'Actual' Video iPod in 2006?

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

Analyst Charles Wolf reports (http://www.macnn.com/articles/06/01/19/actual.video.ipod.coming/) that he expects new product introductions by Apple to accelerate in 2006 and the Intel-transition will "materially" increase Mac sales.

Also expected is an "actual" video iPod in the first half of this year, along with "major content deals" alongside a revamped Mac mini.

We would not be surprised to see the Mac mini assume its rightful place in the living room as a digital entertainment server.

Its unclear if these expectations represent actual knowledge, it may more simply represent educated speculation based on previous rumors.

[Piarco]

Gotta love analysts! :D
Can't say a full video iPod would interest me, only because it would see no use due to my commuting. The current iPod is fine for my needs.
And can anyone clarify the "materially" increase Mac sales? Am I right to assume he is infereing it as a superficial increase due to the switch to Intel?

[CubaTBird]

i dunno.. with the psp out, i mean apple already has the ipod that can "handle" video as in simple tv shows and what not.. now if they are going to make a specific "video/movie" ipod, i don't think they will call it ipod.. perhaps media center or something of that nature

[JohnK.O]

Maybe Jobs wasn't joking about that huge ass ipod he mentioned in the keynote...

[TheMasin9]

what does "actual" mean, does this mean that the device will be devoted solely to video?

[w_parietti22]

4.5" Wide Screen iPod here we come! :) maybe sideways on the body like the PSP.

[ibook30]

Could be a real exciting year - tons of new products, and some serious competition with Dell and other Wintel box makers.

[emulator]

I think it's be a bad idea. Look at the Archos, it is out for how many years, 4-5? And who cares?!?!
The device gotta do much more than just playing video or music. People won't buy it over a PSP just because it has the Apple logo. Or who knows... :eek:

[Piarco]

4.5" Wide Screen iPod here we come! :) maybe sideways on the body like the PSP.

Dunno about the dimensions, but I think that's pretty much what I had in mind. No idea about the controls though. On-screen scroll wheel? Located on the edges?

I still believe this will have limited appeal... but definitely don't quote me on that :D

[obeygiant]

they better not be making a new iPod. im scheduled to get one next month.

[Doctor Q]

what does "actual" mean, does this mean that the device will be devoted solely to video?He doesn't say. What he does say, without specifics, is that the first iPod line that handles video may be a "holdover" while better models are in the works.

[ksz]

Jobs has said that downloading movies and hour-long TV shows just takes too long. Streaming video would be nice, but you would have to be perennially connected to a wired or wireless network. Or you could record shows from TV, cable or satellite to the video iPod or transfer prerecorded content from a PVR or video camera. I'm not sure whether most buyers of such devices would use it more than a few times before getting tired of the hassles. If anyone can make such a device practical to use every day, it is Apple.

Apple has to be wondering how they can maintain sales momentum of the iPod line. 14 million units in Q4 was very impressive, but can it continue without new innovations?

[boombashi]

I think it's be a bad idea. Look at the Archos, it is out for how many years, 4-5? And who cares?!?!

Exactly, look at the Archos :p



The device gotta do much more than just playing video or music. People won't buy it over a PSP just because it has the Apple logo. Or who knows... :eek:

How many video iPods did they sell this holiday season? Nah, people don't want those things ;) PSP is a much better video playing experience, it's soooo easy to get video on those things and there is so much storage capacity and battery life ;)

[supergod]

I like the names: iScreen, iTheatre. Realistically though, they'd have to call it an iPod if it wasn't part of their mac line and they wanted to capitalize on their success.

[atari1356]

He doesn't say. What he does say, without specifics, is that the first iPod line that handles video may be a "holdover" while better models are in the works.

Well, that's a pretty obvious observation on his part isn't it?

It's like saying the 1st generation iPod was a "holdover" while the new and improved 2nd generation iPod was in the works, which was a "holdover" for the 3rd generation... and so on...

There will always be new and improved versions of everything Apple makes. See, I'm a brilliant analyst too. :D

[SiliconAddict]

Frankly I'd mug* someone for a video iPod at this point. Not a used video iPod though. One right out of the store. I do have standards after all.









*Just kidding

[Manatee]

I'm still hoping for a video iPod in the same size and shape as the current one, but where the screen covers most of the front of the device. A virtual scroll wheel would be brought up via a button on the side or something.

Nice to have:
- WVGA resolution.
- Touch-sensitive screen, allowing input via something like Graffiti.
- WiFi (802.11g or better) & Bluetooth
- Nuclear power -- change tiny "power pellet" every couple of years.

[freeny]

Come on guys! Everyone was Bi*ching that the original iPod video would never work before its release and look at it now!:eek: I cant wait for a video centric iPod!!!

Bigger screen!
More codec support!

Im sure it will be a seperate design from the existing iPods and they will still carry the regular iPods.

It will just cater to a more videocentric consumer like myself.

[atari1356]

How many video iPods did they sell this holiday season? Nah, people don't want those things ;) PSP is a much better video playing experience, it's soooo easy to get video on those things and there is so much storage capacity and battery life ;)

Yeah... if the PSP had a 60Gb hard drive in it to store video/mp3's, it would be much more attractive.

[boombashi]

they better not be making a new iPod. im scheduled to get one next month.

I don't think they will replace the line quite yet, maybe just augment it with a higher end model. You are probably safe...but who knows. But I still have an iPod Photo and iPod 3G that both still plays music just fine even though there are new models out ;) I would love an iPod with true video capabilities but I've been holding out for this mythical beast (which has already been rumored months ago BTW). I can also almost guarantee that we will need to buy all new iPod accessories for this new player.:D

[PhilaScott]

I would be SO on board with a second generation of video iPod that has the capability of taking movies on the road provided they beef up the battery life/capacity! I held off buying the video iPod because, well, I had just purchased the iPod nano when it came out... restrain on this single income household always rules the day.

And as far as a digital home entertainment hub a la the Mac mini? Well, again, my wallet will be ready to jump out of my back pocket for that, BUT not as a first adopter... I'll wait for rev. B on that product even if it kills me to have to wait!

[freeny]

How many video iPods did they sell this holiday season? Nah, people don't want those things ;) PSP is a much better video playing experience, it's soooo easy to get video on those things and there is so much storage capacity and battery life ;)
So much storage capacity???:confused:

In order to get the same storage capacity as a 60gb iPod on a psp it will cost you $6000!:eek:

[MacFan782040]

I think they should improve the existing iPod with Video first.

1) Longer battery life. If I want to watch an hour show, that kills my battery life if I want to listen to music later in the day.

