In the realm of portable music players, one device stands out as a true game-changer: Apple’s iPod 4th Generation, affectionately known as the “iPod with Click Wheel.” Unveiled on July 19, 2004, this sleek gadget swiftly ascended to must-have status among music enthusiasts, revolutionizing the way people experienced their favorite tunes.
Apple’s fourth-generation iPod marked a significant leap forward in the evolution of portable digital music players. Sporting Apple’s groundbreaking Click Wheel, a fusion of seamless touch-sensitive scrolling and intuitive push-button controls, navigating through music libraries became a seamless, one-handed affair. With up to 12 hours of battery life and the introduction of “Shuffle Songs,” users found themselves immersed in an unparalleled auditory experience.
One of the defining features of the iPod series has always been its seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem. Compatible with iTunes, the revolutionary digital jukebox available on both Mac and Windows platforms, users could effortlessly sync their entire music library with their iPod. Moreover, with the advent of Auto-Sync technology, keeping the device updated was as simple as plugging it into a computer via FireWire or USB.
The acclaim for the iPod 4th Generation was not confined to Apple’s headquarters. With endorsements from industry leaders like Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO, and Carly Fiorina, then CEO of HP, the device garnered widespread recognition for its exceptional design and functionality. HP even announced plans to integrate the iPod into its digital entertainment strategy, further solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon.
At the heart of the iPod with Click Wheel lay its impressive features. Boasting a vibrant 2-inch white LED-backlit LCD screen and a user-friendly Click Wheel, navigating through vast music libraries became a joyous endeavor. With storage options of 20 GB and 40 GB, users could carry thousands of songs in their pockets, ensuring that their favorite tunes were always within arm’s reach.
Upon its release, the iPod 4th Generation was priced at $299 for the 20 GB model and $399 for the 40 GB model, making it an accessible luxury for many consumers. Available through the Apple Store, Apple retail outlets, and authorized resellers, it came bundled with essential accessories including earbud headphones, charging cables, and iTunes software.
Despite its meteoric rise to fame, the iPod with Click Wheel’s reign was relatively short-lived. Discontinued on June 28, 2005, it left an indelible mark on the world of portable music players. However, its legacy endures, cherished by music lovers worldwide as a timeless classic.
As we reflect on the 19-year anniversary of the iPod 4th Gen, its impact on portable music players is undeniable. From its revolutionary Click Wheel to its seamless integration with iTunes, this iconic device reshaped the way we interacted with music on the go. While it may no longer grace store shelves, its spirit lives on, immortalized in the memories of those who were fortunate enough to experience its magic.
iPod 4th Generation Details
Introduced | July 19, 2004 – 19 years ago |
Discontinued | February 23, 2005 (40 GB) – 19 years ago June 28, 2005 (20 GB) – 18 years ago |
Time on the Market | 344 days (11 months) |
Model Number | A1059 |
EMC | 1995 |
Order Number | M9282LL/A (20 GB) M9268LL/A (40 GB) |
Original Price | $299 (20 GB) $399 (40 GB) |
Colors | White |
Weight | 5.6 oz. – 158 Grams (20 GB) 6.2 oz. – 175 Grams (40 GB) |
Dimensions | 4.1” H x 2.4” W x 0.57” – 0.69″ D 10.41 cm H x 6.09 cm W x 1.44 – 1.75 cm D |
iPod Tech Specs
Processor
Processor | PortalPlayer PP5002 (Dual ARM 7TDMI) |
Processor Speed | Up to 80 MHz |
Architecture | 32-bit |
Number of Cores | 2 |
Cache | 8 KB per processor |
Storage
Storage | 20 GB 40 GB |
Display
Built-in Display | 2″ white LED-backlit LCD Display |
Resolutions | 160 x 128 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 | 3.1.1 |
iTunes | iTunes 4.6 or later |
System Requirements | Mac OS X 10.1.5 or later USB 2.0 requires Mac OS X 10.3.4 Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 Windows XP Home or Professional |
Accessories
Accessories | Dock (40 GB) Earbud headphones AC adapter FireWire cable USB 2.0 cable |
Power
Battery | Built-in rechargeable Lithium-Ion |
Battery Capacity | Unknown |
Battery Life | Up to 12 hours |
Charge Time | Up to 4 hours 2 hour to 80% capacity |
Power | Charging via FireWire, USB 2, or power adapter |
Further Reading and References
- iPod with Click Wheel: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Introduces the New iPod – Apple Newsroom
- Identify your iPod model – Apple Support (Image 1 Source)
- iPod Classic – Wikipedia
- 4th Generation iPod – Low End Mac
- iPod (Click Wheel) – Apple History
- Today in Apple history: iPod gets a new Click Wheel – Cult of Mac
- The iPod turns 15: a visual history of Apple’s mobile music icon – The Verge
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