New iPods - This Month

[MacRumors]

ThinkSecret reports (http://www.thinksecret.com/news/aprilipods.html) that the long-awaited iPod revisions will be coming by months' end:

A re-designed Apple iPod in two new hard drive sizes with control buttons and a docking/charging station will be announced toward the end of April, sources have confirmed to Think Secret. The new models will be available in 15GB and 30GB sizes, as the 5GB and 20GB models will be discontinued.


ThinkSecret also posts an artist rendition of the new case design and docking station. Another new feature reported includes USB 2.0 (for PC users). ThinkSecret pegs the update for the last week of April and expects Apple's rumored Music service to be introduced at the same time.

This correlates with the April 28th date (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2003/04/20030402175109.shtml) offered by Appleinsider as the day Apple will unveil the new service.

The last iPod revision was on July 17, 2002 (http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/).

[Awimoway]

Well I'm glad that I've got the old style button setup, but I hope we don't get a lot of flat-earthers complaining about the change in styling. It's not that big of a deal. It's just Apple's way of making the older model look, well, old so you'll go out and buy a new one.

The docking station seems downright silly, though, unless they put the port on the bottom. I'm sure the readout on the display will flip, but it will still look funny. Just what I need is another chunk of plastic to kick around my desk. :rolleyes:

[RLB]

Interesting since there has been no talk of a 15 and 30 gb ipod. Either way, I can't wait. I just hope we don't have to wait another 3 months until they ship.

[Sonofhaig]

Very exciting news! Maybe now I'll get one!

[hulele]

The only thing that seems to be interesting to me is the USB port. But only if I could hook up my digicam to that little beauty and download pics....

Well, but then I think I read somewhere that USB is not peer-to-peer, but rather requires a computer....

[mac15]

I'm all for the new buttons but it will take away the sexiness of the player. that is it of this thing is for real. And what happened to Ozzy saying he had a 40GB ipod?

I'm planning on selling my Cd based mp3 player to get one if they do end coming out.

[irmongoose]

I don't like the design. The buttons should be surrounding the wheel. It looks much more simpler, which is what the iPod is supposed to be like.

And I don't think you're supposed to believe everything Ozzy says... come on, it's Ozzy! :D



irmongoose

[Hozie]

Yeah, I agree about the buttons. Th old ones not only look better, but are undoubtedly more functional as you'd have to shift the 'Pod in your hand to reach the buttons in the new model, as TS indicates.

I must say that I don't see the point of having a cradle. What good is that going to do? Anyway, 15 and 30 gig seem like good sizes to me...

[sanford]

Cynical: the new design seems like a step BACKWARD in ergonomics. I thought the drives used in the iPod are available in 40GB, not 30GB. And USB2 on an Apple product? I don't think so. Sure, for Windows users, but why not continue to promote the Firewire standard: if you want an iPod you have to drop a very small amount of money on a Firewire PCI card.

[Le Big Mac]

Originally posted by sanford
Cynical: the new design seems like a step BACKWARD in ergonomics. I thought the drives used in the iPod are available in 40GB, not 30GB. And USB2 on an Apple product? I don't think so. Sure, for Windows users, but why not continue to promote the Firewire standard: if you want an iPod you have to drop a very small amount of money on a Firewire PCI card.

Maybe apple concluded that firewire is stifling the Windows version sales, so they put on USB2. Sort of odd, though, since it means no one could take a windows pod and switch to mac with it, since, as we know, apple refuses to support usb2. (although I agree -- what does a firewire card cost, $30?) (Edit: Looking at the rendering, maybe the cradle allows the pod itself to be interface neutral, and the cradle is either USB2 or Firewire, so all you'd need is a new cradle; of course, that makes using the pod as a portable drive a PITA)

As for the cradle, we'll have to see the implementation. If they put the FW/USB plug on the bottom, and design a cradle a la a palm or cell phone, it would be even more convenient than plugging it in. Although only marginally so. (Edit: From the "artist's rendering" it looks like the cradle has the connection in the center, whereas the 'pod has it on the top right -- maybe there's a second connector on the bottom for docking in the cradle, so the 'pod won't be "upside down" during docking).

[Datazoid]

Got to agree...this new design, while Im sure it looks fine...just....isnt as "revolutionary". Seems more normal, more expected, and less ergonomic, as others have said. Sorry to be a "flat-earther"....but I like my iPod just the way it is. It makes me a little more happy that I didn't wait, though...

[pkradd]

It certainly doesn't make sense that Apple would go to a standard button design when the current one has been one of the things that has made the iPod so great. I don't believe the pics are accurate. It's a step backwards and makes the iPod ordinary.

[maradong]

If that is true, I will certainly be the first in Luxembourg to buy a 30 gig :)

[irmongoose]

Yeah the 15, 30 gig and cradle sound just fine to me, but those buttons are just not Apple, and take the 'believability' away from this TS article. This is one rumor, along with x86 OS X, that I do not want to come true.



irmongoose

[moosecat]

It definitely does not seem very Apple-like to do this -- there's no ergonomic or aesthetic advantage; in fact, it is a step backward in both areas (at least I think most people would agree).

I wish TS would explain the basis for this rumor, and especially the basis for the artist's rendition.

Also, is the 15/30gb part of the rumor consistent with OEM specs? I.e., are these drives available in the right size?

[Monkeypoo]

I honestly hate the look of the "thinksecret commissioned artist rendering" (seems fancy for "I asked my son to doodle it out last night") and don't see why they thought that would happen and hoping they're 100% wrong. I also hope they're wrong about dropping the 20 since I was hoping there would be a price drop if a higher one was released. If their prediction is right, then I still have to spend the most money for the pod I want. I didn't want a 10 but rather a 20 so why would I buy a 15? Anyone know think secrets's track record on rumor accuracy?
oh and since I was hoping to get it at best buy, I'd be getting the new revision version though I'm aware of a slim possibility of getting the 20 cheaper if think secret happens to be right

[richie]

Originally posted by Monkeypoo
Anyone know think secrets's track record on rumor accuracy?