2) Bundle a iPod video conversion program with iTunes. Or better yet, build it into iTunes. 95% of people with iPod video's don't know how to get them on the iPod. And when they realize you need a convertor, their too lazy to do it.

[macintel4me]

... I would love an iPod with true video capabilities but I've been holding out for this mythical beast ...
True video capabilities like what? The current video iPod seems pretty good.

[boombashi]

Yeah... if the PSP had a 60Gb hard drive in it to store video/mp3's, it would be much more attractive.

True, but if Apple comes out with a 4" sceen iPod with a 60GB hard drive and decent battery life, the PSP will appear a lot less attractive as a video player...it also has a lot to do with the ease of use of the iPod, and it's integration with iTunes.

[Natron]

I don't think I would care for another iPod with video. Ok, I probably would be interested, but I don't see how a bigger screen would do anything, especially if the resolution is different. If it is, don't all the current videos become obsolete with this new iPod. The only way would be to make the screen bigger, but still be 320x240, and if it's a "true video iPod", then it would be widescreen. It would just suck to have to repurchase all your videos, or reimport from DVD, at least to have them at the best possible quality.

This is not to mention that Steve has said the iPod is about music first. Ok, yea...he could change that at any moment.

Also, I still can't see the Mac mini and the DVR being the same product. It just seems like it would be targeted towards different people. For example, the one thing a good DVR would need is more harddrive space, and I can't see Apple increasing the size of the Mac mini so they can fit a bigger harddrive (3.5"), or more harddrives in for a DVR.

That being said, could this "true video iPod" be the same as a DVR? The best place to watch video is on your TV.

[CubaTBird]

apple tends to update their ipods either during the summer or in the early to mid winter months.. so i don't expect an update quite soon.

[Porchland]

Maybe Jobs wasn't joking about that huge ass ipod he mentioned in the keynote...

I envision something more along the lines of the current iPod's form factor but with nearly all of the front face as a video display.

Where to put the controls? Jonathan Ive can figure it out!

[boombashi]

True video capabilities like what? The current video iPod seems pretty good.

I really only meant a larger high rez screen and possibly higher rez video - I think that is the future, but it could be a while before you can download video from ITMS at DVD or better quality. The iPod video right now is an awesome "ultra" portable video device I'm not knocking it, but I think there is a market for the people that like their 4"-7" portable DVD players...take that screen and add an iPod to it, and you might have something. Some people like the 12" notebooks some like the 17", it's just a matter of how much portability you want or need.

[alms]

equals HDTV plus video out.

[age234]

I still think they should make some sort of "iPod Duo", basically the shell of a PDA that you slip your iPod into, like the Powerbook Duo of old. It could include a bigger sceen and more apps, and of course, play videos. When you take the iPod out, you go back to the iPod UI, you can still access everything, but in read-only mode. Something like this (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/tylerdykstra/ipodduo.jpg).

That would be the ultimate, in my opinion.

[freeny]

I don't think I would care for another iPod with video. Ok, I probably would be interested, but I don't see how a bigger screen would do anything, especially if the resolution is different. If it is, don't all the current videos become obsolete with this new iPod.
Upgrades like the one you mention with the resolution happen all the time and wouldnt make old video's "obsolete". They would still play. Vinyl to tape, tape to cd, vhs to dvd, dvd to hd, Its just a byproduct of advancing technology. Technology is moving at a much quicker pace these days. As far as my own personal collection of video for the iPod, it would actually be better seeing that I encode to the highest resolution possible. My stuff would look better! Also its not so much the resolution as it is the size of the screen. I would rather "squint" less with a bigger screen.

[Doctor Q]

Maybe Jobs wasn't joking about that huge ass ipod he mentioned in the keynote...The perfect video iPod will have to be stretchable, so you can compress it to a tiny screen or pull it out to a huge size. Because only you can decide on the proper tradeoff between compactness/portability and videoscreen size.

[Porchland]

apple tends to update their ipods either during the summer or in the early to mid winter months.. so i don't expect an update quite soon.

Mmmm, not really. I nerdishly keep a spreadsheet for just this sort of thing, and iPod releases have been all over the calendar.

The 1G debuted in October 2001 and refreshed in March 2002.
The 2G debuted in July 2002.
The 3G debuted in April 2003 and refreshed in September 2003.
The 4G debuted in July 2004.
The 5G debuted in October 2005.

The distance between editions of the flagship iPod is 9, 10, 15 and 15 months. With the 5G (video) landing last October, it's only been about four months, but a new video device may be another device rather than the new iPod.

The iPod mini debuted in January 2004.
The iPod shuffle debuted in January 2005.
The iPod nano debuted in September 2005.

September and October are popular because that's when Apple needs to get a product out to get the maxium impact before the Christmas, and January has been popular because of Macworld.

Apple has also made many of its product announcements shortly after the end of a quarter, which, I suspect, is to maximize the impact of the product in the following quarter's earnings and to accurately measure the life cycle of the product by quarter.

I'm thinking announcement of a video device would come around the first of April. Pure speculation.

[ksz]

The perfect video iPod will have to be stretchable, so you can compress it to a tiny screen or pull it out to a huge size. Because only you can decide on the proper tradeoff between compactness/portability and videoscreen size.
Last month's issue of PC World or PC Mag (can't remember which) had an image of a rollable OLED screen. The device was either a digital book reader or a digital video player (can't remember which) which rolled up into something resembling a tiny scroll or large pen. To use, you simply unroll the thin OLED sheet and power it on!

If I find it, I'll scan the image.

[Porchland]

I think it's be a bad idea. Look at the Archos, it is out for how many years, 4-5? And who cares?!?!
The device gotta do much more than just playing video or music. People won't buy it over a PSP just because it has the Apple logo. Or who knows... :eek:

I think the difference is easy availability of good content, ease of transfer to the device and critical mass in the market. Archos doesn't really do any of those.

* iTunes is going to have the content; that is becoming increasingly clear.
* iTunes is also very adept at ease of transfer to devices.
* Apple has shown pretty clearly with iPod that they can push a product to critical mass.

Remember how late Apple was to the MP3 market with the iPod? All the players were small, crappy and there was no market for downloads except Napster and ripping CDs. Things are a little different now.

That's more or less how "Think different" works.

[G5Unit]

How about no track wheel? Just make it invisible underneath the white cover stuff! Anyone?

[alywa]

I think it's be a bad idea. Look at the Archos, it is out for how many years, 4-5? And who cares?!?!
The device gotta do much more than just playing video or music. People won't buy it over a PSP just because it has the Apple logo. Or who knows... :eek:

Yeah, but you're forgetting that the archos is basically a hard drive with a screen. Yeah, I know it can do DVR functions, but outside of hardcore AV / Computer geeks, that thing just isn't gonna sell.

