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iPod
iPod is the worldwide best-selling digital audio player in history with more than 150 million units sold. Apple Inc. offered the first model in October 2001. The current models include the iPod Shuffle, iPod Nano, iPod Classic, iPod Touch, and iPhone. iPod Classic models store data on an internal hard drive while all other models use a flash memory, which allows for smaller-sized products.
Each major upgrade of an iPod is called a “generation”. Only the latest generation and refurbished units of previous generations are available from Apple. Each generation has more features and improvements and is usually smaller and lighter than previous models. The current Classic is sixth generation, and the Nano, third.
During installation of audio files, iPod is linked to one computer. Instructions have to be closely followed for a user to add or edit from a second computer or already loaded files will be wiped out. All iPods have five buttons (except Shuffle and Touch). Later models have the buttons incorporated into the touch-sensitive click wheel. However, iPod Touch does not have a click wheel but instead uses a multi-touch screen similar to the iPhone.
iPod batteries are not designed to be removed or placed by the user. However, all lithium-ion batteries eventually lose capacity and are relatively pricey to replace. Thus, third-party vendors of replacement battery kits have developed.
In addition to its popularity as an entertainment device, the iPod has been used by government departments, educational institutions, and business organizations as a mechanism for communication.