iPod PP5002 2003

The Apple iPod (Third Generation) was equipped with a 10 GB, 15 GB, or 30 GB 4200 RPM ATA-66 hard drive, capable of holding "up to" 2500, 3700, or 7500 songs, respectively, in "128-Kbps AAC format." It featured a "2-inch (diagonal) [monochrome] LCD display with blue-white LED backlight" housed in a case with an "iBook white" front and a stainless steel back.

This third generation introduced several hardware improvements over earlier models, including a thinner, lighter, and slightly more rounded design, and a "dock" for easy connection to a computer and stereo systems. The now-backlit solid-state buttons were relocated from around the touch wheel to above it, a change that drew mixed reactions from users. However, the increased skip protection (up to 25 minutes) was universally welcomed.

Software enhancements included greater customization options, a voice recorder feature, games, and an alarm clock. The estimated battery life was eight hours.

The third-generation iPod marked the most significant redesign to date, resulting in a noticeably thinner and lighter device. Its most controversial change was the relocation of the playback control buttons to a row of backlit, touch-sensitive buttons above the scroll wheel. This created a sleeker look but was met with mixed reviews, as some users found it less intuitive than having the buttons physically integrated with the wheel. A universally praised innovation was the introduction of the Dock Connector, which standardized charging and data transfer across future Apple devices and enabled a vast ecosystem of accessories. The all-touch interface was seen as futuristic, and the increased storage capacity continued to impress. While the button layout was divisive, the overall refinement of the design and the introduction of the dock cemented this model as a major evolutionary step for the iPod.