Apple Releases New iPods [Archive]

MacRumors

Feb 23, 2005, 07:40 AM

Apple announced new iPods today as expected. The new iPods include

iPod Mini
- New 6GB Model. $249
- 4GB Model. $199
- Up to 18hrs Battery Life
- 4 Colors

iPod Photo
- 30GB. $349
- 60GB. $449

20GB and 40GB iPods ($299 and $399)remain. Updates can be found at
the Apple Store (http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=9eASk0x48lo&subid=1&offerid=13301.1&type=10&tmpid=80&RD_PARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Feducation%2Fk12%2Filifeandkeynote%2F&u1=macrumors)

Demon

Feb 23, 2005, 07:42 AM

but.. just a memory bump? boring...

Sunrunner

Feb 23, 2005, 07:43 AM

at least Apple is keeping the line competitive...

:o

edesignuk

Feb 23, 2005, 07:43 AM

Can we keep the one word reponses out please :)

PlaceofDis

Feb 23, 2005, 07:43 AM

guess i will have to choose between mini's now, although 6 gigs is very tempting, if it has the shock/skip protection it was rumored to have i will probably go that route

edit: nope wasnt added from what i can tell, i might as well end up getting the $200 one then, and save some money, they should have the 18 hour battery life right?

~Shard~

Feb 23, 2005, 07:43 AM

18 hour battery life - that's great! No color screens, but I don't think this this is a huge issue for many people out there...

A somewhat minor update, but an update nonetheless - now mini users have a choice at least and are not stuck with just the one model.

New colors would have been cool though... ;)

Veldek

Feb 23, 2005, 07:44 AM

My brother won't be pleased as he doesn't own his Mini for a long time yet. But I have to consider if I will keep mine or buy a new Mini. That will be tough!

brap

Feb 23, 2005, 07:45 AM

That 4gb mini's a steal. Good stuff.

~Shard~

Feb 23, 2005, 07:45 AM

Can we keep the one word reponses out please :)

Thanks edesign - I always chuckle and shake my head when a new thread is posted, and then you have everyone clamoring to get the first post by just posting 1-word replies which contribute nothing to the discussion. Now that you're a Mod, maybe you can do something about this? ;)

Porchland

Feb 23, 2005, 07:46 AM

Looks like an interim update and price adjustment. No biggie. I think the bigger changes will come in June/July/August with a change to all-color-screen iPods and (possibly) iPod minis.

I was hoping for an iTunes 5 surprise, but I suppose that's going to wait until summer as well. I'll have to wait a little longer for playlist folders!

munkle

Feb 23, 2005, 07:46 AM

Pretty standard upgrade overall...pity the colour screens or wireless rumours didn't materialise.

Although I'm in the good books as I told my girlfriend not to buy a mini a couple of days ago after she had been hankering for one for ages! Might earn me some serious brownie points by ordering one now... ;)

(and darn MR, you were quick on the ball!)

Edit: Is the USB cable new? Why no firewire?

Edit again: Do these new minis have a new interface as well to come into line with the more recent pods?

maehara

Feb 23, 2005, 07:46 AM

Prices from the UK Apple Store:

4Gb Mini £139, 6Gb Mini £169
30Gb Photo £248.99, 60Gb Photo £309

Could be tempted by a 6Gb Mini to go with my Mac mini... Hmm...

edesignuk

Feb 23, 2005, 07:47 AM

why ?
Because they are not needed, and serve no purpose other than to make threads like this very long and a nightmare to read.

cyanide

Feb 23, 2005, 07:47 AM

who feels dumb for buying a shuffle? I do. I do. No i love my shuffle and all, but now i NEEEEEED that mini for the extra fifty bucks. mwahahaha..

kerb

Feb 23, 2005, 07:47 AM

they've dropped the 40gig normal iPod from the UK store.

the blue mini has a new hue.

2A Batterie

Feb 23, 2005, 07:47 AM

I don't own an iPod an am looking for an excuse to get one. I wish Apple could have provided me with a good excuse today. When Apple makes an 80gb iPod or one with a feature like Bluetooth, WiFi etc., I'll buy one. Until then I will just watch the rumor mills.

littlejim

Feb 23, 2005, 07:48 AM

That price drop on the 60Gb is massive. It was, as I remember, £429 ... I remember because I paid that amount!!

mad jew

Feb 23, 2005, 07:49 AM

No 40 gig? Importantly, still no 80 gig either! :(

angelneo

Feb 23, 2005, 07:50 AM

Did they update the store correctly? There seems to be a lot of broken images and the page formatting in firefox seems to go haywired for some pages.

EDIT: seems like they have fixed it

phildeckard

Feb 23, 2005, 07:50 AM

"Upload photos directly from your camera using the optional iPod Camera Connector accessory, also arriving in March"

rtdgoldfish

Feb 23, 2005, 07:50 AM

Porchland

Feb 23, 2005, 07:51 AM

Was the old blue mini a little more BLUE, or did I imagine that? This one seems like sort of an ugly turquoise.

iGary

Feb 23, 2005, 07:51 AM

Notice native charging support is now via USB 2.0 :rolleyes:

john1123

Feb 23, 2005, 07:51 AM

now you can get an ipod Photo 30GB for the same price as the U2 iPod :D

zim

Feb 23, 2005, 07:52 AM

so it looks to me like the original iPod, now down to just one single version, the 20GB one, will be eliminated eventually... unless they keep it around as an entry lower priced original sized iPod. so I guess I agree with that previous rumor of the original iPod becoming the iPod photo.... 1-2 ship days on the mini... better get my wife (she has been waiting for the update) to move on this before it ups to 3-6 weeks.

ClarkeB

Feb 23, 2005, 07:52 AM

mariahlullaby

Feb 23, 2005, 07:53 AM

How disappointing. :( :(

boom.boom.ba

Feb 23, 2005, 07:53 AM

The U2 iPod is off the iPod Store main page (Canada) but is still available from a side menu. It's showing 1-3 weeks shipping. Think it's dead when the current stock is sold??

Lord Bodak

Feb 23, 2005, 07:53 AM

I'm confused. They removed the 40gig iPod and 40 gig iPod Photo and replaced them with only a 30 gig iPod Photo. There must be a supply or cost issue associated with the 40 gig drives that we're not hearing about.

ClarkeB

Feb 23, 2005, 07:53 AM

20GB and 40GB iPods ($299 and $399)remain.[/url]

Er...there are no more 40GB iPods...

2A Batterie

Feb 23, 2005, 07:54 AM

Under the "iPod" section of the store, 20gb is the only option. I can't find mention of the 40gb model anywhere on Apple's site. Is it discontinued?

rtdgoldfish

Feb 23, 2005, 07:54 AM

They seem to be getting everyone to buy the Photo. The only regular iPod left is the 20 gig. And I think I like the new color on the Mini.

Brize

Feb 23, 2005, 07:54 AM

Pleased to see the price drops and additional battery life on the iPod mini, but those garish colours just aren't doing it for me. I hope the silver mini is pretty much the same shade as the last generation, because the others are awful.

sasza

Feb 23, 2005, 07:54 AM

And remarkable price drops in Europe AppleStores. Thanks God $ is weak :eek:

tomjleeds

Feb 23, 2005, 07:54 AM

I reckon they did it in order to not piss off all the people who got one over Christmas and Valentine's Day. Minor upgrades really, but that battery...phwoar.

I have to say the green was a tempting proposition. But I had a green Sony MD back in the day and selling it was a bitch ;)

fratrow

Feb 23, 2005, 07:54 AM

20GB and 40GB iPods ($299 and $399)remain. Updates can be found at
the Apple Store (http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=9eASk0x48lo&subid=1&offerid=13301.1&type=10&tmpid=80&RD_PARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Feducation%2Fk12%2Filifeandkeynote%2F&u1=macrumors)

Actually, it seems that the 40GB iPod is history... creating a distinct price continuum... starting at the Shuffle, through the Mini, through the Original iPod, and to iPod Photo...

With 7 models, they actually have a logical iPod line at the moment...

lasuther

Feb 23, 2005, 07:55 AM

they've dropped the 40gig normal iPod from the UK store.

the blue mini has a new hue.

I'm not seeing the 40Gig in the US store either. I don't think its really needed anyway.

lasuther

iGary

Feb 23, 2005, 07:55 AM

They better start making a lot more 512MB shuffles.

Sunrunner

Feb 23, 2005, 07:56 AM

Nice update, will be calling to get a $50 price match on the iPod mini I bought two weeks ago. Only thing that is crappy is no more firewire cable included with the Minis. And no more dock with the photo. Look in the sale section, old photos are there for $379 and $479 with case, dock, etc.

Price Match? Apple does that? News to me, unless you mean a third party reseller or something.

Something Im not clear on... are the iPods getting the increased battery life as well?

Red G5

Feb 23, 2005, 07:57 AM

Anyone else noticed that you don't appear to get the case, AV cable and dock with the photo models any more?

Of course if you didn't want them then no loss. I did so I'm happy with mine still.

Hoffer

Feb 23, 2005, 07:57 AM

I was ready to buy a new 6 gig mini with a color screen. I really wish that rumor had been true. I have a first gen mini. This upgrade isn't worth the money. It would be awesome if I didn't already have one though.

DWKlink

Feb 23, 2005, 07:57 AM

Well, at first i was a little PO'd that the 60gig photo is now selling for $50 less than i bought my 40gig for, but i guess once you take into consideration that it doesnt come with a dock, AV cable or case i guess i feel SLIGHTLY better. But only slightly. I honestly have used my dock and cable about 3 times in the past 4 months... so it was a smart move by apple to keep costs down by leaving them out. if people really need an AV cable, they can buy one separate.

Now, who's gonna trade me their 60gig photo for my 40gig & give me $50 as well... c'mon, its a great deal... any takers???

Loge

Feb 23, 2005, 07:58 AM

The iPod photo no longer includes a case, or firewire or A/V cable.

18 hours battery on the mini is cool though; it's gone from being the worst to the best in this update. :D

tomjleeds

Feb 23, 2005, 07:58 AM

outerspaceapple

Feb 23, 2005, 07:59 AM

very awesome. Kind of strange that they don't offer a 40GB photo, but I guess some people just want the color screen and don't care about 10,000 songs. personally my library is only 2700 songs, not even enough to fill up my 20GB 3rd gen.

r6girl

Feb 23, 2005, 07:59 AM

woo hoo! just placed my order for a 6 gb silver mini ipod. i'm a little bummed that there are no color screens as rumored, but the 18-hour battery life makes up for that for me. i'm going to try to pick one up at a store today and cancel my order if i can actually get one right away. the only thing is that i'm flying to the east coast this morning and won't be able to get to a store until i land out there this evening! but i'll call the store i'm targeting first to see if they have any and if they can hold one for me...

marianne

Bandit

Feb 23, 2005, 07:59 AM

"Upload photos directly from your camera using the optional iPod Camera Connector accessory, also arriving in March"

Where did you see this? I can't find it.

iGary

Feb 23, 2005, 08:01 AM

Well I just bought a 20GB iPod to replace my old 15 a couple of weeks ago.

Slightly miffed, but oh well. :D

It is a nice lineup now, aside form the $50.00 difference in the 1GB shuffle and the 4GB mini (with aluminum case, 18-hour battery and screen).

That's a no brainer.

joeboy_45101

Feb 23, 2005, 08:02 AM

This is great news! I'm thinking about getting a pink one for my girlfriend's birthday.

I really doubted that Apple would include a color screen, it just doens't make a whole lot of sense right now. The iPod Photo, is still practically new and if they brought color screens to the mini and the regular iPod's then that would effectively kill the iPod Photo line. But I don't think the iPod Photo will have a long life anyway, I think eventually the regular iPod and the iPod Photo will just become the same line. While I don't think the iPod mini will ever get a color screen, why, because it's screen is too small to comfortably view pictures.

agentmouthwash

Feb 23, 2005, 08:02 AM

iJaz

Feb 23, 2005, 08:03 AM

who feels dumb for buying a shuffle? I do. I do. No i love my shuffle and all, but now i NEEEEEED that mini for the extra fifty bucks. mwahahaha..
I don't! However I bought the 512Mb version and use it as a thumb drive a lot.
I really dig the new 6Gb mini, and lowering the price of the 4Gb is super! Now they have really a competitive line up!

DWKlink

Feb 23, 2005, 08:04 AM

Hmm. They've done that damn charger trick again, now I'm gonna have to get one from somewhere.

I think it's really cheeky not to include a standard charger, I have to say. :mad:

They've included a firewire & usb 2.0 cable that is used to charge from the computer, and an AC adapter to charge from the outlet. The only thing they've removed is the dock, which is just a prettier way to connect, but except for the line out/s-video out, provides no additional function.

Sunrunner

Feb 23, 2005, 08:04 AM

This makes the Shuffle less attractive at $99. I suppose Apple should now lower the Shuffle price a bit. It's likely they would not do it until their supply chain catches up though. Suppliers are not able to make the memory fast enough right now... The last thing Apple needs right now is even higher demand for the Shuffle. ;)

BWhaler

Feb 23, 2005, 08:05 AM

Well, this is the downside of reading rumor sites, I guess.