As far as I'm concerned, they generally run a very good system and get a lot of what they say right. But their MacWorld predictions have been a bit askew, recently, I think. What I read on think secret I consider as highly likely. That's why I find this article so jarring. Like everyone's said, the button arrangement just doesn't seem very Apple, and the docking station.. eh. It could just be a result of mis-communication between what they know and what the artist envisioned. I for one don't think the iPod needs much in the way of an interface overhaul, it's great, simple and elegant as it is. :)

[Adurbe]

Why on earth would apple use USB2?!

One its not firewire, so the iPod could not charge via the computer, you would need to plug it into the mains

Two apple has not supported it on any apple product, why would the bother on the iPod?

Three its slower! And dont say USB2 runs @ 480, thats its theoretical max and it cant even nearly reach that if it is transmitting power at the same time

[WestCoast]

Does anyone remember talk of an unusual cable - one with Firewire one end and Firewire/USB at the other a few weeks back. Could this be for compatibility for use on Mac/Windows machines?

Just a thought ...

[jimjiminyjim]

Has no one scorned this rumor yet? Not one mention of how silly iPod rumors are? Sure, this one might be true about the date (the other stuff seems questionable to me - incongruent with many other rumor), but come on, someone needs to scoff and laugh at any iPod rumor making front page.

Please!

[cdburrows]

just a thought - no where in this design is there any menu button... strange:confused: I think this rumour is nonsense... really why not make Panther OS9:mad: I don't think so...

Apple would never take this route, lets wait and see...

[NavyIntel007]

USB2 will never fly. Apple is firewire, end of story.

[bokdol]

this is a small list of toshiba drive avavliable in the 9.5 mm format.
15 and 30 seems unlikly as the 20 40 60 give people more choices. seeing that a lot of newer drive have droped in price. lacies own pocket firewire drives cost range very from 190 for 20
to 350 for a 60.


15GB capacity
9.5mm High
13ms Average Seek Time
ATA-5 Interface
100MB/sec_ Transfer Rate
2,048KB Buffer
300,000 MTTF Hours

20GB capacity
9.5mm High
13ms Average Seek Time
ATA-5 Interface
100MB/sec_ Transfer Rate
2,048KB Buffer
300,000 MTTF Hours

30GB capacity
9.5mm High
13ms Average Seek Time
ATA-5 Interface
100MB/sec_ Transfer Rate
2,048KB Buffer
300,000 MTTF Hours

40GB capacity
9.5mm High
13ms Average Seek Time
ATA-5 Interface
100MB/sec_ Transfer Rate
2,048KB Buffer
300,000 MTTF Hours

60GB capacity
Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB) motor drive
9.5mm High
12ms Average Seek Time
ATA-5 Interface
100MB/sec_ Transfer Rate
2,048KB Buffer
300,000 MTTF Hours


i am just hoping the go 20 40 60

[Raid]

Hey I though the "iPods Next Tuesday" threads were dead!:p Eventhough I would like to see (and buy) a new iPod soon, I won't be suprised if we still don't have new iPods by the 30th. I'd also expect to see rumors about an iTunes update and more on Apples Music purchasing service.

Raid

[irmongoose]

Hah! SO I WAS RIGHT AFTER ALL, eh? hehehe...

Nothing here. Move on, and collect $200 while you're at it; see next post for details.



irmongoose

[mangoman]

Originally posted by NavyIntel007
USB2 will never fly. Apple is firewire, end of story.

Never say never, amigo. That's bad, ummm, intel'. :rolleyes:

I have an Orange Micro Firewire/USB 2.0 PCI card in my Quicksilver. Works great except for deep sleep issues that have yet to be fixed. Bottom line: extra ports, including a USB 2.0 IOGEAR media reader that works great.

So, to say 'never' here is a bit inaccurate. USB 2.0 DOES work with Apple. Every day.

(dons flame retardant suit)

[Foocha]

The Think Secret site appears to be down - does anyone have a link / reference to the image?

[chewbaccapits]

Are apple lawyers hard at work to bring down the site??? I can't access it either! Pics please.

[yzedf]

Originally posted by irmongoose
You must mean 9.5 cm, right? Also, Apple uses the 1.8" drives, so that's more like 4 and something centimeters, so it's still not right. If my memory is right, the only publicly annouced Toshiba drives are 5, 10, and 20, and the 40 info was put on the site then taken down.



irmongoose
I suggest google before you open your mouth like that again... ;)

http://www.mmdus.com/mainsearch.asp?prod=toshiba&vendor=toshiba

9.5mm is height of the drive

1.8" is diameter of the actual hard drive platter.

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/netcomdirect/tosmk2018gas.html

--

Did anyone get to mirror the pics before TS went down???

USB 2 can only be a good thing. The more Apple sells the better. What do you care who buys them? That is contributing to the R&D money that gives us the opportunity to buy new Apple products with more advances sooner.

[irmongoose]

Originally posted by yzedf
I suggest google before you open your mouth like that again... ;)

http://www.mmdus.com/mainsearch.asp?prod=toshiba&vendor=toshiba

9.5mm is height of the drive

1.8" is diameter of the actual hard drive platter.

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/netcomdirect/tosmk2018gas.html


Gah, I knew it. Sorry! :o :( :D



irmongoose

[Awimoway]

Originally posted by Monkeypoo
Anyone know think secrets's track record on rumor accuracy?

The best in the business. Not flawless, but definitely the best.

My modus operandi is:
Read it on ThinkSecret,
Discuss it on MacRumors.

:)


...As for the strange drive sizes, could there be any other drive mfr's out there that make something this small in 15 GB and 30 GB?

Also, maybe the cradle is to keep one connector--firewire--on the iPod itself but the cradle will have both firewire and USB connections. As such, the cradle would be optional for Mac users and necessary for Windows users.

As for the comment about a cord with firewire on one end and both on the other... was this proven or rumored? Seems to me that you would need some kind of converter/rewiring box (albeit maybe a pretty small one) to change from firewire to USB. That's why the cradle is making more sense to me now. But this is totally out of my field, so I might be totally wrong.

[yzedf]

Originally posted by irmongoose
Gah, I knew it. Sorry! :o :( :D



irmongoose
heh. no big deal ;) :rolleyes:

[bokdol]

Originally posted by irmongoose
You must mean 9.5 cm, right? Also, Apple uses the 1.8" drives, so that's more like 4 and something centimeters, so it's still not right. If my memory is right, the only publicly annouced Toshiba drives are 5, 10, and 20, and the 40 info was put on the site then taken down.



irmongoose

2.5-inch FDB Drives:
MK4018GAS 40GB FDB HDD
MK2018GAS 20GB FDB_HDD
MK3019GAX 30GB FDB HDD
MK4019GAX 40GB FDB HDD
MK6021GAS 60GB FDB HDD
MK6022GAX 60GB FDB HDD

http://sdd.toshiba.com/cda/main.aspx?Path=/818100000007000000010000659800000000/81820000010d000000010000659c000003b7/818200000192000000010000659c00000535

this is straight from the toshiba site

[truedat]

Please, people, look at the big picture.

As an AAPL shareholder, I'm very happy with the addition of USB2. Look at the facts: (1) the majority of iPod sales are now made to Windows users; (2) peruse the computer offerings of any major company and you'll see that USB2 is much more prevalent than firewaire; (3) ergo, offer USB2 and you'll be able to sell more iPods to PC users (those who don't want the hassle of buying a firewire card or don't have the technical know-how to do so.

The point is that by offering USB2 iPods Apple thinks it will be able to sell more iPods to Windows users--and I totally agree with them. When you tell someone they have to spring for a $50 firewire card on top of the $300 price of the iPod many will balk at the purchase. Solution: eliminate the requirement for an add-on card.

As for the buttons, I agree that it will be more difficult to control the iPod with one hand. However, I find the current buttons somewhat too small and therefore diificult to use.

[Awimoway]

Originally posted by yzedf
Did anyone get to mirror the pics before TS went down???

You can see it here:
http://www.spymac.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=24434&papass=&sort=2&thecat=998

This is merely rampant speculation, but I wonder if ThinkSecret got an actual photo of the new device but had someone scribble down a copy as a way of keeping Apple Legal at bay, or at least slowing them down.

[yzedf]

Cradle could come with the Windows version only with usb2 cable (think palm pda)... and firewire cable for direct connect (both Mac and Windows).

Personally, I like the idea of a cradle. I don't want that perfectly polished backside getting scuffed up because of charging it at my desk! Plus, Apple would kill the current market on the stands. I am fairly sure they are annoyed that they don't make any of the iPod accessories that are out there... :rolleyes:

--

Spymac link - thanks :D

[sparks9]

Thinksecret is down... give me a pic of the thing, plz... :D

[Le Big Mac]

Originally posted by chewbaccapits
Are apple lawyers hard at work to bring down the site??? I can't access it either! Pics please.

If so, it implicitly confirms the report's accuracy. Apple doesn't go after every bit of speculation, or the wildly inaccurate ones.

Let's see what's next: (?) a thinksecret post that says "ThinkSecret believes that Apple will introduce new iPods on April 28. Apple has insisted that such speculation is unwarranted and that it will take legal action if we continue to make it. As a result, we have withdrawn our more extensive article discussing the basis for our beliefs."

[matty8r]

So apple doesn't say a word while we go on and on for months about the new ipod, speculating specs, wondering when if ever the thing will ever be released. Macwhispers posts info, appleinsider posts info, and then thinksecret posts a drawing and SMACK, apple takes them out. So much for the surprise they were going for. That seems to confirm the truth of their story.

Have you ever wondered though it it's all theatrics? Maybe both MacRumors and ThinkSecret are owned by apple. I mean, talk about great market research, most of the daily polls from MacRumors are totally market centric, and talk about building drama and intrigue and desire for hunks of plastic and metal. (Hey, I'm not ripping on them, I'm buying an ipod on April 28 ;))

[firestarter]

Originally posted by NavyIntel007
USB2 will never fly. Apple is firewire, end of story.

Wake up.

Apple usually gets dissed on this forum for ignoring market reality - but in this case (for a change) they're right on the money.

Most of the iPod market is Windows users who don't have Firewire. The latest round of Windows laptops seem to be backing away from firewire actually and using USB2.

USB2 is fast enough for most folks - and it's this 'good enough' approach which makes money in the real world. Having to buy a firewire card in addition to an iPod would be a dealbreaker for a lot of Apple's potential market, especially now that the iPod is starting to get some more realistic competition.

USB2 can drive fairly significant devices. I have a Miglia portable disk drive which is Firewire or USB powered - works fine. Interestingly, if USB provides enough power for a device it should work from most systems, wheras unfortunately the 4 pin firewire standard on many PC laptops makes firewire a worse choice for charging purposes.

[DTphonehome]

Originally posted by yzedf
I suggest google before you open your mouth like that again... ;)

http://www.mmdus.com/mainsearch.asp?prod=toshiba&vendor=toshiba

9.5mm is height of the drive

1.8" is diameter of the actual hard drive platter.

