Please note that all iPod models mentioned in these Q&As have been discontinued.

What is the difference between the iPod photo & iPod "Color" models?

For all practical purposes, the iPod "Color Display" (20, 60 GB) models, are renamed versions of the iPod photo models with updated software -- featuring a "Podcast menu, including bookmarking within a Podcast and the ability to display Podcast artwork in color." -- and a lower introductory price.

The iPod photo shipped with 40 GB and 60 GB hard drives from October 26, 2004 to February 23, 2005 and 30 GB and 60 GB hard drives from February 23, 2005 to June 28, 2005. The iPod "Color Display" models shipped with 20 GB and 60 GB hard drives from June 28, 2005 to October 12, 2005.

One notable difference between the original iPod photo and subsequent models, including the iPod "Color Display" configurations, is that models shipped before February 23, 2005 required either an iPod-compatible media reader or computer to transfer photographs to the iPod photo, and only photos transferred through iTunes 4.7 or higher -- which converts photos into a "thumbnail" format -- immediately could be viewed on the iPod photo itself. After February 23, 2005, the iPod photo (M9830LL/A) was capable of immediately viewing many types of images transferred through the optional iPod Camera Connector (US$29).

All iPod "Color Display" models are capable of immediately viewing photographs transferred using the Camera Connector.

Also see:

• How can I transfer photos from my digital camera to my iPod?
• Can I use the iPod to store photos from a digital camera, not only for JPG files, but also RAW image files such as Canon CRW and CR2 and Nikon NEF?
• How can I transfer photos from my computer to my iPod or iPod nano?

What is the difference between the iPod "Color" & iPod 5th Gen models?

In some general ways, the iPod 5th Gen models could be described as slightly slimmer and enhanced versions of the iPod "Color" with additional software functionality borrowed from the iPod nano -- notably the "Screen Lock" security feature, a stopwatch, and "world clock" applications. Both models also support viewing photographs, optionally with synchronized music, both on the iPod itself and on a television or projector using an AV cable, in addition to playing music.

However, the iPod 5th Gen models have a 2.5 inch, "QVGA transflective over 260,000 color liquid crystal display" (320x240, .156-mm dot pitch) with a "white LED" backlight, which is both larger and higher resolution than earlier models (and the enhanced fifth generation iPod has a brighter display as well), a slightly smaller "clickwheel", supports video playback in MPEG-4 or H.264 format on the internal display or on a television screen, has substantially improved audio recording capabilities (22.05 kHz monaural and 44.1 kHz stereo, compared to 8 kHz for previous models), and unfortunately, unlike previous models, cannot sync or boot via FireWire (it can, however, charge the battery). The iPod 5th Gen models additionally are available in "iBook" white or jet black, and the iPod "Color" models were only available in white (with the exception of the U2 models).

Also see:

• What is the difference between the 5th Generation iPod and the Enhanced 5th Generation iPod?
• What are the differences between the U2 Special Edition iPod models and the standard iPod models? What are the differences between U2 Special Edition iPods?
• How many movies can the iPod video hold?
• What video formats does the iPod video support?
• How can I use my iPod as a voice recorder?

What is the difference between the original iPod 5th Gen (with Video) and the original iPod nano?

In some general ways, the original iPod 5th Gen (with Video) could be described as a slightly slimmer and enhanced version of the iPod Color Display with additional software functionality borrowed from the iPod nano -- notably the "Screen Lock" security feature, a stopwatch, and "world clock" applications. Both the original iPod 5th Gen and original iPod nano are available in either "iBook" white or jet black and have very similar designs, albeit at very different sizes (the iPod 5th Gen is 4.1 inches tall, 2.4 inches wide, and either .43 or .55 inches deep, depending on capacity, whereas the iPod nano is an "impossibly small" 3.5 inch tall, 1.6 inch wide, and 0.27 inch thick).

However, the similarities end with the applications, color options, and design. The iPod 5th Gen (with Video) is designed as a portable music player to hold an entire CD collection, or most of it, as well as play videos, display photos on the much larger internal display and on a television or projector, and import photos from a camera. The iPod nano, on the other hand is designed to hold a smaller number of songs or photos, and cannot display photos on a television or projector, import photos from a camera, or play video. It is, however, very small, sleek, and cool. The iPod 5th Gen also uses hard drive based storage and the iPod nano uses flash memory.

For all practical purposes, although they were designed to look a lot alike, the original iPod 5th Gen (with Video) and original iPod nano are two very different systems that targeted two very different types of users.

Also see:

• What are the differences between the second generation iPod nano models?
• What is the difference between the 5th Generation iPod and the Enhanced 5th Generation iPod?

How much wider are the iPod 5th Gen models than earlier iPods?

The iPod 5th Gen models are only 2.4 inches wide, the exact same width as the iPod "Color Display" models that each replaced. In photographs, the fifth generation models tend to look "wider" because of a larger screen and a smaller "clickwheel" than previous models.