Now, a vPod integrated with ITMS (iTunes Media Store) is a whole different ballgame. Imagine being able to have a queue of movies (ala netflicks) that will be downloaded to your vPod, suitable for playback on the TV or on the go. That will sell, my friend. In addition, it will do everything the current iPods can, the only downside will be slightly increased size and weight, to counter for the larger screen and battery requirements.

I don't know if I'll get one, but I sure would like to have the option.

-alywa

[ITR 81]

I'm thinking announcement of a video device would come around the first of April. Pure speculation.

I was thinking along those same lines around March or April.

But I have a feeling a new iPod Shuffle will make way abit sooner maybe late Feb. or Mar.

[iDM]

Anyone interested in a barely used soon to be out-dated iPod 5Gen?

In all honesty you better believe this thing is hitting eBay if these rumors gain more support.

[SiliconAddict]

Exactly, look at the Archos :p


How many video iPods did they sell this holiday season? Nah, people don't want those things ;) PSP is a much better video playing experience, it's soooo easy to get video on those things and there is so much storage capacity and battery life ;)

Well that's the beauty of it. Apple is force feeding video down people's throat. If you want a large hard drive and no video you can go with. . . . . Ummm someone else I guess.


What I would like to see is a new line of iPods.

(Premium) iPod Video - New form factor. Runs $499-60GB, $599-80GB (Do a limited run on these until its determined if the market really wants them at which point ramp up production. Also do a price break after 6 months.)

(Advanced) iPod with video - Same style as we have now. $299-30GB, $399-60GB
(Standard) iPod Nano - Same style as we have now. $199-4GB, $299-8GB
(Ultra Portable) iPod Shuffle - Slightly longer with Mini LCD. $99-1GB


I think it's be a bad idea. Look at the Archos, it is out for how many years, 4-5? And who cares?!?!
The device gotta do much more than just playing video or music. People won't buy it over a PSP just because it has the Apple logo. Or who knows... :eek:

I think it bear repeating that the same could be said of the PMP market until Apple walked in, looked around, and said "Yah I think we can work with this." And the big difference between Apple's offering and Sony's will be umm something around 48GB. I think the max memory stick you can get for the PSP is around 2GB in size. Not including the $200 3rd party addon hard drive that really fattens up the PSP.

Anyone interested in a barely used soon to be out-dated iPod 5Gen?

In all honesty you better believe this thing is hitting eBay if these rumors gain more support.

Honestly. I'm prob going to keep my iPod Photo and use it next to an iPod Video. Mainly because I expect anything that comes out that is a true iPod Video to change form factors at least a bit which would make my inMotion iM7 less then useful. So until I fill up the remaining 11GB of free space on my 60GB I'll prob hang onto this sucker. I've got too much invested in accessories to jump form factors cold turkey.

[revfife]

If they release anything (which I doubt right now because of Jobs current commitment to the mac) it will be in addition to the current ipod lines. I could see them rotating the screen to make it true widescreen format.

[freeny]

Anyone interested in a barely used soon to be out-dated iPod 5Gen?

In all honesty you better believe this thing is hitting eBay if these rumors gain more support.
Me too! comes with "Invisable Shield" already applied!
Will throw in the case I bought along with all the porn still on it.

[nagromme]

Apple was smart to ease into this market (practically a NON-market previously) by offering video as a "take it or leave it" extra in the MUSIC iPod. While offering video content for sale that people can just play on computer or TV as well.

In doing so, have they sparked a broad market for the "real thing," better for video but less portable? Would such a thing actually sell in large quantities now? It's possible, although I think most consumers would still want music and portability first and foremost--and the compact iPods we have today can still send video to TV.

We know video sales have taken off more than expected on iTunes. What I'd be curious to know is, what percentage of the videos sold on iTunes are viewed just on the computer (or output to TV from computer or iPod)? And what percentage are viewed directly on iPod screens?

That would be a clue to the demand for a less-portable iPod with a bigger built-in screen.

What I really HOPE demand exists for (and someday it will, as the Mac platform grows) is a pocketable OS X machine. Something good enough for casual use so you have SOMETHING able to access your stuff when you haven't lugged your laptop along. And yet able to do serious work (at reduced speed) when you attach whatever display and keyboard are handy.

[bigandy]

True, but if Apple comes out with a 4" sceen iPod with a 60GB hard drive and decent battery life, the PSP will appear a lot less attractive as a video player...it also has a lot to do with the ease of use of the iPod, and it's integration with iTunes.


the PSP is attractive as a video player?

huh, that's a new one on me...

[bigandy]

I think the max memory stick you can get for the PSP is around 2GB in size.


4Gb is the biggest MS Pro Duo now, but not sure if the PSP supports it...

[Doozy]

I actually think the video pod is a good idea. When the current ipod came out I thought i would never use the video function, I was wrong. I watch video on my ipod reguarlly at the gym while working out. In fact there are about three regulars who go to the gym and also watch video on their ipod.

If I am not watching video I am listening to a podcast. Right now I wish there were more quality video podcasts, but this will eventually happen.

Here's to 2006. Can't wait to see what apple has come up with.

[SiliconAddict]

the PSP is attractive as a video player?

huh, that's a new one on me...


It actually is. The screen is beautiful. Add a 60GB hard drive to the thing and I would be all over it like a 40 year old virgin on . . . never mind. :D

4Gb is the biggest MS Pro Duo now, but not sure if the PSP supports it...


Huh. Learn something new every day. :)

[iDM]

Me too! comes with "Invisable Shield" already applied!
Will throw in the case I bought along with all the porn still on it.

I have an invisible shield as well that I applied within seconds of taking off the plastic wrap. This iPod has only been exposed to the elements for about five minutes.

[shadowmoses]

4Gb is the biggest MS Pro Duo now, but not sure if the PSP supports it...

That must cost bucket loads, i'm sure the PSP supports it though....

Anyway back to the topic, a proper video iPod is inevitable, and if they manage to relase a widescreen video music player that is still pocketable with a large hard drive i guarentee it will fly off the shelves especially if they introduce video content outside of the USA...

Shadow

[DTphonehome]

Oh please. Analysts know nothing more than we do. They only make predictions based on what they think Apple should be doing to increase sales. There's no "proof" they have that makes this an educated statement.

[rtdunham]

I still think they should make some sort of "iPod Duo", basically the shell of a PDA that you slip your iPod into, like the Powerbook Duo of old. It could include a bigger sceen and more apps, and of course, play videos. When you take the iPod out, you go back to the iPod UI, you can still access everything, but in read-only mode. Something like this (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/tylerdykstra/ipodduo.jpg).

