Get to know the new 5th Generation Apple iPod models
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 at http://www.smart-ipod-ideas.com.
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.