iPod PP5002 2002

The Apple iPod (Second Generation - Touch Wheel) models were similar to the original iPod but featured larger capacity hard drives and replaced the physical "scroll wheel" with a more durable "touch sensitive scroll wheel." They also added a cover for the Firewire port, had a hold switch encased in clear plastic instead of white, and came with a wired remote, a thinner Firewire cable, and a carrying case.

In addition to new 10 GB and 20 GB models with these features, the Second Generation line included a re-issue of the original Mac-compatible 5 GB model (M8513LL/B), which retained the physical scroll wheel, and a Windows-compatible 5 GB model (M8697LL/A) also with a physical scroll wheel. (For clarity, these are also documented with the original iPod, as they are physically identical).

The 5 GB, 10 GB, and 20 GB models could hold 1000, 2000, and 4000 songs, respectively, in 160-Kbps MP3 format. Like the original, they had a 60-mW high-output amplifier, a FireWire port, and a standard 3.5-mm headphone jack in an "iBook white" and stainless steel case with a 2-inch white backlit LCD. Estimated battery life was 10 hours.

The second-generation iPod was a subtle but significant refinement of the original. The most notable upgrade was the replacement of the mechanical scroll wheel with a solid-state, touch-sensitive wheel. This change was lauded for improving durability by eliminating moving parts and providing a smoother scrolling experience. Another crucial development was the official introduction of Windows compatibility through the Musicmatch Jukebox software, which dramatically expanded the iPod's potential market beyond the Apple ecosystem. The addition of a protective cover for the FireWire port and the inclusion of a wired remote were welcomed as thoughtful practical improvements. With increased storage capacities of up to 20 GB, this model solidified the iPod's dominance by making it more robust, versatile, and accessible to a much wider audience.