60GB iPod Product Line Changes?

[EricNau]

To add proof for the firewire/usb debate...
http://www.barefeats.com/usb2.html

 

[MacQuest]

i think your estimates for the sizes of those movie files is a bit off...
a standard definition, 640x480p video image has 4 times as many pixels as does the ipod res videos. and just looking at the file sizes of the 1080p movie trailers on the quicktime site, the superman trailer is 118MB for about a minute and a half, if you do the math for a 2 hour movie you're looking at a 9GB movie file.

despite the daunting increase in file sizes, apple needs to offer higher res video before i will even consider buying anything from them.

Sure I rounded the numbers somewhat, but I don't think my numbers are that far off.

The High School Musical movie is a 487MB file with a 1 hour and 39 minute duration at a resolution of 320 x 240. Twice that resolution would be 640 x 480 and therefore twice the file size, 974MB. DVD quality has a horizontal resolution of 720 so I suppose that file size would be around 1.2GB, or whatever.

Double the horizontal resolution of 640 x 480 and you get 1080. Again, I assume the file size would be around 1,948MB, or 2 GB's rounded up.

At least that was the way I was figuring it. However, your comment about the 90 second 1080p Superman trailer at 118MB is interesting and makes sense.

I'm gonna have to look further into how resolutions affect file sizes, so as i first stated in this response post of mine...

"Sure I rounded the numbers somewhat, but I think my numbers are way off."

 

[Polish97]

What if apple found a new compression for Movies?

They've always done their own software why not a new compression. Apple started last year when they released aperture. Constantly upgrading the editing software for digital imaging. This could be a new quicktime addition or something added to final cut pro allowing HD capacity in smaller format.

Remember when mp3's were new.

 

[MacQuest]

I got mine for 420..(so 450 was standard) I have an online reciept to prove. I bought mine under the educational discount, and it turned out to be about 451 (not much of a discount compared to retail..)

Item Product Product Description Total Total Unit Extended
Number Ordered Shipped Price Price
001 P9830LL/A IPOD PHOTO 60G-PERSONALIZ 1 1 419.00 419.00
SerialNo.: ( JQ5141ZRSB1 )

Subtotal 419.00
Tax 32.48
Shipping Charges
TOTAL USD 451.48

Questions? Call 800-676-2775 Mon-Fri 8am-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm CT

Salesperson Contact Entry Date Ship Date Routing Waybill Number
BD 04/13/05 04/13/05 FEDERAL EXPRESS 701854909558

Billed To: Credit Card

I won't believe you unless you provide the credit card type, expiration date, and number.

What if apple found a new compression for Movies?

They've always done their own software why not a new compression. Apple started last year when they released aperture. Constantly upgrading the editing software for digital imaging. This could be a new quicktime addition or something added to final cut pro allowing HD capacity in smaller format.

Remember when mp3's were new.

- .iHD?
- .HDQT/.QTHD?
- .movHD/.HDmov

 

[Polish97]

you never know. Maybe apple's going the route of AOL. Starting its own ISP.

- iNet

They'll this new web to provide quicker download of the new movie service.

 

[(L)]

I sure hope they don't update it. I would really prefer it if apple didn't update products more often than once or maybe twice a year.

It's so frustrating when a month after buying something, something else that's better and cheaper comes out. I know this happens with everything and it's a good thing but uch.

If good things didn't come out as quickly, Apple would progress much more slowly. Sure, it might be frustrating to the consumer who always wants the newest gadget, but for most people, it's no big deal - you've got your iPod or iMac or whatever. I guess it's because Apple can't sell tot he people that "hope they don't update it," while they can sell to people like me that have yet to buy an iPod. In my case I'm waiting until they can get reasonably close to perfection...which will be when the case is made of carbon fiber and the hard drive's replaced with a 120 gig flash thing, along with various durability and reliability software tweaks.