That would be the ultimate, in my opinion.

You've executed the concept very well, nice job. For most bang-for-buck, i think it would work even better if you showed a Nano being inserted...with mods to the nano by apple that could work, right? but then the increase in screen size is proportionately much greater--thus the more bang for bucks allusion. Though i know that reflects only on screen sizes, NOT on the added functionality. I owned several Duos in the day, btw--am only now liquidating my last one, the 2300C, a remarkable machine, with both the mini dock and the "maxi" dock that sucked the duo in like your concept, with outs for keyboard, monitor, ethernet, provisions for an added HD, etc. Remarkable stuff. I love my AlPB but i'd love to see what today's apple could do with a new duo model.

terry

[rtdunham]

The perfect video iPod will have to be stretchable, so you can compress it to a tiny screen or pull it out to a huge size. Because only you can decide on the proper tradeoff between compactness/portability and videoscreen size.

that explains those rubbery, elastic power books i've seen in the apple stores. I caught a staffer taking a bunch of little ones out of boxes and stretching them to the different sizes before putting them on display. :)

terry

[duklaprague]

Not really fussed by a video ipod for all the reasons given already.

And i don't get this idea of a touch sensitive scroll wheel - I'm not sure I'd want to run my fingers over a screen I used to watch video, ant more than I'd want pawprints over the laptop or tv screens.

But I might be missing something.

I still have an old sony j5 mobile phone, and love it just because of the click wheel on the side - don't know why SE dropped them, as they were excellent. Maybe something like that could be an option?

Iain

[mongoos150]

Dunno about the dimensions, but I think that's pretty much what I had in mind. No idea about the controls though. On-screen scroll wheel? Located on the edges?

I still believe this will have limited appeal... but definitely don't quote me on that :D

I would LOVE a video iPod with an interface like the iRiver U10 - you simply press on the sides of the display for the controls - extremely cool.

[brepublican]

I dunno, looks like someone has been subscribing to the "super secret Apple rumours" podcast

[mrgreen4242]

Isn't there an add on for the 5G iPod now (3rd party of course) that acts as a shell with a big screen on it?

Anyways, I think that an Airport Express AV would be much more usefull, and more likely, than a bigger widescreen iPod. I would like to see the iPod video get at least anamorphic DVD resolution support, with the iTMS sales matching appropriately. The only reason I haven't bought any TV shows from iTMS is that they are such low quality and not the widecreen HD feeds.

[manosira]

Why the NEW iPod Video will succeed where the PSP & Archos Didn't as a video player.

1. Storage Capacity - We already have 60 gigs with the current iPod, and if Apple introduce an iPod Video I'm sure they will bump up the memory to handle the bigger video files.
2. Convenience - What iTunes & ITMS did was provide a fast and easy way to organize and transfer files onto our iPods. We already see that it works just as well with T.V. shows and home movies.
3. Apple Branding - I may be an mac addict, but the Apple brand I think has become a leader in portable electronics especially when it comes to media ie. music and maybe video? Where as the PSP is still known for games, and not too many people know or trust the other makers out there.

Why the NEW iPod Video won't or might not succeed (unless they change these)
1. Battery Life - Short TV shows and music is fine for the current iPod battery, but it wont' be able to handle big 3 hour feature movies unless it has an improve battery.
2. Screen Size - The current screen size is nothing comparable to the PSP, if they do a wide screen format and increase the size and resolution then it will be perfect for video on the go.
3. Product Line Confushion - There's already an iPod Video, so they'll have to differentiate between the current iPods and the new ones.


Having said that I think Apple should make a new iPod Video. To highly succeed is not about tapping into an existing market, but creating a new one. And Apple has always been able to make me want things I didn't think I needed before.

[Darrin Bell]

Come on guys! Everyone was Bi*ching that the original iPod video would never work before its release and look at it now!:eek: I cant wait for a video centric iPod!!!

Bigger screen!
More codec support!

Im sure it will be a seperate design from the existing iPods and they will still carry the regular iPods.

It will just cater to a more videocentric consumer like myself.I don't think it'll be a separate product - they learned their lesson with the iPod Photo. Plus, if most consumers are like me, they'll want to carry one iPod around, not a separate one for video.

If anything, I think it'll just be the next gen iPod with a PSP-style screen (but a smaller scale than PSP) and a Shuffle-size scroll wheel.

[LordJohnWhorfin]

Just add a set of video goggles to the current video iPod and you got yourself a kick-ass virtual 42" screen. The latest model goggles play for 8 hours on a pair of AA batteries and are very small and portable. Still a little pricey at $450.
As much as I'd like a bigger screen than the tiny iPod video's, at least it's crisp, perfectly serviceable on a plane, train or bus to watch TV shows, and even a 4" screen would only be a marginal improvement; the PSP's screen is much better, but still inadequate. Nah, VR goggles is the future :)

[sw1tcher]

I'm still hoping for a video iPod in the same size and shape as the current one, but where the screen covers most of the front of the device. A virtual scroll wheel would be brought up via a button on the side or something.

Nice to have:
- WVGA resolution.
- Touch-sensitive screen, allowing input via something like Graffiti.
- WiFi (802.11g or better) & Bluetooth
- Nuclear power -- change tiny "power pellet" every couple of years.

How about a video iPod in which the screen is the same size as the current iPod. No virtual scroll wheel on the device itself, but on a bluetooth enabled remote similar in size to the Front Row remote, but this one has a mini scroll wheel.

[macintel4me]

How about a video iPod in which the screen is the same size as the current iPod. No virtual scroll wheel on the device itself, but on a bluetooth enabled remote similar in size to the Front Row remote, but this one has a mini scroll wheel.
A video iPod streaming video via Bluetooth would last about 30 minutes before the battery dies a cruel death. I've heard that Apple hasn't come out with Bluetooth iPods because of battery issues. I really want a wireless headset for running, but if ain't going to work well, then forget it. I like Apples approach, that if they can't make the product insanely great, they just don't do it at all. N-I-C-E! :cool:

[blueflame]

so, i basically do not listen to music, but i watch tons of movies. i have my 30 gig 5th gen filled with dvds to capacity, i have a cradle in my car, so that it transmits through fm, i listen to the movies when working stock at work. i use the ipod as a porable dvd player between my girlfriends house, and mine. bigger screen, 2x the battery life, i would throw my money at them. i have now encoded almost 200 of my dvds using handbrake at 480 by XXX this quality makes the movie files about 600 megs a peice. they look good ona tv. and itunes handles all of them. (itunes needs to be updated to handle movies better). so, in conclusion, i said this earlier, i imagine this (boombox) apple is supposdly making, to be a video ipod, a real one, very similar formfactor, with bigger screen, and wifi, i imagine it being like, a ipod radio, you can set your ipod to dicoverable, and anyone say on a train or something can tune into your playlists and listen to whatever your are listening to, or shared playlists. i can hope cant I?
andreas

[freeny]

I don't think it'll be a separate product - they learned their lesson with the iPod Photo. Plus, if most consumers are like me, they'll want to carry one iPod around, not a separate one for video.

