Why can't Apple Just put "generation" on the device?

You would think a company that is so famous for user friendliness would have figured out by now they could use that fancy laser etching they use to write "Made in China" and the Serial #, etc, to just write the "generation" directly on the device along with serial number etc. I'm trying to buy a case as a gift for a non-techie grade schooler. I don't have physical access to the device and it is a bit much to try to get the kid or the even less techie mom to determine the device's "generation". Apple themselves have had to write a convoluted guide to determining it and virtually every accessory is specified in terms of what generation is for.

What should work is to:
- Enter the serial number here:
Apple - Support - Check Your Service and Support Coverage
- Enter the model number (engraved on back) in a Google search. Sometimes this results in confusion between a 2G and 3G iPod but those use the same case.

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