All I really wanted was more battery life in the mini since I take a lot of international flights. But the rumors of a color display got me really fired up. And now I am a tad bit sad.

But such is life. I sold my old mini at a great price, and now I get a new one for 25 bucks. And what I needed has been addressed by Apple is a large way:

•••18 hours of battery life•••

WOW. That's more than I was hoping for.

So in a few moments, I'll buy the new mini. Still a little sad about the color, but overall very happy about the battery life and the 2 extra gigs.

Overall, a solid upgrade from Apple. And now, they need to ensure that the next version has serious innovation since I think we can all safely say that the PC guys are close to catching-up.

jihad the movie

Feb 23, 2005, 08:06 AM

Somebody stole my 10gb 2nd Gen iPod, with the 20+ hour battery last week, and now we have 30gb iPod Photos for $319 (edu) and 18 hour iPod Minis for $229. Decisions, decisions...

PS. I really wished they would have kept the fire wire... or at least the dock. I don't want to shell out $40 for a dock. How much can a dock really be worth? It probably costs them like $3 to make.

Aaon

Feb 23, 2005, 08:07 AM

Nothing earth shattering, but the 18 hour battery life on the mini is quite impressive. Still, I'm not giving up my 4gb mini for these!

The camera download add-on for the iPod photo makes that one quite tempting though.... Hmm....

Lacero

Feb 23, 2005, 08:09 AM

I predicted 20 hours battery life for the mini. Who was the person (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=1282643&postcount=25) that said anything more than 6 hours was enough? Eat crow dude! :D

kerb

Feb 23, 2005, 08:09 AM

<b>Get the most out of your iPod photo. Coming in March, new software lets you:

Choose new slideshow transitions on the go

Upload photos directly from your camera using the optional iPod Camera Connector accessory, also arriving in March.</b>

WAKE UP FORUMS!

uploading photos from a camera straight to iPod!!!!
assumingly viewable on screen!

PHOTOGRAPHERS DREAM!!!

Aaon

Feb 23, 2005, 08:10 AM

Hmm, I just noticed that the buttons on the mini click wheel are now color-coordinated withthe case. Thats a nice touch!

zim

Feb 23, 2005, 08:11 AM

They've included a firewire & usb 2.0 cable that is used to charge from the computer, and an AC adapter to charge from the outlet. The only thing they've removed is the dock, which is just a prettier way to connect, but except for the line out/s-video out, provides no additional function.

I don't see where they say firewire and usb included. I only see a usb coming with the new models. Sorta sucks.. lame even.. I thought firewire was apple's baby.. is this so that windows users don't complain? I already have the doc cable but I know that my wife will want one with hers so that is an extra fee... oh well.

ClarkeB

Feb 23, 2005, 08:11 AM

New iPod Updater available.

Now the only actual upgrade (rather than downgrade) on the 4G ipod is available on touch wheel and scroll wheel iPods...shuffle songs in Main Menu.

tomjleeds

Feb 23, 2005, 08:11 AM

They've included a firewire & usb 2.0 cable that is used to charge from the computer, and an AC adapter to charge from the outlet. The only thing they've removed is the dock, which is just a prettier way to connect, but except for the line out/s-video out, provides no additional function.

Ah, I'm not bothered about the dock, I've never had need for one in the past.

In the Box
- iPod mini 4GB or 6GB
- Earbud headphones
- Belt clip
- USB 2.0 cable
- Getting Started guide
- CD with iTunes for Mac and Windows and electronic documentation

No mention of a Firewire cable or an AC adapter there :confused:

VincentVega

Feb 23, 2005, 08:11 AM

Quite a good update, IMHO, at least from a price standpoint (UK prices look very good) and the improved battery life on the iPod mini.

sinisterdesign

Feb 23, 2005, 08:11 AM

Was the old blue mini a little more BLUE, or did I imagine that? This one seems like sort of an ugly turquoise.

yeah, what's up w/ that? maybe they're having some iMac bondi blue flashbacks. and just what the heck WAS a "bondi", anyhow?

so WHY no new colors?? this seems like such an eeeeaaasy way to drive a ton of sales. haven't they beat these easter colors into the ground by now? they show an orange armband w/ the silver mini, but no ORANGE mini! i personally hate purple, but where's purple? or black? there's a whole rainbow of mini colors besides the easter palette.

Sunrunner

Feb 23, 2005, 08:11 AM

I predicted 20 hours battery life for the mini. Who was the person that said anything more than 6 hours was enough? Eat crow dude! :D

6 hours is definitely not enouh, but I agree that 18 hours is definitely awsome. Anyone who complains about an 18 hour charge needs to have their head examined.

varmit

Feb 23, 2005, 08:12 AM

The new iPod Camera Connector is an optional accessory that enables customers to connect their digital camera to iPod photo and import their photos into the iPod. By simply connecting the iPod Camera Connector and a digital camera, customers can easily transfer digital images to their iPod photo, providing tremendous storage space so they can take more pictures. Imported photos are immediately viewable on iPod photo's crisp color screen, and can also be brought back to iPhoto(R) on the Mac or various photo applications on the PC. The iPod Camera Connector is expected to be available in late March for $29.

Zaty

Feb 23, 2005, 08:14 AM

Hmm. They've done that damn charger trick again, now I'm gonna have to get one from somewhere.

I think it's really cheeky not to include a standard charger, I have to say. :mad:

EDIT: Having looked on everyone's friend, eBay, they're going for about a tenner. No problems there then.

I agree, not including an AC adapter is a bad idea. If go on vacation, you don't want to bring your notebook just for charging your iPod. However, with the price drop, a mini + AC adapter is still cheaper than the original mini. What's is great is the much improved battery life!

Stella

Feb 23, 2005, 08:15 AM

This is boring.

OK, cheaper prices and larger hard discs but what else?

No innovation whatsoever.

Wash!!

Feb 23, 2005, 08:15 AM

I've been drooling for a color ipod now that 30GB color ipod is calling my name and i can give my 15GB to my daughter.....got to love Apple...

ClarkeB

Feb 23, 2005, 08:15 AM

New iPod Updater available.

Now the only actual upgrade (rather than downgrade) on the 4G ipod is available on touch wheel and scroll wheel iPods...shuffle songs in Main Menu.

Here's all the info

http://www.apple.com/ipod/download/

What’s New in iPod Updater 2005-02-22

iPod shuffle Software 1.1 for iPod shuffle
-Support for iPod shuffle Battery Pack
-Increased software stability

iPod mini Software 1.3 for iPod mini
-Support for second-generation iPod mini
-Support for charging and syncing over USB with Mac OS X v10.2.8 or 10.3.4 or later

iPod Software 2.3 for iPod with dock connector
-Shuffle Songs selection in Main Menu
-Music menu item in Main Menu
-Support for iTunes 4.7 and later

iPod Software 1.5 for iPod with touch wheel or scroll wheel
-Shuffle Songs selection in Main Menu
-Music menu item in Main Menu
-Support for iTunes 4.7 and later

~

I guess Apple felt there was nothing worth noting on the new software for the 2.5G iPod

tomjleeds

Feb 23, 2005, 08:17 AM

yeah, what's up w/ that? maybe they're having some iMac bondi blue flashbacks. and just what the heck WAS a "bondi", anyhow?

so WHY no new colors?? this seems like such an eeeeaaasy way to drive a ton of sales. haven't they beat these easter colors into the ground by now? they show an orange armband w/ the silver mini, but no ORANGE mini! i personally hate purple, but where's purple? or black? there's a whole rainbow of mini colors besides the easter palette.

I would have loved a 'Charcoal' Mini. I think it would really have done justice to the design.

The blue is horrible IMO. I really liked the old blue, but this is just...rubbish and tacky. Meh. I'm happy - the battery life is just so great :)

russed

Feb 23, 2005, 08:17 AM

Wash!!

Feb 23, 2005, 08:18 AM

This is boring.

OK, cheaper prices and larger hard discs but what else?

No innovation whatsoever.

No every update needs to be earth shattering or change the course of human history.... :rolleyes: get over I sick and annoyed of these latest generations with their needs for instant gratification for everything... :rolleyes:

Trowaman

Feb 23, 2005, 08:18 AM

no firewire cables, that's not cool. And it looks like no docks with Photos anymore. That's kinda poopy.

The new shades on the mini are alot more stylish, harder to loose them. Also, the color armbands, nice.

iGary

Feb 23, 2005, 08:18 AM

Dag...I feel gutted.

I'm a photographer and I really wanted the iPod Photo, but couldn't justify the expense, and I couldn't imagine them lowering the price like this.

At $319.00 educational, I may sell the 20GB iPod I bought a coupe of weeks ago and get the Photo.

:rolleyes:

iriejedi

Feb 23, 2005, 08:18 AM

Fine Print: Firewire, AV and dock sold seperately. No real deal with the iPod photo once you buy all that....

now of course is you do not want that....

Apple announced new iPods today as expected. The new iPods include

iPod Mini
- New 6GB Model. $249
- 4GB Model. $199
- Up to 18hrs Battery Life
- 4 Colors

iPod Photo
- 30GB. $349
- 60GB. $449

20GB and 40GB iPods ($299 and $399)remain. Updates can be found at
the Apple Store (http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=9eASk0x48lo&subid=1&offerid=13301.1&type=10&tmpid=80&RD_PARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Feducation%2Fk12%2Filifeandkeynote%2F&u1=macrumors)

jholzner

Feb 23, 2005, 08:18 AM

joeboy_45101

Feb 23, 2005, 08:19 AM

Well...it officially makes NO SENSE to buy a 1GB iPod shuffle. For $50 dollars more (not even one hundred) you get four times as much memory, and a screen. What DOES makes sense is $49 for 10GB + colour screen. Why you can't play video on an iPod photo is absolutely ridiculous.

Not neccessarily, I don't think this makes the 1GB Shuffle any less attractive to consumers. The shuffle is meant to be the most simple and rugged form an iPod can take. It is small, light, and sleek. I have three iPods; the original 5GB(1st Gen.), a 15GB(3rd. Gen.), and a 1GB iPod Shuffle. I use each differently, 5GB as a backup drive, 15GB for a home stereo system when docked with my Bose Sounddock, and the 1GB Shuffle for on the go play. But that's why Apple makes so many different models of iPod, because everyone is different and uses their iPod differently.

zim

Feb 23, 2005, 08:19 AM

jsw

Feb 23, 2005, 08:20 AM

I like the changes - and am still happy with my 40GB 4G - but am starting to wonder if, perhaps, Apple is presenting too many choices. 4 families of iPods (I'm assuming the U2 version is going away shortly), 7 versions counting only size, 13 versions counting size and color (14 if you count the U2 'pod).

I think the non-photo iPod - as much as I like mine - needs to go to simplify the lineup. The iPod Photo would simply become the iPod, and you'd be back to an iPod/iPod mini/iPod Shuffle lineup. My guess is the non-Photo will go away as soon as they sell all of the screens they have left.

Hopefully, when the mini ends up with a color screen, they will shortly discontinue the non-color-screen versions.

And I do think the 1GB Shuffle still has legs. Some people just can't afford the $200 but can manage the $150. A lot more people like the Shuffle's relative invulnerability to damage. Someone who wants to store tunes and files in a Mac/PC friendly way will still buy the 1GB. However, I see the vast majority of Shuffle purchases being the 512MB one, which stores plenty of music - 8+ hours - for anyone using the Shuffle during exercise, commutes, etc.

tomjleeds

Feb 23, 2005, 08:20 AM

I agree, not including an AC adapter is a bad idea. If go on vacation, you don't want to bring your notebook just for charging your iPod. However, with the price drop, a mini + AC adapter is still cheaper than the original mini. What's is great is the much improved battery life!

Not in the UK it's not. The Mini is £10 cheaper than it was and the charger is £19 (what a rip-off). Oh well, as I said, eBay is my friend :)

how come they are gettng rid of all the firewire cables that come with them and just giving usb 2.0, i know it costs more to give both and in getting rid of one had enabled them to drop the prices further but surely they would have dropped the usb one and firwire is apples invention and far better for transferring several gigs of data. i think apple is starting to go for the windows market share too much and kind of over looking what is better in things like this.

I think it's a big disappointment that Firewire seems to be disappearing from the iPod line. Apple exist due to innovation, and giving in to USB is just a big let-down.

iGary

Feb 23, 2005, 08:20 AM

Well, now, as a Mac user, I have to pay EXTRA to use the new models!! They ony ship with USB 2 cable and a firewire cable is extra! I have firewire on my mac but USB is on USB1. Looks like Apple has been in the Windows market too long, now they are charging Man users extra. Great.

Yeah, I think the move away from Firewire is going to piss off quite a few users. Well may pissed off is a bit extreme, but I am sad to see it.

lasuther

Feb 23, 2005, 08:21 AM

I can understand why someone would go with a iPod shuffle. If you need a USB drive or an extremely small player for exersize, you'll go with the shuffle over the mini.

