Almost Everything You Wanted to Know About iPod

By Alden Smith

In January of 2001, Apple introduced iTunes for the Mac computer.  This innovative software allows people to convert audio CDs into compressed digital audio files, organizes digital music collections, and plays Internet radio.  By October 21, 2001, Apple introduced the iPod, a digital audio player that relied on a hard disk for storage space instead of the conventional flash drive.  It became an instant success.  The most recent report reveals that over 100 million iPods have been sold.  This article will discuss the iPod, its features and a lot of questions that the end consumer may have.  Let's do some FAQ's.

What Is an iPod?

The Apple iPod is a sleek, slim MP3 player that will store songs; the number stored depends on the capacity purchased.  An iPod with a 60 gigabyte hard drive can hold up to 15,000 songs.  That's a lot of tunes!

How Big Are They?

The iPod is comparable in size to an audio cassette.  It has a physical size of  5.7" x 1.7" x 1.1" and weighs 3.2 ounces. The stylish case is made of both stainless steel and anodized aluminum for easy cleaning and long life.  Corners are rounded to prevent damaging the iPod if it is dropped.

Are They Expensive?

You only get what you pay for.  A 60GB iPod runs about $250 if you are willing to buy a refurbished unit.  They are readily available on the web.  These iPods will hold up to 15,000 songs, up to 25,000 photos, and store full-color album art.  That should be enough for anyone's taste.  Expect to pay $349 for a brand new 160GB iPod at the Apple Store.  The 160 GB holds up to 40,000 songs!

What Different Models Are There?

There is a wide range of hard drive sizes and prices that iPods are available in.  You have many choices, and you can be sure that one of them will fit your needs.  The basic iPod Shuffle, the "baby" of the iPod line, has a capacity of 1GB, and will hold 240 songs.  If you think this isn't enough for you, consider that the average song runs approximately 3 minutes, 30 seconds.  That is over 13 hours of music! Priced at $79 at The Apple Store, it is a great bargain. The iPod has a size to fit every need, from the iPod Nano, which holds either 1,000 songs on its 4GB drive, or 2,000 songs on the 8GB model.  The 4GB costs $149.00.  The 8GB Nano begins at $199.00.

Higher up on the scale is the iPod Classic.  This great unit holds 20,000 songs in the 80 GB unit, and 40,000 songs in the 160GB unit.  In a sleek stainless steel and aluminum anodized case, the price for the 80GB is $249, and the 160 GB is $349. 

Anything New?

By the time this article is published, Apple will have released the iPod Touch.  This revolutionary iPod has features for the most discriminating high end user.  It will come in an 8GB and 16GB model.  It will include WiFi for web surfing using the Safari Browser, with access to YouTube for video entertainment.  It has a Multi-Touch screen, allowing the user control over viewing photos or videos on the 3.5 inch widescreen display. You can download music straight from iTunes with this little machine. 

Be mindful of pack-ins when buying an iPod.  Some promotions will exclude some of the features, such as a docking station, for the promotion.  At the minimum, you should get the iPod, a carrying case, a USB or FireWire cable, a docking station and earphones.

The iPod is a great tool for people who wish to carry their music with them.  Although there are many different MP3 players on the market, the iPod is the best choice.  Analysts report that the iPod holds the largest market share in the industry (72.7% as of January 2007).  Clearly, Apple is doing something right.

Alden Smith is an award winning author and regular contributor to DoItYourself.com. He writes on a variety of subjects, and excels in research.