If anything, I think it'll just be the next gen iPod with a PSP-style screen (but a smaller scale than PSP) and a Shuffle-size scroll wheel.
I didn't see the iPod photo as a seperate product. It was just an iPod that also held pictures. Just as the 5g is just an iPod with video features.

I do like your description of the "Video iPod". That is what im talking about when I say a seperate product. Not the same formfactor as the current one but one with a larger screen but perhaps the same overall size. Im sure they will also throw in the music feature too.

[Epicurus]

As long as there is a middle-of-the-road iPod that has a decent screen (like the 5G), a 100GB+ hard drive than can be used for backup as well as music, photos, and video, and it is all thinner than the current 60GB 5G iPod, I'll be happy.

If I want a portable DVD library, I'll buy a 12" PowerBook (MacBook) with a big hard drive. If the 'Books get Robson flash drives and can boot up instantly (or close), then it'll be a very nice alternative to a bulky vPod.

Whatever features they cram into the next iPod I won't buy unless it is smaller/lighter than my current model. I can't think of any feature (including being able to decode HD movies for HDTV output on the fly) that would make me accept the extra bulk.

[guffman]

I don't think I would care for another iPod with video. Ok, I probably would be interested, but I don't see how a bigger screen would do anything, especially if the resolution is different. If it is, don't all the current videos become obsolete with this new iPod.

Remind me of the last time Apple cared about making one of their products obsolete. :rolleyes:

[Stella]

they better not be making a new iPod. im scheduled to get one next month.

Then wait.

[puckhead193]

i could see something like a PDA size as another model to the ipod line, but not a replacement....

[semitia]

I'm still hoping for a video iPod in the same size and shape as the current one, but where the screen covers most of the front of the device. A virtual scroll wheel would be brought up via a button on the side or something.

Nice to have:
- WVGA resolution.
- Touch-sensitive screen, allowing input via something like Graffiti.
- WiFi (802.11g or better) & Bluetooth
- Nuclear power -- change tiny "power pellet" every couple of years.

what if at the same time it's also the new remote for the mac mini media center???

[aswitcher]

(Premium) iPod Video - New form factor. Runs $499-60GB, $599-80GB (Do a limited run on these until its determined if the market really wants them at which point ramp up production. Also do a price break after 6 months.)

(Advanced) iPod with video - Same style as we have now. $299-30GB, $399-60GB
(Standard) iPod Nano - Same style as we have now. $199-4GB, $299-8GB
(Ultra Portable) iPod Shuffle - Slightly longer with Mini LCD. $99-1GB




Works for me...but I would like WiFi or BT in the new version with Apple wireless headephones. Also allows streaming to AX if have WiFi. Also may even allow to directly download stuff to the iPod from the net/Apple/.Mac

[nxent]

i dunno.. with the psp out, i mean apple already has the ipod that can "handle" video as in simple tv shows and what not.. now if they are going to make a specific "video/movie" ipod, i don't think they will call it ipod.. perhaps media center or something of that nature

you know, if it was a year ago, i'd say they'd call it the 'powerpod' or p-pod for short, keeping it consistent with the computer nomenclature. now they'd probably name it something lame like the 'macpod' which is alright, i guess...

... on that note, i still think it'd be interesting for apple to team up with nintendo to produce a gameboy/ipod device to directly challenge the psp. the psp pretty much competes with both albeit slightly different dimensions. i'd shell out a few hundred for something like that

[Project]

I always figured that the Nano would become *the* iPod as we know it. Pretty much an audio player, same form factor as the current iPod, but much smaller due to flash memory. Once we start seeing 10, 20, 30GB of flash memory readily available you will see this become true. Then the big iPod, the current one, will morph into a video playing iPod, thereby clearly dividing the two lines.

All Apple needs to do is wait for the video content to really take off then hit them with the real video iPod.

[Lepton]

They could change to the 16:9 aspect ratio by making the iPod case and screen a little narrower, and the screen a little taller, moving the scroll wheel down just a tad. Then you could use the pod normally for music, with the bonus being the ability to see more lines on the display, while you could also view video holding the pod horizontally to get the wide aspect ratio - all without impacting the overall dimensions of the pod very much.

[whatever]

The last couple of weeks I've been seeing more and move cars with portable DVDs in them (I personally hate this, when I was a kid I could sit in a car with a TV on....) and as I drove behind one the other day I started to think about the iPod. Now that Chyrsler is making iPod connectivity available in there cars, will people be able to plug a iPod in and watch the video content on the displays. That would be interesting.

Or what if your at a gym on a treadmill, wouldn't it be cool to plug your iPod in, catch a charge (yes, I have a 3rd generation iPod which currently has about a 2 hour battery life) and watch last nights Office.

Whatever

[iris_failsafe]

I guess this is one of those analyst that doesn't get Apple. He expects them to release the products that they think would be needed althought people don't

[Lacero]

http://www3.telus.net/poojja/apple/myvideoipod.jpgHere's to the Crazy Ones http://forums.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=35452 (http://www.uriah.com/apple-qt/movies/think-different.mov)

[ErnieFrance4]

That would be awesome. I bought a "video" iPod when they first came out and I watch videos on it all the time. I also hope they will get more videos on the itunes store. I find myself spending more money on videos than I did on Music. This would be welcome for people like me.

[rockthecasbah]

instead of an "actual" video iPod or w/e why don't they remarket the Newton with a vivid color screen, on screen menu used w/ a stylus, and a nice HD. Maybe it will be "The year of Rebirth?" :)

[lwmcanada]

instead of an "actual" video iPod or w/e why don't they remarket the Newton with a vivid color screen, on screen menu used w/ a stylus, and a nice HD. Maybe it will be "The year of Rebirth?" :)


Thats actually what I was thinking, and I heard somewhere, I dont remember where now though, either MacDirectory or Time or something, that Apple was filing a patent for some sort of Tablet PC

[Stonecoldcleric]

http://www3.telus.net/poojja/apple/myvideoipod.jpgHere's to the Crazy Ones http://forums.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=35452 (http://www.uriah.com/apple-qt/movies/think-different.mov)

i like - will this fold inside my wallet as a small credit card?