What I don't understand is why keep the 20Gig around. The $50 more for the iPod Photo gets you a lot of extra features, 10 more Gigs, and more battery life. I'm thinking this will be the last iPod before the iPod Photo takes its place.

lasuther

itsa

Feb 23, 2005, 08:21 AM

who feels dumb for buying a shuffle? I do. I do. No i love my shuffle and all, but now i NEEEEEED that mini for the extra fifty bucks. mwahahaha..
Better that than buying the current line of G5's and one month later seeing 3.0 for same price or less. I am getting to the point where I hate buy new computers from Apple. I know things change in the blink of an eye but, Apple need an upgrade program of some kind.

ASP272

Feb 23, 2005, 08:22 AM

So I guess all the iPod Minis that Pepsi is giving away are Gold 4gb models. ;)

This update was exactly what I expected, especially the 6gb model instead of 5gb like many kept predicting. Why would anyone bother paying $50 more for just 1gb. Anyway, cool beans. Next we should see the 80gb model photo, and hopefully with Quicktime Video and link to digital cameras to extract the photos and videos straight to the iPod. Now that would be schweeeeet! :D

DTphonehome

Feb 23, 2005, 08:23 AM

I don't see where they say firewire and usb included. I only see a usb coming with the new models. Sorta sucks.. lame even.. I thought firewire was apple's baby.. is this so that windows users don't complain? I already have the doc cable but I know that my wife will want one with hers so that is an extra fee... oh well.

I think it's OK for them to move over to USB 2.0, it's very nearly as fast, and far more common than firewire. At some point Apple might add Firewire 800 to stay ahead of the game, but it might be overkill for current iPods.
As for charging, I would hope they would include a charger, because so many PCs don't push enough (or any) power through the USB port to charge it that way.

As for other updates, it was a great move lowering the price (and capacity) of the Photo. Even if they don't include the accessories they did before. They need to get volume on these guys to lower component costs, and eventually move color to the whole line. If I didn't just change the battery in my 30gig 3G, maybe I'd consider the 30gig Photo. Heck, it would even fit in my old dock! (it's thinner now)

I think the mini colors have a lot of staying power, but it would have been nice to see a few more shades. Lack of color screen is not a real issue, yet. Price is amazing after edu discount.
It DOES come close to the shuffle, but I think that the same argument that was put forth when the shuffle was introduced still holds: it's a different target. If I go to the gym (and that's a big if ;) ), I want a TOTALLY skip-free player, that weights nothing. mini is good for roaming the streets, but shuffle is the way to go for very active people. And its use as a thumb drive is another good reason to go with it.

--DT

geese

Feb 23, 2005, 08:23 AM

yeah, what's up w/ that? maybe they're having some iMac bondi blue flashbacks. and just what the heck WAS a "bondi", anyhow?

Bondi- a beach in Australia. Hence the colour blue- the same colour as the sea.

Lacero

Feb 23, 2005, 08:23 AM

This is boring.

OK, cheaper prices and larger hard discs but what else?

No innovation whatsoever.

No panache. No wireless. Hard drive smaller than a Dell DJ. Lame.

So Stella, is this what you are saying?

Zaty

Feb 23, 2005, 08:24 AM

Not in the UK it's not. The Mini is £10 cheaper than it was and the charger is £19 (what a rip-off). Oh well, as I said, eBay is my friend :)

Really? In Switzerland, the mini was CHF 369. Now it's 279 + 39 for the charger. (Okay, you don't get the FW cable).

Savage Henry

Feb 23, 2005, 08:25 AM

It's an inresting and worthwhile upgrade that rings the death nell for the plain ole' iPod original.

russed

Feb 23, 2005, 08:26 AM

what the hell is that ipod mini lanyard!

look cool walking down the street - no, look stupid then get it nicked as some scally walks past and grabs it!

moosecat

Feb 23, 2005, 08:26 AM

Maybe I've lost my mind, or my eyesight, but I don't see a 40GB iPod anymore.

Also, where is everyone getting this language about the coming camera adaptor?

tveric

Feb 23, 2005, 08:27 AM

Well, now, as a Mac user, I have to pay EXTRA to use the new models!! They ony ship with USB 2 cable and a firewire cable is extra! I have firewire on my mac but USB is on USB1. Looks like Apple has been in the Windows market too long, now they are charging Man users extra. Great.

I just noticed that myself, and that is F*&@ED up, man. Also no iPod now comes with the dock. $20 for a Firewire cable or $40 for the Dock (comes with both cables). For Mac users, that means there was almost no price drop at all. What the hell?!?!

kaltsasa

Feb 23, 2005, 08:27 AM

(1)FireWire cable sold separately

Um, I don't think so. Apple wants me to upgrade my B&W do they. Firewire has always been Apple's pride and joy. Why do something like this?

tomjleeds

Feb 23, 2005, 08:28 AM

Really? In Switzerland, the mini was CHF 369. Now it's 279 + 39 for the charger. (Okay, you don't get the FW cable).

Precisely. Previously £179, now £169.

Unless you're only talking about the 4GB Minis? In which case they've gone from £179 to £139, which I guess is good.

How long do people think the 4GB Minis will last? Reckon they've just stuck the new batteries in the remaining stocks?

Fredstar

Feb 23, 2005, 08:28 AM

grimmace

Feb 23, 2005, 08:29 AM

iPod Photo
- 30GB. $349
- 60GB. $449

Apple, wake up and put quicktime on there! Thanks for making your product cheaper though. I wont buy this without movie capability.

Get it on there, and hurry up.

TenderBranson

Feb 23, 2005, 08:30 AM

If you go to armband accessories, you'll notice you can buy them in matching silver, blue, and pink...but ALSO yellow and orange.

Hmm...

plutnicki

Feb 23, 2005, 08:30 AM

I just ordered my wife a mini and I didn't even notice that there is no Firewire cable. Her iMac is only USB 1.1 ... That's just foolish.

I do have a USB charger I bought for my shuffle at least. One more thing...

Does anyone know how to add an item to an already placed order?

And I'm still glad I got my shuffle, even with the $200 4G mini.

varmit

Feb 23, 2005, 08:31 AM

The U2 iPod is off the iPod Store main page (Canada) but is still available from a side menu. It's showing 1-3 weeks shipping. Think it's dead when the current stock is sold??I think if anyone was to buy it, they would have bought it already. So it is kind of dead right now. The probably need to have it made special for every order of it, that might be the 3 week responce time for it.

Dagless

Feb 23, 2005, 08:31 AM

wow, i might get a 4gb iPod mini as a second MP3 player... possibly. at that price its possible. my girlfriend will probably get one too. nice one apple :)

fairplay to them, colour screen, bluetooth as standard would be nice. but hell, they have that new iPod to match the powerbook coming out soon right? save the super-features for that

18 hours battery... thats 10 hours more than my 3G iPod! goddamn :mad: :)

lasuther

Feb 23, 2005, 08:32 AM

I don't have a problem with Docks and Firewire cables being extra. I never had a dock with my Mini, and I got along just fine. I don't need a cable as long as my current cable works with the new iPods. If leaving these extra accessaries off keeps the price low, I'm all for it. A lot of current iPod users just don't need extra cables and docks if they have them now. At these prices, its a smart move. If you need it, buy it. Right now I think I'm going to get an iPod Photo.

lasuther

Lacero

Feb 23, 2005, 08:33 AM

I hardly ever use a dock and have found no instance where one was needed, since the original mini never came with one. But the price did drop $50 and the battery life extended above 200% so anyone with the original mini will be glad to know anyone buying a mini now is buying a better mini with a better value.

Zaty

Feb 23, 2005, 08:35 AM

Precisely. Previously £179, now £169.

Unless you're only talking about the 4GB Minis? In which case they've gone from £179 to £139, which I guess is good.

How long do people think the 4GB Minis will last? Reckon they've just stuck the new batteries in the remaining stocks?

Sorry, I was talking about the 4 GB minis. (The 6 GB is CHF 349, so it will cost you more as well if you buy the optional charger, but you get a 50% more capacity + better battery life.)

hughdogg

Feb 23, 2005, 08:35 AM

Here's all the info

http://www.apple.com/ipod/download/

iPod Software 2.3 for iPod with dock connector
-Shuffle Songs selection in Main Menu
-Music menu item in Main Menu
-Support for iTunes 4.7 and later

Did I read this right..Is this the long awaited Shuffle on the Main Screen for 3G users?

I was tempted by the new 30Gig iPod Photo, but this might keep me from upgrading for another few months. I'll wait and get a refurb 30 Gig iPod Photo for approx. $300 once a few start being returned. Sweet.

zelmo

Feb 23, 2005, 08:35 AM

Next time: ;)

iPod Shuffle 512MB $79
iPod Shuffle 1GB $119

iPod Mini 4GB $199
iPod Mini 6GB $249

iPod (color, BT) 30GB $299
iPod (color, BT) 60GB $399

Price drop on the Shuffle required to create separation with the great 4GB Mini price.
The iPod and iPod Photo lines will merge as the iPod gets a color display, and just be the iPod.

:p

Lacero

Feb 23, 2005, 08:36 AM

Time to retire the U2 iPod. Make it a collector's item. It already spent 2 FULL months on Apple's homepage so it got plenty of prime advertising.

Jalexster

Feb 23, 2005, 08:36 AM

I just took a closer look at the Silver mini. It's not silver. It's graphite.

schatten

Feb 23, 2005, 08:38 AM

how come they are gettng rid of all the firewire cables that come with them and just giving usb 2.0, i know it costs more to give both and in getting rid of one had enabled them to drop the prices further but surely they would have dropped the usb one and firwire is apples invention and far better for transferring several gigs of data. i think apple is starting to go for the windows market share too much and kind of over looking what is better in things like this.

Well, all new Macs come standard with USB 2.0 as well as FireWire. USB 2.0 is also actually faster than FireWire. Apple is finally 'fessing up to that fact. Unless, that is, they make a FireWire 800 iPod (ooh that would be sweet!).
Apple isn't so much "going for the Windows Market Share" as much as trying to push us folks with aged Macs to break down & upgrade!

fossyy

Feb 23, 2005, 08:39 AM

will be searching the net for a closeout 40gb photo hopefully for the same price as the 30gb

Zaty

Feb 23, 2005, 08:40 AM

What do you think, I fear they could make people buying a mini angry when they realise the AC adapter is sold separately. I only hope I'm wrong because there's a lot to lose for Apple.

jsw

Feb 23, 2005, 08:40 AM

Good news on the photo ipods, actually ok priced, they were so overpriced before.
ipod Mini's...um i am sorry but this is just absolute cr*p. Apple you are the best at disguising price drops. ok so now you can get 6gb for a bit less than 4gb but no powerpoint adapter (extra £20)! And Firewire cable extra (another 15!) So people have to charge it from the computer, how inconvenient!! So ok 6gb for 190 and 4gb for 160 quid with a powerpoint adapter.
Seriously Apple get real, i hope they lose their market share because they are well behind in the mp3 market, for example look at the brand new iriver (same price with adapter) with a 260k colour screen and ability to see jpegs, fm radio and voice recorder. They do not deserve to be the market leaders, ok a colour screen and extras are not necessary but it offers more for your money and more choice that we want for .
Apple wake up
They can't hear you over the sound of massive numbers of minis being shipped out the door. :rolleyes:

People said no one would buy a mini for $249. They did. Now they're saying they've cut too many accessories. They didn't. 1% of iPod owners actually use the power adapter. 75% probably have USB 2.0 (lots of PC owners, BTW), and the rest will buy the FW cable. They might complain, but they'll buy it.

Apple will have no problem selling these.

mcmav37

Feb 23, 2005, 08:41 AM

Overall, I think this will be pretty positive for Apple. Now, as someone who has an iPod photo, I'm interested to see these changes. I guess since the AV cable and dock aren't included anymore, I only lost out about $90 so I don't feel so bad... assuming my photo will be eligible for the software update in March. It will, right?!? Also, please let the new camera cable work faster than USB1. Even if it isn't quite USB2 it should be better than the Belkin adapters.

boom.boom.ba

Feb 23, 2005, 08:42 AM

ok so now you can get 6gb for a bit less than 4gb but no powerpoint adapter (extra £20)! So ok 6gb for 190 and 4gb for 160 quid with a powerpoint adapter.

I don't know why you're making a big deal about the powerpoint adapter. The Keynote adapter is way better.

nbs2

Feb 23, 2005, 08:43 AM

kirk26

Feb 23, 2005, 08:43 AM

6 hours is definitely not enouh, but I agree that 18 hours is definitely awsome. Anyone who complains about an 18 hour charge needs to have their head examined.

Some of us work, so 6 hours is enough for me.

aptenergy

Feb 23, 2005, 08:43 AM

Just be careful.... I applied the new update, and my 20 GB iPod refuses to start up now. Nice.

edit: nvm, resetting did the trick.

iGary

Feb 23, 2005, 08:43 AM

The issue with firewire is not speed.

