DVD to iPod Converter Software
iPod History
The concept of a brand new MP3 player was envisioned by Tony Fadell. The idea was to design a small hard drive-based player, which should have differed from bulky flash memory-based MP3 players.
The First iPod was based on 5 GB Toshiba hard drives. The drives were the size of a quarter. It used Pixo operating system, a high resolution display, a lithium polymer battery. The most recognizable feature about the first iPod was the scroll wheel on the front of the device instead of skip buttons. The wheel was used to scroll through the list of songs and to control the menus. This innovation made it easier to navigate through the play list. The most serious disadvantage was lack of Windows compatibility. It was taken into consideration and by 2002 appeared new iPod version which was Windows PC compatible through MusicMatch. In addition it came with 20 GB of storage space. The scroll wheel was replaced by a wheel similar to a notebook's touchpad, surrounded by a ring of buttons. Another revision took place in April 2003. All mechanical buttons were removed. The storage spaced ranged from 10 GB up to 40 GB. The 3rd generation iPods were powered by lithium-ion batteries.
Apple continues to refine the software's look by changing the font and themes. The iPods adopted Mac OS X themes and font similar to Apple's font Myriad.
iPod 1G :
July 2001-March 2002
Capacity: 5GB.
Compatibility: Mac OS 9.2 -> Mac OSX.
Dimensions: 101.6 mm x 61.8 mm x 19.9 mm.
Weight: 184.2 g.
connections: FireWire output jack and 3.5.
autonomy ± 10h.
iPod 2G:
March 2002-April 2003
Capacity: 5, 10 and 20GB.
Compatibility: Mac OS 9.2 -> Mac OSX & Windows 2000 -> Windows XP.
Dimensions: 101.6 mm x 61.8 mm x 18.9 mm (5 & 10GB), 102mm x 61.8 mm x 19.9 mm (20GB).
Weight: 184.2 g (5 & 10GB), 204g (20GB).
connections: FireWire output jack and 3.5.
autonomy ± 10h.
news: touch wheel, equalizer, address book for the 3 models, remote control more for the 20GB.
iPod 3G :
April 2003-July 2004
Capacity: 10, 15 and 30GB, then 10, 20 and 40GB, then 15, 20 and 40GB.
Compatibility: Mac OSX, Windows 2000, Windows XP.
Dimensions: 104mm x 61mm x 15.7 mm (10, 15 and 20GB), 104mm x 61mm x 18.5 mm (30 & 40GB).
Weight: 158g (10, 15 and 20GB), 176g (30 & 40GB).
connections: Dock connector, jack 3.5 & remote port.
autonomy ± 8h.
News: Reading Notes, USB2, dock (base), calendar, games, ability to save (external microphone).
iPod mini 1G
January 2004-February 2005
Capacity: 4GB.
Compatibility: Mac OSX, Windows 2000, Windows XP.
Dimensions: 91mm x 50.8 mm x 12.7 mm.
Weight: 104g.
connections: Dock connector, 3.5 jack and remote port.
autonomy ± 8h.
news: clickwheel, small.
iPod 4G
July 2004-June 2005
Capacity: 20 & 40GB.
Compatibility: Mac OSX, Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
Dimensions: 104mm x 61 mm x 14.6 mm (20GB), 104mm x 61mm x 17.5mm (40G).
Weight: 158g (20GB) & 176g (40GB).
connections: Dock connector, 3.5 jack and remote port.
autonomy ± 12.
news: clickwheel.
iPod U2
October 2004-June 2005
Capacity: 20GB.
Compatibility: Mac OSX, Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
Dimensions: 104mm x 61 mm x 14.6 mm.
Weight: 158g.
connections: Dock connector, 3.5 jack and remote port.
autonomy ± 12.
News: Special edition.
1G iPod photo 
October 2004-February 2005
Capacity: 40 & 60GB.
Compatibility: Mac OSX, Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
Dimensions: 104mm x 61mm x 19.1mm.
Weight: 181g.
connections: Dock connector, 3.5 jack and remote port.
autonomy ± 15h.
news: display covers, photo display 65,000 colors.
iPod shuffle
January 2005-September 2006
Capacity: 512MB & 1GB.
Compatibility: Mac OSX, Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
Dimensions: 84mm x 25mm x 8.4mm.
