iPod mini Models: Both Generations, 2004–2005
The iPod mini, 2004–2005: 4 GB and 6 GB Microdrive players in anodised aluminium colours, the first Click Wheel, and its replacement by the iPod nano.
Four gigabytes in a metal case
Unveiled at Macworld Expo in San Francisco on 6 January 2004, the iPod mini held about 1,000 songs on a 4 GB Microdrive, a small hard disk supplied by Hitachi and Seagate. The case was anodised aluminium in silver, gold, pink, blue or green, measured 3.6 by 2.0 by 0.5 inches and weighed 3.6 ounces, with a 1.67-inch monochrome screen. US sales began on 20 February 2004 at US$249, after more than 100,000 pre-orders. Because US demand exceeded the planned supply, sales in other countries were moved from April to 24 July 2004.
Where the Click Wheel began
The iPod mini was the first iPod with the Click Wheel, a touch-sensitive wheel that also worked as a set of push buttons, with the button labels printed on the wheel itself. Synaptics developed the part for Apple. The control reached the full-size iPod with the fourth generation on 19 July 2004 and later appeared on the iPod nano and the iPod classic. The mini synced and charged through a dock connector over FireWire or USB 2.0, and had a hold switch on top and a separate remote connector beside the headphone jack.
The 2005 models
The second generation arrived on 23 February 2005 and went on sale worldwide at once: a 4 GB model at US$199 and a 6 GB model, holding about 1,500 songs, at US$249. Battery life rose from up to 8 hours to up to 18 hours, and the box now held only a USB 2.0 cable, with the FireWire cable and power adapter sold separately. Gold was dropped, the pink, blue and green finishes became brighter, the Click Wheel lettering matched the case colour and the drive capacity was engraved on the back. Both generations carry model number A1051.
Replaced by the nano
The iPod mini was discontinued on 7 September 2005, when the iPod nano took its place. Macworld reported that the nano was half as thick as the mini and 62 per cent smaller by volume, a reduction achieved by using flash memory instead of a hard disk. It kept the Click Wheel and the 30-pin dock connector of the iPod and iPod mini, so it could plug into existing accessories.
Every generation compared
| Generation | Year | Capacity | Screen | Music playback | Weight | Launch price from | What was new |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st generation | 2004 | 4 GB | 1.67-inch | up to 8 h | 102 g | US$249 | Click Wheel debut, five colours |
| 2nd generation | 2005 | 4–6 GB | 1.67-inch | up to 18 h | 102 g | US$199 | 6 GB model, 18-hour battery |
Battery figures are Apple's ratings for music playback; weight is for the lightest version; prices are US launch prices.