I have an MDD 1.25 tower that is only a little more than a year old and it does not have USB 2.0 - yeah, I know I can add a card, and then it won't sleep properly.

The fact is..die-hard Mac users who have Macs without USB 2.0 just got effed without the benefit of lube.

NO FIREWIRE APPLE? - STOOOOOPIT!!

russed

Feb 23, 2005, 08:44 AM

Well, all new Macs come standard with USB 2.0 as well as FireWire. USB 2.0 is also actually faster than FireWire. Apple is finally 'fessing up to that fact. Unless, that is, they make a FireWire 800 iPod (ooh that would be sweet!).
Apple isn't so much "going for the Windows Market Share" as much as trying to push us folks with aged Macs to break down & upgrade!

sorry to say this but you are wrong there. USB 2.0 is theoretically faster as in 440 kbps but that is only in very short bursts whereas firewire can sustain 400kbps for longer stretches hence firewire external hard drives are far better than usb 2.0 ones. fact.

the fact is, going to usb 2.0 as the primary connection is a step backwards and is just going after all those windows users.

Lacero

Feb 23, 2005, 08:44 AM

How much was the 60GB iPod previously? It stands at $449 now.

lasuther

Feb 23, 2005, 08:44 AM

What do you think, I fear they could make people buying a mini angry when they realise the AC adapter is sold separately. I only hope I'm wrong because there's a lot to lose for Apple.

Since I have never once used my AC adapter, I doubt people would miss it. In fact, I forgot I even had one until you posted this.

lasuther

desdomg

Feb 23, 2005, 08:45 AM

USB 2 is NOT faster than Firewire 400.

I have a tibook, just over 1.5 years old - doesnt work with the new iPods. I have to pay $19 extra to Apple for the priveledge. Crazy. No floppies I understood. But no Firewire?

tomjleeds

Feb 23, 2005, 08:45 AM

I thought USB 2.0 was only faster than Firewire in burst transmissions? Although, I guess when you're transferring music files...

They can't hear you over the sound of massive numbers of minis being shipped out the door. :rolleyes:

People said no one would buy a mini for $249. They did. Now they're saying they've cut too many accessories. They didn't. 1% of iPod owners actually use the power adapter. 75% probably have USB 2.0 (lots of PC owners, BTW), and the rest will buy the FW cable. They might complain, but they'll buy it.

Apple will have no problem selling these.

1%? Unlikely. Maybe it's only 50%, but I'd put the number fairly high.

All I know is I'm sure as hell not paying £19 for one. The iPod accessories really are overpriced - £25 for the remote. Hmm.

I'm angry because they (as usual) didn't make it obvious that they're not including certain things (although I guess that's just good business sense). I'd ordered it before I realised - it seems like a completely standard thing to me.

Oh well, I'll live. I did when Apple refused to send me the remote, dock and carry case for my 20GB 4G iPod despite the fact that it was listed as having them when I ordered.

DTphonehome

Feb 23, 2005, 08:46 AM

Good news on the photo ipods, actually ok priced, they were so overpriced before.
ipod Mini's...um i am sorry but this is just absolute cr*p. Apple you are the best at disguising price drops. ok so now you can get 6gb for a bit less than 4gb but no powerpoint adapter (extra £20)! And Firewire cable extra (another 15!) So people have to charge it from the computer, how inconvenient!! So ok 6gb for 190 and 4gb for 160 quid with a powerpoint adapter.
Seriously Apple get real, i hope they lose their market share because they are well behind in the mp3 market, for example look at the brand new iriver (same price with adapter) with a 260k colour screen and ability to see jpegs, fm radio and voice recorder. They do not deserve to be the market leaders, ok a colour screen and extras are not necessary but it offers more for your money and more choice that we want for .
Apple wake up

I assume by "powerpoint" you mean an electrical outlet, and not presentation software. I haven't used mine ONCE in over 2 years of having an iPod, and neither does my wife, and she's had hers for a year. Apple is doing the right thing by lowering prices and appealing to a wider audience and charging a bit more for the people who specifically need that feature. I've got two cases and two power adaptors sitting in a drawer. Why should I pay for those?

--DT

Evangelion

Feb 23, 2005, 08:47 AM

Well...it officially makes NO SENSE to buy a 1GB iPod shuffle. For $50 dollars more (not even one hundred) you get four times as much memory, and a screen. What DOES makes sense is $49 for 10GB + colour screen. Why you can't play video on an iPod photo is absolutely ridiculous.

Think of it like this: you are in the market for a mp3-player. Your budget is around $100. Now, you might be able to squeeze the 1GB Shuffle in to your budget, but the Mini is a no-no. And if you are in the market for even cheaper mp3-player, 1GB Shuffle is too expensive, but 512MB Shuffle might do it.

Of course, some people want as small as possible mp3-player, and Shuffle has the clear advantage there. And some people prefer flash over HD's.

cobraverde

Feb 23, 2005, 08:48 AM

Has there been any change in physical size on the 60gb Photo, or is it slightly smaller? Also, is the new 30gb the same size as the old 40gb Photo?

EssentialParado

Feb 23, 2005, 08:48 AM

If you go to armband accessories, you'll notice you can buy them in matching silver, blue, and pink...but ALSO yellow and orange.

Hmm...
How likely is it they'll release these new colors anytime soon?
I've been holding back for YEARS waiting for a bright yellow iPod. The armband is EXACTLY what I wanted.. well, that color. I'll kill for a yellow iPod mini!

Zaty

Feb 23, 2005, 08:49 AM

Since I have never once used my AC adapter, I doubt people would miss it. In fact, I forgot I even had one until you posted this.

lasuther

Okay, but what do you do when you go vacation? Take you iBook with you just for charging the iPod? I always charge my mini using the AC adapter because I don't want to keep my PB awake over night just for charging.

Lacero

Feb 23, 2005, 08:49 AM

mariahlullaby

Feb 23, 2005, 08:50 AM

Makes it look sharp! I think I might get one over a shuffle. I like something at home docked up to my stereo (20 GB, 12 hrs battery that runs out constantly) and the new mini to take with me everywhere (smaller, sturdier, 18hrs battery!!!).

Hm, now should I get the 4GB or 6GB? I really only have about 3-4 Gigs of music but that's cutting it close I think for the 4 gigs (why do I have a 20 GB you ask? Battery life!! I had the original mini for two weeks and gave up on that).

Anyways, good job Apple. The iPod is MUCH more accessible now and still is cutting edge. :) :)

iGary

Feb 23, 2005, 08:51 AM

Here's a good take on the firewire deal:

http://macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/5062/

I suggest everyone put a line or email into Apple and complain.

EssentialParado

Feb 23, 2005, 08:51 AM

tommywatto

Feb 23, 2005, 08:51 AM

i only have usb 1.1 in my imac. these ipods are useless.

Fredstar

Feb 23, 2005, 08:53 AM

They can't hear you over the sound of massive numbers of minis being shipped out the door. :rolleyes:

People said no one would buy a mini for $249. They did. Now they're saying they've cut too many accessories. They didn't. 1% of iPod owners actually use the power adapter. 75% probably have USB 2.0 (lots of PC owners, BTW), and the rest will buy the FW cable. They might complain, but they'll buy it.

Apple will have no problem selling these.

You seriously think such a minority use the power adapter? I am sorry but not many people like to leave their computers on for about 2-4 hours so their minis/Shuffle's can be fully charged, i find it quite annoying for the Shuffle i have atm.
Look, i love Apple, they make great computers, i love my ipod because the scroll wheel is awesome. But Apple really could be leading the pack instead of just winning because they are the in thing atm and because when you buy music from itms you are locked onto the ipod platform (i buy most of my music there because it is the best store). ipods will go increasingly out of fashion and yes this year they will sell millions more because they carry the ipod brand. But if iriver can wack in a colour screen, voice recorder, fm radio (last two i don't want but would be nice) with an ok design and for basically the same price...Apple could.
I am considering the 30gb colour ipod for 230, which isn't too bad and being able to transfer photos directly from my diggy cam would be so good on holiday.

kaltsasa

Feb 23, 2005, 08:53 AM

For all those complaining about no dock or firewire cables.. would you rather Apple keep the iPod mini 4GB at $249 with 18hr battery life and the iPod mini 6GB price raised to $279? I'm sure you got a spare firewire cable lying around somewhere.

As far as I know my 6 pin to 6 pin firewire cables(from my 2nd Gen iPod) won't work on the ipod mini's funkadellic port on the bottom. Perhaps I'm wrong.

mrgrill

Feb 23, 2005, 08:53 AM

Has there been any change in physical size on the 60gb Photo, or is it slightly smaller? Also, is the new 30gb the same size as the old 40gb Photo?

The 60GB is the same spec in terms of dimensions and weight as before. The 30GB is 2 ounces lighter I think.

Also, does anyone think that the new iPod photo Camer connector thingy that comes out in march will be compatible with the 40GB iPod photo? Surely it must be? My friend has just returned from the states the other day with a brand new [albeit] extinct 40GB photo for me...

At least I get all the accesories though
:rolleyes:

Lacero

Feb 23, 2005, 08:54 AM

Here's a good take on the firewire deal:

http://macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/5062/

I suggest everyone put a line or email into Apple and complain.

You're getting the 4gb mini at $199, not $249. Apple's not going to take you seriously. Would you rather Apple keep the price at $249 so you can get to keep your beloved firewire cable? Gimme a break!

BornAgainMac

Feb 23, 2005, 08:55 AM

who feels dumb for buying a shuffle? I do. I do. No i love my shuffle and all, but now i NEEEEEED that mini for the extra fifty bucks. mwahahaha..

I think the 1 GB shuffle is sort of dumb but the 512 Mb shuffle is on target. Why? I don't want to shuffle 240 songs because 120 is plenty for jogging. 2nd, I use a keychain for my docs already that I carry around anyways. I only use the shuffle for shuffling music. 3rd, having that much music depends more on working with playlists and a screen that the mini provides.

I am disappointed that the mini doesn't have color as standard at the same price but I do like the 18 hour battery life and lower price for the 4 GB model.

lasuther

Feb 23, 2005, 08:56 AM

Okay, but what do you do when you go vacation? Take you iBook with you just for charging the iPod? I always charge my mini using the AC adapter because I don't want to keep my PB awake over night just for charging.

Of course I take my iBook with me on vacation. I'm just saying that its great Apple isn't including adapters and cables standard anymore because I have them already and don't want to pay for stuff I already have. I'd rather get a price drop. I see this move catering to the Apple faithful, not moving away from them. If someone needs an adapter or cable, buy one. Don't make me pay for it every time I buy a new Apple product.

lasuther

Hattig

Feb 23, 2005, 08:57 AM

I just ordered my wife a mini and I didn't even notice that there is no Firewire cable. Her iMac is only USB 1.1 ... That's just foolish.

A Firewire cable (6ft, 6-pin to 6-pin) is $3.49 at NewEgg. Maybe it'll be $8 at your local superstore.

You don't have to buy Apple(tm) Firewire cables!

Also, if you are upgrading your iPod, keep the old Firewire cable you got with it? Depending on the age of your old iPod, you could just sell it on with the new USB2 cable!

jouster

Feb 23, 2005, 08:58 AM

I assume by "powerpoint" you mean an electrical outlet

No, he means a powerpoint, not an "electrical outlet." Amazingly, not every English speaking nation uses the same terminology.

Evangelion

Feb 23, 2005, 08:58 AM

i only have usb 1.1 in my imac. these ipods are useless.

So buy the optional Firewire-cable! Sheesh! you are spending hundreds of dollars on an mp3-player, but spending $19 on a Firewire-cable is too much??? I mean, REALLY?????

zelmo

Feb 23, 2005, 08:58 AM

U2 iPod, wave bye-bye.
Who would buy a 20GB U2 iPod, when they can get an extra 10GB AND a color screen for the same price?

AidenShaw

Feb 23, 2005, 08:59 AM

Well, now, as a Mac user, I have to pay EXTRA to use the new models!! ... I have firewire on my mac but USB is on USB1. Looks like Apple has been in the Windows market too long, now they are charging Man users extra. Great.

All new Macs have USB 2.0, that's what Jobs wants you to buy!

It's the "halo effect", but it forces Mac users to buy a new Mac rather than encouraging switchers. :eek:

nbs2

Feb 23, 2005, 08:59 AM

I'm sure you got a spare firewire cable lying around somewhere.

Maybe they do, but do they have one with a dock connector on it?

I use my dock and power adapter everyday - I only connect to my PB to update. Why? Because I let my computer sleep at night and don't want to keep it awake. Also, when I wake it up in the morning, the days when I forgot to disconnect, it starts trying to sync again. As for the dock? I use the line out. I find it more convenient to control the volume via the speakers than with the volume on the ipod. Plus the music is clearer.

