In the ever-evolving landscape of portable music players, one device stands out as a true pioneer – the Apple iPod U2 Special Edition Late 2006. Launched in 2006 and captivating music enthusiasts until its discontinuation in 2007, this MP3 player left an indelible mark on the industry and the hearts of its users.
The iPod U2 Special Edition Late 2006 marked a significant leap forward in the iPod series, offering unparalleled features and a design that resonated with fans worldwide. Crafted by Apple, renowned for its innovation and attention to detail, this device seamlessly merged cutting-edge technology with artistic flair.
Apple’s CEO at the time, Steve Jobs, hailed the iPod U2 as not just the pinnacle of digital music players but also as a revolutionary portable video player. With a 60% brighter and more vibrant 2.5-inch color display, users could immerse themselves in their favorite TV shows and Hollywood movies, all within the palm of their hand.
The iPod U2 was more than just a music player; it was a gateway to a seamless entertainment experience. Integrated with iTunes 7 and the iTunes Store, users had access to a vast library of over 75 Hollywood movies, 220 television shows, and a selection of video games tailored specifically for the fifth-generation iPod.
Navigating through the iPod U2’s features was effortless, thanks to Apple’s patented Click Wheel. Whether browsing through playlists or enjoying gapless playback on iTunes 7, users experienced unparalleled precision and ease of use.
What truly set the iPod U2 apart was its exclusive U2 box set. Encased in a unique casing adorned with the autographs of U2’s iconic members, this device was not just a music player but a collector’s item. Additionally, purchasers were treated to an autographed poster and a $50-off coupon for the iTunes Store, adding to the allure of this special edition device.
The iPod U2 wasn’t just about music; it was a multimedia powerhouse. Users could enjoy high-resolution photo slideshows, watch videos in full color, and even indulge in popular video games like “Pac-Man” and “Tetris” – all on the vibrant display of the iPod U2.
With up to 14 hours of battery life for music playback and three and a half hours for video playback, the iPod U2 ensured that the entertainment never had to stop. Additionally, features like brightness control allowed users to tailor their experience to their preferences effortlessly.
While the iPod U2 Special Edition Late 2006 may have been discontinued in 2007, its legacy continues to resonate with music enthusiasts and collectors alike. Despite being 18 years old, its impact on the portable music player market remains palpable, serving as a testament to Apple’s commitment to innovation and quality.
iPod U2 Special Edition Late 2006 Details
| Introduced | September 12, 2006 – 18 years ago |
| Discontinued | September 5, 2007 – 17 years ago |
| Time on the Market | 358 days (11 months) |
| Model Number | A1136 |
| EMC | 2065 |
| Order Number | MA664LL/A |
| Original Price | $279 |
| Colors | Black with Red Click Wheel |
| Weight | 4.8 oz. – 136 Grams |
| Dimensions | 4.1” H x 2.4” W x 0.43″ D 10.41 cm H x 6.09 cm W x 1.09 cm D |
iPod U2 Late 2006 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PortalPlayer PP5021C (Dual ARM 7TDMI) |
| Processor Speed | Up to 80 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 2 |
| Cache | 8 KB per processor |
Storage
| Storage | 30 GB |
Display
| Built-in Display | 2.5″ 260,000-color QVGA LCD Display with white LED-backlit |
| Resolutions | 320 x 240 pixels |
Media
| Audio Formats | AAC MP3 MP3 (VBR) Audible WAV AIFF Apple Lossless |
| Photo Formats | JPEG BMP GIF TIFF PNG PSD (Mac only) |
| Video Formats | H.264 video, up to 1.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per sec., Baseline Low-Complexity Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48 kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; H.264 video, up to 768 Kbps, 320 by 240 pixels, 30 frames per sec., Baseline Profile up to Level 1.3 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48 kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; MPEG-4 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per sec., Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48 kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats |
Connections
| Ports | 1 – 30-pin Dock Connector 1 – 3.5-mm stereo jack, composite video, and audio through minijack |
| Camera | None |
Controls
| Controls | Play/Pause Next title Previous title Menu Hold Click wheel |
Software
| Maximum OS | 1.3 |
| iTunes | iTunes 7.0 or later |
| System Requirements | Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 or later Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later |
Accessories
| Accessories | Earbud headphones Case USB cable Dock Adapter |
Power
| Battery | Built-in rechargeable Lithium-Ion |
| Battery Capacity | Unknown |
| Battery Life | Up to 14 hours of music Up to 4 hours of slideshows with music Up to 3.5 hours of video |
| Charge Time | Up to 4 hours 2 hours to 80% capacity |
| Power | Charging via FireWire, USB 2.0, or power adapter |
Further Reading and References
- Fifth Generation iPod (Late 2006): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Introduces the New iPod – Apple Newsroom
- Identify your iPod model – Apple Support
- iPod Classic – Wikipedia
- Review: Fifth Generation iPod (Late 2006) – MacWorld
- Apple iPod series (fifth-generation update) review – CNET
Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.
