Apple’s iPod is the dominating force when it comes to superior mp3 players in the portable music market. Just like the Nintendo games of the late 80’s, “iPod” is the synonym for an average mp3 player among the American users. With different models and countless revisions over thirteen years, it has maintained its competitive edge. Through its inceptions in the reputable 2001 model, to the debut model such as the likes of iPod nano and iPod Mini, it is interesting to experience the history of the iPod transformation.
2001: 1st Generation iPod
Otherwise known as code name Dulcimer, the inception of the iPod was revolutionary to the music industry due to its mechanical scroll wheel and storage capabilities. It was launched in 5 GB and 10 GB storage capacities. Capable of storing up to 1000 songs, it worked only on Macs (via FireWire connection) using iTunes as the organization tools.
March 20, 2002: 2nd Generation
Taking cue from crafty third-party developers, Apple waved off the uncomfortable mechanical wheel and initiated the touch-sensitive version, which is still in use presently in a different design. The new 20 GB model retailed at $543 while the 10 GB model retailed at $448.
April 2003: 3rd Generation
The unusual revisions of the third-generation iPod were typified by a 30-pin dock - USB connector, four control buttons, and a touch-sensitive screen. As a result of a shift from a lithium-polymer battery to a lithium-ion battery, Apple reduced its battery life to eight hours.
June 1, 2004: Mini 1st Generation
The next innovation in Apple’s musical crèche was an entirely new device characterized by a reduced size and a micro-drive hard drive of that had 4 GB storage capabilities. Well known for its click wheel, iPod mini came in five different snazzy colors.
September 2004: iPod Photo
Geared up to store and display photo albums, the iPod Photo offered bumped storage of 60 GB costing about $584, while the 40 GB model retailed for almost $488. Consequently, a monochrome screen-based 20 GB U2 brand was introduced in the same year.
January 2005: iPod Shuffle
The flash-based iPod exemplified by the lack of screen, Click Wheel and dock connector, retailed for $ 93 - offering a 512 MB and 1 GB of storage capabilities.
February 2005: Second-generation Mini
Although it did not offer a considerable difference with earlier models, Apple revamped the choices of color. It also boasted an 18-hour battery life.
September 2005: iPod Nano
The iPod mini took a final bow to its patron, the iPod nano. The flash-based, colored screen iPod had a 2 GB and 4 GB storage. Unfortunately, the easily-scratched screen caused consumer outcry that resulted in a class-action lawsuit.
October 2005: 5th Generation
This model offered the long awaited video playback, with storage capabilities of 30 GB and 60 GB.
September 2006: iPod 5.5 Generation
The 5.5 generation had an increased battery life and mini software having storage of up to 80 GB. Launched in September 2006, the 2nd generation iPod nano came with a 4 GB and 8 GB storage that featured its small size, improved battery life and aluminum frame. The introduction of iPod touch, in 2007, offered a browsing experience for its users. The 4th Generation nano iPod offered an internal accelerometer backed by a 16 GB memory as well as spoken menus capabilities. The 3rd generation iPod shuffle, released in September 2009, lacked display function. Consequently, the 5th-generation iPod nano was exemplified by a video camera and a 32 GB storage capability. The 4th Generation iPod shuffle made music navigation fairly simple. The 6th-generation iPod nano was relatively smaller in size and had a 16 GB storage capacity. Accordingly, the 4th-generation iPod touch packed a front-facing camera and an Apple App store for its user. Evidenced by its remarkable improvement, iPod has maintained its competitive edge with its history of innovative devices.