If I had to live without one? I think I could get by without the dock, but the adapter is especially helpful for the days where I don't feel like taking out my PB for the night - I'm still guaranteed a full charge the next day. Also, like several other people, I travel enough where I don't need the PB that it is easier to plug in the iPod into the wall than change my mind and drag the PB. And think about a lot of those PC laptop users (or any desktop user)...Are they going to drag 10-60lbs (including monitor) everywhere?

Zappaman

Feb 23, 2005, 09:00 AM

It makes sense to me that Apple will wait until Tiger to perhaps software-enable Quicktime 7 on the iPod photos. That way you'll be able to have super long videos on your iPod. Along with Tiger will come iTunes 5 and Quicktime 7 with the H.264 codec.... Since software updates are coming in March to the iPod, perhaps VIDEO updates will come via software with Tiger. I'd hate for Apple to wait until another hardware generation of iPod photos to add video capability. This is the "Year of HD" after all. Perhaps the video enabled iPod photos will coincide with an 80GB model, but seriously, with the H.264 codec you can fit a crapload of video on a 60GB iPod photo.

Always wishfully thinking... :)

Zappaman

BWhaler

Feb 23, 2005, 09:00 AM

Well, I just bought a blue mini.

Sure, I would of loved a color screen. But the battery life was WAY beyond my expectations, and the 50% HD bump was nice too.

I know people may be upset about the lack of firewire cable, but I already have a dock and firewire. For me, this was about getting a markedly better mini.

Shipping is showing 1-2 days. I hope to have it by the beginning of next week.

lasuther

Feb 23, 2005, 09:01 AM

Here's a good take on the firewire deal:

http://macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/5062/

I suggest everyone put a line or email into Apple and complain.

And I suggest everyone put a line or email into Apple to thank them for not forcing users to buy a cable they might not need. I'd rather save $50 then get a cable I already have. If you need it, cough up $20. That is still cheaper than the old mini.

lasuther

tomjleeds

Feb 23, 2005, 09:01 AM

Of course I take my iBook with me on vacation. I'm just saying that its great Apple isn't including adapters and cables standard anymore because I have them already and don't want to pay for stuff I already have. I'd rather get a price drop. I see this move catering to the Apple faithful, not moving away from them. If someone needs an adapter or cable, buy one. Don't make me pay for it every time I buy a new Apple product.

lasuther

I guess you're right, but the problem is that they're such a rip-off. You pay £2.50 for a standard Firewire cable, yet Apple insist on charging £15 because it's got the silly 'dock connector' (wait, the docks don't come as standard anymore ;)).

A Firewire cable (6ft, 6-pin to 6-pin) is $3.49 at NewEgg. Maybe it'll be $8 at your local superstore.

You don't have to buy Apple(tm) Firewire cables!

Also, if you are upgrading your iPod, keep the old Firewire cable you got with it? Depending on the age of your old iPod, you could just sell it on with the new USB2 cable!

Do you see a 6-pin Firewire port on the Mini? Thought not ;)

iGary

Feb 23, 2005, 09:03 AM

Pissed?

Here ya go

http://www.petitiononline.com/firewire/petition.html

Just set it up.

Hattig

Feb 23, 2005, 09:03 AM

DTphonehome

Feb 23, 2005, 09:03 AM

i only have usb 1.1 in my imac. these ipods are useless.

Waaaa! My 486 DX/33 only has a serial port (my dot-matrix printer takes up the parallel port)!! These ipods are useless!!

Zaty

Feb 23, 2005, 09:04 AM

Of course I take my iBook with me on vacation. I'm just saying that its great Apple isn't including adapters and cables standard anymore because I have them already and don't want to pay for stuff I already have. I'd rather get a price drop. I see this move catering to the Apple faithful, not moving away from them. If someone needs an adapter or cable, buy one. Don't make me pay for it every time I buy a new Apple product.

lasuther

I agree it's great that you don't have to pay for something you already have. However, if Apple wants to stay #1, they have to sell tons of iPods to first time customers who don't have chargers and might be tempted to buy a competing product that includes a charger. Secondly, I think I'm not the only one going on vacation without taking my PB along.

RqThrottle

Feb 23, 2005, 09:06 AM

jbembe

Feb 23, 2005, 09:08 AM

WAKE UP FORUMS!

uploading photos from a camera straight to iPod!!!!
assumingly viewable on screen!

PHOTOGRAPHERS DREAM!!!

And don't forget to mention that if they're integrating it into the iPod then it will probably be as easy to organize, transfer, veiw and store as iTunes is for music!!!! I have the iGriffin photo transfer device whichi is o.k. and I expect something straight from Apple to be MUCH better. :D

jcshas

Feb 23, 2005, 09:08 AM

The price drop on the 60GB iPod Photo is nice, but lowering the capacity of the "low" end iPod Photo down to 30 GB seems a little cheap on Apples part. Sure they dropped the price, but why take away 10 GB in the process :(

Rovias

Feb 23, 2005, 09:08 AM

iPod photo 30 GB
- USB 2.0 cable
- AC adapter
$349

iPod photo 40 GB ("Special Deals" section in Apple Store)
- USB 2.0 AND Firewire cable
- AC adapter
- iPod photo dock
- carrying case
- iPod photo AV cables
- 10 extra gigs of memory
$379

I sprung for the 40 GB. $30 bucks extra for all of those accessories is a STEAL, especially when they would have upped the price of the 30 GB well over $400.

DTphonehome

Feb 23, 2005, 09:10 AM

No, he means a powerpoint, not an "electrical outlet." Amazingly, not every English speaking nation uses the same terminology.

And to think, for all these years MS has been selling software to find a place to plug in your AC devices, and everyone's been using it for presentations. Live and learn.

Fredstar

Feb 23, 2005, 09:10 AM

I agree it's great that you don't have to pay for something you already have. However, if Apple wants to stay #1, they have to sell tons of iPods to first customers who don't have chargers and might be tempted to buy competing product that includes a charger. Secondly, I think I'm not the only one going on vacation without taking my PB along.

This is exactly my point, when abroad or if you just don't have a Laptop then there is no chance to charge the ipod mini when abroad...unless of course you pay £20 for one. Which again adds to the price and it becomes less appealing.
Apple have a real knack of just cutting down on accessories and decreasing prices rather than actually passing on the savings through tech becoming cheaper and economies of scale. Although i gotta say the massive plus and is the 18 hour battery that makes it very tempting - because yes i already have a ac adapter and a Firewire cables.

ziwi

Feb 23, 2005, 09:14 AM

It is a nice refresh of the line. Some lower pricepoints that make people wonder about the 1GB shuffle when the 4gb mini is $50 more and then the $50 diff for the 6GB mini to the 20GB ipod. Interesting to see the 30GB ipod photo - perhaps the 60's are not selling that good.
It is a nice refresh/reprice - not a re-design so keep that in mind - I am sure we would all like to see this approach on the PM and iMac's :)

Avicdar

Feb 23, 2005, 09:14 AM

I have been holding out to buy my first iPod for months, and I must say I was expecting much more. But then again, it is Apple we are talking about!

After more than a year after it's introduction, the only significant improvement Apple makes to the iPod mini is a (much) longer battery life and a bigger HD. It's better than nothing, but I feel slightly dissapointed overall.

What the..??

Its a music player. So they upped the ability for the unit to play more songs, longer. HD size and battery life are the two biggest factors that make up an iPod, and Apple just increased them both.

How is this not significant? You say you were expecting 'much more'. Ok, exactly what were you expecting? I'd sure like to know how you can improve on a mini beyond upping the HD and battery life.

But then again after reading your message, you don't own an iPod, so I guess you don't really 'get it'. The iPod doesn't really need any more features or bloating to make it a better music player other than what Apple added today. Use one and you will see. Get off the fence already.

aafuss1

Feb 23, 2005, 09:18 AM

The iPod Photo can now use a iPod Camera Connector for the iPod photo and import their photos into the iPod.

The iPod mini now starts in Aus for $299

Anyway, here is what I predicted-and what we got:
60GB iPod Photo ($449)
40gb iPod Photo ($349)-both prices correct, 30GB model introduced.
A 80GB model later in the year

New features:
-Win- many camera's memory cards appear as mass storage devices (in Explorer), iPhoto photo should do too-similar to how the iPod shuffle is miunted when used as a flash drive. Sync with other photo organisers (eg. Jasc PSP Photo Album, ACDSee, Microsoft Digital Image Suite's DigitaL Image Suite)-instead of just Adobe products supported-not as I planned, but iPod Camera Connector is a easier way to sync and.
No BT support-Correct
iPod :
20GB and 40GB iPod with color screens-30/60GB for iPod Photo-and now only 20GB standard iPod model .

SE editions- U2, Michael Jackson, John Mayer (he has appeared at Apple keynotes, perhaps preloded with some of his music). HP:Gwen Safani, Not likely Nickelodeon (not likely at all, but would be cool),
My SE edition idea would be a Invader ZIM iPod
20GB, in green/ silver back
(well, there are DVD's, action figures, etc and there is a iPod mini that is green and love the show)-No, no new special editions were released

Available in the current style, different colors (green, brushed metal look?)
iPod Mini 5/6GB current price and color screens-new 6GB model , lower price for some models, Up to 18 hours battery life-higher than some of the other iPods and no more 'gold' model and no color screens ;
iPod shuffle as is
__________________

lasuther

Feb 23, 2005, 09:19 AM

I agree it's great that you don't have to pay for something you already have. However, if Apple wants to stay #1, they have to sell tons of iPods to first customers who don't have chargers and might be tempted to buy competing product that includes a charger. Secondly, I think I'm not the only one going on vacation without taking my PB along.

I see what you are saying. But I think price is more important that included accessaries. For example, I bought my first iPod and have never used the charger. I would have prefered the price be $20 cheaper. If people need a charger, they can buy is seperately. iPods are actually become price competitive. Check out Bestbuy.com . Apple makes the cheapest 512MB and 1GB player. The iPod Mini is at the same price point as some 1Gig flash drive players. I thought an iPod photo at $350 would be impossible. I like that Apple is leaving it up to the user to decide what accessaries they need. At these current prices, people can afford accessaries.

lasuther

iGary

Feb 23, 2005, 09:19 AM

And don't get me wrong, I think this was a nice update...but no FireWire?

Lame.

Threnody

Feb 23, 2005, 09:20 AM

Pissed?

Here ya go

http://www.petitiononline.com/firewire/petition.html

Just set it up.

I signed it! It doesn't make much sense to leave Mac users, of all people out in the cold.

This isn't about a $50 price drop. I hope nobody honestly believes it costs more than $5 for Apple to manufacture that cable. It's all about margins (as usual!)

I also agree that there's no excuse for the lack of an AC charger for the mini. Potential switchers could be a little put off to find it's not in the box, when they've just paid $200. It seems cheap on Apple's part.

corywoolf

Feb 23, 2005, 09:20 AM

maybe it was a misunderstanding, but it says the firewire cord is now optional (costs extra). So I guess usb 2.0 has taken over the ipods!!! Thats so lame, I am so bummed, I got a 40 Gb ipod photo for $500 and now the 60 gb is only $450! oh well, guess I just have to look forward to that one becoming outdated. No new features with the photo though, so that makes me feel better. so self centered (i know) ;)

AidenShaw

Feb 23, 2005, 09:22 AM

USB 2 is NOT faster than Firewire 400.

http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=6007-6133

Test shows about 5 MB/sec (40 Mb/sec) for the 4 GB MicroDrive.

Even the larger 1.8" disks come in at 10-20 MB/sec, well within the USB 2.0 deliverable range. (http://www.bluesmoke.net/review63_3.html)

As long as the bus is somewhat faster than the drive, it doesn't much matter how much faster. The drive is the bottleneck.

arnette

Feb 23, 2005, 09:25 AM

Jalexster

Feb 23, 2005, 09:27 AM

SNIP
USB 2.0 is also actually faster than FireWire.
SNIP

Theoretically, and it terms of peak performance in optimal conditions, this is true, but in terms of normal performance, Firewire has faster transfer speeds (Just like how the PS2 can push 75 million polys in perfect conditions (tech demos), yet the Gamecube has the highest poly games).

Timboid

Feb 23, 2005, 09:27 AM

Never having had an iPod, will a standard 6-4 firewire cable work in the iPod photo, say? i.e. the same style as i use for my Video Firewire connection?

Pardon the dumb question!

Hattig

Feb 23, 2005, 09:29 AM

£25.00 for an iPod mini dock ... bloody hell.

Sure, it's nice that you can connect it to a stereo system if you remember to take it with you, but ... £25! £15 when purchased with an iPod mini I might consider it!

I mean, it is a bit of plastic with 3 ports and a connector!

Never mind that it'll take a week to ship.

Timboid

Feb 23, 2005, 09:32 AM

tried to see on the iPod mini gallery, but the link takes me to the iPod Photo gallery... Hmmn!