[doogle]

I think updates will be less about hardware and more about software. I think we will see some additions to the iPods utilities and games etc. With the new functon of widgets for iPod...or "podgets"...or "pidgets"...

[gentrysama]

i bet it will be roughly the same size, maybe bigger screen (to the edges w/wraparound style face?) and possibly chip memory. if so, they'll consume much less power. also, you know those flashlights that you can shake to charge the battery? and the seiko kinetic watches that utilize movement to recharge? I wonder if that technology will make it into these little portables when the lower energy demand memory chips begin to dominate. just a thought...

[macosxuser01]

who would want a huge ipod like big as PSP. I wouldn't like that bad idea:mad: but wtf is 'actual video' like iPod HD? or iPod supporting more quicktime files like full dv quality or .h264 HD files

[SiliconAddict]

instead of an "actual" video iPod or w/e why don't they remarket the Newton with a vivid color screen, on screen menu used w/ a stylus, and a nice HD. Maybe it will be "The year of Rebirth?" :)

Dude. Please don't say that well I'm at work. A man could get thrown into jail for just behavior out in the open. :D :eek: ;)

[whatever]

i like - will this fold inside my wallet as a small credit card?
Cool graphic!

Got me thinking. What if the iPod was two sided. On side would have the normal display and then when used video you would flip it over and have a fullsize screen that at touch sensative controls.

I hear it now, the Two-Faced iPod.

Whatever

[Ape_Man]

I have no idea if this has already been guessed at, but I've been itching to get this off my chest.

With that patent Apple got which involved the LCD screen which could also take images, I am pituring a video iPod which will be the same size as the current one but use a video genereated click wheel. I'm not sure how this could be implemeneted like a click wheel, but a full screened iPod would at the very least rival the PSP screen size without altering the form factor.

Thay way Apple can have the best of all worlds.

I can dream at least.


Ape Man

[shen]

2) Bundle a iPod video conversion program with iTunes. Or better yet, build it into iTunes. 95% of people with iPod video's don't know how to get them on the iPod. And when they realize you need a convertor, their too lazy to do it.

umm, you do know that iTunes converts video now, right?

[kugino]

Oh please. Analysts know nothing more than we do. They only make predictions based on what they think Apple should be doing to increase sales. There's no "proof" they have that makes this an educated statement.

agreed. finally, someone said it. i'll trust macrumors and thinksecret way before i listen to some analyst

[rog]

I think they should improve the existing iPod with Video first.

1) Longer battery life. If I want to watch an hour show, that kills my battery life if I want to listen to music later in the day.

2) Bundle a iPod video conversion program with iTunes. Or better yet, build it into iTunes. 95% of people with iPod video's don't know how to get them on the iPod. And when they realize you need a convertor, their too lazy to do it.

I know someone addressed #2, but perhaps you meant integrating DVD content or something. Personally, I'd rather do it myself and specify settings than have iTunes do it with it's pre-set settings.

I think the next updates will be 40GB and 80GB models at the same price point, which is what they typically do between total product overhauls. Apple chose 320x240 max and that's what they're selling. We're stuck with that for a while. In 4(?) years of the iTMS they haven't increased the specs for songs, which are still at 128 bit AAC. Don't expect any increase in video resolution, and therefore, no widescreen iPod for a while. It does seem like they will be able to increase the screen size slightly if they switch the orientation, especially given the smaller scroll wheel on the 5G. But bigger screen means shorter battery life and it really can't get that much bigger unless they make a bigger ipod and nobody really wants that.

I am more than happy with my 60GB iPod video. Unless one has no problem waiting another year, now is the time to buy.

[dornoforpyros]

huh? "actual" video iPod? I wish I could write articles with made up stuff and get paid.

I predict apple will release a new powermac in the next 12 months. I suspect it will have a processor(s) of some kinda. As well as RAM and a harddrive, maybe even some USB ports.

[yankeefan24]

I still believe this will have limited appeal... but definitely don't quote me on that :D

I remember reading an old thread here on mac rumors when they rumored the ipod. someone said (forgot who) "who would want some mp3 storage device, no one will buy it and apple will discontinue it within a year." again, i don't remember exactly what he/she said, and the name, but that was basicly it. I will search for that thread.

EDIT: I quickly checked and i couldn't find anything. maybe someone with more time could check. but it was definitly there.

[lwmcanada]

You know, i was think about the whole isight on the new macbook, and then a new ipod, and just thought about putting an isight on the back of the ipod;) :D haha

[GilGrissom]

huh? "actual" video iPod? I wish I could write articles with made up stuff and get paid.
Us both!
I predict apple will release a new powermac in the next 12 months. I suspect it will have a processor(s) of some kinda. As well as RAM and a harddrive, maybe even some USB ports.
OH WOW!!...Gotta get me one of those! I've got a really really old firewire port computer!! :p

I think it is entirely possible for Apple to do the full video monty on the iPod this year, but to put my current personal view in, I don't think they will. They will (at least I somewhat hope) be concentrating on the Intel switch, getting these machines switched, helping people switch, helping developers & businesses get their Universal Binary ready. But who knows!

Special Music Event October/November 2006 anyone?!

[doogle]

huh? "actual" video iPod? I wish I could write articles with made up stuff and get paid.

I predict apple will release a new powermac in the next 12 months. I suspect it will have a processor(s) of some kinda. As well as RAM and a harddrive, maybe even some USB ports.

Ditto that! I will happily type up 500 words a week of "analysis" and probably for considerably cheaper than this MacNN guy.

[Ja Di ksw]

http://www3.telus.net/poojja/apple/myvideoipod.jpgHere's to the Crazy Ones http://forums.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=35452 (http://www.uriah.com/apple-qt/movies/think-different.mov)

I love the Apple logo on the knife. I wonder if they can get a patent on it :rolleyes:

You know, I'd be happy with a simple color iPod with a MECHANICAL wheel (I hate not being able to use touch stuff when I have gloves on in the winter) that is the size of the original iPod.

"What? The size of the original iPod?!" you say? "Blasphemy!" you say?

I took out my 1G iPod the other day. The size is fine. Yeah, a smaller one is a little nicer, but imagine the battery life they could get with one the size of an original, plus prob a built in radio, recorder, etc.

Yeah yeah, smaller is better, Apple knows what they're doing, no one would buy one with an increase in size, yada yada yada.

Whatever, I'd like it.

[macintel4me]

Analysts just guess as everyone else does. I remember back during the dot com boom, the Java startup company I worked at paid a "very well-known industry analyst" to give his perspective frequently. I remember vividly his prediction that J# would become the defacto standard for Java IDEs. I also liked the "Gemstone is positioned very well to dominate the Java app server space". And my favorite, "Java just put a hole in the side of the Microsoft ship that will eventual sink them."

