Models

Model Generation Image Capacity Changes introduced Connection Original release date Launch price (US$) Minimum OS to sync (Mac/Win)
iPod classic first first generation iPod 5, 10 GB First model, with mechanical scroll wheel. FireWire 23 October 2001 $399, $499 9
10.1/2000
second second generation iPod 10, 20 GB Touch-sensitive wheel. FireWire port had a cover. Hold switch revised. Windows compatibility through Musicmatch. FireWire 17 July 2002 $399, $499 10.1/2000
third third generation iPod 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 GB First complete redesign with all-touch interface, dock connector, and slimmer case. Musicmatch support dropped with later release of iTunes 4.7. FireWire (USB for syncing only) 28 April 2003 $299, $399, $499 10.1/2000
fourth fourth generation iPod 20, 40 GB Adopted Click Wheel from iPod mini. FireWire or USB 19 July 2004 $299, $399 10.2/2000
fourth (photo) fourth generation iPod 20, 30, 40, 60 GB Premium spin-off of 4G iPod with color screen and picture viewing. Later re-integrated into main iPod line. FireWire or USB October 2004 $349, $449, $499, $599 10.2/2000
fifth fifth generation iPod 30, 60, 80 GB Second full redesign with a slimmer case, and larger screen with video playback. Offered in black or white. USB (FireWire for charging only) 12 October 2005 $299, $399 (later $249, $349) 10.3/2000
sixth 80, 160 GB New interface and anodized aluminum front plate. Silver replaces white. Introduced the "classic" suffix. USB (FireWire for charging only) 5 September 2007 $249, $349 10.4/XP
iPod mini first first generation iPod mini 4 GB New smaller model, available in 5 colors. Introduced the "Click Wheel". USB or FireWire 6 January 2004 $249 10.1/2000
second first generation iPod mini 4, 6 GB Brighter color variants with longer battery life. Click Wheel lettering matched body color. Gold color discontinued. USB or FireWire 22 February 2005 $199, $249 10.2/2000
iPod shuffle first first generation iPod shuffle 512 MB, 1 GB New entry-level model. Uses flash memory and has no screen. USB 11 January 2005 $99, $149 (later $69, $99) 10.2/2000
second second generation iPod shuffle 1 GB Smaller clip design with anodized aluminum casing. 4 color options added later. Colors were later refreshed. USB (via dock only) 12 September 2006 $79 10.3/2000
iPod nano first first generation iPod nano 1, 2, 4 GB Replaced iPod mini. Available in black or white and used flash memory. USB (FireWire for charging only) 7 September 2005 $149, $199, $249 10.3/2000
second 4 GB blue iPod nano 2, 4, 8 GB Anodized aluminum casing and 6 colors available. USB (FireWire for charging only) 12 September 2006 $149, $199, $249 10.3/2000
third 4 GB third iPod nano 4, 8 GB 2" QVGA screen, colors refreshed, new interface, video capability. USB (FireWire for charging only) 5 September 2007 $149, $199 10.4/XP
iPod touch first   8, 16 GB With Safari browser, Multi-touch, Wi-Fi, wireless access to the iTunes Store and YouTube. USB (FireWire for charging only) 5 September 2007 $299, $399 10.4/XP
Microsoft Zune first 30GB First release. Available in white, black, and brown with limited edition colors orange and pink. Wi-Fi, USB November 14, 2006 $249.99  

 

Timeline

 

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPod