Future iPod to go video, iPod mini stays music only

clonenode

As things trend toward getting smaller and smaller, it's not tough to imagine that eventually the same capacities we see today in the full-size iPods will make their way to the minis. This will leave the door open for the video iPod everyone is wishing for, as the larger version of the iPod continues to expand its capabilites and the smaller ones stay more specialized for music.

dmband0026

It could happen...but the minis would eventually need bigger HDs. Granted, you could probably still play music on the regular video iPods, some people only want the music capability and wouldn't want to pay extra for a color screen and all the other features. Give the minis more storage and I could see this happening.

messiahtosh

Quote:

Originally posted by DMBand0026

It could happen...but the minis would eventually need bigger HDs. Granted, you could probably still play music on the regular video iPods, some people only want the music capability and wouldn't want to pay extra for a color screen and all the other features. Give the minis more storage and I could see this happening.

Theyd probably just produce one sort of special high end iPod for the video...something costing 500-600. The rest could just stay as is with the usual "spec bumps" as time requires.

crayz

I think they'd need to make it bigger, to get a decently sized color screen, and to have a battery big enough to power the thing for a while. Will they? Maybe. MS is, and I think Apple would want to compete. But the price would have to be high

onlooker

What is the fvcking point of having a video display on an iPod? What do you think your going to watch fvckin movies? I can't believe people even think they need some of this crap.

bunge

Quote:

Originally posted by onlooker

What is the fvcking point of having a video display on an iPod? What do you think your going to watch fvckin movies? I can't believe people even think they need some of this crap.

Not all screens are used for video. Not all video is movies. Not all movies on a portable device would need to be seen on that device. Not all video devices are exclusively for playback of video.



There's a world of ideas and options out there.

clonenode

I guess I'm suggesting my ideas from a marketing stand-point. Look at the new mini. It's not THAT much smaller than the current iPods. Maybe it could have been - would have been - the NEW iPod design, if there were drives that small with big enough capacities.



But now, since they've split the line, how will they move it all forward. I'm suggesting that they'll keep the minis as music only players and expand the full-size iPods, perhaps even growing them in size. With the iPod mini keeping one part of the product line small, there would be no worries about enlarging what is called the "iPod" so that it can gain video (or dare I say "tablet") capabiities.

the general

Quote:

Originally posted by onlooker

What is the fvcking point of having a video display on an iPod? What do you think your going to watch fvckin movies? I can't believe people even think they need some of this crap.

I have been thinking, maybe the ipod itself wont have a video display, but maybe a video out jack like the ibook, that you can hook the ipod up to a tv or something.. never know... that would make more sense to me than having a 2" screen

macsrgood4u

Eventually, the iPod mini will be the standard music only device. The current iPod will be discontinued. Toshiba is coming out with a HDD that is less then an inch by the end of the year. However, all these mini drives are not capable of storing more then 4 GB at the moment. Double disc versions (which would be slighter thicker) could double that. I think it's at least 2 years before these drives can hold 40 GB. There is no consumer interest in 2 inch screen video players. Any video player needs at least a 4 inch screen. The stand alone portable DVD players have done well in the marketplace. The next gen iBook will be thinner and with a wide screen will be perfect for viewing videos. There's a tendancy too often on these forums to want "gadgets" rather then sensible devices.

mac+

Quote:

Originally posted by clonenode

As things trend toward getting smaller and smaller, it's not tough to imagine that eventually the same capacities we see today in the full-size iPods will make their way to the minis. This will leave the door open for the video iPod everyone is wishing for, as the larger version of the iPod continues to expand its capabilites and the smaller ones stay more specialized for music.

I agree - and hope that this is the way it goes.



If the iPod mini gets HD increases, it can handle the music functionality of the original iPod concept and allow the white iPod to further evolve:



colour screen

better iPhoto integration

video out - to display photos on a TV or something similar

Keynote presentation mode (would require video out as well)

built in bluetooth

built in mic (location recording)



Who used to say: "Hope springs eternal" ... now I feel the same way about the iPod evolution.

mac+

Btw, it wouldn't upset me greatly if the white iPod form factor evolves further to accomodate my wish list. After all there was a form factor change from 1G to 2G was there not?