CAn't tell from there what the Firwire connector is.

chaos86

Feb 23, 2005, 09:32 AM

Okay, but what do you do when you go vacation? Take you iBook with you just for charging the iPod? I always charge my mini using the AC adapter because I don't want to keep my PB awake over night just for charging.

a sleeping pb while plugged into AC itself will still put power through to firewire. a sleeping pb on batteries wont.

now heres an idea for apple. get rid of the ac plug for powerbooks and charge them via firewire using the same powerbrick as the ipods! ive always wondered why they didnt do that. i always wondered if it would work but i dont have the balls to try it on my pb.

anonymous161

Feb 23, 2005, 09:33 AM

So Apple is phasing out FireWire? Weird.

Also, I don't like the 'bolder' colors. I was really hoping for NEW colors, but whatever.

If FireWire isn't included, how do the AC adapters work for the new ipods? Do they plug in by USB adapter?

Yes, the new AC adapters are the units used with the shuffles, which have a USB port instead of the Firewire port

pimentoLoaf

Feb 23, 2005, 09:33 AM

Didn't my current 15gb poddie cost as much as the twice-bigger 30gb -- $349?

Maybe when they bring out a 90-100gb model for that price I can get a new one.

jamdr

Feb 23, 2005, 09:34 AM

Wow, after all of the rumors over the past couple of days this update is a little disappointing. Of course the extra capacity and longer battery life of the mini is welcomed, but I wonder what happened to the color screens or bluetooth? I'm glad to see Apple isn't expanding the line too much; it's good that they dropped the 40GB iPod with the introduction of the 6GB mini. I still think they should condense the line even more. Give the iPod line the capabilities of the Photo and drop then drop the Photo models (which seems to be the direction they are going).

And maybe it's just me, but the new blue mini is ugly--I almost wish I had bought a blue mini at Christmas to get the lighter hue.

srobert

Feb 23, 2005, 09:35 AM

no firewire cables, that's not cool. And it looks like no docks with Photos anymore. That's kinda poopy.

My guess is that it was simpler to use USB 2.0 for the future "Camera download" feature since most digital cameras use USB interfaces. As much as I love firewire, that looks like a sound decision.

wPod

Feb 23, 2005, 09:35 AM

stupid apple. . .
no firewire cable?!?!!?! what are they thinking? my rev A PB doesnt have USB 2.0!!!!! i can manage with my shuffle b/c its not that many songs, but if/when i get a new full size iPod i will want to use firewire!!! if they are trying to save money then they should ditch the USB2 cable and make all the windows users fork out the extra money for the cable!!! but i guess the majority of people who buy iPods are windows users :-/

no gold minis . . oh well.
no 40GB iPod just means a nice lineup of iPods. im sure everything will change to color soon (look at creative labs lineup of iPod-look-alikes they will all have color screens by the end of this year)

but all this considered, and while im still enjoying my new shuffle. i am going to hold of buying an iPod until i can get wireless with it or on it. and a color screen would be nice as well!!

blackfox

Feb 23, 2005, 09:35 AM

As someone who has yet to buy an ipod, I am looking at the 4GB mini model, as I don't need much more space than that.

My questions, however, are:

since the new models do not come with an AC adaptor or a firewire cable, can you use generic versions of either? I have a million firewire cables (4 and 6 pin) and a number of AC adaptors with universal connections. Neither of my computers have USB 2, so it would be a lot more convenient this way, obviously. I also do not always travel with my PB (for charging).

Just curious. Thanks.

fabsgwu

Feb 23, 2005, 09:37 AM

Here's all the info

http://www.apple.com/ipod/download/

What’s New in iPod Updater 2005-02-22

iPod shuffle Software 1.1 for iPod shuffle
-Support for iPod shuffle Battery Pack
-Increased software stability

iPod mini Software 1.3 for iPod mini
-Support for second-generation iPod mini
-Support for charging and syncing over USB with Mac OS X v10.2.8 or 10.3.4 or later

iPod Software 2.3 for iPod with dock connector
-Shuffle Songs selection in Main Menu
-Music menu item in Main Menu
-Support for iTunes 4.7 and later

iPod Software 1.5 for iPod with touch wheel or scroll wheel
-Shuffle Songs selection in Main Menu
-Music menu item in Main Menu
-Support for iTunes 4.7 and later

~

I guess Apple felt there was nothing worth noting on the new software for the 2.5G iPod

Wow, do we (3g users) finally get the shuffle menu itme in the main menu? I like that the 30gig iPod Photo is more slim, closer to the 20gig regluar ipod :)

TylerL

Feb 23, 2005, 09:38 AM

now heres an idea for apple. get rid of the ac plug for powerbooks and charge them via firewire using the same powerbrick as the ipods! ive always wondered why they didnt do that. i always wondered if it would work but i dont have the balls to try it on my pb.

Nothing would happen if you plug the AC adapter into your PowerBook. They're both firewire devices and will communicate the power needs.
Also, looking at my 12" PowerBook, it requires 24 volts at up to 1.875 amps.
That's way out of FireWire's spec.

For those complaining about the lack of FireWire in the new iPods, I will gladly sell you the 4GB iPod mini bundled with an Apple FireWire Dock Connector cable for $249.

TheMasin9

Feb 23, 2005, 09:39 AM

No 40 gig? Importantly, still no 80 gig either! :(
do u really need 20000 songsin ur pocket?

wangagat

Feb 23, 2005, 09:39 AM

hey guys,

can anyone confirm if my ipod remote from a 3rd Gen 15GB is compatible with the Ipod mini?

it looks like the same connector, but I just want to be sure.

thanks,
Daniel

DTphonehome

Feb 23, 2005, 09:43 AM

now heres an idea for apple. get rid of the ac plug for powerbooks and charge them via firewire using the same powerbrick as the ipods! ive always wondered why they didnt do that. i always wondered if it would work but i dont have the balls to try it on my pb.

I could be wrong, but I think that the firewire port won't accept current, it only puts it out. And if it does accept inward current, it couldn't be too high, and the charge time would probably take forever. iPods trickle charge over hours, and they have far smaller batteries than PBs.

Now, if they had one power brick, with two cables (one for iPod's dock connector, and one for PB's AC in, with the power brick sensing the current needed for a given device), that might work, but might not be the most elegant solution. Then again, neither is two seperate power bricks.

--DT

Hattig

Feb 23, 2005, 09:45 AM

since the new models do not come with an AC adaptor or a firewire cable, can you use generic versions of either? I have a million firewire cables (4 and 6 pin) and a number of AC adaptors with universal connections. Neither of my computers have USB 2, so it would be a lot more convenient this way, obviously. I also do not always travel with my PB (for charging).

Just curious. Thanks.

One of the iPod mini accessories is an adaptor so that you can use a standard Firewire cable, it also has a line out and cable, a bit like the dock. It is a little cheaper than the iPod Mini Dock.

AdamZ

Feb 23, 2005, 09:45 AM

Why is Apple continuing to leave us Mac users is the cold. We are loyal to them, but they are smacking us in the face with this one. All of us have been defending Firewire for years now! My Mac is only 1.5 years old, but it has no USB2. I suspect the same thing is happening with iTunes 5.0 Apple will downgrade it in order for Windows users to be able to use it, instead of going all out and taking advantage of upcoming Tiger features.

I'm so pissed off at them.

We have 2 unused firewire ports now!!!

fossyy

Feb 23, 2005, 09:46 AM

For those ipod lovers that are disapointed how would those hopeful imac & pmac fans be this morning :) :eek: :eek:

AidenShaw

Feb 23, 2005, 09:47 AM

Neither of my computers have USB 2, so it would be a lot more convenient this way, obviously. I also do not always travel with my PB (for charging).

USB 1.1 is compatible with USB 2.0, just slower. USB 1.1 supplies power for charging - just like USB 2.0.

However, the Apple spec page only lists USB 2.0. (http://www.apple.com/ipodmini/specs.html)

It would be odd if Apple did something to intentionally break compatibility with USB 1.1...

killuminati

Feb 23, 2005, 09:48 AM

I have to say i really dont like the look of the new pods. The colors aren't as nice and I really dont like that the writing on the click wheel is the clour of the ipod. It makes it really hard to read.

iGary

Feb 23, 2005, 09:49 AM

mxpiazza

Feb 23, 2005, 09:50 AM

A Firewire cable (6ft, 6-pin to 6-pin) is $3.49 at NewEgg. Maybe it'll be $8 at your local superstore.

You don't have to buy Apple(tm) Firewire cables!

Also, if you are upgrading your iPod, keep the old Firewire cable you got with it? Depending on the age of your old iPod, you could just sell it on with the new USB2 cable!

except for the fact that apple uses a proprietary firewire port on their iPods, so a standard cable won't work...

wPod

Feb 23, 2005, 09:50 AM

heh. . . just saw this on cnn.com

http://money.cnn.com/2005/02/22/technology/ipod.reut/index.htm?cnn=yes

looks like everyone was predicting color screens for the minis.

swissmann

Feb 23, 2005, 09:53 AM

The best thing about these updates in my opinion is the 18 hours of battery life.

EssentialParado

Feb 23, 2005, 09:54 AM

Here's my predictions:

End of march:
iPod mini Yellow + Orange colors added to the range,
iTunes update,
Camera2iPod cable (fact already)

(=

Lacero

Feb 23, 2005, 09:55 AM

Laslo Panaflex

Feb 23, 2005, 09:56 AM

http://images.apple.com/ipodphoto/images/indexcopying10262004.jpg

I live in San Luis Obispo. Thought it was funny that someone at Apple took a vacation here and used a screenshot of them syncing their pics.

I saw this when the iPod photo was originally released.

sinisterdesign

Feb 23, 2005, 09:59 AM

Waaaa! My 486 DX/33 only has a serial port (my dot-matrix printer takes up the parallel port)!! These ipods are useless!!

lol. :D

i was really hoping for a SCSI connector for my iPod photo. or maybe a new floppy disk accessory.

yes, it sucks that there's no firewire, but the fact is if Apple can save $$$ by only including one cable, which cable are they going to forfeit? i'm not sure what the stats are, but i feel sure that PC users out-purchase Mac users for iPods by a good margin – there are just more OF them. i hate USB b/c my iPod won't recharge off that connection.

dotdotdot

Feb 23, 2005, 10:01 AM

I'm just happy my 3G 20 GB finally got an update!!!!!!!!

I do think that discontinuing the 40 GB was not too great a move for Apple...

They could have lowered the 20 GB price to 249, discontinued the 4 GB mini, lowered the new mini price to 199, make a new regular 30 GB model 349, then make a 30 GB photo at 399, 40 GB photo at 499, and 60 GB at 599...

Mike Teezie

Feb 23, 2005, 10:01 AM

Awwwwww man, they killed Gold!

That's the color I was going to get!

:(

Diatribe

Feb 23, 2005, 10:02 AM

chabig

Feb 23, 2005, 10:02 AM

Okay, but what do you do when you go vacation? Take you iBook with you just for charging the iPod? I always charge my mini using the AC adapter because I don't want to keep my PB awake over night just for charging.
When I go anywhere I always take my Powerbook. Why don't you? I use it to watch DVDs and and manage my vacation photos. And you don't have to keep your PC on overnight (is that a bad thing anyway?) because it charges the iPod while it's asleep.

Chris

Squire

Feb 23, 2005, 10:03 AM

Anyone else noticed that you don't appear to get the case, AV cable and dock with the photo models any more?

Of course if you didn't want them then no loss. I did so I'm happy with mine still.

After I received my ~$650 40 GB iPod Photo and noticed the lack of remote control, I was pissed. But I still had the remote from my 20 gigger so it wasn't a big loss to me (just to my brother, the recipient of said 20 gigger).

This isn't about a $50 price drop. I hope nobody honestly believes it costs more than $5 for Apple to manufacture that cable. It's all about margins (as usual!)
There we have it! Margins.

I also agree that there's no excuse for the lack of an AC charger for the mini. Potential switchers could be a little put off to find it's not in the box, when they've just paid $200. It seems cheap on Apple's part.

How much does it cost Apple to make a firewire cable? How about an AC charger? Before Steve showed off the iPod socks at the Keynote (Which was it? The Music Event?), he said, "Sometimes I think the accessory manufacturers make more money than we do." Or something to that effect. While the iPod has certainly been an uber successful high-margin product, the accessory guys have also been making tons. Perhaps Jobs & Co. have decided to put an end to it. From a business point of view, one can hardly blame them.

Squire

fossyy

Feb 23, 2005, 10:03 AM

Here's my predictions:

End of march:
iPod mini Yellow + Orange colors added to the range,
iTunes update,

Camera2iPod cable (fact already)

(=
Hope your right ,orange mini for me plus colour screen.

lasuther

Feb 23, 2005, 10:04 AM

Maybe I misunderstood what happened in the update, but the iPods still have Firewire compatibility, right? It would suck if Apple removed all firewire ports from the iPods. I thought they just stopped packaging Firewire cables standard.

lasuther

mxpiazza

Feb 23, 2005, 10:05 AM

i love how everyone is deeming their $1000+ cost systems as "worthless" just because of their refusal to purchase a $19 cable...

bottom line, more people in the product base use USB than Firewire. all of Apple's computers released at least in the past 18 months have USB 2.0 (correct me if i'm wrong). it was a logical cost-cutting step taken by them... i find it hard to believe that they didn't do research on this decision before they made it.

that being said, great update (the new blue is hideous). i think delaying color screens on the mini until the whole ipod line goes to color was a good idea, then the 20GB, the previous most sold model, would have really been the odd man out.

chabig

Feb 23, 2005, 10:06 AM

You seriously think such a minority use the power adapter? I am sorry but not many people like to leave their computers on for about 2-4 hours so their minis/Shuffle's can be fully charged, i find it quite annoying for the Shuffle i have atm.
I do think the 1% is probably about right. I've owned an iPod since gen 1 (Nov '01) and never once used the AC adapter. The iPod charges while your Mac is asleep.
...because when you buy music from itms you are locked onto the ipod platform...
Buying CDs lock you into the CD platform. Buying Windows Media locks you into their platform. Quit complaining because you're locked into the best platform out there.