 

[(L)]

you never know. Maybe apple's going the route of AOL. Starting its own ISP.

- iNet

They'll this new web to provide quicker download of the new movie service.

Gee, I hope not (because it seems like expanding into too many areas too fast when they have much to work on just on computers and peripherals). Can't they just use all that server space they bought recently?

 

[(L)]

I'd be unlikely to get a new iPod for the next couple of years, unless my current one broke. When I do though, I'd want it to have as many extra features as is possible, even if they ended up redundant.

I would however like to see it evolve in more than just a media player, something that will be like a PDA in it's features. The more they add, the closer it becomes to a handheld Mac and the more people will use it, like it and switch.

It takes a lot of skill to cram all those features in there and yet maintain a simple and easy, streamlined device. In fact, I would argue that it is not possible without radical hardware changes/inventions. An iPod is so unlike a PDA, yet I see that "convergence" make sense if only because now you would not carry around a PDA and an iPod, but just an iPDA. However, this iPDA would have to be the best PDA and the best music player simultaneously without costing too much for either field separately. Music player that costs 30% extra for being a PDA? I don't think so....

 

[(L)]

Sure I rounded the numbers somewhat, but I don't think my numbers are that far off.

The High School Musical movie is a 487MB file with a 1 hour and 39 minute duration at a resolution of 320 x 240. Twice that resolution would be 640 x 480 and therefore twice the file size, 974MB. DVD quality has a horizontal resolution of 720 so I suppose that file size would be around 1.2GB, or whatever.

Double the horizontal resolution of 640 x 480 and you get 1080. Again, I assume the file size would be around 1,948MB, or 2 GB's rounded up.

At least that was the way I was figuring it. However, your comment about the 90 second 1080p Superman trailer at 118MB is interesting and makes sense.

I'm gonna have to look further into how resolutions affect file sizes, so as i first stated in this response post of mine...

"Sure I rounded the numbers somewhat, but I think my numbers are way off."

Umm, if you double the width AND the height of the screen resolution, you have 4 times the number of pixels. Just thought I'd mention it.

 

[inkiboo]

Sure I rounded the numbers somewhat, but I don't think my numbers are that far off.

The High School Musical movie is a 487MB file with a 1 hour and 39 minute duration at a resolution of 320 x 240. Twice that resolution would be 640 x 480 and therefore twice the file size, 974MB. DVD quality has a horizontal resolution of 720 so I suppose that file size would be around 1.2GB, or whatever.

Your numbers *are* that far off.

640x480 is actually FOUR times the resolution of 320x240. Let me show you why.

320x240 = 76,800 pixels
640x480 = 307,200 pixels

307,200 / 76,800 = 4

DVDs are 720 x 576, which is 414,720 pixels; even bigger.

 

[MacQuest]

"Sure I rounded the numbers somewhat, but I think my numbers are way off."

Umm, if you double the width AND the height of the screen resolution, you have 4 times the number of pixels. Just thought I'd mention it.

Which is why I ended my previous post with comment quoted above.
[Hint: I realized that my calculations were wrong].

 

[(L)]

With all this talk of iPod this and touchscreen that... i think i shall throw in my 2 cents worth of predictions (or wishes)... and they are as follows, in no particular keynote-delivered order...

1. [summary: movie service and Front Row changes]

2. Launch of Special Edition iPod AV (video iPod.. duh) with all the already-heard-about features that are in countless threads including this one. But in 30 and 60GB, or maybe 40 and 80 GB capacities. This way.. they will leave the 30 GB 5gen where is is for those who just want music... and anyone who wants video primarily can get the 30/60GB special edition video. This will be special edition until it winds up in some new category much later.. but I think Apple will not stray too far away from the actual tactical click wheel for the majority of iPods, since a virtual click wheel is so impractical for EVERYONE but those watchin movies.

3. [summary: 23" special edition iMac]

food for thought!

wow, that was a long post.... sorry.. but a man can wish

I don't mean to be rude and crude and summarize too much, but I just wanted to respond to those bits.