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/netcomdirect/tosmk2018gas.html


Another iPod rumor, another HD misconception. Apple uses 1.8" drives in the iPod, which is why it is so small and lightweight. They DO NOT use 2.5" laptop drives, which are heavier and (duh) bigger. Archos uses 9.5 mm (this is a height measurement. The actual platter diameter is 2.5") in their Jukebox line of HD based mp3 players. 9.5mm HDs have been around for several years now, and do a much higher volume (they are in pretty much every laptop) while 1.8" (this is a platter diameter, not height) is relatively new and unused. This also explains the high cost of the iPod and other 1.8" drive based storage devices. Only a handful of vendors are manufacturing the 1.8" drives, while there are several in the 9.5mm drive game (Toshiba, Hitachi/IBM, Fujitsu, etc). If Apple used the 9.5mm drives in the iPod, it would be about 3 ounces heavier, and at least a centimeter bigger in all dimensions. And maybe a hundred bucks cheaper, but who'd want to own a brick like that? The iPod is the best because of its grace and style...the smaller (1.8") HD is a perfect fit.

---DT

[alset]

I think it is irresponsible to conclude that Apple had TS pulled down for speculating on the new design. The reality is, we don't know.

Let me ask you this: How often do you have trouble reaching your regular sites? I run into this problem at least once a week.

Then again, let's panic. It's more fun. :D

Dan

[acj]

Originally posted by Adurbe
Why on earth would apple use USB2?!

One its not firewire, so the iPod could not charge via the computer, you would need to plug it into the mains

Two apple has not supported it on any apple product, why would the bother on the iPod?

Three its slower! And dont say USB2 runs @ 480, thats its theoretical max and it cant even nearly reach that if it is transmitting power at the same time

Wrong, It COULD charge with USB

Wrong, It's NOT Slower in practice, you only need about 100 (20 megs/sec) for the slow hard drive anyway!

Right, it is a bad idea. They should make one product. I haven't seen a new PC that did NOT come with Firewire. My PC has 3 firewires, one up front, and it's not that new.

[yzedf]

DTphonehome - not FUD, just me entering wrong links... at work... cut post short...

I am a dolt.

sorry for the confusion.

[chewbaccapits]

Originally posted by alset
I think it is irresponsible to conclude that Apple had TS pulled down for speculating on the new design. The reality is, we don't know.

Let me ask you this: How often do you have trouble reaching your regular sites? I run into this problem at least once a week.

Then again, let's panic. It's more fun. :D

Dan

Irresponsible?....Well, impulsive, maybe, but irresponsible? Try again...

[backspinner]

The nice thing of a craddle is that it can house the power adapter as well. If USB2 could not charge the iPod, now they can use the power from the mains and upload at the same time. It would be a better product!

[Le Big Mac]

Originally posted by alset
I think it is irresponsible to conclude that Apple had TS pulled down for speculating on the new design. The reality is, we don't know.

Let me ask you this: How often do you have trouble reaching your regular sites? I run into this problem at least once a week.

Then again, let's panic. It's more fun. :D

Dan

I have plenty of trouble reaching some sites regularly, but thinksecret is not one of them, and certainly hasn't been a problem for some time.

The timing is what's so suspicious. I would be willing to bet when thinksecret comes back up, the ipod story will be gone or significantly modified. Apple has done this before with thinksecret (earlier this year, IIRC), and it would not surprise me that they would do it again.

Maybe the story on apple resellers will also be gone.

I, for one, am not panicked. As I said above, Apple just confirms the rumors by going after thinksecret. they did last time when ts had to pull down an article.

[swdrumcp]

This is rediculous. 90% of buyers will not want or need a 30gb iPod, and my bet is 50% of potential buyers dont want a 15gb version.
It will a stupid mistake to not offer at least a 10gb version at a lower price. Most people dont need more space than that. They shoudl keep the 5gb around, with less features if they have to, for a very low price. The 5gb for 200 or 150 would sell like crazy, and it would introduce a lot more consumers to apple and their products, seems apple is not looking to increase sales, oh well.

[insidedanshead]

TS is back up.. no iPod info.

[KLFloyd]

Originally posted by insidedanshead
TS is back up.. no iPod info.

I still can't access TS, are you sure you're not accessing an older page that's in your cashe?

However I was able to access the sketch over on spymac...thanks for posting that link!

I've been holding off on an iPod purchase since before christmas waiting for updates. Damn, just as the updates are about to come out, the tax man hits me with $400 ouch! Guess I better start working some overtime.

[barbaloot]

I hope if they do make a cradle it's like my electric razor. you put it in and lower an arm to connect it.

[ColoJohnBoy]

I, for one, would buy a 15 GB iPod. I have approximately 10 GB of music on my PowerBook 800, but held off on buying an iPod for two reasons: one, I wanted extra space for file transfers and such between my PowerBook, my iMac, and the CRT iMacs at school. The 10 GB would only allow me to take my music, and no files; two, I didn't want to shell out $500 for the 20 GB, especially when iPod updates were being anticipated here on MacRumors.

I do think it strange that Apple would only sell two models. When I worked at the Apple Store, our iPod sales were usually about 35% 10 GB, 45% 5 GB, and 20% 20 GB - All in a range close enough that I think Apple would do better selling a 10, 20, and 40. But hey - that's just me.

[damax452]

ThinkSecret is down for me. I hope this rumor is false, for a few reasons.
- I love the design of the current iPod...if it ain't broke don't fix it.
- 15 and 30gb sizes seem odd, maybe just cause im used to 5,10,20.
- USB 2.0 support is just plain gay.
- I haven't seen the pic(drawing?) of the new one, but it sounds like no one likes it so far.
- Why is a docking station needed? what can it do that just plugging in cables can't?