Yvan256

Feb 23, 2005, 10:06 AM

Here's all the info

http://www.apple.com/ipod/download/

What’s New in iPod Updater 2005-02-22

Ouch, what's with the 42MB download for iPod updates?! (Windows version)

Jeromie

Feb 23, 2005, 10:07 AM

chabig

Feb 23, 2005, 10:07 AM

As far as I know my 6 pin to 6 pin firewire cables(from my 2nd Gen iPod) won't work on the ipod mini's funkadellic port on the bottom. Perhaps I'm wrong.
These $20 adapters (http://www.sendstation.com/) are available all over. I love mine.

Chris

blackfox

Feb 23, 2005, 10:08 AM

number9

Feb 23, 2005, 10:08 AM

Any one notice that on the new Mini page, it sasy that if your library is too large for the mini, iTunes will "automatically fill it for you." Seems as tho the Autofill feature applies to the mini now too. Alos I notived in the iPod software update these are listed:

What’s New in iPod Updater 2005-02-22

--iPod shuffle Software 1.1 for iPod shuffle

Support for iPod shuffle Battery Pack

Increased software stability

--iPod mini Software 1.3 for iPod mini

Support for second-generation iPod mini

Support for charging and syncing over USB with Mac OS X v10.2.8 or 10.3.4 or later

---iPod Software 2.3 for iPod with dock connector

Shuffle Songs selection in Main Menu

Music menu item in Main Menu

Support for iTunes 4.7 and later

--iPod Software 1.5 for iPod with touch wheel or scroll wheel

Shuffle Songs selection in Main Menu

Music menu item in Main Menu

Support for iTunes 4.7 and later

I'm not sure if the Shuffle menu feature and the Music menu item had been put on 3G iPods yet

AdamZ

Feb 23, 2005, 10:09 AM

Are you still sore on a $19 firewire cable? Me thinks it's time you have other things to worry about. no?

Dude, you must not be a Mac user or you would understand. We have been singing the praises of, and defending the use of Firewire for years now. Apple is totally neglecting its loyal followers. It's not about the money for us, but aparently is for them. It's the fact that it is a total change in their thinking. Leaving us to feel that we don't matter. Like I stated before, where in the heck is iTunes 5.0? Apple probably can't figure out how to make it rock on the various Windows boxes out there, so we are made to suffer.

acrobat

Feb 23, 2005, 10:09 AM

i love how people keep saying "why would i buy "x" iPod when for $50 more, i could buy "y" iPod?" have you noticed that it's that way almost all the way up the line? ($50 price difference between every iPod except for the iPod photos). that, my friends, is called smart marketing. it's called upselling and is just like at the movie theatres when you order that medium drink and they tell you that you can get a large for just 25 cents more. same concept... larger scale.

as far as the firewire and ac adapter go... this is crap. i use my ac adapter every day on both my iPod and my mini. and firewire is CLEARLY better and is the brainchild of Apple. what the crap is with these people?

-acrobat

Yvan256

Feb 23, 2005, 10:10 AM

how come they are gettng rid of all the firewire cables that come with them and just giving usb 2.0, i know it costs more to give both and in getting rid of one had enabled them to drop the prices further but surely they would have dropped the usb one and firwire is apples invention and far better for transferring several gigs of data. i think apple is starting to go for the windows market share too much and kind of over looking what is better in things like this.

Well, the one thing that made me mad when I bought my 3rd gen 10GB iPod is the fact I had to shell out even more money to buy a USB cable.

Also, USB 2.0, while slower than Firewire 400, is still pretty fast. Also, you don't update 4GB/6GB every time you connect your iPod mini.

And last, there's still a lot of PCs out there without a Firewire port. And all Macs have USB 2.0 (and had for a few years).

And as you said, the Windows users are still the biggest chunk of buyers of iPods compared to Mac users. It makes sense to bundle the USB 2.0 cable only. What I wonder is, will the new iPod mini still work with a Firewire cable if bought separately?

Savage Henry

Feb 23, 2005, 10:10 AM

The new battery life is amazing. I wonder if battery technology has come that far since the last update or if the gain is mostly from more efficient firmware. Or, perhaps, they just decided to put the better batteries that were already available in on this update.
My money is on Firmware ..... that and the fact that Apple has finally abandoned the policy of using power cells entirely comprised of old cereal packets. ;)

mxpiazza

Feb 23, 2005, 10:12 AM

I think Apple is making a big mistake by not letting users decide if they want a FW OR a USB cable. Apple is continuing to piss off people.
How do the people feel that just bought a 1GB Shuffle less than a month ago?
I think the update itself is great but the way Apple played it was just a bad customer satisfaction call and was based solely on numbers.
This will bite Apple as well as the high add-on prices of the mini. I sure hope they will change the FW option...

just because apple is pissing you off, it dosen't mean they are pissing EVERYONE off... with this move, they are cutting costs and prices to the consumer dramatically, and providing the cables that the majority of iPod purchasers... PC users... need.

how do the people feel that just bought a 1GB shuffle? probably the same, because its not like they released a 2GB shuffle at the same price point. people beg for revisions, updates, and innovation... they finally get it, then never cease to complain. if apple looked at the complaining consumer like some people look at them, they would say 'the hell with it', cash out their stock options, and retire to an island, listening to their 60GB color ipods, being charged by USB 2.0.

TopCatz

Feb 23, 2005, 10:12 AM

Excellent - now all the iPods ever made have Shuffle Songs and the menu update that seemed so silly not to update before.
Well done Apple.

iGary

Feb 23, 2005, 10:13 AM

Are you still sore on a $19 firewire cable? Me thinks it's time you have other things to worry about. no?

You know, it's not about the 20 bucks...not at all. I have three of the things, and I did go ahead and order the iPod Photo when I heard of the direct camera support coming.

Those of us who have been around the Mac World for quite some time, the very people that provided Apple with the revenue to develop the original iPod are now being considered the minority...people with machines less than a year old have to go buy a cord, or put in a USB card that will not allow their machine to sleep properly. FireWire is Apple's invention...and they put it out to cold?

Just lame.

Bravo, Apple.

Squire

Feb 23, 2005, 10:13 AM

When I go anywhere I always take my Powerbook. Why don't you? I use it to watch DVDs and and manage my vacation photos. And you don't have to keep your PC on overnight (is that a bad thing anyway?) because it charges the iPod while it's asleep.

Chris

I have a 17" iMac and a 13" Vaio laptop. I obviously took the latter on my last vacation. As far as I know, my iPod can only be associated with either a Mac or a PC, not both. Please correct me if I'm wrong. Having the AC charger for 2 months was a godsend. I'm just glad I didn't fork over the 50 bucks or whatever for the world travel kit. I used the same telefunken (I believe that's what they're called) cable for my 'Pod, laptop, digital camera, and camcorder. Handy.

Once again, it's not about trying to lower the base price of the players. Rather, it's to try to get more people to fork over ludicrous amounts for necessary accessories (and drive more traffic to the online store, too, I suppose).

Squire

Freg3000

Feb 23, 2005, 10:15 AM

It's funny how all the guys who think the world is ending because the Firewire cable is not a standard accessory with these new iPods speak as though Apple won't even let you use FireWire. Just glancing through this thread you could easily read their comments and think not only that you can't use FireWire with the iPod at all anymore, but also that Apple just gave up on the technology entirely.

Come on guys...breathe...only $19 (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore?productLearnMore=M9127G/A), you are saving a bunch more on these recent price drops. :cool:

Plus, even though we are Mac users and we love FireWire, look at this from Apple's perspective:
1) Include only a FireWire cable: Annoy millions of PC users who need to buy the USB cable
2) Include only a USB cable: Annoy some (a few thousand maybe) loyal Mac users, who already have the FireWire cable, but are throwing a fit over the principle of the situation.
3) Include both: Lose lots of money unnecessarily.

Easy choice.

lasuther

Feb 23, 2005, 10:15 AM

Dude, you must not be a Mac user or you would understand. We have been singing the praises of, and defending the use of Firewire for years now. Apple is totally neglecting its loyal followers. It's not about the money for us, but aparently is for them. It's the fact that it is a total change in their thinking. Leaving us to feel that we don't matter. Like I stated before, where in the heck is iTunes 5.0? Apple probably can't figure out how to make it rock on the various Windows boxes out there, so we are made to suffer.

Dude, obviously your not a Mac user. Because I am, and I have Firewire cables for my iPod. I don't need to be sold another one. I'll take the price cut. If you need a new firewire cable, then buy one and quit crying.

lasuther

chabig

Feb 23, 2005, 10:16 AM

Maybe they do, but do they have one with a dock connector on it?

I use my dock and power adapter everyday - I only connect to my PB to update. Why? Because I let my computer sleep at night and don't want to keep it awake.
The iPod still charges while your computer sleeps.

Yvan256

Feb 23, 2005, 10:16 AM

This is boring.

OK, cheaper prices and larger hard discs but what else?

No innovation whatsoever.

50$ cheaper for the 4GB model, 50% more space than the previous model for the same price, and 50% more battery life for both new models.

It may not be innovation, but it'll keep competitors running for better specs. And they still can't beat the iPod/iTunes synergy anyway.

I'm not looking forward for innovation for the next iMac revision either. Maybe faster CPU, maybe 512MB by default, maybe faster drives (especially HD), but I do hope for a better GPU with at least a 128MB VRAM on BTO.

Lacero

Feb 23, 2005, 10:16 AM

Dude, you must not be a Mac user or you would understand. We have been singing the praises of, and defending the use of Firewire for years now. Apple is totally neglecting its loyal followers. It's not about the money for us, but aparently is for them. It's the fact that it is a total change in their thinking. Leaving us to feel that we don't matter. Like I stated before, where in the heck is iTunes 5.0? Apple probably can't figure out how to make it rock on the various Windows boxes out there, so we are made to suffer.

You know, I would agree with you to an extent, but Firewire is only truly useful for things such as digital video and HD. Apple has not abandoned Firewire. See their developments in FW 800 and DV device compatibility. USB2.0 has become so universal on PCs and Macs that for Apple to include both cables is unnecessary. I have a 1G iPod mini and have never used the USB2.0 cable. I would have rather saved $19 if Apple didn't include it. You really have to see both sides.

tomjleeds

Feb 23, 2005, 10:17 AM

hey guys,

can anyone confirm if my ipod remote from a 3rd Gen 15GB is compatible with the Ipod mini?

it looks like the same connector, but I just want to be sure.

thanks,
Daniel

Yes, the remote connectors for 3G, 4G and both Minis are identical. It's only the 1G and 2G models which used the 'extra connector around the headphone jack' style, which Creative seem to have adopted for the Zen Micro.

As someone who has yet to buy an ipod, I am looking at the 4GB mini model, as I don't need much more space than that.

My questions, however, are:

since the new models do not come with an AC adaptor or a firewire cable, can you use generic versions of either? I have a million firewire cables (4 and 6 pin) and a number of AC adaptors with universal connections. Neither of my computers have USB 2, so it would be a lot more convenient this way, obviously. I also do not always travel with my PB (for charging).

Just curious. Thanks.

No, you can't. You need something with the dock connector on to connect it to a 3G, 4G or Mini. Sucks, huh?

When I go anywhere I always take my Powerbook. Why don't you? I use it to watch DVDs and and manage my vacation photos. And you don't have to keep your PC on overnight (is that a bad thing anyway?) because it charges the iPod while it's asleep.

Chris

To be honest, when I go on holiday, I like to go out ;) rather than stay in and watch movies. Maybe that's just me...

ok. I am still confused with all this talk about Firewire.

Is it true that the ipods have a proprietary fw port, rendering generic fw cables useless?

Is it true that I will have to buy a USB/FW adaptor to use Firewire on these new ipods? At which point, i am still stuck with a proprietary port, or not?

Is there no longer even a FW port on the ipods?

These are all asking the same question, I guess. I would like to buy a new ipod. I would like to use FW, if possible. What are my options, here?

To use Firewire you'll need to buy a Firewire dock connector from Apple for $19/£15.