In summary, "Industry Analysts" = "Well-paid confident BSers in a suits". Anymore respect than that is silly.

[zac4mac]

I saw a new Archos today - a little bigger than any of my iPods, but widescreen, view area about the size of a 'Pod. Controls and menus were clunky in Win95 kind of way but easy enough to figure out and perfectly usable. Best features - replaceable(one latch very easy) battery and the HDD(100GB 2.5") was right under the battery, for an easy upgrade. I won't get one as I'm too into iPods - 512MB Shuffle, Black 4GB nano, Original 5GB delivered the day before release in '01, 60GB iPod Photo, 60GB iPod Video.

I caught flack from a lot of folks at work for the first year over that iPod, now everybody has them...

Z

BTW - Lacero that's beautiful

[Piarco]

I remember reading an old thread here on mac rumors when they rumored the ipod. someone said (forgot who) "who would want some mp3 storage device, no one will buy it and apple will discontinue it within a year." again, i don't remember exactly what he/she said, and the name, but that was basicly it. I will search for that thread.

EDIT: I quickly checked and i couldn't find anything. maybe someone with more time could check. but it was definitly there.

Exactly why I added in the "don't quote me" :D

But I still stand by what I said. I can listen to music on the go - the walk to and from work, in the gym, going to the shops etc. But I can't watch a move whilst doing these activities. When I'm home I'm obviously going to use a TV for video playback.
The occasions I personally could use an "actual" video iPod would be a lengthy train journey, or a flight. But as I do these on an infrequent basis, I wouldn't have much use for it.

Still, for those with a lengthy commute everyday it could be just the thing they are after - especially if it can record straight from source (digital TV or DVD..)

[savar]

http://www3.telus.net/poojja/apple/myvideoipod.jpgHere's to the Crazy Ones http://forums.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=35452 (http://www.uriah.com/apple-qt/movies/think-different.mov)

What the... is that a laser level coming out the left side?

[strange days]

I'm still hoping for a video iPod in the same size and shape as the current one, but where the screen covers most of the front of the device. A virtual scroll wheel would be brought up via a button on the side or something.

Nice to have:
- WVGA resolution.
- Touch-sensitive screen, allowing input via something like Graffiti.
- WiFi (802.11g or better) & Bluetooth
- Nuclear power -- change tiny "power pellet" every couple of years.
word

[blueflame]

i can imagine apple making the ipod video version, look just like the front of an imac. basically replace the apple logo on the imac with a click wheel. this sounds like a very apple move, its like reinventing the wheel with a wheel. didnt steve say they modeled the imac after the ipod. i can imagine them doing something like modeling the ipod after the imac. this would also allow them for a full widescreen display, as well as a much larger battery, and add very little space extra. Also, i imagine a touch bar, with clickwheel technology. like the buttons under the clickwheel.
andreas

[Norse Son]

Come on guys! Everyone was Bi*ching that the original iPod video would never work before its release and look at it now!:eek: I cant wait for a video centric iPod!!!

Bigger screen!
More codec support!

Im sure it will be a seperate design from the existing iPods and they will still carry the regular iPods.

It will just cater to a more videocentric consumer like myself.
Well, how about trying this on for size:
• Give it a 5.5-7" diagonal OLED screen (to avoid backlight battery drain).
• Allow watching video content in landscape view...
• But in portrait view it has Newton/Palm-like functions...
• Have it run a MacOS X-Lite "Tigger", that has "condensed versions" of Safari, Mail, Widgets, iTunes, Front Row, DVD Player (no DVD drive, though - see below), Text Edit, Stickies...
• Input is via Inkwell (Newton OS influenced) or an onscreen mini-keyboard on the touch-sensitive screen.
• It has built-in WiFi (802.11g) and Bluetooth (for external keyboards, etc.).
• Ports are FrWr400, USB2, optical i/o, and mini-DVI (or other video connector).
• It has an 80GB 1.8" SATA(?) hard drive.
• It has (under license from Sony) the same removable-media drive as the PSP - which would allow it to play all those UMD movies that are released for the PSP...
• It is only slightly "chubbier" than the current generation iPod (video) and the width & length of a paperback book.

Major selling points are that (1) it can play your iTunes collection, (b) it presents video at a higher screen resolution and bit rate than current iTMS video, (3) it will play UMDs, and (4) it has "practical" functions for web, e-mail, notetaking, widgets, etc.

Of course, I doubt we'll see it before the Christmas shopping season, if even that soon, because:
• 802.11n won't be "unofficially" in shipping products before midyear at earliesst (could eliminate FrWr400 and/or USB2?), while the "official" standard is a year away.
• There still aren't enough video/TV choices on iTMS and at a better resolution & bit rate.
• Other Apple "digital home" pieces have not materialized as of yet.
• Downloading feature-length content would be painfully slow until broadband evolves further.
• Is there a chip out there (now) that would be strong & fast enough to power this vPod while maintaining good battery life?

[macintel4me]

Well, how about trying this on for size:
• Give it a 5.5-7" diagonal OLED screen (to avoid backlight battery drain).
• Allow watching video content in landscape view...
• But in portrait view it has Newton/Palm-like functions...
• Have it run a MacOS X-Lite "Tigger", that has "condensed versions" of Safari, Mail, Widgets, iTunes, Front Row, DVD Player (no DVD drive, though - see below), Text Edit, Stickies...
• Input is via Inkwell (Newton OS influenced) or an onscreen mini-keyboard on the touch-sensitive screen.
• It has built-in WiFi (802.11g) and Bluetooth (for external keyboards, etc.).
• Ports are FrWr400, USB2, optical i/o, and mini-DVI (or other video connector).
• It has an 80GB 1.8" SATA(?) hard drive.
• It has (under license from Sony) the same removable-media drive as the PSP - which would allow it to play all those UMD movies that are released for the PSP...
• It is only slightly "chubbier" than the current generation iPod (video) and the width & length of a paperback book.

Major selling points are that (1) it can play your iTunes collection, (b) it presents video at a higher screen resolution and bit rate than current iTMS video, (3) it will play UMDs, and (4) it has "practical" functions for web, e-mail, notetaking, widgets, etc.

Of course, I doubt we'll see it before the Christmas shopping season, if even that soon, because:
• 802.11n won't be "unofficially" in shipping products before midyear at earliesst (could eliminate FrWr400 and/or USB2?), while the "official" standard is a year away.
• There still aren't enough video/TV choices on iTMS and at a better resolution & bit rate.
• Other Apple "digital home" pieces have not materialized as of yet.
• Downloading feature-length content would be painfully slow until broadband evolves further.
• Is there a chip out there (now) that would be strong & fast enough to power this vPod while maintaining good battery life?
you guys are nuts! (eyes rolling) ... lol

[yankeefan24]

Exactly why I added in the "don't quote me" :D


I kno. I was just pointing it out. I'm not saying that "if this happens you will be like the guy who said that the ipod will be the worst thing apple will evedsr make." I'm just saying that u have to be open about ur possibilities. Again, i'm not trying to say anything bad. just pointing it out.

