The iPod in 2002: Year in Review

More capacity in spring

In March 2002, at Macworld Expo in Tokyo, Apple added a 10 GB iPod holding about 2,000 songs at US$499, while the 5 GB model stayed at US$399. A free software update gave owners a contacts list of up to 1,000 entries and an equalizer with 20 presets, and Apple began offering laser engraving on the stainless steel back for US$49.

A new wheel and a Windows iPod

At Macworld Expo in New York on 17 July 2002 Apple announced a new range: a 5 GB model at US$299, a 10 GB model 10 per cent thinner at US$399, and a 20 GB model holding 4,000 songs at US$499. The 10 GB and 20 GB models introduced a solid-state touch wheel in place of the mechanical scroll wheel and came with a carrying case and wired remote.

For the first time there was an iPod for Windows. It was bundled with MUSICMATCH Jukebox, supported Auto-Sync and needed a PC with FireWire running Windows Me, 2000 or XP. Apple scheduled the Mac version for early August and the Windows version for late August.

iTunes 3 was released the same day as a free download for Mac OS X. It added Smart Playlists, which update themselves according to rules set by the user, Sound Check for more consistent volume between tracks, and support for spoken-word content from Audible.

Shops, calendars and engraved editions

Distribution widened during the autumn. Best Buy began selling the iPod in more than 500 stores from 15 September, and on 30 October Apple announced that all 1,148 Target stores would stock the 10 GB model. On 30 September the iSync public beta added syncing of contacts and calendars between a Mac and an iPod.

In December Apple offered limited-edition iPods with engravings linked to Madonna, Beck, Tony Hawk and No Doubt. By the end of the year the range covered three capacities and both Mac and Windows.