ipods apple

The iPod nano is a portable media player designed and marketed by Apple Inc. The first generation model was introduced on September 7, 2005,^[1] and combines features of both the iPod shuffle and iPod classic. It was intended to replace the iPod mini, which was discontinued on the same day. The replacement of the mini took Apple-related websites and the press completely by surprise since, although there were rumors about a new flash memory-based iPod, there was no prior notice of the popular mini being discontinued.

Development work on the design of the iPod nano started only nine months before its launch date.^[2] The nano uses flash memory, like the iPod shuffle, but with a miniaturized version of the display screen and "click wheel" found on the iPod classic. The screen also shares the same resolution as the classic. The battery and other internal parts were also reduced in size compared to the mini.

nstead of the hard disk used in the iPod classic, the nano uses flash memory. This means there are no moving parts, making the iPod nano immune to skipping due to physical trauma.

The iPod nano works with iTunes on Mac OS X or Microsoft Windows (third-party software is available for platforms that Apple does not support). It connects to the computer via the same proprietary dock connector as the third-generation iPod, the fourth-generation iPod, and the iPod mini, using a USB 2.0. Although it uses the same connection as Apple's FireWire iPod Cable and can charge its battery over FireWire, the iPod nano does not support synchronization over a FireWire connection. The iPod nano includes a stop watch and a multiple time zone clock function. There is also a combination lock feature that makes use of the click wheel to lock the iPod, and serves to secure the user's calendar and contact information.

Unlike previous iPods, the iPod nano does not synchronize or connect over FireWire. Also, the lack of the remote connector found on the top of many previous models means that a number of third-party accessories do not work with the iPod nano. However, manufacturers have adapted and now primarily utilize the dock connector port. The first generation iPod nano did not support voice recording, although the second generation functions with third-party recording attachments. It did not function with either Apple's iPod Camera Connector or other camera connectors from third-party manufacturers,^[3] but the third generation added this feature.

Generation Image Capacity Launch Price (USD) Colors Connection Original release date Minimum OS to sync Rated battery life (hours) first 1 GB $149 Black

White USB (FireWire for charging only) 7 February 2006 Mac: 10.3

Win: 2000 audio: 14

[edit] History

The nano was launched in two colors (black and white) with two available sizes: 2 GB (roughly 500 songs) for US$199 and 4 GB (1000 songs) for US$249.^[1] On February 7, 2006, Apple updated the lineup with the 1 GB model (240 songs) sold at US$149.^[4] Apple also released some accessories, including armbands and silicone "tubes" designed to bring color to the nano and protect it from scratches, as well as a combination lanyard-earphone accessory that hangs around the neck, and avoids the problem of tangling earphone cords.

[edit] Endurance

Testing by technology-enthusiast website Ars Technica has shown that even after being sat on, dropped by a jogger, dropped four times from a car moving at various speeds, then being driven over twice by the car, and finally dropped from nine feet onto concrete, the unit's screen was damaged but it could still play music. The unit finally stopped playing music after being thrown 40 feet into the air and landing on concrete.^[5]

[edit] Electronics

The iPod nano uses general-purpose integrated circuits (IC) instead of smaller, low cost custom developed chips, possibly to reduce time-to-market. This design, however, increases the number of electronic components and increases the cost. Japanese engineers estimated the component cost of the 2 GB nano as between JP¥22000 and JP¥27000 (US$185-US$227), which was high compared to the retail price of JP¥21800 (US$183) at the time. The cost of 2 GB NAND flash memory was about JP¥14000 (US$118). Apple also opted for the 0603 (1.6x0.8 mm) surface mount technology which was just beginning widespread use in mobile phones in 2005.^[6] The iPod nano uses a PortalPlayer PP5021C "system on a chip" with dual embedded 80 MHz ARM 7TDMI processors. ^[7]

[edit] Consumer reactions

The first generation iPod nano packaging. The size of the package was reduced 50% with the introduction of the second generation.^[8] The third generation uses larger but otherwise similar packaging.

The initial consumer response to the iPod nano was overwhelmingly positive and sales were heavy.^[9] The nano sold its first million units in only 17 days, helping Apple to a record billion-dollar profit in 2005.^[10]