How to tell which model you have
Several external features can help you identify your iPod.
To determine your iPod's hard drive size: Select Main Menu > Settings > About.
On some models, the hard drive size is engraved on the metal case near the bottom.
1.Fifth Generation iPod (also known as iPod with video)
The Fifth Generation iPod is a a hard drive-based iPod featuring a large, widescreen color display, a Click Wheel, and the capability of displaying photos and videos. Like iPod nano, it uses USB for syncing and comes in white and black.
2. iPod Nano (3rd Generation)
The 3rd generation iPod Nano was available in either 4 or 8GB capacity and came in 5 colours. It can be distinguished from previous versions of the Nano by its wider screen, the hold switch on the bottom and its ability to play video.
3. iPod Nano (2nd Generation)
Now with colored brushed aluminium cases with more rounded edges than 1st generation Nano. Spacing between dock connector port and earphone jack is wider, creating incompatibility with a huge range of 1st generation Nano accessories. Comes in 2GB (Silver only) , 4GB (Silver, Pink, Blue and Green only) and 8GB (Black only). Special edition Red 4GB Nano called (Product) Red to assist the fight against HIV.
4. iPod nano (1st Generation)
iPod nano is smaller than iPod mini and has a color screen and a Click Wheel but has flash memory instead of a hard drive. Song and photo syncing only occurs over USB 2 (not FireWire). iPod nano comes in white and black. The capacity of the iPod nano is engraved on the back of the case (1 GB, 2 GB, or 4 GB). The dock connector (1) and headphone jack (2) are both on the bottom of the iPod nano.
5. iPod Mini (1 st Generation)
iPod mini is distinguished from other models by:
• Its smaller size.
• Its colors.
• The Hold switch, which is on the top-left side.
• The Click Wheel's button labels, which are on the wheel itself.
6. iPod Mini (2 nd Generation)
The iPod mini (Second Generation) models are distinguished from the original iPod mini models by:
-
Hard drive size engraved on back of unit.
- Click Wheel text color matches iPod mini (Second Generation) color
7. iPod with color display (4th generation)
iPod and iPod photo are now one and the same, with every white iPod boasting a full-color display. They continue to have the same controls as iPod (Click Wheel) but now all models have a color display like iPod photo - ideal for viewing album artwork and playing slideshows. These are considered fourth generation models along with iPod (Click Wheel).
8. iPod photo (also known as iPod with color display)
iPod photo models are functionally and visually identical to the iPod with color display (see above photo). Also part of the 4 th generation family
9. iPod (Click Wheel)
iPod (Click Wheel) models have a Click Wheel like the iPod mini, but are larger and the hold switch is on the top-right side. iPod (Click Wheel) models have a monochrome display. iPod (Click Wheel) is referred to as the fourth generation iPod.
10. iPod Special Edition U2
The iPod Special Edition U2 is an iPod (Click Wheel) with a 20 GB hard drive. The differences are external and include: Black plastic exterior, red Click Wheel, signatures of the U2 band members engraved on the back, and "iPod Special Edition U2" engraved on the back. In June 2005 a new version of the iPod Special Edition U2 was introduced that is an iPod with color display with the same distinctive red and black exterior as before. These are also considered fourth generation iPod models.
11. iPod shuffle (1st Generation)
iPod shuffle is smaller than iPod mini and has no display. There are LED lights on the front and back. The capacity of the drive is engraved on the front USB connector.
12. iPod (dock connector) – 3 rd Generation
iPod (dock connector) models have a dock connector as illustrated here.
Newer iPod models like iPod (Click Wheel) and iPod mini also have a dock connector, but the iPod (dock connector) has a touch wheel instead of a Click Wheel and the four control buttons are above the touch wheel. iPod (dock connector models are referred to as third generation iPod models.
13. iPod (touch wheel) – 2nd Generation
All iPod (touch wheel) models have a FireWire port cover. Scroll wheel models don't, and dock connector models don't have a FireWire port. The iPod (touch wheel) model controls look similar to the iPod (scroll wheel) but the touch wheel itself does not turn. iPod (touch wheel) models are considered second generation iPod models. The top of an iPod (touch wheel) model is shown here:
1. FireWire port cover
2. FireWire port
3. Headphones port
4. Hold switch
14. iPod (scroll wheel) – 1st Generation
iPod (scroll wheel) models have a scroll wheel that physically turns. The controls (Play, Menu, Next, Previous) appear in a circle around the wheel. iPod (scroll wheel) models are referred to as first generation iPod models.