Weight: 22g.
connections: USB2 jack and 3.5.
autonomy ± 12.
news: no screen.
iPod mini 2G
February 2005-September 2005
Capacity: 4 & 6GB.
Compatibility: Mac OSX, Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
Dimensions: 91mm x 50.8 mm x 12.7 mm.
Weight: 103g.
connections: Dock connector, 3.5 jack and remote port.
autonomy ± 18h.
news: loading USB2, colors changed over FireWire (option to 19 €), gold color removed.
iPod Photo 2G
February 2005-June 2005
Capacity: 30 & 60GB.
Compatibility: Mac OSX, Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
Dimensions: 104mm x 61mm x 16mm (30GB), 104mm x 61mm x 19mm (60GB).
Weight: 167g (30GB), 181g (60GB).
connections: Dock connector, 3.5 jack and remote port.
autonomy ± 15h.
news: loading USB2, iPod Camera Connector, over FireWire (€ 19 option).
iPod color
June 2005-October 2005
Capacity: 20 & 60GB.
Compatibility: Mac OSX, Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
Dimensions: 104mm x 61mm x 16mm (20GB), 104mm x 61mm x 19mm (60GB).
Weight: 167g (20GB), 181g (60GB).
connections: Dock connector, 3.5 jack and remote port.
autonomy ± 15h.
news: replaces the iPod 4G and photo.
iPod Color U2
June 2005-October 2005
Capacity: 20GB.
Compatibility: Mac OSX, Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
Dimensions: 104mm x 61mm x 16mm.
Weight: 158g.
connections: Dock connector, 3.5 jack and remote port.
autonomy ± 15h.
news: color screen.
iPod nano
September 2005-September 2006
Capacity: 2GB & 4GB.
Compatibility: Mac OSX, Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
dimensions: 88.9 mm x 40.6 mm x 6.9 mm.
weight: 42.5 g.
connections: Dock connector, 3.5 jack.
autonomy ± 14h.
News: USB only, replaces the iPod mini, color screen, available in white or black.
iPod 5G
October 2005-September 2006
Capacity: 30GB & 60GB.
Compatibility: Mac OSX, Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
Dimensions: 103.5 mm x 61.8 mm x 11mm (30GB), 103.5 mm x 61.8 mm x 14mm (60GB).
Weight: 136g (30GB), 157g (60GB).
connections: Dock connector, 3.5 jack.
autonomy ± 14h (30GB), ± 20h (60GB).
News: USB only, playing videos, replaces the iPod color, available in white or black.
iPod U2 5G
June 2006-September 2007
Capacity: 30GB.
Compatibility: Mac OSX, Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
Dimensions: 103.5 mm x 61.8 mm x 11mm.
Weight: 136g.
connections: Dock connector, 3.5 jack.
autonomy ± 14h.
Package content: iPod, earphones, USB 2.0 cable, dock adapter, case, coupon download U2 guide.
iPod nano 2G
September 2006-September 2007
Capacity: 2GB, 4GB & 8GB.
Compatibility: Mac OSX, Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
Dimensions: 90mm x 40mm x 6.5mm.
Weight: 40g.
connections: Dock connector, 3.5 jack.
Self: ± 24 hours.
news: mix between iPod nano and iPod mini 2G (colors and design), brighter screen, new headphones.
contents of the box: iPod nano, earphones, USB 2.0 cable, dock adapter, quick start guide.
iPod 5.5G
September 2006-September 2007
Capacity: 30GB & 80GB.
Compatibility: Mac OSX, Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
Dimensions: 103.5 mm x 61.8 mm x 11mm (30GB), 103.5 mm x 61.8 mm x 14mm (80GB).
Weight: 136g (30GB), 157g (80GB).
connections: Dock connector, 3.5 jack.
autonomy ± 14h (30GB), ± 20h (80GB).
new games, adjusting brightness, new headphones.
Package content: iPod, earphones, USB 2.0 cable, dock adapter, case, quick start guide.
iPod Shuffle 2G 
September 2006-still on sale
Capacity: 1GB.
Compatibility: Mac OSX, Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
Dimensions: 27.2mm x 41.2mm x 10.5mm.
Weight: 15g.
connections: 3.5mm mini-jack.
autonomy ± 12.
news: integrated belt clip, new headphones.
contents of the box: iPod shuffle, earphones, dock, quick start guide.
