iPod shuffle (original, 1 GB, 2005)

The iPod shuffle was introduced on January 11, 2005, as the “First iPod Under $100” (the 512 MB version sold for $99 and this 1 GB version sold for $149). Apple described the device in a press release as a “breakthrough digital music player based on iPod’s legendary shuffle feature which lets users experience their music in a million different ways. Smaller and lighter than a pack of gum, iPod shuffle comes with its own lanyard so it’s ready to wear right out of the box.”

The original iPod shuffle featured 512 MB or 1 GB of flash memory in a 3.3 x 0.98 x 0.33-inch case with an integrated USB connector. Like all iPod shuffle models that would come after it, it lacked a display. The name “shuffle” refers to its ability to shuffle—play in a random order—among the 120 or 240 songs it is capable of storing.

Like other iPod models, the iPod shuffle could be used to store files other than music files, a feature that worked particularly well on this device with its integrated USB plug.

The original iPod shuffle shipped with a white lanyard, a cap, and earbuds.

Source: EveryMac, Apple

USB-C to USB Adapter (2015)

Apple’s USB-C to USB Adapter is a “dongle-style” adapter that allows older USB-A devices to be converted to USB-C or Thunderbolt 3. Apple described the adapter:

“The USB-C to USB Adapter lets you connect iOS devices and many of your standard USB accessories to a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) enabled Mac, iPad, or iPhone. Plug the USB-C end of the adapter into a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port on your Mac, iPad, or iPhone, and then connect your flash drive, camera, or other standard USB device. You can also connect a Lightning to USB cable to sync and charge your iPhone, iPad, or iPod.”

According to Apple, it “supports data-transfer speeds up to 5Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 1).” Further, you may “Use the USB-A port of this adapter with flash drives, cameras, USB hubs, and other devices that connect to USB-A for data transfer or charging.”

Source: Apple (product, support)

iPod Universal Dock (2005)

Apple released this first version of the Universal Dock on October 12, 2005, along with the iPod Generation 5 that could display Photos and Video. In a press release, Apple described the Universal Dock as an “optional accessory” for the iPod:

“Optional accessories designed for the new iPod include: Universal Dock for $39 (US), giving users easy access to a USB port for syncing, IR support to work with the Apple Remote and a variable line out and S-video connections for integration within the living room.”

The 2005 iPod Universal Dock included the S-Video port and an infrared sensor for an Apple Remote (sold separately). Unlike earlier iPod Docks designed for specific models, the Universal Dock used Dock Adapters to support a wider range of iPod models with 30-pin dock connectors.

This iPod Universal Dock included adapters for 5 iPod designs sold at the time. Each adapter was numbered and matched to particular iPod devices:

  • 3—iPod mini (4GB, 6GB)
  • 4—iPod (20GB) and U2 Special Edition
  • 5—iPod (40GB)
  • 6—iPod with color display (20GB, 30GB) and U2 Special Edition
  • 7—iPod with color display (40GB, 60GB)

This iPod Universal Dock could also accept other adapters listed on the packaging. Other supported iPod devices included:

  • iPod (10GB, 15GB, 20GB)
  • iPod (30GB, 40GB)
  • iPod nano (2GB, 4GB)
  • iPod with color display (30GB)
  • iPod with color display (60GB)

An updated iPod Universal Dock was released in 2007 (it included a white Apple Remote, but omitted S-Video), and a 2010 version included new Dock adapters and the updated aluminum Apple Remote. This product line was eventually replaced by the iPhone Lightning Dock when Apple switched from the 30-pin connector to the Lightning port for charging and sound output.

Sources: Apple newsroom, Apple Wiki

iPod shuffle Generation 4 (2 GB, pink, 2010)

The iPod shuffle Generation 4 is a rare example of Apple reversing a design theme and going back to a design closer to a previous design, while still improving upon it. The iPod shuffle Generation 4 has a design similar to the Generation 2 iPod shuffle, but it is smaller and adds a “VoiceOver” feature that reads the name of songs, artists, and playlists out loud.

