5th Generation iPod

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By Daniel Dwase...

The 5th generation iPod is often called the iPod video or the video iPod was released on October 12, 2005 and it's available in 30GB and 80GB capacity models.

It has the ability to play MPEG-4 and H.264 video with resolutions of up to 480 x 480 (maximum macroblock (16x16 pixel) count of 900) and 320 x 240 (maximum macroblock (16x16 pixel) count of 300), respectively (videos purchased from the iTunes Music Store are limited to 320 x 240).

You can play widescreen resolutions up to 640x360 using MPEG-4 and 400 x 192 using H.264 (total macroblock count falls within the stated maximums).

5th generation models have a 65,536 colour (16-bit) screen, with a 320 x 240 QVGA transflective TFT display, and are able to display video on an external TV via the AV cable accessory, which plugs into the headphone minijack and splits into composite video and audio output connectors with RCA jacks.

It can also display video on an external TV using the iPod AV or S-video cables with the iPod Universal Dock. The dimensions are 103.5 x 61.8 x 11.0 mm for the 30 GB version, and 103.5 x 61.8 x 14.0 mm for the 60 GB version.

The screen size is now 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) diagonally, 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) larger than the previous iPod.

It is 30% thinner than the previous full-size iPod. The battery life for the 30 GB is 14 hours and for the 60 GB is around 20 hours. Watching movies reduces that amount to 2 and 3 hours respectively.

The click wheel design is the same as the previous generation, but is marginally smaller (1.5" diameter) than before. The new click wheel is completely flat, unlike older models where the center button is slightly rounded and raised.

Apple stopped producing iPods with the click wheels used in the 4th generation iPod and iPod Mini from their previous supplier, Synaptics, and now use an in-house solution.

Like the iPod Nano, the 5th generation iPod comes in two colors, white and black, and it features the World Clock, Stopwatch, and Screen Lock applications.

In addition, the earphone plug is smaller and comes with a thin slip case, most likely in response to many complaints concerning the iPod Nano's easily-scratched surface.

Apple also discontinued the inclusion of an AC adapter and FireWire cable and you must purchase these items separately in order to charge the iPod from a household outlet, or use an external, powered USB hub.

The 5th generation iPod no longer supports file transfers via FireWire, but still supports charging using FireWire.

This is most likely due to the increased popularity of Hi-Speed USB 2.0 in the consumer market as well as decreasing manufacturing component costs by lowering the complexity of the circuit boards and removing unnecessary accessories.

Harry Potter Collector's iPod (30 GB)

Apple reintroduced the Harry Potter collectible iPod along with an update of the iPod line on October 12, 2005.

The new Harry Potter iPod retained the laser-engraved Hogwarts crest on the back of the device and was sold with the "Complete Harry Potter" (the first 6 books in the Harry Potter series).

The capacity of this model of iPod was increased to 30 GB from the previous 20 GB.

See Also...

iPod Reviews...

iPod classic Review
• iPod video Review
• iPod nano 3rd generation Review
• iPod nano 2nd generation Review
• iPod nano 1st generation Review
• iPod shuffle 3rd generation Review
• iPod shuffle 2nd generation Review
• iPod shuffle 1st generation Review
• iPhone Review

• 30GB iPod video
• iPod shuffle under $20
• iPod shuffle under $40
• iPod nano under $50
• iPod nano under $100
• iPod mini under $100
• iPod video under $100
• iPod classic under $150
• iPod classic under $200
• iPod video under $200
• iPod touch under $250
• iPod touch under $290

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