In the dynamic landscape of portable music devices, the Apple iPod mini emerged as a game-changer upon its introduction in 2004. Its sleek aluminum casing, compact design, and innovative features revolutionized the way music enthusiasts experienced their favorite tunes on the go.
The Original iPod mini boasted a lightweight aluminum case, a 1.67-inch LED-backlit LCD screen, and an impressive 8-hour battery life. Its 4 GB hard drive could hold up to 1,000 CD-quality songs, making it a pocket-sized powerhouse for music lovers.
Available in five vibrant colors—silver, gold, pink, blue, and green—the first iPod mini was not just a music player but also a fashion statement. Its anodized aluminum body added a touch of elegance, while its compact size made it smaller and lighter than most cell phones, weighing a mere 3.6 ounces.
Featuring a patent-pending touch-sensitive Click Wheel, the iPod mini offered effortless one-handed navigation. This innovative design combined the simplicity of a touch wheel with the precision of mechanical buttons, ensuring a seamless user experience.
Compatible with Apple’s iTunes Music Store and iTunes digital music jukebox software, the iPod mini 1st Generation is seamlessly integrated with users’ digital music collections. With Auto-Sync technology, it automatically downloaded and updated music libraries when connected to a Mac or Windows computer via FireWire or USB 2.0.
Upon its debut, Apple CEO Steve Jobs hailed the iPod mini as a revolutionary addition to the iPod family, offering the same 1,000-song capacity in a compact, innovative design. Its popularity soared, especially among younger music enthusiasts, cementing its status as a cultural icon.
Despite its initial success, the iPod mini was discontinued after just one year on the market. However, its legacy lives on as a beloved item among tech collectors and vintage tech enthusiasts, symbolizing a pivotal moment in the evolution of portable music devices.
The iPod mini made its debut on January 6, 2004, with a retail price of $249. Available in silver, gold, pink, blue, and green, it captivated consumers with its stylish design and impressive features.
To enhance the iPod mini experience, users could purchase optional accessories such as the iPod Dock, in-ear headphones, and an armband. Personalization was also available through custom laser engraving, allowing users to add a personal touch to their device.
As the Original iPod mini celebrates its 20-year anniversary, it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of music lovers and tech enthusiasts alike. Its enduring design, innovative features, and contribution to the evolution of portable music devices ensure its legacy lives on in the annals of technological history.
In retrospect, the Apple iPod mini 1st Gen was more than just a portable music player—it was a symbol of innovation, style, and convenience. Its compact design, intuitive navigation, and seamless integration with digital music libraries revolutionized the way people experience music on the go. As we look back on its journey, we celebrate the legacy of the iPod mini and its enduring impact on the world of technology and music.
Original iPod mini Details
| Introduced | January 6, 2004 |
| Discontinued | February 23, 2005 |
| Model Number | A1051 |
| EMC | 2044 |
| Order Number | M9434LL/A (Green) M9160LL/A (Silver) M9437LL/A (Gold) M9436LL/A (Blue) M9435LL/A (Pink) |
| Original Price | $249 |
| Colors | Green Silver Gold Blue Pink |
| Weight | 3.6 oz. – 102 Grams |
| Dimensions | 3.6” H x 2” W x 0.5″ D 9.14 cm H x 5.08 cm W x 1.27 cm D |
iPod mini Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PortalPlayer PP5002 (Dual ARM 7TDMI) |
| Processor Speed | Up to 80 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| Cache | 8 KB per processor |
Storage
| Storage | 4 GB |
Display
| Built-in Display | 1.67″ white LED-backlit LCD Display |
| Resolutions | 138 x 110 pixels |
Media
| Audio Formats | AAC MP3 MP3 (VBR) Audible WAV AIFF Apple Lossless |
| Photo Formats | None |
| Video Formats | None |
Connections
| Ports | 1 – 30-pin Dock Connector 1 – 3.5-mm stereo headphone jack |
| Camera | None |
Controls
| Controls | Play/Pause Next title Previous title Menu Hold Click wheel |
Software
| Maximum OS | 1.4.1 |
| iTunes | iTunes 4.2 or later |
| System Requirements | Mac OS X 10.1.5 or later Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 Windows XP Home or Professional |
Accessories
| Accessories | Belt clip Earbud headphones AC adapter FireWire cable USB 2.0 cable |
Power
| Battery | Built-in rechargeable Lithium-Ion |
| Battery Capacity | Unknown |
| Battery Life | 8 hours |
| Charge Time | Up to 3 hours 1 hour to 80% capacity |
| Power | Charging via FireWire, USB 2.0, or Power adapter |
First iPod mini Introduction Video
Further Reading and References
- iPod mini: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Introduces iPod mini – Apple Newsroom
- iPod Mini – Wikipedia
- iPod mini – Apple History
- Apple iPod Mini 4GB review – CNET
- Apple iPod Mini – Review 2004 – PCMag UK
- Apple iPod mini – Science Museum Collection
Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.
Last updated: February 24, 2024
