Apple releases new iPods, reduces prices

[AppleInsider]

Apple Computer today released what may or may not be its fifth-generation of iPod digital music players, while also reducing the cost of its high-end flash-memory iPod shuffle player and Special Edition U2 iPod.

The new iPods are available in 20GB and 60GB models, each featuring a color screen and up to 15 hours of battery life. Sources say Apple will continue to market its 30GB iPod photo until supplies run dry.

The 20GB model continues to carry a price tag of $299, while the 60GB is now priced at $399 -- a price drop of $50.

"Apple today announced that the iPod and iPod photo lines are merging, creating a single line of white iPods that all feature color displays with the ability to view album artwork, photos and play slideshows in stunning color," the company explained in a statement.

A new iPod U2 Special Edition also includes a color screen and is now slightly more affordable at $329. Similarly, the 1GB iPod shuffle saw a $20 price drop to $129.

With the aid of iTunes 4.9, the new iPods feature an easy to use Podcast menu, including bookmarking within a Podcast and the ability to display Podcast artwork in color.

Each iPod with color display includes earbud headphones, a USB 2.0 cable, a USB power adapter and iTunes for Mac and Windows computers. iPod shuffle includes earbud headphones, lanyard and iTunes for Mac and Windows computers.

According to Apple, each of the new iPod models is available today.[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ] (http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=1153)

[Robin Hood]

I call first post.

Seriously though, the changes (and price drops) are quite welcome.

[12houripod]

still 4th generation

PREDICTION: 5G iPods coincide with iTunes 5

[digitaldave]

UK 1GB Shuffle prices also dropped a bit, from £99 to £89.

[FireEmblemPride]

I just bought a 30GB iPod photo last week, so I'm a bit relieved that that wasn't affected.

[e1618978]

512 shuffle -> still $99
1GB shuffle -> $129

I think that they are going to have a hard time
selling 512s...

[Robin Hood]

Originally posted by FireEmblemPride
I just bought a 30GB iPod photo last week, so I'm a bit relieved that that wasn't affected.

Since you bought it last week, I believe Apple will refund you the difference (not sure if that's automatic, and I know there is a cutoff point after a few days).

[Maddan]

Originally posted by e1618978
512 shuffle -> still $99
1GB shuffle -> $129

I think that they are going to have a hard time
selling 512s...

I think that's the idea! Let me make a wild guess that around Oct. the 1GB shuffle will be be $99 (512 dropped) and the iPod Mini line will be revised.

[nagromme]

Great! Not one but two color-screen iPods in the sleek thin 20GB form factor!

I need more then 20 GB but I do love how thin those are.

Color Minis next year?

[CosmoNut]

Originally posted by e1618978
I think that they are going to have a hard time
selling 512s...
Didn't I hear they were having a hard time selling the 1GB version?

[Louzer]

Originally posted by Robin Hood
Since you bought it last week, I believe Apple will refund you the difference (not sure if that's automatic, and I know there is a cutoff point after a few days).

What difference? There's no new 30GB model to differ it with.

[Chris Cuilla]

Originally posted by e1618978
512 shuffle -> still $99
1GB shuffle -> $129

I think that they are going to have a hard time
selling 512s...

Yes. They just made the "upsell" easier! Brilliant.

[danielandrews]

If this is their update for the next 6 months to a year, it's very, VERY underwhelming. I assume we'll see a full update to the line in the next few month.

Otherwise, the competition is making great strides to catch up to the #1 mp3 player line, and Apple needs to come up with new, innovative ways to make the iPod stand out.

Don't get me wrong, I have a 40gb 4th gen and I love it to death - I've owned 4 iPods since they came out in 2001. I just feel adding a color screen to the 20gb version and dropping the price 50 bucks on the top end model is a bit lacking for it's first update in about a year.

[blue.fusion]

Originally posted by FireEmblemPride
I just bought a 30GB iPod photo last week, so I'm a bit relieved that that wasn't affected.
how much u bought ur ipod, i remember the 30gb iphoto is like the current 20gb price

[ipodandimac]

Originally posted by nagromme
Great! Not one but two color-screen iPods in the sleek thin 20GB form factor!

I need more then 20 GB but I do love how thin those are.