One more thing....since TS is down, did they maybe get h4x0red and someone posted a fake news article? Far fetched i know, but that would be funny. :p

[porovaara]

Is ThinkSecret absolutely sure this is an apple device?

Philips has a small hd based mp3 player coming in a month or so that just happens to have 15g and 30g drive sizes.

[KLFloyd]

I'm not framiliar with this publication but I did find this link to the UK Register with a story about the new iPod. Seems that their only source is Think Secret.

Here's the link: http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/39/30197.html

Can anyone tell us what kind of publication the Register is? Tabloid, legitimate news organization, etc?

[KLFloyd]

I'm not familiar with this publication but I did find this link to the UK Register with a story about the new iPod. Seems that their only source is Think Secret.

Can anyone tell us what kind of publication the Register is? Tabloid, legitimate news organization, etc?

http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/39/30197.html

(EDIT: Sorry, double post.)

[sparks9]

Ok here is the new design from TS...
It doesn't look THAT bad. :D

[mustang_dvs]

Originally posted by KLFloyd
Can anyone tell us what kind of publication the Register is? Tabloid, legitimate news organization, etc?

http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/39/30197.html

The Register is a UK-based IT news website. Though a bit flamboyant and always sarcastic, they are not a tabloid and are generally dead-on with their reporting. Also see: www.theregus.com...

[moosecat]

What I don't understand is this: If I remember what was posted on Thinksecret, I believe it said that neither the screen nor the scroll wheel would change size... But on the current iPod, there is virtually no space between the wheel and the screen. To jam round buttons in there is impossible.

Something has to give under this design -- either the screen, the wheel, or the whole device has to change size.

This casts further doubt on the rumor to me (assuming I'm correct about what Thinksecret said).

[Flowbee]

So, what could possibly be the reason for moving the buttons? I've never read reports of people having trouble finding or pressing the buttons as they're currently configured. I just don't see any benefit to having 4 buttons placed above the scroll wheel. Also, from an aesthetic standpoint, it's completely inelegant.

If it doesnt look better, and doesn't work better, what's the point?

[esome]

This thread is getting longish so someone may have already mentioned this in a previous post that I missed but wasn't there rumor some time ago that the next iPod might have a brushed metal enclosure and candy gel buttons so that it matches the iTunes interface? This idea would at least seem to counter the comments made here that this new desigin with all it's buttons is "not apple".

Any thought?

[yzedf]

Originally posted by esome
This thread is getting longish so someone may have already mentioned this in a previous post that I missed but wasn't there rumor some time ago that the next iPod might have a brushed metal enclosure and candy gel buttons so that it matches the iTunes interface? This idea would at least seem to counter the comments made here that this new desigin with all it's buttons is "not apple".

Any thought?
That would make me puke!

Blech!!! :mad:

[2COOL4SCHOOL]

No Good, Better, Best? Just two? Thats ok I guess.

I wonder if the "ipad", "itablet" plastic molding rumor is realy just an ipod dock.

[MacRumorSkeptic]

New button configuration - UGLY! NOT USER FRIENDLY!
Docking Station - POINTLESS!
15 & 30 gig drives - WHY NOT 10, 20, 40?!
USB2.0 - WHO CARES!, NOT AS FAST IN REAL WORLD PERFORMANCE AS FIREWIRE 1!

I REALLY hope this rumor is wrong.

[Awimoway]

I don't know about The Register. It seems to me that sometimes they have been way off. They like to make a name for themself ('you heard it here first' sort of thing), so they'll cite rumor sites and even anonymous postings on discussion boards as their sources. I trust ThinkSecret itself more than I do The Register, and I don't think TR's article adds any weight to the rumor.

PS, I am not bringing up ThinkSecret, either. Good thing I saved a copy of the pic earlier.

[macdong]

Originally posted by esome
This thread is getting longish so someone may have already mentioned this in a previous post that I missed but wasn't there rumor some time ago that the next iPod might have a brushed metal enclosure and candy gel buttons so that it matches the iTunes interface? This idea would at least seem to counter the comments made here that this new desigin with all it's buttons is "not apple".

Any thought?

Hmm....
Is that a stone in my pocket, or a MP3 player??

[macdong]

If the new iPod really comes out like the picture, I'll just go to eBay and buy a second-hand one.

[macdong]

If the new iPod really comes out like the picture, I'll just go to eBay and buy a second-hand one. :mad:


Sorry, double post.
Thought my first one failed....

[deckard]

http://www.looprumors.com/iPodRedesign.jpg

Mock up from looprumors.com

[greenstork]

I would keep the iPod design exactly the same except for one button that I want.

I want one button to turn shuffle off and lock in an artist. With this addition, it would be perfect.

[kylos]

Thinksecret is back up. Within the last ten minutes.

I personally think the button arrangement is an ergonomic improvement (not aesthetic). After having used my friends pc ipod (I haven't been able to afford one yet - college and all that) I've noticed that the bottom and hand-side buttons are quite hard to reach. This button arrangement will greatly reduce thumb movement.

[kylos]

Yeah, looprumors looks so much better than thinksecret. Now for all the traditionalists, maybe the buttons could be arranged as per looprumors while preserving the current bezel button style (just a quarter-circle at the top)

[alset]

Originally posted by Kyle?
Thinksecret is back up. Within the last ten minutes.

Heh heh heh... The story and the artist's rendition are still there.

Dan

[Flowbee]

Originally posted by Kyle?
This button arrangement will greatly reduce thumb movement.