1) Front Row, I've given up on. Unless there is a remote and a receiver, it just doesn't make that much sense. Probably remains a "next time you buy a Mac" thing. Movie service is definitely coming.

2) I highly doubt the so called "true" video iPod, or iPod 6G, will be labeled as Special Edition. It is their anniversary and a good time for special editions, but a big change (like a touchscreen) already makes it a special upgrade and doesn't need to be a limited edition. Limited edition with some artist's signature, perhaps, but not an entire product model as a hoohah thing. Plus, they would have difficulty pricing a 30 gig video iPod in competition with a 30 gig 5G iPod. Lastly, although I agree with you that conventional touchscreens wouldn't be all too great for music lovers, I don't think Apple would do something as horrific as divide its customers into video people and audio people. Why? (1) They said the iPod would always be primarily music...even if movies take up more HDD space, "Movies" would still be listed under "Music" in the interface, and in no way will the movies funcitionality interfere or inhibit the music functionality. Naturally, there will be some weirdos that want to own 16 movies on a portable device, but most people would put a couple movies, some podcasts, some tv shows, and a boatload of music. After all, a Nano is too small for anybody even slightly like an audiophile. (2) It's more profitable to grab everybody with a device that is an excellent music player and a decent video player than it is to engineer a separate video player that still can't compare to a laptop or portable dvd player or just plain old dvd player. (3) Apple has been working on touchscreens, tablet or no tablet. If the 6G is touchscreen, there should be at least some degree of protection against finger oil and such.

3) 23" iMac? That's a rather significant product line shift. Seems like it could be unpopular too, since 20" is pretty big for that sorta desktop.

 

[(L)]

Which is why I ended my previous post with comment quoted above.
[Hint: I realized that my calculations were wrong].

Ah.. Read your last comment wrong. Sorry.

 

[MacQuest]

"Sure I rounded the numbers somewhat, but I think my numbers are way off."

Your numbers *are* that far off.

640x480 is actually FOUR times the resolution of 320x240. Let me show you why.

320x240 = 76,800 pixels
640x480 = 307,200 pixels

307,200 / 76,800 = 4

DVDs are 720 x 576, which is 414,720 pixels; even bigger.

AND YET AGAIN:

Which is why I ended my previous post with my comment quoted above.
[Hint: I realized that my calculations were wrong].

 

[(L)]

I think an important thing to note is that with the new Mac Minis starting at $599, the $499 price point becomes open. No one wants to buy an iPod the price of a computer, right?

Now, as is, I don't think Apple is willing to extend the iPod's pricing that far. However, the patents filed recently suggest this new iPod could have an entirely different UI, leading to many new features.

I don't know...as the top model with the most space, considering that accessories cost so much, an iPod at 500 bucks doesn't seem entirely out of the picture. New iPod, new features...perhaps, but an iPod is an iPod is an iPod, for the core use and for the bulk of the customers. $500 iff >60GB and touchscreen.

 

[MacQuest]

Ah.. Read your last comment wrong. Sorry.

No prob. People don't usually expect to see someone posting that they were wrong, so I guess it will probably be overlooked several more times.

3) 23" iMac? That's a rather significant product line shift. Seems like it could be unpopular too, since 20" is pretty big for that sorta desktop.

NOOOOOOO!!!

MUST... HAVE... 30" OLED, 1/4" THICK, 1/2 POUND, $10K iMAC "KITE" SPECIAL 30th ANNIVERSARY EDITION... with available Leather iString for only $99.

Just imagine a gust of wind getting under that thing since people usually use them outdoors.

 

[Josias]

If they do introduce a "TRUE" iPod Video, I hope they include FireWire support this time. 80GB of movies transfering over USB 2.0?

