Donald Bell, Senior Editor September 8, 2010
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 fourth-generation iPod Touch, sixth-generation iPod Nano, third-generation iPod Classic, and fourth-generation iPod Shuffle. This time around, Apple really went back to the drawing board with its iPod Nano design, throwing out the time-tested click wheel interface for a miniature touch screen.
To keep up on all the latest iPod news, head over to CNET's iPod Central.
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| Product name | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $188.00 to $212.64 | $122.99 to $134.99 | $209.99 to $284.92 | $49.00 to $49.99 |
| CNET editors' rating | ||||
| Average user rating | ||||
| Review date | October 17, 2011 | September 07, 2010 | September 10, 2009 | September 07, 2010 |
| The Bottom Line | The iPod Touch is the best iPod yet, offering all the fun of the iPhone experience without a carrier contract or monthly bill. | The sixth generation of the iPod Nano is the smallest yet, but it comes at the expense of valuable features and practical controls. | 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 iPod Shuffle's buttons are back, and the lightest, smallest MP3 player on the planet is now better than ever. |
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| Features | ||||
| PC interface(s) supported | Bluetooth 2.1 EDR Wi-Fi Hi-Speed USB | Hi-Speed USB | Hi-Speed USB | Hi-Speed USB |
| Flash memory installed | 8 GB | 8 GB | Info unavailable | 2 GB |
| Flash memory form factor | Integrated | Integrated | Info unavailable | Integrated |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 2.3 in x 0.3 in x 4.3 in | 1.6 in x 0.4 in x 1.5 in | 2.4 in x 0.4 in x 4.1 in | 1.3 in x 0.4 in x 1.1 in |
| Weight | 3.6 oz | 0.7 oz | 4.9 oz | 0.4 oz |
| Resolution | 960 x 640 | 240 x 240 | 320 x 240 | Info unavailable |
| Battery technology | Lithium ion | Lithium ion | Lithium ion | Lithium ion |
| Mfr estimated battery life | 40 hour(s) | 24 hour(s) | 36 hour(s) | 15 hour(s) |
| Software type | Apple Safari iMessage Newsstand Find My iPod touch Videos Music App Store Reminders Photos Maps Calendar Calculator Contacts Stocks Notes Weather iTunes | Drivers & Utilities | Info unavailable | Drivers & Utilities |
| Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications |
| Buying choices | | | | |