I'm not sure how moving between the scroll wheel and the row of buttons above *reduces* thumb movement. As currently configured, your thumb remains in close proximity to all of the buttons *and* the wheel at the same time. In addition, when using the iPod in your pocket (without looking) it's easy to know which button is which. I think a row of identical buttons might make the likelyhood of pressing the wrong one much higher.

[yzedf]

USB 2.0 support has also been added to the iPod, primarily for Windows users.

The update to the iPod is no surprise. It has been rumored for months that Apple would revamp the now-popular portable music player available for both Windows and Mac users. Since it's introduction in October of 2001, the iPod has become one of the most popular portable players. In the final quarter of 2002, the iPod was the top-selling player in terms of dollar market share at 27 percent, according to market research firm NPDTechworld. In terms of actual units sold, Apple placed third with a 11.2 percent market share.

The Windows version of the iPod is the most popular product, controlling 58 percent of the units sold, compared to 42 percent for the Mac version. Of the three iPod models, the 10GB model is the best seller, according to NPDTechworld.
That might have something to do with it... :rolleyes:

[psxndc]

Still no audio in? Bah.

-p

[Snowy_River]

For those that say there isn't room for buttons without changing the size of the unit, here's an image, edited from an actual iPod image. The size of the iPod has not been modified...

[Snowy_River]

Did someone suggest a brushed metal look that matched iTunes?

(Don't ask me what the fifth button does, I just added it to make things look better... :D)

[Snowy_River]

If this is all there is to the update, I'll be disappointed. I was really, really hoping for a tuner. It's the iPod's one great short-coming, in my opinion...

:(

[mangoman]

Has anyone considered the idea of a 'button' or two facillitating INPUT in terms of PDA functionality? How hard could it be (especially for the studs at Apple) ?

[kylos]

Originally posted by Flowbee
I'm not sure how moving between the scroll wheel and the row of buttons above *reduces* thumb movement. As currently configured, your thumb remains in close proximity to all of the buttons *and* the wheel at the same time. In addition, when using the iPod in your pocket (without looking) it's easy to know which button is which. I think a row of identical buttons might make the likelyhood of pressing the wrong one much higher.

The overall position of your thumb with the new design doesnt change much. With the old design, you have to bend your thumb underneath your hand to hit the hand-side button. Your thumb must provide a greater range of movement to touch all the buttons on the current design. With the new design, the buttons will be in a much smaller arc (? 70º). Previously, you had to (still do, as far as we know) essentially cover 360º. That's an ergonomic improvement in my mind.

[kylos]

Ha. The approx. symbol isn't ascii, I see.

[mangoman]

Originally posted by Kyle?
Ha. The approx. symbol isn't ascii, I see.

uhhh....

ok.

:confused:

[kylos]

Option-x, the approx. equals symbol isn't an ascii character (websafe) and won't render in a browser. I say this because when I wrote approx 70º it appeared as ? 70º. Nothing important, just laughing out loud (i know what lol means, I just like to write things out on a forum, abbreviations are for chatting).

Edit: And Western (Mac os Roman) encoding doesn't like the degree symbol (turns it into an integral). Facsinating, I'm going to have to start messing with my character encodings.

[myrdred23]

Think Secret mentions that the lineup will still include the 10gb model, here's a quote:

'It is not known when the new models will be fully available to the public for sale, but it is expected they will debut the last week of April. It is expected that the 10GB version will be lowered in price to US$299, the 15GB version will retail for $399 and the 30GB version will cost $499. Apple could cut prices even slightly lower to spur interest at the last minute, but sources report that is unlikely."

Such a lineup seems strange to me, since the 15gb model isn't much of an improvement over the 10gb, however perhaps the 10gb uses the old style of ipod buttons (like the 5gb one used the old design before), but this is not clear from their article.

[nagromme]

I wouldn't take those 4 buttons seriously: if ThinkSecret had info on what they did they'd have mentioned it--so those 4 functions are just an artists' conception. In reality, the buttons may LOOK like that now, but they probably DO what they always did:

menu - prev/rew - next/FF - play/pause

I do like the old look, but I bet the new way stops you from messing up the volume when you just want to pause or skip. Functionally better.

I hope the new music service is good and priced right--there are lots of individual songs I'd like--but if not, I don't need to use it so no harm done. And please remember, if you don't like the service price, keep in mind that it may be more the record companies than Apple!

All I really NEED to sell me on an iPod is AAC/MP4: more music, better quality.

[MacFan25]

This makes me want to have a new iPod! ;)

Any word on if the back of the iPod will still be chrome or not?

[mangoman]

I heard a rumor that the new iPods will be completely clear plastic cases.

[Monkeypoo]

Here's one thing I hope for: I want that remote control cord to be shorter. I'm sure it's great for the tall people but I swear that I could jump rope with the earphones and remote control cords connnected at the length they now are. Why not just make it all one cord now that a revision is supposedly coming out?
I think I like the way the old ipods look but those two that snowy posted looked pretty good. I think I like the look of the first encasement (not a big fan of brushed metal on the ipod) but the button arrangement of the brushed metal one. And the 5th button could be a fun little thing that says "I'm an ipod and I could kick your A$$ if I didn't pity you!"
I guess if there are all these buttons added, then those fun iskins and what not will now be useless pieces of plastic and I so wanted the blue glowing iskin too!

[nagromme]

Doesn't look too bad to me... (My Photoshop--not a real image--based on the same 4 button functions as the old iPod.)

EDIT: Snowy beat me to it! Like that one, this has the size of iPod AND wheel unchanged--so it does indeed all fit. And looking at it, I like that your thumb never has to bend awkwardly down to the bottom of the iPod, it can stay around the middle.

[nagromme]

Hey, remember Macwhispers reported on a cable being made for Apple that was both Firewire and USB? We may have the answer to that one now!