Since September 2007: new colors (gray, blue, green, red, purple).
iPod Classic
September 2007-still on sale
Capacity: 80GB & 160GB.
Compatibility: Mac OSX, Windows XP and Windows Vista.
Dimensions: 103.5 mm x 61.8 mm x 10.5 mm (80GB), 103.5 mm x 61.8 mm x 13.5 mm (160GB).
Weight: 140g (80GB), 162g (160GB).
connections: Dock connector, 3.5 jack.
autonomy ± 30h (80gb), ± 40h (160GB).
news: Coverflow, replace the 5.5G iPod, available in gray or black.
Package content: iPod, earphones, USB 2.0 cable, dock adapter, quick start guide.
iPod Nano 3G
September 2007
Capacity: 4GB & 8GB.
Compatibility: Mac OSX, Windows XP and Windows Vista.
dimensions: 69.8 mm x 52.3 mm x 6.5 mm.
weight: 49.2 g.
connections: Dock connector, 3.5 jack.
Self: ± 24 hours.
news: Coverflow, playing videos, available in gray (4GB & 8GB), blue, green, red and black (8GB).
Package content: iPod, earphones, USB 2.0 cable, dock adapter, quick start guide.
iPod Touch
September 2007
capacity: 8GB & 16GB.
Compatibility: Mac OSX, Windows XP and Windows Vista.
Dimensions: 110mm x 61.8 mm x 8mm.
Weight: 120g.
connections: Dock connector, 3.5 jack.
autonomy ± 22h.
news: multitouch touchscreen, WiFi, Coverflow, Safari, YouTube and iTunes WiFi Music Store.
Package content: iPod, earphones, USB 2.0 cable, dock adapter, cloth, stand, quick start guide.
Trademark:
Vinnie Chieo, a freelance copywriter was called by Apple, a renowned company, to introduce the new music playing device and thus he suggested the name for the device “iPod”. Consequently, Apple researched for the new name registery and had found that name was already in use. The name was assigned to internet kiosks in year 2000 at New Jersey. The iPod kiosks had been presented to the public in year 1998’s march and had started being commercial in 2000 but soon was discontinued. Later registered and assigned to Apple Computer, Inc in year 2005.
Software:
iPod is designed to play a number of formats for audio files which includes MP3, protected AAC, AIFF, AAC/M4A, WAV, Apple lossless and Audible audiobook. With the iPod photo they have ability to display a number of formats which includes JPEG,GIF, BMP, TIFF and PNG.
With the advancing models of the iPod say classics from fifth and sixth generation and nanos from third generation are able to play video formats which include MPEG-4 and QuickTime video format but they goes with few restrictions as well. Genuinely, iPod software was designed to work only wit Mac OS, iPod software which was launched by Microsoft with the second generation. Apple iPod doesn’t support Microsoft’s WMA format for audio files but to help you out availability for the converter is introduced without DRM. MIDI files are not supported by apple iPod but you can have them converted to audio files with the use of advanced menu for iTunes. With out installing custom firmware in to your iPod you cannot play open-source audio formats like Ogg vorbis and FLAC.
While you install, iPod is connected with a host computer, every time an iPod is associated to a host computer, iTunes synchronizes with intact library either automatic and manually. A user can set rating for songs on their iPod and later can synchronize to iTunes. Moreover a user can also synchronize with other computers and can check and enjoy through assessing the music library in there but as soon the iPod is connected to the host computer all of the settings would reverse.
iTune store:
iTune store is an online store which is made available by the Apple computer Inc. and can be accessed through iTunes. This online store was introduced in April 2003 on 29th. This store makes available for their customer a number of songs at some cost and the lowest can cost its user US$ 0.99. as there does not exists any sort of player which can support DRM so only iPods can play the protected content form iTune store. As soon as the store was launched it became a market leader and later in October 2005, Apple computer Inc. announced video sale through this store. While full length movies were made available at this online store by September 2006. with added encryption, the videos purchased support ACC format. This encryption has its basis on the FairPlay DRM system. these files are play able at up to five computers and also an unlimited number of iPods. When these files are burnt on the CDs and compressed they can be changed from DRM, but this reduces the quality of the file. DRM is also removable through the use of third party software. EMI has a deal with Apple and according to that deal they are selling DRM-free higher quality songs on iTune store and the category where the user can get them is “iTunes Plus”. Individual songs are available at cost as low as US$ 1.29 and this is just a 30 % more then the cost of DRM song, Where as a user can get entire album at the cot of 9.99 US$. In October 2007 on 17th Apple computer Inc lowered the price and make it 0.99 US$ per song.
iPods are not designed to play files from all the competing stores that are using rival-DRM technologies like RealNetworks’s Helix DRM and Microsoft’s protected WMA. Napster and MSN music are examples for competing stores. By using FairPlay , Apple is getting in to problems on its own as, claims RealNetworks. Steve Jobs has suggested that Apple is earning very little profit from its online store but it still uses the store to promote iPods.
