IPod mini: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

The iPod mini is a miniature version of Apple Computer's extremely popular iPod portable audio player. It was introduced in January 2004 with a storage capacity of of 4 gigabytes (roughly 1,000 3-minute or 3 megabyte songs), and is currently available for $249 USD. The device interoperates with both Macintosh and Windows PCs, with limited third-party support for Linux and other Unix workalikes.

The iPod mini is 3.6 by 2.0 by 0.5 inches (91 by 51 by 13 mm) and weighs 3.6 ounces (102 grams). Its case is composed of anodized aluminum, available in five colors: silver, gold, pink, blue, and green. It retains the popular scroll wheel of the 3G iPod; however, instead of the four buttons above the wheel, the buttons are in the wheel. This scroll wheel arrangement is now also used in the 4th Generation iPod. To access one of the four buttons, one physically pushes the wheel inward in the direction indicated on the wheel. Like the iPod, the scroll wheel is touch sensitive. Above the wheel is a screen for displaying the menus or information about the currently playing song.

Aside from the scroll wheel and buttons, the iPod mini also has a proprietary connector on the bottom for both USB 2.0 and FireWire connections to a computer; the iPod mini is also charged by either one of these connections. Along the top, it has a hold switch, a headphone plug, and a plug for connecting accessories, such as the optional wired remote or a radio broadcaster.

Like the iPod, the iPod mini supports MP3, AAC/M4A, WAV, AIFF, and Apple Lossless. It also retains the iPod's seamless integration with Apple's iTunes and iTunes Music Store, allowing for true auto-sync between the software application and the iPod mini.

During mid-2004, breaking news on TechTV became that iPod mini users had been calling the Apple Technical Service that their iPod had a few minor glitches so far:

1: The songlist in the iPod mini automatically gets wiped out. 2: Static while playing music with the iPod mini.