Also--I hope the Mac version has USB also--Macs will eventually have USB 2, Apple has said they are keeping an eye on the possibility. And a USB 2 device WILL work with USB 1 computers anyway (more slowly). Why would I want USB if I have Firewire? Because many of our Macs do NOT have Firewire--and this would make iPod a more universal portable HD.

[holy MAC!]

hey, if apple introduces usb2 into the ipod...... why not into the 15 albook?

also, i seriously doubt the ipod will have an actual usb2 port, rather a firewire with a cable with usb2 at the other side.... (the converter would be built into the ipod's hardware) cuz technically.... usb2 can just utilize 4 of the 6 firewire pins... and the ipod should be smart enough to understand that.

also.... the button scheme sux.

[tcmcam]

I'm hoping the docking station spurs another development...

A universal docking adapter for cars. Not the lame RF adapters that use the FM radio (or the cassette adapter).

I want something that plugs my iPod in, charges it, but uses a hi-quality audio cable or firewire digital hookup to play audio.

the PhatBox is kind of cool (www.phatnoise.com). But it only works with certain radios. I wish Apple could drive this hard with the automobile manufacturers.

Gee, with a firewire interface, we could even have a "voice" saying the playlist. Good for keeping your eyes on the road.

Just dreaming.....

Jack

[MacKid]

I don't know if anyone has said this yet, but I'm SURE that there's no way that Apple would have a music service. The chances are 1/1000 for that. At least that's if they don't tie it into .Mac. there's probably a 1/50 chance that if they have one at all, it'll be part of .Mac.

[Phil Of Mac]

Originally posted by mangoman
Has anyone considered the idea of a 'button' or two facillitating INPUT in terms of PDA functionality? How hard could it be (especially for the studs at Apple) ?

That would be a stupid, stupid idea.

Want a PDA? Get a PDA. The iPod is a music player. Not a PDA. The last thing Apple needs now is that kind of confusion.

I also believe there's no way in hell that they'll have USB 2.0. After all, Firewire is Apple's standard. Releasing USB 2 iPods would be like releasing iPods for Windows.

(Wait a second...)

[mangoman]

Originally posted by Phil Of Mac
That would be a stupid, stupid idea.

Want a PDA? Get a PDA. The iPod is a music player. Not a PDA. The last thing Apple needs now is that kind of confusion.

I also believe there's no way in hell that they'll have USB 2.0. After all, Firewire is Apple's standard. Releasing USB 2 iPods would be like releasing iPods for Windows.

(Wait a second...)

Hey Phil. Tell us how you really feel...

And you're already wrong about USB 2.0. It's been here and it works.

[mr_austin]

Originally posted by Phil Of Mac
That would be a stupid, stupid idea.

Want a PDA? Get a PDA. The iPod is a music player. Not a PDA. The last thing Apple needs now is that kind of confusion.


Thank god they avoided that confusion by not having it list contacts or calendars :rolleyes:

Simple Input would be a great addition. Even better would be a way to rate songs or create playlists w/o the mac.

[MARKUS]

What if they made the dock so you can have a audio output from the dock instead of plugging it in on the top.

This would be a pretty convenient, and cleaner way of plugging in the iPod to your stereo plus they can sell this with a cheaper wall wart that plugs into the dock for charging and sell the expensive white power adapter separately.

Or, while we are speculating, having a optional IR remote for the dock or even a video out for future capabilities but starting with song info and basically duplicating the info on the iPod itself for viewing on a tv or monitor.
I know that this is possible without adding too much to the price.

Bluetooth would probably not be cost effective but it too is also possible.
Tivo series 2 recorders can connect with Rendezvous and is compatible with iTunes and iPhoto so, I am kind of curious to see where this might be going.
The possibilities are endless.

:D

[Phil Of Mac]

Originally posted by mr_austin
Thank god they avoided that confusion by not having it list contacts or calendars :rolleyes:

Simple Input would be a great addition. Even better would be a way to rate songs or create playlists w/o the mac.

That's data viewage. iPod is a output machine. Input goes against the idea of an output machine.

[d46799]

I hope they're taking advantage of the bigger drives that are readily available, especially the 40/60 giggers. Can't imagine they're going to sell a 10 and a 15 with a $100 difference between them. I also hope they will include my idea of a toothpick on the side, like with the swiss army knife. AS WELL as a cork screw/magnifying glass/fish scaler. Let's make this a truly versitile tool. Any takers for a "comissioned artists rendition"? I got $.02 for ya.

If they include those items, I'll buy it. Otherwise, I'll hold out.

Ya HEAR THAT Apple??!

D

[Phil Of Mac]

Originally posted by mangoman
Hey Phil. Tell us how you really feel...

And you're already wrong about USB 2.0. It's been here and it works.

In case you couldn't tell, I was being sarcastic...I meant that they're going to have USB 2, for the same reason they have Windows iPods.

[Phil Of Mac]

Originally posted by Kyle?
Option-x, the approx. equals symbol isn't an ascii character (websafe) and won't render in a browser. I say this because when I wrote approx 70º it appeared as ? 70º.

The tilde also means "approximately". A better solution that "approximately equals to".

[shiro-hagen]

Just a thought - I remember reading in one of the forums about Apple developing a cable that could detect/switch between USB and Firewire, depending what was connected.

Wish I could remember the link, but the thoughts on the dock idea and ports made me remember...

[Squire]

Old news, probably...

The Korean Apple store has a promotion on the 5 GB iPod. You get a case, remote, and earphones (?) thrown in for free. (I don't know if they're extra earphones or special in any way.)

Squire

[JGowan]

Has anyone heard anything about the new ipod having Bluetooth? With all of the hub-bub at Apple regarding Bluetooth and OSX.2 having the software for it, I would think that all new products (including the new ipods) would be under the Bluetooth Umbrella, so to speak.