File storage and Transfer:
With the exception of iPod touch every other iPod has the function for the disk mode for the mass storage device, for storing the data files. IPod uses HFS+ file if it is formatted on a Mac OS X computer, this allows as the server for the disk booting for a Mac Computer. In case it is formatted on windows, the format which is used is FAT32. with advancing steps taken for iPod compatible to windows it is now possible to switch line from HFS+ to FAT32 and vice versa. A thing to be remembered is when a user have its iPod connected to a computer running windows its iPod get to the FAT32 format while in case the first attachment with the Mac running computer user’s iPod would be formatted for HFS+.
IPod does not allow simple coy and pasting files from host computer to the device storage as in other typical MP3 players. It is provided with software and thus a user requires using that software to have audio and video files transferred to the computer. Generally the software used is “iTunes” but still a user have third party applications available to make the files listen and viewable.
iTunes 7 and advanced forms are made to transfer data which is purchased from the iTune store.
Media files are stored in the hidden folder in iPod with the propriety database file. This hidden folder can be accessed on the host operating system through setting the folder options to view .
iPod dock connector:
with the introduction of the third generation iPod, for connection of variety of accessories a 30-pin docks connector. Connection can make with televisions and speaker system. a few peripherals utilize their own interface while other ones use iPod’s screen to make access. These accessories can be used for videos, playback photos and music. As the doc connector is a proprietor so for its implementation it asks for paying royalty.
Patent Disputes:
In 2005, apple had faced two lawsuits which claimed by iPod line and its associated technologies for patent infringement. AAD had claimed that the iPod line was breaching its patent over the “music Jukebox” when an IP portfolio company having its foundations in Hong Kong named as Pat-rights filled a suit claiming that Apple’s technology names as FairPlay is breaching a patent which was issued by the inventor Ho Keung Tse, While other cases include defenders from online music stores by Sony, Napster, RealNetworks and Musicmatch.
Other huge disputes include cases defended by Creative technology one of the biggest rival of the Apple computer Inc.
Sales:
Right from October 2004 the iPod has been one of the dominated lines in united states as the music players and which includes hard drive players for 90% of the market and almost 70 percent of other types of players. In year 2004 to January 2005 the rate of the sales for iPod was much high and this increases the share from 31 percent to 65 percent. In year 2007 the share of the iPod market has reached 72.7%, says Bloomberg online.
With the release of the iPod mini the flash based music players have became dominant once again. In year 2008 HP had announced the sale of iPod under the license of Apple. Several other channels have reached Apple for the sale of these products.
In year 2007 Apple had reported sale of US$ 7.1 billion out of which 48% was from iPod sale. Where as on 9th April 2007 apple had announced that it had sell one hundred millionth iPod which makes this product the most sold music player. With further sales Apple had reported on 21st October 2008 that from total earned revenue they have 14.2% from iPod.
Criticism
Battery Issues:
It is observed that the real time battery is not as competent as it is advertised. They have given special battery timing but MP3.com has proved that these battery timings are not achievable under real life conditions. And so apple has had a lawsuit claming that the battery timings is way less then as it is advertised and so the battery does also degrade over less time. However, this law suit was settled with the offer of 50$ per individual.
Reliability and Durability:
iPods have also been criticized for their fragile hard drives and short life span.
Allegation of worker Exploitation:
On 11th June 2006, mail on Sunday, a British newspaper had reported that iPods are manufactured by laborers who are earning not more then a US$ 50 per month while working 15 hours a day. This allegation was checked thoroughly and then Apple had found some of such workers were those who were having these problems.
However this allegation was first refuted by Foxconn, an Apple’s manufacturer but when auditing team sent by Apple had found this exploitation of workers they come to their own strategies and so found their own work place and have their own workers hired for this job at better salaries.