Donald Bell,
Senior Editor
September 23, 2008
The iPod has come a long way since the introduction of the original 5GB model more than five years ago. The timeline of subsequent iPod releases reads like a royal family tree, with some branches that have stayed true to the original iPod form (iPod Classic), some that have made evolutionary leaps (iPod Touch), and some that withered away (iPod Mini).
Despite the many changes over the years, the iPod has never failed to dominate the MP3 player landscape (much to the chagrin of its competition). Apple's early and unflinching devotion to high-quality hardware and software design, along with its popular iTunes media software, online store, and army of third-party accessory manufacturers, have made the iPod an unbeatable product year after year.
The latest iPod lineup offers something for everyone, and includes the second-generation iPod Touch, fourth-generation iPod Nano, second-generation iPod Classic, and fourth-generation iPod Shuffle. To keep up on all the latest iPod news, head over to CNET's iPod Central.
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| Price | $209.00 to $249.99 | $359.98 to $409.95 | $173.99 to $199.99 | Check Prices | $64.99 to $73.25 |
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| Average user rating | |||||
| Review date | October 01, 2008 | September 11, 2008 | September 10, 2008 | September 10, 2008 | January 30, 2007 |
| The Bottom Line | The iPod Classic refines the formula that put the iPod on the map. Few can match its combination of storage capacity, battery life, and intuitive user interface. | The second-generation iPod Touch includes features that are light-years ahead of the competition, its design has improved, and its price has finally come down to earth. | The fourth-generation iPod Nano is easy on the eyes and the wallet, and you can't beat its hardware and user interface design. Just be sure to give iTunes 8 a spin before committing. | The fourth-generation iPod Nano is easy on the eyes and the wallet, and you can't beat its hardware and user interface design. Just be sure to give iTunes 8 a spin before committing. | If you like your music playback simple and your device nearly invisible, the second-generation iPod Shuffle will suit you well. But absentminded users should steer clear of this easy-to-misplace player. |
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| Features | |||||
| Battery technology |
Lithium ion |
Lithium ion |
Lithium ion |
Lithium ion |
Lithium polymer |
| Display type | Info unavailable |
LCD 3.5 in |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
| Digital player (recorder) |
WAV AIFF Audible MP3 AAC Apple Lossless |
Info unavailable |
WAV AIFF Audible MP3 AAC Apple Lossless |
WAV AIFF Audible MP3 AAC Apple Lossless |
WAV AIFF Audible MP3 AAC |
| Software type | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
iTunes Store account Drivers & Utilities iTunes 8 or later |
iTunes Store account Drivers & Utilities iTunes 8 or later |
Info unavailable |
| Device type | Info unavailable |
Portable media center |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) |
2.4 in x 0.4 in x 4.1 in |
Info unavailable |
1.5 in x 0.2 in x 3.6 in |
1.5 in x 0.2 in x 3.6 in |
1.6 in x 0.4 in x 1.1 in |
| Color |
Silver |
Black |
Silver |
Red |
Pink |
| PC interface(s) supported |
Hi-Speed USB |
Info unavailable |
Hi-Speed USB |
Hi-Speed USB |
Hi-Speed USB |
| Mfr estimated battery life |
36 hour(s) |
36 hour(s) |
24 hour(s) |
24 hour(s) |
12 hour(s) |
| Flash memory form factor | Info unavailable | ||||
