In 2005, Apple revolutionized the music industry with the release of the iPod U2 Special Edition with Color Display (2nd Edition). This groundbreaking device not only changed the way we listen to music but also left an indelible mark on the tech landscape.
Introduced on June 28th, 2005, the iPod U2 represented the pinnacle of Apple’s innovation in portable music players. Priced at $329, it boasted cutting-edge features that set it apart from its predecessors and competitors.
One of the standout features of the iPod U2 was its vibrant 2-inch color LED-backlit LCD screen. This provided users with a crisp, clear full-color experience, perfect for viewing album artwork, photos, calendars, contacts, and games. With a 20 GB hard drive, the iPod U2 could hold up to 20,000 digital photos, allowing users to carry their entire photo library with them wherever they went.
The iPod U2 was designed to seamlessly integrate with iTunes, Apple’s iconic media player software. The introduction of the new version of iTunes made it easier than ever for users to find and subscribe to their favorite podcasts, with automatic downloads and syncing to their iPod. Additionally, iTunes simplified the management of multiple podcast subscriptions, offering users a streamlined experience.
As the name suggests, the iPod U2 Special Edition was a collaboration between Apple and the legendary rock band U2. It featured a unique design with a color casing and the autographs of U2 band members engraved on the back, making it a coveted item for fans of the group. Furthermore, purchasers of the iPod U2 received an exclusive U2 box set, complete with a U2 poster and a $50-off coupon for the iTunes Store.
Despite its initial success and popularity, the iPod U2 was discontinued on October 12th, 2005, marking the end of an era. However, its impact on the music industry and its place in Apple’s legacy endure to this day.
Now, 19 years after its release, the iPod U2 Special Edition with Color Display remains a symbol of innovation and a cherished piece of nostalgia for music enthusiasts and tech aficionados alike. Its unique design, coupled with its advanced features, solidified its place in history as one of Apple’s most iconic products.
iPod U2 Special Edition with Color Display Details
| Introduced | June 28, 2005 – 19 years ago |
| Discontinued | October 12, 2005 – 18 years ago |
| Time on the Market | 106 days (3 months) |
| Model Number | A1099 |
| EMC | 2022 |
| Order Number | MA127LL/A |
| Original Price | $329 |
| Colors | Black with Red Click Wheel |
| Weight | 5.9 oz. – 167 Grams |
| Dimensions | 4.1” H x 2.4” W x 0.63″ D 10.41 cm H x 6.09 cm W x 1.6 cm D |
iPod U2 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PortalPlayer PP5002 (Dual ARM 7TDMI) |
| Processor Speed | Up to 80 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 2 |
| Cache | 8 KB per processor |
Storage
| Storage | 20 GB |
Display
| Built-in Display | 2″ 65,536-color LED-backlit LCD Display |
| Resolutions | 220 x 176 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 | None |
Connections
| Ports | 1 – 30-pin Dock Connector 1 – 3.5-mm stereo headphone jack |
| Camera | None |
Controls
| Controls | Play/Pause Next title Previous title Menu Hold Click wheel |
Software
| Maximum OS | 1.2.1 |
| iTunes | iTunes 4.7 or later |
| System Requirements | Mac OS X 10.2.8 or later USB 2.0 requires Mac OS X 10.3.4 Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 2 |
Accessories
| Accessories | Earbud headphones iPod USB Power Adapter Dock Connector to USB 2.0 cable |
Power
| Battery | Built-in rechargeable Lithium-Ion |
| Battery Capacity | Unknown |
| Battery Life | Up to 15 hours of music Up to 5 hours of slideshows with music |
| Charge Time | Up to 5 hours 3 hours to 80% capacity |
| Power | Charging via FireWire, USB 2, or power adapter |
Further Reading and References
- iPod with color display: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Merges iPod & iPod photo Lines – Apple Newsroom
- Identify your iPod model – Apple Support
- iPod Classic – Wikipedia
- iPod U2 Special Edition with Color Display – Low End Mac
- Apple iPod U2 Special Edition (Color) Review – iLounge
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.
