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iPod Q&A - Updated March 12, 2008

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What are the "pros and cons" of the "2007" iPod models?

Please note that these iPod models were discontinued on September 9, 2008. The following Q&A was written when they were currently shipping.

The currently shipping iPod models in 2007 were the "Sixth Generation" iPod classic, "Third Generation" iPod nano, "Second Generation" iPod shuffle, and the iPod touch.

In the above photo, the iPod touch, the iPod classic (6th Gen), iPod nano (3rd Gen), and iPod shuffle (2nd Gen) stand side-by-side from left to right, respectively (Photo Credit: Apple, Inc).

The major differences between the current iPods are summarized below:

iPod Model: touch classic nano shuffle
Storage Capacity: 8, 16, 32 GB 80, 160 GB 4, 8 GB 1, 2 GB
Song Capacity: 1750, 3500, 7000 20,000, 40,000 1000, 2000 240, 500
Case Colors: Black Silver, Black Colors† Colors†
Display Size: 320x240 320x240 320x240 None
Max Battery Life: 22 Hours 30, 40 Hours 24 Hours 12 Hours
Photo Capability: Yes Yes Yes No
Video Capability: Yes Yes Yes No
Multi-touch: Yes No No No
Wireless Internet: Yes No No No
Retail Price: US$299
US$399
US$499
US$249
US$349

US$149
US$199

US$79


†The iPod nano (3rd Gen) is available in silver, blue, green, black, pink (starting January 22, 2008), as well as a (PRODUCT) RED (the 4 GB configuration only in silver). The iPod shuffle (2nd Gen) models introduced in late 2007 are available in silver, blue, green, purple and (PRODUCT) RED.

The above chart provides most of the "pros and cons" of each model compared to each other, but you may find the below summary to be useful as well.

iPod touch

Pros:

  • Thin, sleek design.
  • Clever multi-touch interface introduced with the iPhone.
  • Wireless Internet (wi-fi) and useful applications.
  • Cheaper than the iPhone.

Cons:

  • Lower quality display than the iPhone.
  • Maximum battery life of five hours for video playback may be inadequate for heavy users.
  • No official "disk mode" (although hacks are available).
  • More expensive than the iPod classic and iPod nano (3G) per megabyte of storage.

iPod classic

Pros:

  • Largest capacity available, holds the most songs, photos, and video.
  • Excellent battery life.
  • Lowest cost per megabyte of storage.

Cons:

  • Smaller display than the iPod touch.
  • Improved interface pales in comparison to the iPod touch and iPhone.
  • Incompatible with many previously released accessories including video and photo out accessories and the iPod Camera Connector.

iPod nano (Third Generation)

Pros:

  • Adequate storage capacity for modest music collections.
  • Solid battery life.
  • Supports video, video out, photos, and games, as well as music.
  • Relatively inexpensive.

Cons:

  • Relatively small display.
  • Some may find the "fat" proportions awkward or ugly compared to earlier iPod nano models.

iPod shuffle (Second Generation)

Pros:

  • Extremely tiny, sleek design.
  • Convenient clip to attach the iPod shuffle to a pocket or sleeve.
  • Least expensive iPod model.

Cons:

  • No display (and consequently, no support for photos, video, or games).
  • Limited capacity.
  • Most expensive iPod per megabyte.



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