I would really like to have it to be able to sync up with Address Books of the computer and various devices.

But what would be REALLY SWEET is Bluetooth Headphones... WOW!

[Squire]

Originally posted by JGowan
But what would be REALLY SWEET is Bluetooth Headphones... WOW!

Oh, cool idea! I was in a class the other day and one student had a Samsung phone with the Bluetooth name and logo on it- something I've been looking for.

"Do you know what that is?" I asked.
No response.
"It's for wireless connection," I added.
"Yes," she said. "They have WIRELESS HEADPHONES for it but they're really expensive."

So there is such a thing. Just how expensive, I don't know.

Oh, that would be so cool on an iPod.

Squire

[zach]

Wireless headphones would be neat. In fact, I read someone else's post in another thread about having wireless headphones and a wireless remote with all the buttons and a screen, so that the iPod itself would actually not have a screen, and you never actually needed to touch the iPod.......

But, I think that is just wishful thinking. What i would REALLY like is to have a bluetooth connection to "top off" my iPod without hooking it up to my computer. I have about 1000 songs on mine and rarely put more on, but I change playlists all the time, and I would like to be able to sync these quickly without having to mount and then unmount my iPod.

[d1gg3r]

This has got to be the way it goes eventually...

Use the iPod to dump off images from digital cameras.

Much cheaper than putting more storage into cameras. And the iPod has so much storage space.

Fit a colour screen to the iPod and whoopee!

Can you do this already with cameras with Firewire? If they have USB then it opens the gates for most cameras.

Would drivers be the issue/barrier to this happening?

Good idea, eh?

Cheers

[iMook]

Bluetooth bandwidth isn't high enough for good sound quality. It's fine for wireless cell phone headsets, since they're mono and just speech. But, unless you put a decoder into the headphones themselves and stream the compressed mp3, you won't be able to get good sound quality from Bluetooth. What you COULD do is use FM technology to transmit your signals (though that probably kills battery life). Personally, any new gadgetry is good, but Bluetooth headphones would be useless.

Bluetooth for syncing playlists is a neat idea. Viewing playlists of nearby iPods would be neat, too (though a bit spooky if that other person's a stranger).

An OLED display would be nice, too. No backlight needed, and very thin. Kodak just implemented one on a digital camera (abeit one sold only in Europe).

[Sincere]

Originally posted by psxndc
Still no audio in? Bah.

-p

Exactly the reason I won't buy one. When they release that, I will finally buy one. My new cell phone doesn't have one (or bluetooth!). An internal mic would be awesome too, for we geniuses in a hurry, heh... Somone told me that they would never make it because of copyright/concert bootlegging issues, but that sounds like crap to me as it IS an mp3 player...

Come on you Apple bastards, Audio In/Internal Mic...

Enjoying his 17" PB,
--Sincere

[shadowfax]

Originally posted by Sincere
Exactly the reason I won't buy one. When they release that, I will finally buy one. My new cell phone doesn't have one (or bluetooth!). An internal mic would be awesome too, for we geniuses in a hurry, heh... Somone told me that they would never make it because of copyright/concert bootlegging issues, but that sounds like crap to me as it IS an mp3 player...

Come on you Apple bastards, Audio In/Internal Mic...

Enjoying his 17" PB,
--Sincere
i think there is a difference between encoding and decoding MP3, and i think encoding it is much more intensive. i wouldn't expect it to be in the next iPod. it's an mp3 player, not a recorder. even if it did record, it would more than likely sound pretty crappy...

no, don't hold your breath on that one. on the bright side, powerbooks have a line in and an internal mic. you're sitting on a 17 incher, use it! :)

[Sincere]

Originally posted by Shadowfax
i think there is a difference between encoding and decoding MP3, and i think encoding it is much more intensive. i wouldn't expect it to be in the next iPod. it's an mp3 player, not a recorder. even if it did record, it would more than likely sound pretty crappy...

no, don't hold your breath on that one. on the bright side, powerbooks have a line in and an internal mic. you're sitting on a 17 incher, use it! :)

There is indeed a difference, but with 40G, record in AIFF. the technology cannot be too difficult to incorporate if it is already present in cell phones, micro digital recorders and other such products. Those often sound poor, but with a line in, you could do decently. I would use the recorder for dictation and, as a musician, for ideas. Many people like to record their ideas, be it for work, art, or to later incriminate themselves...
Anyway, I know it's improbable in the iPod right now, but at least a few of us want this addition. I want a VERY portable 10000 song jukebox, recorder, and perhaps someday phone/planner all in one little unit... With a teleportation device... Come on, it's 2003, and the best we get is the segway? Think different.

--Sincere

[shadowfax]

Originally posted by Sincere
There is indeed a difference, but with 40G, record in AIFF. the technology cannot be too difficult to incorporate if it is already present in cell phones, micro digital recorders and other such products. Those often sound poor, but with a line in, you could do decently. I would use the recorder for dictation and, as a musician, for ideas. Many people like to record their ideas, be it for work, art, or to later incriminate themselves...
Anyway, I know it's improbable in the iPod right now, but at least a few of us want this addition. I want a VERY portable 10000 song jukebox, recorder, and perhaps someday phone/planner all in one little unit... With a teleportation device... Come on, it's 2003, and the best we get is the segway? Think different.

--Sincere i guess we just have divergent goals. i want it to be as simple as possible to have a player only; i really don't even want those fruity games or a planner. that to me just makes it more complicated, especially something like a mic and a recording setup. then you have to have a way to name it or something, and pretty soon you're packing a qwerty on the face. meh. i just want a little pocket player with a few days of music in it, more specifically every song i own.