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iPod Comparison Chart

A simple guide to comparing iPod models

By , About.com Guide

5th Generation iPod touch

5th Generation iPod touch

image copyright Apple Inc.

It can be hard to figure out what iPod model is best for you. Should you get a touch with its big screen and advanced features? But at its cost, is better to get a nano? How is a nano different than a Shuffle? And if you've got a huge music library, is a Classic your best bet?

All of those questions can't be answered here (look here for answers to some), but you can start narrowing down which iPod is best for you by comparing models. This chart stacks up the features, benefits, and specifications of each iPod model currently being sold in an easy to read and compare format to help point you towards the right purchase.

To learn more about each iPod, read these reviews:





iPod Comparison Chart

iPod Classic
160GB
iPod nano
16GB
iPod touch
8GB
iPod touch
16GB
iPod touch
32GB
iPod touch
64GB
iPod Shuffle
2GB
Songs Held* 40,000 4,000 1,750 3,500 7,000 14,000 500
Plays Video? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Records Video? No No Yes
720p HD
Yes
720p HD
Yes
1080p HD
Yes
1080p HD
No
Screen Size** 2.5 2.5 3.5 3.5 4 4 None
Screen Resolution 320x240 240x 240 960x640 960x640 960x640 960x640 N/A
Camera No No 2 cameras 2 cameras 5 megapixel/
1.2 megapixel
5 megapixel/
1.2 megapixel
No
Weight 4.9 ounces 1.1 ounces 3.56 ounces 3.56 ounces 3.10 ounces 3.10 ounces 0.44 ounces
Size** 4.1 x 2.4 x .41 3.01 x 1.56 x .21 4.4 x 2.3 x .28 4.4 x 2.3 x .28 4.86 x 2.31 x .24 4.86 x 2.31 x .24 1.14 x 1.24 x .34
Battery Life*** Up to 36 hours Up to 30 hours Up to 40 hours Up to 40 hours Up to 40 hours Up to 40 hours Up to 15 hours
Colors 2 7 2 2 5 5 7
Wi-Fi No No Yes Yes Yes Yes No
App Store Support No No Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Bluetooth No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Price US$249 US$149 US$199 US$229 US$299 US$399 US$49

*songs encoded at 128 Kbps AAC, with an average length of 4 minutes
** in inches
*** for music playback

All Require:
Mac: Mac OS X 10.4.11 or later
Windows: Windows XP Home or Pro, SP 3 or later, Windows Vista

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