:devil: :devil:
according to apple's specs, the 20GB GAINED thickness, and the 60GB is still the same ridiculous size. Why can apple make a 30GB ipod at .57" but a 20GB at .63"??? :???:
damn you apple.

[FireEmblemPride]

Originally posted by blue.fusion
how much u bought ur ipod, i remember the 30gb iphoto is like the current 20gb price

$350... if someone can find out the current price at the Apple Store, that would be f antastic. If the price was dropped any, cool, I'll get some cash back.

Originally posted by blue.fusion

according to apple's specs, the 20GB GAINED thickness, and the 60GB is still the same ridiculous size. Why can apple make a 30GB ipod at .57" but a 20GB at .63"???
damn you apple.

Actually, the 20GB photo is the exact same size and weight as the 30GB. How that's possible, I don't know.

[CosmoNut]

Originally posted by FireEmblemPride
Actually, the 20GB photo is the exact same size and weight as the 30GB. How that's possible, I don't know.
A 30GB drive firmwared down to be 20GB?

[acr4]

So, first Apple announces the Intel switch. Then people ponder whether Firewire will survive the switch. Now they are releasing new iPods without Firewire cables? Seems rather suspicious to me... Or maybe they realized that most Windows users still don't have 6-pin Firewire. Still though, they are sending the message that Firewire is inferior to USB.

Just an observation.

[acr4]

Originally posted by FireEmblemPride
Actually, the 20GB photo is the exact same size and weight as the 30GB. How that's possible, I don't know.

Maybe a cheaper/larger hard drive or bigger battery...

[1984]

Damn. This is getting confusing. We need a chart with the dimensions and weight of every iPod made to date. All I know is that my 3G 20GB iPod was perfect in terms of thickness while my 4GB 30GB iPod Photo was a bit portly in comparison. I also noticed a drop in quality between the two in that the two halves were no longer seemless with the 4G 30GB iPod Photo model. They are now made in China instead of Taiwan. The packaging got really cheap with the 4G iPod Photo models. Have you noticed?

[danielandrews]

Originally posted by acr4
So, first Apple announces the Intel switch. Then people ponder whether Firewire will survive the switch. Now they are releasing new iPods without Firewire cables? Seems rather suspicious to me... Or maybe they realized that most Windows users still don't have 6-pin Firewire. Still though, they are sending the message that Firewire is inferior to USB.

Just an observation.

Didn't that happen a while ago?

[e1618978]

I just noticed that the gold mini is no longer offered as well.

[acr4]

Originally posted by danielandrews
Didn't that happen a while ago?

maybe... I know my 4g came with both, but that was in February. My 3g came with firewire plus a 4-pin firewire adapter... Maybe I missed something along the way.

[Commodus]

Originally posted by e1618978
I just noticed that the gold mini is no longer offered as well.

They stopped offering that in February!

[ipodandimac]

Originally posted by FireEmblemPride
Actually, the 20GB photo is the exact same size and weight as the 30GB. How that's possible, I don't know.
oh my bad. well, the 20GB still got thicker for no reason.

[CosmoNut]

Originally posted by acr4
Still though, they are sending the message that Firewire is inferior to USB.
They aren't sending any message at all.

They simply realized that Mac and Windows users alike can both use USB 2.0, and that including a firewire cable makes the overall package cost more when most iPodders probably wouldn't use it anyway.

"What's this cable for? Eh, whatever. I recognize THIS one," as she holds up the USB cable and tosses the firewire cable back into the box to never be seen again.

Remember, too, that to most people, it's a plug. Plug A goes into jack A. If plug B doesn't go into jack A, why even have plug B?

[Louzer]

Originally posted by acr4
So, first Apple announces the Intel switch. Then people ponder whether Firewire will survive the switch. Now they are releasing new iPods without Firewire cables? Seems rather suspicious to me... Or maybe they realized that most Windows users still don't have 6-pin Firewire. Still though, they are sending the message that Firewire is inferior to USB.

Just an observation.

Damn, I just noticed that Apple no longer sells a 604e-based computer. When did this happen?????

Firewire cables were removed on the last refresh (february was it?). Along with the gold mini (which I'm sure someone was just joking about just noticing it was missing).

And its all about the fact that more windows users by an iPod, and most don't have firewire.

