad to help even if you're not (yet) one of our customers!

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