click wheel

The user interface that made the iPod popular. Originally using an actual rotating wheel, the wheel was later made touch sensitive, and its rotation was simulated. Buttons at the top, bottom, sides and center select menus and functions. See iPod classic and scroll mouse.

Click Wheels in the Middle

In this line-up, the two middle units (classic and nano) have click wheels, while the iPod touch on the left uses a revolutionary touch screen. The screenless shuffle (right) has a more limited user interface. (Image courtesy of Apple Inc.)

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