Of course, I would like it if apple sold computers with more ports than the crap number they offer now. 3 USB ports on a Pro machine? That's it? WTF is that all about? Keyboard in one, UPS plugs into the second, where the hell is the printer supposed to plug into? The front? What, I need to spend more money on a USB hub just because I make the mistake of having peripherals, which Apple forces you to get, BTW, because they offer no internal expansion.

[Macaddict16]

Originally posted by ipodandimac
oh my bad. well, the 20GB still got thicker for no reason.

How about the reason being longer battery life? The 20 now has 15 hour playback like the photos have always had.

Macaddict16

[FireEmblemPride]

Originally posted by Macaddict16
How about the reason being longer battery life? The 20 now has 15 hour playback like the photos have always had.

Macaddict16

Yeah, but it's also the exact dimensions and weight as the 30GB photo, which is odd.

[afalkner]

technically speaking...isnt USB 2.0 faster than Firewire anyway??? I always thought...

Firewire = 430mbs
USB 2.0 = 480mbs


is this right?

Also I have had numerous iPods since they were first released and I've noticed with everyone one that the packaging is cheaper and you get less stuff. Some of it makes sense but I feel apple has compromised on the user experience of opening your iPod in order to cut costs. And when they say there was a price drop..was there really? They should say that you can now buy your iPod for less because apple is giving you less stuff.

I also dont get why they didnt just do away with the 20 and keep the 30 and 60?? but then I guess that wouldnt have been much of an update, Announcing only that they got rid of the 20 gig.

[ipodandimac]

Originally posted by afalkner
technically speaking...isnt USB 2.0 faster than Firewire anyway??? I always thought...

Firewire = 430mbs
USB 2.0 = 480mbs


is this right?
sort of. for burst transfers (like updating play counts, ratings, and a few songs on your ipod) usb2.0 IS faster. for sustained transfers (like capturing video) firewire is much better. in the grand scheme of things, it's not going to make much of a difference. if you restore your ipod every day and re-sync thousands of songs, get a firewire cable.

[triadone]

true, while every modern mac comes equipped w/ FW, not every PC does. in fact i'd argue that most don't. they have their bases covered w/ USB 2.0.I've gotten similar transfer rates on my external USB2 and FW drives. xbench gives me very similar results between the 2 standards, tho i know FW usually has a lower CPU overhead.

[wyntir]

400Mb/s = 50MB/s, much faster than any 1.8" hard drive (or even most 3.5" ones). Which is to say, there will likely be zero difference in real-world speed between FW and USB2 iPods.

[itsamac]

I picked up the 4G 20Gb iPod a couple of weeks ago but returned it the same day because the battery life was a bit too low for my liking and I got used to the colour screen on my wife's 60Gb iPod Photo. For me, I only have 8Gb of music so the 20Gb works fine for me.

As for the size, I am used to the Photo. Sure the 4G 20Gb model was nice and thin but the battery life was too low for most people's liking. Until they can make fuel cells that ultra thin and ultra cheap for mass consumption, then there will always be a bit of bulk with longer battery life models...My guess with this "new" model is they have actually locked the 30Gb model down to 20Gb.

With regards to returns/price differences, I only know Apple's policy in the UK. Basically you can return any item without penalty as long as it is returned in the original packaging. If the packaging has been removed, they do reserve the right to charge a restocking fee. If Apple reduces the price of the model within 14 days of purchase you need to take the receipt down to an Apple store to claim the difference.

[noirdesir]

Originally posted by FireEmblemPride
Yeah, but it's also the exact dimensions and weight as the 30GB photo, which is odd.

The original 20GB 4G iPod was 0.57" thick and had a battery life of 12h. The 40GB 4G iPod was somewhat thicker (around 0.68/0.69 I think) because its harddrive had two platters, but with the same battery life.

The 40 and 60GB (4G) iPod photo both were 0.75" thick, i.e. approximately 0.05/0.06" thicker than the corresponding 40GB standard 4G iPod, mainly because they had a physically bigger battery resulting in a longer battery life of 15h.

The 30GB (4G) iPod photo, had a reduced thickness of 0.63", compared to 40GB and 60GB models, because its harddrive had just one platter, but the same battery as the bigger models and therefore the same battery life.

The "new" 20GB (4G) iPod color is just the same model as the 30GB iPod photo with a smaller harddrive (lower data density, same physical dimensions, i.e. older and cheaper model). Its battery life is therefore the same 15h.

