On October 26, 2004, Apple released a special edition of the 4G iPod to coincide with U2’s album How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb. The U2 Special Edition is black with a red clickwheel and the signatures of the band members engraved on the back.

The special edition iPod included a $50 discount coupon for purchasing The Complete U2 from The iTunes Store, a collection of over 400 U2 tracks. Capacity is 20 GB.

As with the 4G iPod, the U2 Special Edition can be charged via USB 2.0, and it can run up to 12 hours from a full charge.

Unlike competing devices that used MP3 file compression, the iPod with iTunes was designed to use the superior AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) audio format in addition to MP3. AAC generally provides superior sound quality over MP3 at the same bit rate, especially at 96 kbps and lower sampling rates, as well as more efficient encoding, which means smaller files.

Hardware Overview

Models

• Announced: 2004.10.26 at US$349. Replaced by color screen version 2005.06.28.
• Included accessories: earbuds, AC adapter, FireWire and USB 2.0 30-pin dock cables, iTunes CD
• Code name: Q21
• Model number: A1059
• Product numbers:
  • M9787

Technology

• CPUs: 2 ARM 7TDMI-derived CPUs running at variable speeds up to 80 MHz
• Audio chip: Audio Codecs developed by Wolfson Microelectronics
• Display: 2″ 160 x 128 pixel LED-backlit LCD.
• Battery: 600 mAh lithium polymer
• Charge time: 4 hours max.
• Play time: 12 hours

Compatibility

• Original OS: iPod OS 3.0
• Maximum OS: iPod OS 3.1.1
• iTunes Versions: iTunes 4.6 and later.
• Mac OS Required: OS X 10.1.5 or later, 10.3 or later recommended. 10.3.4 required for USB 2.0 support.
• Windows Versions Supported: 2000 SP4, XP Home or Professional

Dimensions and Weight

• Dimensions: 4.1″ x 2.4″ x 0.57″ (20 GB) or 0.69″ (40 GB)
• Weight: 5.6 oz. (20 GB) or 6.2 oz. (40 GB)

Further Reading

• Best iPod classic Prices, best online deals on hard drive-based iPods.
• The End of an Era: Apple Discontinues the iPod classic, Kevin Hannon, Low End Mac, 2014.09.09
• A History of the iPod: 2000 to 2004, Tom Hormby, Low End Mac.
• iPod Classic: 4th Generation, Wikipedia
• iPod (U2 Special Edition), apple-history.com

Keywords: #u2ipod #ipodspecialedition

Short link: http://goo.gl/5rwPBb

searchword: u2ipod