Apple releases new iPods, reduces prices
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.
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.
Comments
Seriously though, the changes (and price drops) are quite welcome.
PREDICTION: 5G iPods coincide with iTunes 5
1GB shuffle -> $129
I think that they are going to have a hard time
selling 512s...
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).
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.
I need more then 20 GB but I do love how thin those are.
Color Minis next year?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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?
Just an observation.
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...
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?