The iPod Guide

Your guide to the iPod, iTunes and the world of portable digital media. If you're thinking about purchasing an iPod, curious about podcasting, or interested in iTunes, this guide will familiarize you with the device, the features, and the world of services and accessories surrounding it.

What is the iPod?

The iPod is a portable media device designed and sold by Apple Computer. Although commonly called an "mp3 player," the iPod can play multiple audio formats, and higher-end models can also play videos. The iPod is the best-selling portable media player, and is instantly recognizable for its distinctive look.

History

The iPod has gone through many generations, with the current line up being the 5th generation. Along the way, the basic design has not changed, although the iPod family has grown to include variants such as the iPod Mini and the iPod Shuffle. The primary improvement from each generation to the next is the amount of music the device can hold, as technology allows larger-capacity storage to fit into the small enclosure. One often-touted advantage of the iPod over similar devices on the market is the ease of use. The iPod interface is simple, and easy to control with a touch-sensitive, clickable wheel with a round button in the centre as its only input device.