Apple iPod (Original/Scroll Wheel) 5 GB, 10 GB Specs
Identifiers: iPod (Original) - M8513LL/A* - M8541 - 1910
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The original Apple iPod (Scroll Wheel) broke new ground in the portable MP3 player market by combining a small hard drive, a unique "Scroll Wheel" controller for easy one handed operation, a simple, easy-to-use operating system designed for mobile devices (based on Pixo OS 2.1), and slick Mac software -- iTunes (based on SoundJam) -- that made it easy to manage one's music collection between the Mac and the iPod.
The original iPod features a 5 GB hard drive (10 GB option available after March 21, 2002) capable of holding 1000 songs in 160-Kbps MP3 format (or 2000 on the 10 GB drive), a high output amplifier (60-mW), a FireWire port, and a standard 3.5-mm headphone jack in an ultrasleek "iBook white" and stainless steel case with a 2-inch white backlit LCD display. Battery life is an estimated 10 hours.
Despite the age of this device, site sponsor OWC has inexpensive, compatible headphones and some upgrades and parts for vintage iPods while supplies last.
- Tech Specs
- Global Original Prices
- Popular Q&As
Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important.
| Introduction Date: |
October 23, 2001* |
Discontinued Date: |
April 28, 2003* |
| Details: |
The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.
*A 10 GB "Scroll Wheel" (M8709LL/A) model was introduced March 21, 2002 and discontinued July 17, 2002. Apple continued to sell the original 5 GB "Scroll Wheel" model as part of the "2G/Touch Wheel" series, but assigned M8513LL/B (for the Mac compatible model) and M8697LL/A (for the new Windows compatible model).
Also see: All iPhone models introduced in 2001. |
| Processor Speed: |
90 MHz (x2) |
Processor Type: |
PP5002 |
| Details: |
The iPod (Original/Scroll Wheel) uses a PortalPlayer PP5002 "system on a chip" with dual embedded 90 MHz ARM 7TDMI processors. |
| Onboard RAM: |
32 MB |
Storage Capacity: |
5 GB, 10 GB |
| Details: |
32 MB of SDRAM provides over 20 minutes of skip protection. |
| Song Capacity: |
1000, 2000* |
Photo Capacity: |
None |
| Details: |
Apple reported that the 5 GB model could hold "up to" 1000 songs in 160-Kbps MP3 format and the 10 GB model "up to" 2000 songs. It is worth noting that this file format is larger than the one used to report estimated "song capacity" on later iPod models. |
| USB Support: |
None |
Firewire Support: |
Sync & Charge |
| Details: |
The original iPod models are capable of charging and syncing using the onboard standard Firewire "400" port. |
| Connectivity: |
Firewire |
Ports: |
FW, Headphone* |
| Details: |
Apple reports that the original iPod provides a "Firewire (IEEE 1394a) port and a 3.5-mm stereo headphone jack". |
| Case Type: |
Handheld |
Form Factor: |
iPod (Original) |
| Housing Color: |
White |
Controller: |
"Scroll Wheel" |
| Details: |
Available in a two-tone housing with an "iBook white" front and a chromed stainless steel back. |
| Built-in Display: |
2" Monochrome |
Display Resolution: |
160x128 |
| Details: |
The original iPod has a "2-inch (diagonal) LCD with white LED backlight, 160x128 resolution, [and a] 0.24-mm dot pitch." |
| Battery Type: |
Lithium Polymer |
Battery Life (Music): |
10 Hours |
| Details: |
Apple reports that the original iPod provides "up to" 10 hours of music playback using an integrated 1200 mAh Lithium Polymer battery.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells replacement batteries this iPod. |
| Battery Life (Photos): |
N/A |
Battery Life (Video): |
N/A |
| Details: |
No support for photos or video.
|
| Full-Charge Time: |
3 Hours |
Apple Order No: |
M8513LL/A* |
| Details: |
Apple reports that the original iPod models charge completely in "3 hours" and also will "fast charge" in 1 hour to 80% capacity.
*The M8513LL/A order number is for the original 5 GB Mac compatible configuration. The 10 GB model introduced March 21, 2002 was assigned M8709LL/A, and the 5 GB (Scroll Wheel) model retained when the 10 GB and 20 GB "2G/Touch Wheel" models were introduced were assigned M8513LL/B (Mac) and M8697LL/A (Windows). |
| Apple Subfamily: |
iPod (Original) |
Apple Model No: |
M8541 (EMC 1910) |
| Details: |
Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.
Also see: All iPods with the M8541 Model Number and the 1910 EMC Number. |
| Dimensions: |
4.02 x 2.43 x 0.78 |
Avg. Weight: |
6.5 oz. |
| Details: |
In inches - height by width by depth. |
| Mac Support: |
MacOS 9.2.1 & X 10.1 |
Windows Support: |
None* |
| Details: |
The original 5 GB iPod (M8513LL/A) was compatible with "MacOS 9.2.1 (or later) and MacOS X 10.1 (or later)". It also required iTunes 2 software, which was provided.
*The second revision of the 5 GB iPod (Scroll Wheel), retained when the 10 GB and 20 GB "2G/Touch Wheel" models were introduced, was available in a Windows compatible version (M8697LL/A). This version required a "PC with built-in Firewire or Windows-certified Firewire card, Windows Me, Windows 2000, or Windows XP Home or Professional." The Windows compatible model shipped with MUSICMATCH Jukebox Plus software (iTunes for Windows was not yet available). |
| Audio Support: |
Apple reports that the original iPod supports "MP3 (up to 320 Kbps), MP3 Variable Bit Rate (VBR), WAV, [and] AIFF". Apple later added support for Audible (on the Mac compatible models). |
| Incl. Accessories: |
The original iPod shipped with "iPod earbud-style headphones, Apple Firewire Cable, [and the] Apple iPod Power Adapter."
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells accessories like cases, stands, keyboards, speakers and more for this iPod. |
| Original Price: |
US$399, US$499 |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$150-US$300 |
| Details: |
The original 5 GB iPod was introduced for US$399. A 10 GB model (M8709LL/A) was introduced on March 21, 2002 for US$499.
Please note that on average the estimated current retail pricing of used systems is updated twice a year (please refer to the date on the bottom of the page for the date last updated).
Photo Credit: Apple Computer. |
Global original prices for the iPod (Original/Scroll Wheel) in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region. Please note that prices with an asterisk (*) are bound by carrier contractual obligations.
For global original prices for all iPod, iPhone, and iPad models in one particular country on a single page, please refer to Everyi.com's Global Original Prices section.
If you have additional original prices for this iPod, please share. Thank you.
Original Prices - North & South America
| Canada: |
C$599, C$799 |
Brazil: |
N/A |
| Mexico: |
N/A |
United States: |
US$399, US$499 |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
N/A |
Belgium: |
N/A |
| Denmark: |
N/A |
Finland: |
N/A |
| Luxembourg: |
N/A |
Netherlands: |
N/A |
| Norway: |
N/A |
Portugal: |
N/A |
| Switzerland: |
N/A |
United Kingdom: |
£349, £429 |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
N/A |
Hong Kong: |
N/A |
| India: |
N/A |
Indonesia: |
N/A |
| Japan: |
¥47,800, ¥62,800 |
Korea: |
N/A |
| Malaysia: |
N/A |
The Philippines: |
N/A |
| Singapore: |
N/A |
Taiwan: |
N/A |
| Thailand: |
N/A |
Vietnam: |
N/A |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: |
A$895, A$1095 |
New Zealand: |
N/A |
Ten of the most popular Q&As about the iPod line follow.
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