iPod A possible design for the next generation iPod, resolving smudges/scratches

"This design allows the iPod to switch between music and video mode by way of a sliding mechanism. In the "closed" mode, the player appears as current iPods. In video mode, the entire front face of the iPod slides away to reveal the full sized screen underneath. Screen is protected from impact and scratching in music mode."

http://img61.imageshack.us.nyud.net:8090/img61/835/ipodav9mi.png

Oh its a idea. What do you think?

I really hope Apple keeps a physical clickwheel! Anybody that has played with Palm Pilots or PocketPC's knows when I say that onscreen equivalent buttons just don't match up...

mkrishnan said:

I think it's an interesting idea, but it would add a lot of bulk to the iPod, and Apple seems to want to make it thinner and thinner....

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True. I remember my Palm Zire 71. Cool sliding function but a bit on the thick side.

What other ways do you think Apple is going to protect that giant screen? I can imagine people are going to crack those screens by pressing too hard on the virtual click wheel...

Also, when this next gen iPod is going to be in "Music Mode", do you think Apple will have a way of turning parts of the screen off? The battery life would be terrible if the entire screen was backlit when the iPod is just playing music.

Oh wait thats it. Partial backlighting. Music mode = only upper half backlit !!!

Edit: D'oh. Can't use a virtual click wheel without backlight.... Keep the (physical) clickwheel Apple!

realityisterror said:

I don't know which touch-screen rumor started first, but if you ask me it's just not plausible. I've been known to be wrong in the past, but how is a touch screen effective, useful, or good looking. Touch screens usually just frustrate me...

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Agreed! I owned a Philips Pronto remote before. One of those remotes which use a giant touch screen so it can contain "hundreds or remotes in one". But you have to look down all the time since its a flat surface D:

How is Apple going to pull this one off?! Post ideas please.

Cool! I hadn't thought about sliding it in that direction. That would keep the clickwheel right under your thumb.

I doubt they will include removable batteries... Apple doesn't want consumers opening up the iPod, and battery doors just make the unit weaker.

Perhaps some flat contacts on the back of the device to make it easier to add an external battery pack? (So no connecting into the dock connector)

Kingsly said:

Good idea, but Apple will never do it. they pride themselves on *NO* doors, latches, or other dongles that can otherwise be broken and/or add unnecessary bulk to their products.

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Like the iBook clamshell I am writing on right now!

So Kingsly, how do you think Apple will do it without doors, latches etc ?