There hasn't been an actual Firewire port on the iPod since the 2G model. I guess the advantage is that the dock connector is thinner, but it's still irritating.

kaltsasa

Feb 23, 2005, 10:20 AM

Well on the Apple Store the Dock Connector to USB 2.0 and Firewire, and the Dock Connector to Firewire are exactly the same price. That negates any argument that the lack of in box firewire is a cost saving measure on Apple's part since it would seem that both cost the exact same amount. Leaving the only logical reason being that Apple wants to try and force people to upgrade to new macs.

blackfox

Feb 23, 2005, 10:21 AM

thankyou tomjleeds.

While I am moderately annoyed to have to spend more $$ for FW capability, as a non ipod owner, this thread was sooo confusing to me as to what I needed for FW capability. Thanks for clearing that up.

Lacero

Feb 23, 2005, 10:22 AM

Leaving the only logical reason being that Apple wants to try and force people to upgrade to new macs.

Either that, or forcing 90% of all iPod users to upgrade their PCs to support firewire. :rolleyes:

rtdunham

Feb 23, 2005, 10:23 AM

...I am getting to the point where I hate buy new computers from Apple. I know things change in the blink of an eye but, Apple need an upgrade program of some kind.

yeah, some system where you can upgrade for just part of the cost of the new device.

Oh, wait, there IS such a program: You SELL your used computer, add an incremental amount to what you get for it, and buy the new one! That accomplishes everything you're asking for, doesn't it?

peace
terry

TENBLUE7™

Feb 23, 2005, 10:24 AM

£140 for a 4GB Mini - month after I spend £99 on a 1GB Shuffle.

Should've waited, 4 times as much space and a screen for an extra 40 quid.

:(

Though I do love my Shuffle a lot.

ZildjianKX

Feb 23, 2005, 10:25 AM

Well, I'm really happy Apple didn't include color screens... so now I don't have to buy one :)

Anyways, the improved battery life is fantastic... but I just know the next mini will go color.

Squire

Feb 23, 2005, 10:27 AM

just because apple is pissing you off, it dosen't mean they are pissing EVERYONE off... with this move, they are cutting costs and prices to the consumer dramatically, and providing the cables that the majority of iPod purchasers... PC users... need.

I do [b]not believe Apple is cutting costs "dramatically" by not including a little 3-foot cord and block of plastic. What do they save? I guess 3 bucks...tops. Don't fall for the "why should you have to pay for a 20-dollar cable you won't use" line.

Until the release of the iMac G5, my 1 GHz iMac was still a very current machine. It doesn't have USB 2.0.

Why couldn't they just throw in that FW/USB 2.0 cable shaped like a 'Y' and make everyone happy?

Squire

Lacero

Feb 23, 2005, 10:27 AM

£140 for a 4GB Mini - month after I spend £99 on a 1GB Shuffle.

Should've waited, 4 times as much space and a screen for an extra 40 quid.

:(

Though I do love my Shuffle a lot.

You only really need to buy the shuffle if you need anti-skip. Otherwise, it's probably a better value to pay more initially to get a 4gb mini.

rtdgoldfish

Feb 23, 2005, 10:27 AM

Price Match? Apple does that? News to me, unless you mean a third party reseller or something.

Something Im not clear on... are the iPods getting the increased battery life as well?

Yes, they do price match. I found it on the help section of the Apple store online. I just called the store and they credited my credit card $50+tax. It has to be within 10 days of your purchase and you have 14 days to contact them to recieve the difference. I didn't even have to go to the store, manager handled it over the phone.

EssentialParado

Feb 23, 2005, 10:29 AM

You know, it's not about the 20 bucks...not at all. I have three of the things, and I did go ahead and order the iPod Photo when I heard of the direct camera support coming.

Those of us who have been around the Mac World for quite some time, the very people that provided Apple with the revenue to develop the original iPod are now being considered the minority...people with machines less than a year old have to go buy a cord, or put in a USB card that will not allow their machine to sleep properly. FireWire is Apple's invention...and they put it out to cold?

Just lame.

Bravo, Apple.
iPods aren't Macs.

puckhead193

Feb 23, 2005, 10:29 AM

The ipod photo is very tempting, esp. With the EDu discount. Just over $300 for a color screen ipod. They lowered the price because now you don't get the dock or the firewire cable!! :eek: It comes with USB 2.0 cable

craigiest

Feb 23, 2005, 10:30 AM

Well...it officially makes NO SENSE to buy a 1GB iPod shuffle. For $50 dollars more (not even one hundred) you get four times as much memory, and a screen.

That extra 3GB does not equal extra functionality. 4GB (or 6) isn't enough room for my whole music library, so I'd have to rotate my music anyway. I use my Shuffle to listen to radio programs, which I swap out every day, along with any music I don't want to hear anymore. I just don't need the added memory.

I do, however, need to have a flashdrive with me. An iPod mini, plus a memory stick, plus my cellphone, plus a pen and mini notebook is too much for my left pocket. Having the flashdrive double as an iPod, taking up less room, is definitely worth paying $50 LESS.

macOSX-tastic

Feb 23, 2005, 10:33 AM

when i first saw the new mini,

i thought that the click wheel icons were lit up! only then did i read that they are colour coordinated. wouldnt that be cool if you had green lighted icons for a green mini? and for other colours also?
surely it cant be that hard to integrate the lighting needed for this....but hey, i woudlnt be able to do it :D
well, one can dream......

tastic

Yvan256

Feb 23, 2005, 10:34 AM

Maybe I've lost my mind, or my eyesight, but I don't see a 40GB iPod anymore.

Also, where is everyone getting this language about the coming camera adaptor?

You can see the new line-up on one page by checking the frontpage:
http://www.apple.com/

There seems to be two layouts (random). Just refresh until you see the 4 kinds of iPods. You'll have the names, capacities, colors, prices.

maxterpiece

Feb 23, 2005, 10:34 AM

sorry to say this but you are wrong there. USB 2.0 is theoretically faster as in 440 kbps but that is only in very short bursts whereas firewire can sustain 400kbps for longer stretches hence firewire external hard drives are far better than usb 2.0 ones. fact.

the fact is, going to usb 2.0 as the primary connection is a step backwards and is just going after all those windows users.

let's be honest here. More users have USB 2.0 than have Firewire. Why? Because there are about 100 times more peripherals that use USB than use firewire. Firewire may be a weeeee bit faster than USB 2.0, but how often are you really transfering huge amounts of data... huge enough to make that small difference even noticeable? 99% of people aren't going to notice (let alone care) that when they first get their ipod and transfer ALL of their music onto it that it takes an extra 30 seconds to transfer.

Maybe if not all of Apple's current line shipped with USB 2.0 this would seem like betrayal, but this is a consumer product and if apple wants it to be a sort of Trojan Horse for converting non-mac users, they can't be elitist and make the majority pay $ to buy a USB 2.0 cable just to use an iPod. It's simple math that Apple had to pick USB over firewire.

Hemingray

Feb 23, 2005, 10:36 AM

Good job, Apple! It's great to see the iPod mini finally hit the $199 price point. Everything else is just a plus.

Too bad for Apple they made the 1st Gen. iPods so good, because mine's still going strong and I have no use to upgrade. Maybe someday...

1984

Feb 23, 2005, 10:36 AM

No every update needs to be earth shattering or change the course of human history.... :rolleyes: get over I sick and annoyed of these latest generations with their needs for instant gratification for everything... :rolleyes:

Instant gratification? It's been over a year dude.

Hattig

Feb 23, 2005, 10:36 AM

You know, I would agree with you to an extent, but Firewire is only truly useful for things such as digital video and HD. Apple has not abandoned Firewire. See their developments in FW 800 and DV device compatibility. USB2.0 has become so universal on PCs and Macs that for Apple to include both cables is unnecessary. I have a 1G iPod mini and have never used the USB2.0 cable. I would have rather saved $19 if Apple didn't include it. You really have to see both sides.

Why don't Apple make a combo-cable. One iPod port, and a splitter at the other end for either USB2 or Firewire port. I suppose you'd have to tell dumb users not to plug both in at the same time, gah.

Jalexster

Feb 23, 2005, 10:38 AM

ok. I am still confused with all this talk about Firewire.

Is it true that the ipods have a proprietary fw port, rendering generic fw cables useless?

Is it true that I will have to buy a USB/FW adaptor to use Firewire on these new ipods? At which point, i am still stuck with a proprietary port, or not?

Is there no longer even a FW port on the ipods?

These are all asking the same question, I guess. I would like to buy a new ipod. I would like to use FW, if possible. What are my options, here?

All current iPods except the shuffle, have the "dock connector".

This connector offers:

USB 2.0 (allows for charging on 4G, mini and photo
Firewire (allows for charging on all models)
Line-out
Video-out (iPod photo only)
Extra functions (Car control, picture transfers, etc...)

You get one Dock Connector to USB cable with any new iPod. With the 4G, you also get a Dock Connector to Firewire cable. You cannot hook a standard USB or Firewire cable up to your iPod. You need to use the dock cables. The new iPods released today, retain all the old features. This means they allows for full firewire support.

Also, just because Apple is lessening, NOT REMOVING, support for Firewire (it's still there, so don't panic), is nothing to be alarmed of. They probably won't remove Firewire from thier computers. The iPod is a mainstream product. This means that they need to cut costs, and compete. If this means removing an accessory that the majority of the market dosen't use (Windows users don't use Firewire much), then so be it.

Me personally, I use USB 2.0 when connecting my iPod. Why? Because it mounts and unmounts faster!

1984

Feb 23, 2005, 10:39 AM

Firewire may be a weeeee bit faster than USB 2.0, but how often are you really transfering huge amounts of data... huge enough to make that small difference even noticeable? 99% of people aren't going to notice (let alone care) that when they first get their ipod and transfer ALL of their music onto it that it takes an extra 30 seconds to transfer.

A weeeee bit faster?

FireWire vs. USB 2.0 Hard Drive Performance Comparison

Read and write tests to the same IDE hard drive connected using FireWire and then Hi-Speed USB 2.0 show:

Read Test:
5000 files (300 MB total) FireWire was 33% faster than USB 2.0
160 files (650MB total) FireWire was 70% faster than USB 2.0

Write Test:
5000 files (300 MB total) FireWire was 16% faster than USB 2.0
160 files (650MB total) FireWire was 48% faster than USB 2.0

Jalexster

Feb 23, 2005, 10:39 AM

Why don't Apple make a combo-cable. One iPod port, and a splitter at the other end for either USB2 or Firewire port. I suppose you'd have to tell dumb users not to plug both in at the same time, gah.

Apple makes one. It used to be the only option if you wanted to hook your iPod up via USB 2.0.

1macker1

Feb 23, 2005, 10:41 AM

As long as it's(usb 2.0) backward compatible with USB 1.1, I really don't care. But it's odd to see that apple is kissing the rear end of PC users and saying, "Hey, just buy the $20 cable." to Mac users.

Yvan256

Feb 23, 2005, 10:45 AM

Either that, or forcing 90% of all iPod users to upgrade their PCs to support firewire. :rolleyes:

And it's not like Firewire on Windows works well either. I bought a 3-ports Firewire card, thinking I could sell back my USB cable (and use the Firewire cable that came with my iPod), but after trying to make it work for over a week, I just gave up and returned the Firewire card. I'm still using USB 2.0 because in my case it seems to be the only possible way to connect my iPod to my PC.

Yes, a lot of PC users have Firewire and use it, but believe me, it's not as simple as plug 'n play (it seems that Firewire supports in Windows is not 100% compliant for all cards, which is needed for iPod/iTunes somehow).

mattpol

Feb 23, 2005, 10:45 AM

I am in love with the deal I just got, as a result of this new bump!

I picked up a 40GB iPod Photo on clearance, for the edu price of 349.99 (from the "Special Deals" sale store)!!!

Can you beat this deal? 40 Gig iPod Photo, photo dock, FIREWIRE!! cable, AV Cables, and even the apple case!

I am thrilled and can't wait for it to arrive at my doorstep!!

Diatribe

Feb 23, 2005, 10:46 AM

just because apple is pissing you off, it dosen't mean they are pissing EVERYONE off...

Who said I am pissed off? I said they're pissing a lot of people off. Reading is your friend.

with this move, they are cutting costs and prices to the consumer dramatically

Now where exactly is the dramatical price cut? The $50 on the 4GB? They could've done that with the option to choose a cable too.

and providing the cables that the majority of iPod purchasers... PC users... need.

Ok now, where is the point against having the option to have the FW instead? What about the huge amount of Mac users that have made the iPod what it is today?

how do the people feel that just bought a 1GB shuffle? probably the same, because its not like they released a 2GB shuffle at the same price point.

How many people do you think would've bought a 4GB mini at that price point? Right, many.

people beg for revisions, updates, and innovation...

Continuing from my previous point, releasing revisions or updates of the same line within a month is just bad policy. You can argue that all you want.

if apple looked at the complaining consumer like some people look at them, they would say 'the hell with it', cash out their stock options, and retire to an island, listening to their 60GB color ipods, being charged by USB 2.0.

Ok, now you've won me over. This has to be the smartest, most thought through comment I have ever read.