Between the Generation 2 and 4, the Generation 3 iPod shuffle had no controls on the iPod device, the Generation 4 added the clickable ring buttons back to the iPod.

This iPod shuffle is 1.14 inches tall, 1.24 inches wide, and 0.34 inch deep, including the clip. It weighs 0.44 ounce (12.5 grams). According to Apple, this iPod could play up to 15 hours of audio. Unlike the iPod shuffle Generation 2 that shipped with a custom USB-powered charging base, this Generation 4 shipped with a short USB-to-3.5mm cable.

The iPod shuffle Generation 4 was available in five colors: silver (with a black button ring); and blue, green, orange, and pink (with a white button ring). All models have 2 GB of storage, or up to 500 songs. This example is pink and includes the original packaging.

Sources: Apple, EveryMac

AirPort Extreme (Generation 3, Apple Service part, Early 2009)

According to Apple, this AirPort Extreme (Generation 3) provided “simultaneous dual-band wireless 802.11n networking. When you set up your AirPort Extreme Base Station, it creates two high-speed Wi-Fi networks.”

The AirPort Extreme Generation 3 had 5 ports:

  • 1 10/100/1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet Wide Area Network (WAN) port (for DSL/cable modem)
  • 3 10/100/1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet Local Area Network (LAN) (for Ethernet devices, such as printers or computers)
  • 1 USB port (for a USB printer, hard disk, or hub)

This device is packaged as an Apple Service part and does not include the retail packaging. The box, labeled Part Number 661-4908, contains the three parts needed to repair or replace the device including a power adapter, a power plug (North America), and a base station.

This AirPort Extreme model was available for less than 8 months before it was replaced by the Generation 4 model. It measured 6.5 x 6.5 inches square and was 1.3 inches tall. It weighed 1.66 pounds.

Sources: Apple (manuals), Wikipedia

Apple Studio Display CRT (17-inch, ADC, 2000)

At the Macworld Expo in New York CIty on July 19, 2000, Apple announced three new Studio Display designs “in stunning crystal-clear enclosures”—two flat panel displays and this CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) Apple Studio Display.

The displays, designed to complement Apple’s Power Mac G4 Cube and Power Mac G4 professional desktops, shared three distinct features:

“each is powered from the computer, eliminating the need for a separate power cord; each has a two port powered USB hub for convenient connection to desktop USB devices, such as keyboards, USB speakers and digital cameras; and each utilizes the Apple Display Connector, a revolutionary new cable that carries analog and digital video signals, USB data and power over a single cable and features a quick latch connector.”

Steve Jobs noted that “These new beautiful displays perfectly complement our new extraordinary computers. Their innovative design helps clean up desktop cable clutter, and makes set-up a breeze.”

According to Apple’s press release, “The 17 inch (16 inch viewable) Apple Studio Display features a Natural Flat Diamondtron CRT, extraordinarily sharp text and ColorSync internal calibration to keep colors accurate over time. [The] Display…features both futuristic styling and a unique electrical design that supports multiple resolutions at over 100Hz vertical refresh rate.”

The site 512 Pixels provided several additional comments, writing that the “Studio Display (17-inch ADC) was the last standalone Apple display to feature a CRT. At 17.4 inches it was deeper than it was wide. At 45.8 pounds, it was heavier than a iMac G3.” They also comment on the industrial design of the display:

“Instead of hiding the display’s guts inside opaque plastics and metal shield, the 17-inch ADC has a crystal clear case that allows anyone to see the internal workings of the Naturally Flat Diamondtron CRT suspended inside. By revealing all, the Studio Display (17-inch ADC) has nothing to hide. Its transparency and minimalism is pure Apple.”

According LowEndMac, the Apple Display Connector (ADC) used in this display is a proprietary display and data connector developed by Apple. It is a modification of the DVI (Digital Visual Interface) connector that combines analog and digital video signals, USB, and power all in one cable. This connector was used by Apple between 2000–2004.