[ipodandimac]

Originally posted by itsamac
.My guess with this "new" model is they have actually locked the 30Gb model down to 20Gb.

doubt it. 20GB drives are MUCH cheaper to produce than 30GB ones. That's why 20GB is a very common size for mp3 players. also, is it so hard to believe that they just put the guts of the 20GB into the 30GB housing?

[Apparatus]

Boo. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/images/thumbsdown.gif

Apple needed to deliver something wonderful and new (5th generation iPod, anyone?) not just repackage and diminish the same 'ol same 'ol.

They didn't even keep the 30GB iPod photo! That should have just become the new $299 iPod. What a rip.

[pistolero]

Originally posted by afalkner
[B]technically speaking...isnt USB 2.0 faster than Firewire anyway??? I always thought...

Firewire = 430mbs
USB 2.0 = 480mbs


is this right?

Also I have had numerous iPods since they were first released and I've noticed with everyone one that the packaging is cheaper and you get less stuff. Some of it makes sense but I feel apple has compromised on the user experience of opening your iPod in order to cut costs. And when they say there was a price drop..was there really? They should say that you can now buy your iPod for less because apple is giving you less stuff.


I thought the excesive and expensive packaging was wasteful and unnecesary. I dont see the point of a very expensive box that will be thrown in the garbage anyways.

[joblowski]

Originally posted by Apparatus
Apple needed to deliver something wonderful and new (5th generation iPod, anyone?) not just repackage and diminish the same 'ol same 'ol.

I agree the 5g needs to come soon and, who says it won't?

This update was minimal...as people said they probably merged the guts of the old 20gb and 30gb photo so probably not much design and manufacture change there. I think it's still highly likely that a major redesign is coming. Could be this was just to tide folks over until it's ready. September would be the earliest I'd guess...they'll want to hit either back-to-school or Christmas.

If Apple leaves the 4th gen iPod as is for longer than that...I dunno what to say, they really will have just dropped the ball. Apple tends to be smarter than that.

[1984]

Originally posted by FireEmblemPride
Yeah, but it's also the exact dimensions and weight as the 30GB photo, which is odd.

You're looking at it the wrong way. The didn't upgrade the 20GB model, they downgraded the 30GB model. In other words they just took a 30GB iPod Photo and replaced the 30GB drive with a 20GB drive. Presto! They have a "new" lower priced color screen model.

[gruth]

From Apple's website:

"Choose from 20GB or 60GB models and carry up to 15,000 songs or as many as 25,000 photos in your pocket."

Can someone explain why the 60GB model doesn't store 3x as many photos as the 20GB, instead of only about 1.7x?

Thanks.

[Apparatus]

Originally posted by joblowski
This update was minimal...as people said they probably merged the guts of the old 20gb and 30gb photo so probably not much design and manufacture change there. I think it's still highly likely that a major redesign is coming. Could be this was just to tide folks over until it's ready. September would be the earliest I'd guess...they'll want to hit either back-to-school or Christmas.

If Apple leaves the 4th gen iPod as is for longer than that...I dunno what to say, they really will have just dropped the ball. Apple tends to be smarter than that.

Agreed!

[Macaddict16]

Originally posted by gruth
From Apple's website:

"Choose from 20GB or 60GB models and carry up to 15,000 songs or as many as 25,000 photos in your pocket."

Can someone explain why the 60GB model doesn't store 3x as many photos as the 20GB, instead of only about 1.7x?

Thanks.

The photos on the iPod are in a thumbnail format not full size picture files. If I recall correctly both the 60 and 30 GB photo (and the 40 when it was out) all said they could hold 25000 photos. By the way the quote you entered above says 15000 SONGS and 25000 PHOTOS. I don't know if that is what caused the confusion.

Macaddict16

[rentedmule]

People keep talking about the need for a big splash/changes with the 5G iPod, but isn't a big splash what they're hoping to make with the new iTunes phones? A big 5G splash would certainly water that down a bit, and after all the false starts and what I'm sure must be behind the scenes mayhem to get the iTunes phone off the ground, that's gotta be the last thing Apple wants. *shrug*

[gremlin]

I don't get it!

All the news sites have been going on about this press thing that apple have going on in early July, most were sayin that it was either the new iTunes or iPod... so now that both are out *before* the press thingie... what is apple offering us in early july??? :D