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Introduction
The iPod is a brand of portable media players designed and marketed by Apple Computer. Devices in the iPod family provide a simple user interface designed around a central scroll wheel (with the exception of the iPod shuffle). The standard iPod model stores media on a built-in hard drive, while the smaller iPod shuffle and iPod nano use flash memory. Like most digital audio players, an iPod can serve as an external data storage device when connected to a computer. Discontinued versions of the iPod include two generations of the popular iPod mini and four generations of the full-sized iPod, all of which had monochrome screens except for the 4th generation iPod with color screen (previously sold as iPod photo before it replaced the monochrome iPod in the main line). As of June 2006, the lineup consists of the 5th generation iPod, which has video playback capabilities; the iPod nano, which has a color screen; and the iPod shuffle; all three models were released in 2005. The iPod is currently the world's best-selling digital audio player. The bundled software used for uploading music, photos, and videos to the iPod is called iTunes. A music jukebox application, iTunes stores a comprehensive library of the user's music on their computer, and can play, burn, and rip music from a CD. The most recent incarnations of iPod and iTunes have video playing and organization features.
The iPod's mainstream use and popularity worldwide in the MP3 player market has led to iPod becoming one of the world's most popular brands of MP3 player. Apple's proprietary actions regarding iPods and iTunes, however, have led to criticism as well as legal battles. |
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5th Generation On October 12, 2005 Apple launched the 5th generation iPod at the "One more thing..." event.[18] This iPod is often called the iPod video or the video iPod, while Apple documentation refers to it as the Fifth Generation iPod or iPod with video (compare with the Fourth Generation iPod, iPod with color display, or iPod (Click Wheel); the Third Generation iPod or iPod (dock connector); Second Generation iPod or iPod (touch wheel); and First Generation iPod or iPod (scroll wheel)).[19] 5th generation iPods are available in 30 GB and 60 GB capacity models and are priced the same as the previous generation at US$299 and US$399, respectively. They also feature the ability to play MPEG-4 and H.264 video with resolutions of up to 480x480 (maximum macroblock (16x16 pixel) count of 900) and 320x240 (maximum macroblock (16x16 pixel) count of 300), respectively (videos purchased from the iTunes Music Store are limited to 320x240). Some users have reported the ability to play widescreen resolutions up to 640x360 using MPEG-4 and 400x192 using H.264 (total macroblock count falls within the stated maximums).[20] 5th generation models have a 65,536 color (16-bit) screen,[21] with a 320x240 QVGA transflective TFT display, and are able to display video on an external TV via the AV cable accessory, which plugs into the headphone minijack and splits into composite video and audio output connectors with RCA jacks. They can also display video on an external TV using the iPod AV or S-video cables with the iPod Universal Dock. The dimensions are 4.1 x 2.4 x 0.43 inches for the 30 GB version, and 4.1 x 2.4 x 0.55 inches for the 60 GB version. The screen size is now 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) diagonally, 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) larger than the previous iPod. It is also 30% thinner than the previous full-size iPod. The reported battery life for the 30 GB is 14 hours and for the 60 GB is around 20 hours. Watching movies reduces that amount to 2 and 3 hours respectively. The click wheel design is the same as the previous generation, but is marginally smaller (1.5 inch diameter) than before. The new click wheel is completely flat, unlike older models where the center button is slightly rounded and raised. Apple stopped producing iPods with the click wheels used in the 4th generation iPod and iPod mini from their previous supplier, Synaptics, and now use an in-house solution.[citation needed] Like the iPod nano, the 5th generation iPod comes in two colors, white and black, and it features the World Clock, Stopwatch, and Screen Lock applications. In addition, the earphone plug is smaller. 5th generation iPods also come with a thin slip case, most likely in response to many complaints concerning the iPod nano's easily-scratched surface. Apple also discontinued the inclusion of an AC adapter and FireWire cable. One must purchase these items separately in order to charge the iPod from a household outlet, or use an external, powered USB hub. The 5th generation iPod no longer supports file transfers via FireWire, but still supports charging using FireWire. This is most likely due to the increased popularity of Hi-Speed USB 2.0 in the consumer market as well as decreasing manufacturing component costs by lowering the complexity of the circuit boards and removing unnecessary accessories. Sources This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the following Wikipedia articles... Wikipedia : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ipod_video |
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