[Multimedia]

what does "actual" mean, does this mean that the device will be devoted solely to video?
As if my new 60 GB 5G is not REAL. :rolleyes:

[Norse Son]

http://www3.telus.net/poojja/apple/myvideoipod.jpgHere's to the Crazy Ones http://forums.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=35452 (http://www.uriah.com/apple-qt/movies/think-different.mov)
You know, Lacero, I think you just solved one of the main issues with the popularity of the iPod... I've read stories of people being robbed or killed for their iPods - now they can defend themself... Only downside is trying to get that thing through airport security... "Honestly, officer, I wasn't going to remove the knife on board, it has a safety switch that shuts off the iPod if I do, so I can't watch any movies!"
________________________________________

By the way, Lacero, Happy Anniversary! I noticed that tomorrow, the 20th, is your 1st Year MacRumors Anniversary. Congrats!

How did you manage to cram 6,625 posts in one year!?!?! I bet you sleep at night with your Mac on the pillow, so you can post at a moments notice...

[guylafleur]

what about the "digital hub"?

I want my BIG MAC MINI!!!!:D

[(L)]

I don't know if Apple is looking to make a major change to the iPod. My guess is that they will come out with a 6G iPod that will be quite nice, handling video better, larger screen, better battery life, etc., and will therefore be significantly better at handling video (as well as music). Still, I expect them to keep the iPod music-centered - those that say such an iPod would be a "actual" video iPod just mean that for them, the video is so much better that they can call it that. The actual product is still going to be a music player that can handle video - after all, you can't lug around a 40" plasma screen!

[strange days]

hey, what about this EDGE iPod rumor ?

http://www.mobilemag.com/content/100/337/C6076/

;)

[kalisphoenix]

Cunning. Apple could be attacking the PDA problem in an interesting fashion.

STEP 1:Introduce stunningly simplistic little gadgets that play mp3s. The gadgets get popular.
STEP 2:Increase processing power and storage space of machines. Popularity increases.
STEP 3:Widen market of machines -- introduce smaller versions, colored versions, et cetera. Gain 83% market share.
STEP 4:Add additional features, slowly and innocuously. First you can sync iCal. Then your email. Then you can show photo slideshows. Then you can watch movies.
STEP 5:Enlarge screen at a slow and economic pace. Add touch sensitivity to the screen. Add some more applications. As technology improves, amp up the processor a bit and throw a fake Aqua on there.

Voila! You have a PDA that millions and millions of people have bought without even realizing that it's a PDA. If someone said to Uncle Joe that his iPod was a PDA, he'd laugh and wonder what his music has to do with people naked-sexxing in the park. But all the same, the functionality is there.

[CreepyArcade]

Well, that's a pretty obvious observation on his part isn't it?

It's like saying the 1st generation iPod was a "holdover" while the new and improved 2nd generation iPod was in the works, which was a "holdover" for the 3rd generation... and so on...

There will always be new and improved versions of everything Apple makes. See, I'm a brilliant analyst too. :D

A "holdover" would be like what Microsoft did when they released Windows ME (minor upgrade *cough err downgrade) after Windows 98 SE while waiting until the bigger upgrade/improvement which was Windows XP. Don't get me wrong though the current iPod is not crap like Windows ME but may still be the prerequisite to a new video iPod design. I suspect the same can be said for the new intel powerbooks, I would be suprised if the next update was not a new design...

[jouster]

I think it's be a bad idea. Look at the Archos, it is out for how many years, 4-5? And who cares?!?!

Just like the original Rio MP3 players. Who cared?

The Archos will always be a niche product because it is not an iPod. The iPod has, in its short life, become an icon. A full video iPod would have an instant momentum that the Archos couldn't dream of.

[codepoet80]

they better not be making a new iPod. im scheduled to get one next month.

Um... look at their track record. I think it's pretty safe to assume that there will be a new iPod, with new features, coming up in the not-too-distant future.

[mongoos150]

Um... look at their track record. I think it's pretty safe to assume that there will be a new iPod, with new features, coming up in the not-too-distant future.

If there IS a new iPod coming out, you can sell your 30gb 5G iPod for around $250 on eBay still.

[Lesser Evets]

Could be a real exciting year - tons of new products, and some serious competition with Dell and other Wintel box makers.

Could be a really boring year... like, with the usual slew of half baked products slowly marching out of a nearly empty closet of design and innovation. An "actual" video iPod? Oh, HOLD ON! I am about to yawn.

People must have mentioned that this foray into Intel macs could mean we get a slew of virus boys dancing on our desktops from meeleeuns of miles away.

[Edwin the Elder]

Don't know if anyone has posted this yet, but I for one would like to see an iPod combined with a portable DVD player, which typically has a 7" screen.

This would be perefect not only for video but for viewing photos with the family. Also, the video iPod is really only video in the US as I understand it. Other iTunes stors (like Canada's) do not sell video content. So for us, DVD would be our video source.

I almost bought myself a portable DVD player for Christmas but decided to wait in case Apple offered one.

[freeny]

http://www3.telus.net/poojja/apple/myvideoipod.jpgHere's to the Crazy Ones http://forums.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=35452 (http://www.uriah.com/apple-qt/movies/think-different.mov)
yes, but does it have firewire???

[ginner]

I hear it now, the Two-Faced iPod.

Duuuude, iPod Duo ;)

[jephrey]

Well, I think the main thing about "actual video" is that the iPod will be able to scale it to the screen size. Therefore allowing the playback and out-to TV of high quality (even HD) video. The 5G is the first one, that can only play heavily compressed stuff (similar to the 1G that couldn't do lossless audio). As the HD gets bigger, the video capabilities will too. At this point, even if it was "Actual video", the average user could get their audio and about 5 full movies on there. IMO, that's weak. So why even make the thing capable of "actual video"? I guess with playlists, and the fact that you don't need your whole dvd collection with you it makes sense, but it also makes sense to let things evolve.

Of course, if / when it comes out, I'll want to trade in my 5G.

I imagine it with 16:9, but in the same or smaller package. Maybe horizontal. I've always liked the touch screen idea, it could always bring up the scroll wheel when you touch a certain part of the screen (hot corners).

Whatever, bring it on.

Jephrey