Low End iPod's iPod Guide

For a good look at the iPod's development and evolution, we recommend Tom Hormby's A Brief History of the iPod on Low End Mac.

First Generation

The original iPod (right) had a 5 GB hard drive and could put "1000 songs in your pocket." The distinguishing characteristics of a 1G iPod are four buttons surrounding the scroll wheel, a FireWire port on top, and a scroll wheel that actually turns. <more>

Second Generation

The 2G iPod replaced the rotating scroll wheel with a touch sensitive wheel that doesn't turn physically. Other than that, it looks just like a 1G iPod. <more>

Third Generation

Apple changed the navigation system with the 3G iPod, replacing the four buttons surrounding the scroll wheel with four buttons between the scroll wheel and the screen. The 3G iPods were the first to support both FireWire and USB, and they have a dock connector on the bottom instead of a FireWire port on the top. <more>

Fourth Generation

Returning to it roots, the 4G iPod dispensed with separate buttons and used the scroll wheel itself for both navigation and control. The click wheel has been used on all subsequent models. <more>

iPod mini, First Generation

The iPod mini is 100% iPod in a smaller package. To protect the internal hard drive, the mini uses an aluminum case. It shipped in five different colors and stored 4 GB. <more>

iPod mini, Second Generation

One thing clearly distinguishes the 2G iPod mini from the original - 18 hour battery life vs. 8 hours in the original, thanks to a more efficient processor. Available in four colors, the 2G mini has its capacity engraved on the back. <more>

iPod photo

The iPod photo is essentially a 4G iPod with a color screen and support for video output. Apple phased out the iPod photo name when it gave all regular iPods color screens and video support in 2005.

iPod shuffle

The iPod shuffle is tiny, and it has no screen, giving you a lot less control over your playlist. But if you like to listen on shuffle, iTunes makes it easy to manage your music collection and create your own playlists for this minuscule music player.