Earth to freak! USB 2.0=480mbps. FireWire400=400mbps. Why would you wanna use FireWire? Ok, if you buy a PowerMac G5, and the new iPod concidentally supports FireWire800 (800mbps), it would be faster, but I doubt Apple would make the new iPod compatible for only three computers in the world (PB 15 and 17" and PowerMac)

 

[aswitcher]

If they do touch screen - then its effectively a PDA - that means its a tax deduction Down Under

 

[surroundfan]

After hearing your argument about the touch screen and given it can sync contacts and calendars, I'm going to try salary sacrificing my iPod when I put in the form for my MacBook tomorrow...

'It's a PDA', I'll argue, 'and the Applecare's pre-installed diagnostic software...' I suspect I won't get far, but it's worth a shot...

 

[sushi]

That's why they are making phones smaller also.
View attachment 43397

Or how about DoCoMo's credit card-sized Premini. Personally I think it is too small to be able to easily use. But cool nonetheless.

Article:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/06/25/ntt_premini/

Pics attached:

 

[MacQuest]

Earth to freak! USB 2.0=480mbps. FireWire400=400mbps. Why would you wanna use FireWire?

Knowledge is power Josias. Thank me and EricNau later. Hopefully before you go spreading anymore false propoganda.
From the benchmark test article linked below: "USB 2.0 is much slower than FireWire 400 and 800."

Basically, Firewire is a superior data transfer protocol than USB because it uses [non speed degrading] peer-to-peer data tranfer rather than USB's master/slave data transfer.

To add proof for the firewire/usb debate...
http://www.barefeats.com/usb2.html

 

[inkiboo]

AND YET AGAIN:

Which is why I ended my previous post with my comment quoted above.
[Hint: I realized that my calculations were wrong].

Hint, if you say this:

"Sure I rounded the numbers somewhat, but I don't think my numbers are that far off."

... people will pick up on it (because it is wrong).

In fact, more than that, you made the common mistake of assuming that a doubling of resolution equals a doubling of file size.

 

[MacQuest]

Hint, if you say this:

"Sure I rounded the numbers somewhat, but I don't think my numbers are that far off."

... people will pick up on it (because it is wrong).

Reading the entire post is always a good idea. If you don't you might miss something, as you have just proven by either not having read or understood what I ended that same post with:

"Sure I rounded the numbers somewhat, but I think my numbers are way off."

That's called an admission of guilt, or more accurately in this case, an acknowledgement that I was mistaken. I realized that I had made a common error by the end of my post.

At least "(L)" whom self admittedly misread my corrected quote at the end, responded admirably:

Ah.. Read your last comment wrong. Sorry.

In fact, more than that, you made the common mistake of assuming that a doubling of resolution equals a doubling of file size.

...again, which I reconciled in my final comment...

Move along folks, nothing to see here.

Where were we? Ah yes, 60GB iPod Product Line Changes?

Discuss...

 

[Proud Liberal]

I don't know...as the top model with the most space, considering that accessories cost so much, an iPod at 500 bucks doesn't seem entirely out of the picture. New iPod, new features...perhaps, but an iPod is an iPod is an iPod, for the core use and for the bulk of the customers. $500 iff >60GB and touchscreen.

When Apple released the iPod photo 60GB (the original release from October 2004), it was $599, but included the dock, A/C adaper and USB/Firewire cables.

 

[Cinch]

you never know. Maybe apple's going the route of AOL. Starting its own ISP.

- iNet

This is the funniest thing I ever heard on MacRumors!!

Well maybe not. Maybe you are right. If so, I'm going to sell AAPL share now and short it. Wait a year from now or two and cash in.

AOL is a fabulous example of internet flop. It has the most intrusive software known to mankind. Its CEO (Steve Case) abandon ship. It participated in the costliest merger of all time (I really mean of all time!).

Okay, enough of my rant.

Disclaimer: I did own AOL (TWX) stock and manage come out ahead. Brought at $15, sold at $17.50.

Cinch