The
New 5Th Generation Apple iPods
by: Katherine Xie To
date, there has been a number of Apple iPod models. Well, with the release of
the new iPod Video, there are now officially three iPod models for the 5th generation
of iPods. The earlier 4th generation models, including the popular iPod Mini,
iPod Photo, U2 and 20GB iPod are now officially history. The
three official 5G iPod models include the iPod Shuffle, iPod Nano and iPod Video.
What's the difference between this new range of iPods and the previous 4G models?
Broadly speaking, the differences are: Hard
Disk Two
of the new iPod models, iPod Shuffle and iPod Nano, are based on flash hard disk
technology. This new hard disk is ultra slim and is able to withstand shock and
vigorous movement. Unlike 4G models, this make the iPod Shuffle and iPod Nano
ultra slim and allow them to be used for vigorous activities, including sporting
activity, dance, accidental drops, etc. Previous 4G models were less robust and
vigorous activity tend to cause possible malfunction. Battery
life Battery
life on the 5G iPod has improved tremendously. One of the major complaints about
4G iPod was the short battery life(8hrs) and battery life draining away quickly
after heavy use. The new iPod lasts up to 14 hrs and has a better battery lifespan.
Color
is standard Unlike
4G model, where the iPod Photo model was the only model with color, the new iPod
Nano and iPod Video comes standard with color screen and playback. Choice
of video With
the new iPod Video, there is now a range of activities, including data, music,
photo and video that can be supported on one iPod. Previously, video was not available
as an option. Standardized
casing The
4G iPod included the multi-color iPod mini, with a choice of pink, blue, green
and silver. The only option for black was the U2 model. Today,
the colors has been standardized to black or white (except iPod Shuffle - White
only). In addition, all iPod casing has been standardized to hard acrylic instead
of the anionized aluminium for iPod Mini and hard acrylic for the other models.
However,
the hard acrylic casing used for the 5G iPod models seems to have a tendency to
scratch as reported by many iPod user websites. It is advised that a iPod casing
or protector film be purchased for the new 5G iPod immediately. A good selection
can be found here. Compact
Clickwheel The
iPod Clickwheel was previously a scroll wheel that was designed and supplied by
a 3rd party. The new iPod clickwheels are now designed and produced by Apple itself.
The functionalities are similar but users reported better response feedback. Headphone
jack Headphone
jacks for all iPod models, including the very first 1G iPod up till the 4G models,
has always been on top of the iPod. The iPod Nano breaks ground by having the
headphone jack at the bottom. Which
iPod model to choose? As
of this writing, the iPod Video has only been out for less than 2 weeks. The current
5G range of iPod seems to be the most complete and versatile thus far, and we
can see that the 3 different models are essentially targeted at different segments
of the iPod user market. A basic guide to choosing the right iPod model can be
broadly classified as: iPod
Shuffle The
iPod Shuffle is obviously targeted at users who have a lower budget or those who
only have an occasional need for a music player. The Shuffle comes without a screen
and user can only choose to listen to music in a sequence or have it shuffled
randomly. Because of it's lower price, this model has become a choice for those
who desire for an iPod but may not have the neccessary budget. iPod
Nano The
iPod Nano is now the mainstream iPod model with the exit of 4G iPod models. With
a size and thickness slightly larger than a credit card, this is now a runaway
favorite iPod model. Users have a choice of data, music and photo with this colored
screen iPod. iPod
Video The
newest kid on the block, the iPod Video, is desired by those with a higher budget
or who wish to watch video on their iPod. It has a slightly larger screen than
the iPod Nano and play a crisp 30 fps video display. With not many iPod videos
available for download as yet, we'll need to see if this model can overtake the
iPod Nano as the mainstream iPod model. About
The Author
Katherine
Xie has owned an iPod since 2001. She runs a website, http://www.smart-ipod-ideas.com
which shares iPod tips as well as quality Japanese iPod protectords and accessories.
Please feel free to distribute this article as long as credit is referenced to
her website.
katherine@smart-ipod-ideas.com
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