Sources: Apple Newsroom, 512 Pixels, LowEndMac

iBook G3 (600MHz, PowerPC 750cx, 14-inch, Early 2002)

This 14-inch iBook was announced at the January 7, 2002, Macworld Expo in San Francisco, CA, as Apple’s “top end of its hugely popular iBook line of consumer notebooks.” Phil Schiller, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing at the time, noted that “The iBook is the best consumer and education notebook on the market and our most popular portable ever.” Schiller added, “The new iBook line now offers customers the additional choice of a 14-inch display and is more affordable than ever.”

The iBook G3 14-inch (Early 2002) featured a 600MHz PowerPC 750cx G3 processor. It shipped with 256MB RAM, a 20GB hard drive, and a tray-loading Combo drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW). The laptop had a white translucent case made from impact-resistant polycarbonate. The 14.1-inch TFT active matrix display had 1024×768 native resolution.

Wired connections included USB, FireWire, 56K modem, 10/100BASE-T Ethernet, and a VGA video-out port. It also allowed an AirPort wireless card to be added. This laptop shipped with Mac OS X version 10.1.2 and Classic Mac OS 9.2.2.

This 600MHz iBook (model M8413) weighed 4.9 pounds and originally sold for $1,499.

Sources: Apple (Newsroom), EveryMac

Macintosh Products Guide CD (Spring 1999)

This CD was packaged in an orange sleeve from the ADC (Apple Developer Connection). The packaging lists the contents:

Macintosh Products Guide

“Have you ever wondered if the right software or hardware existed to perform a specific task on your Mac? Or have you heard about some of the latest products for your Mac and wished you had a convenient resource to learn more about them?

On this CD you’ll find Apple’s Macintosh Products Guide, the only tool you need to help you locate information on over 12,000 software and hardware products for the Macintosh platform. Here you’ll learn about the hottest products available for your Mac, including games, productivity applications, printers, scanners, image editing applications, utilities, digital cameras, USB peripherals for the iMac, and much, much more. And many of the products listed in the Macintosh Products Guide have direct links for easy online purchase.

We’re sure you’ll find the Macintosh Products Guide on the web an invaluable resource for all your product information needs—one you’ll turn to again and again. With that in mind, be sure to visit the Macintosh Products Guide web site for the latest information on the wide range of products available for your Mac. Point your browser to www.apple.com/guide.”

Source: Apple

USB Ethernet Adapter (2008)

Apple describes this adapter as a “Apple USB Ethernet Adapter with built-in 4.6-inch USB cable” and its model number is A1277.

According to Apple, this adapter allows you to “Easily connect your Mac computer to an Ethernet network with the Apple USB Ethernet Adapter. Small and light, it connects to the USB 2.0 port of your Mac and provides an RJ-45 connector that supports 10/100BASE-T performance.”

Source: Apple

30-pin to USB Cable (1 m, 2012)

Apple’s 30-pin to USB Cable was sold in a variety of packaging options over the years. This cable charged devices with a 30-pin connector, including iPod, iPhone, and iPad.

Apple’s product overview stated, “This USB 2.0 cable connects your iPod, iPhone, or iPad — directly or through a Dock — to your computer’s USB port for efficient syncing and charging or to the Apple USB Power Adapter for convenient charging from a wall outlet.”

Apple also included a list of compatible devices. Although the USB 2.0 is backwards-compatible with USB 1.0 and works with computers with USB 3.0, the specifications only include devices that use USB 2.0: iPhone 4s, iPhone 4, iPhone 3Gs, iPhone 3G, iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (2nd generation), iPod nano (6th generation), iPod nano (5th generation), iPod nano (4th generation), iPod classic 160GB (2009), and iPod classic 120GB (2008).

This example is unopened in retail packaging. Although Apple was no longer selling devices with 30-pin cables, this product was still available on Apple’s website as of January 2021.

Source: Apple