Ipod Classic 3rd Gen

On April 18, 2003, Apple announced a completely redesigned third-generation iPod. Thinner than the previous models, the third generation models replaced the FireWire port with a new Dock Connector and introduced the Touch Wheel, a completely non-mechanical interface with the four auxiliary buttons located in a row between the screen and the touch wheel. The front plate had rounded edges, and the rear casing was slightly rounded as well. A new wired remote connector was introduced. Whereas first and second generation Classics had an auxiliary ring around the headphone port for the remote, the third generation Classic had a 4-pin jack adjacent to the headphone port. A 10 GB model was sold for US$299, a 15 GB model for US$399, and a 30 GB model for US$499. All iPods were now compatible with Mac and PC out of the box, simply requiring Windows users to reformat the iPod before use on a PC and both iTunes and Musicmatch were bundled with all iPods. The battery life was reduced to 8 hours, partially due to the use of a lithium-ion battery as opposed to a lithium polymer battery.

The 15 GB model was replaced by a 20 GB model and the 30 GB model was upgraded to 40 GB on September 8, 2003. Support for Musicmatch was also discontinued at this time and only iTunes was included in the box.

Ipod Classic 2nd Gen

first generation, the hold switch was redesigned, a cover was added to the FireWire port, and the mechanical wheel was replaced with a touch-sensitive wheel. The front plate also had rounded corners and edges. The second-generation class was available in 10 GB for US$399 and 20 GB for US$499. The first-generation 5 GB Classic was carried over, but its price was reduced to US$299.

Notably, Apple began selling PC-compatible versions of the iPod starting with the second generation. These versions came with a 4-pin to 6-pin FireWire adapter and were bundled with Musicmatch Jukebox instead of iTunes.

In December 2002, Apple unveiled its first limited edition iPods, with either Madonna’s, Tony Hawk’s, or Beck’s signature or No Doubt's band logo engraved on the back for an extra US$50.

Ipod Nano

Manufacturer         Apple Inc.
Type                        Portable media player
Retail availability   Since September 7, 2005

Media                       Flash memory from 1 to 16 GB

                                  (currently 8 and 16 GB)

Operating system   1.3.1 (1st Generation)
                                  1.1.3 (2nd Generation)
                                  1.1.3 (3rd Generation)
                                  1.0.3 (4th Generation)
Power                      Lithium ion battery

Display                     176x132 1.5" color LCD (1G/2G)

                                    320x240 2" color LCD 3G

                                    240x320 2" color LCD 4G

Input                        Click Wheel/Accelerometer
Connectivity             iPod 32-pin Dock Connector
                                   USB 2.0

Predecessor             iPod Mini

Instead of the hard disk which is used in the iPod Classic, the Nano uses flash memory. This means there are no moving parts related to memory, making the iPod Nano resistant to memory failure due to sudden movement.

The iPod Nano works with iTunes on Mac OS X or Microsoft Windows (third-party software is available for platforms that Apple does not support, such as Linux). It connects to the computer via the same proprietary dock connector as all models since the iPod 3rd Generation (with the exception of the iPod Shuffle), using USB 2.0. The iPod Nano does not support syncing over FireWire, but the first three generations can be charged via FireWire. The iPod Nano includes a stop watch and a multiple time zone clock function. There is also a combination lock feature that makes use of the click wheel to lock the iPod, and serves to secure the user's calendar and contact information as well as the volume limit function.

Like previous iPod models, the first, second, third, and fourth generation iPod Nano include some pre-installed games: Brick, Music Quiz, Parachute, and Solitaire. The third generation iPod Nano included pre-installed games, but can also run games which Apple makes available for purchase in the iTunes Store. The three pre-installed games are variations on the Brick, Solitaire, and Music Quiz games found in the first and second-generation iPod Nanos. Brick is now called Vortex and there is now a circular playing field. Solitaire is now called Klondike with minimal differences. Music Quiz now includes Movie and TV Show trivia along with a more aesthetically pleasing look. The fourth generation also includes Maze, which uses that model's accelerometer to move a ball around to try and collect glowing orbs.

Unlike the preceding iPod Mini, its battery is soldered to the printed circuit board of the device, making it harder to replace manually,although replacement batteries are readily available.[citation needed] The flash memory chips used are surface mount devices, making any attempt to upgrade the Nano's storage capacity impractical.

The lack of the remote connector found on the top of many previous models means that a number of third-party accessories do not work with the iPod Nano; newer versions using the dock connector have been made. The first generation iPod Nano did not support voice recording; the second and third generation Nanos function with third-party recording attachments. It did not function with either Apple's iPod Camera Connector or other camera connectors from third-party manufacturers