I know. I love watching full-length movies on a 2.5 inch screen @ 320 x 240. Its awesome.
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6th Generation iPod Tracking For Late 2007? Early 2008?
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I know. I love watching full-length movies on a 2.5 inch screen @ 320 x 240. Its awesome.
An all flash memory line-up is a terrible idea in my opinion. The full iPod is already differentiated from the iPhone by much larger capacity. I would hope that a new "true" video iPod would have on the order of 100GB of capacity. 32GB would be pointless. The point of the iPod is to be able to carry around your entire library.
My 3G 40GB iPod is getting long in the tooth, but I'm holding out for a true video ipod. If apple releases a low capacity flash model, I'm likely to skip the iPod entirely and just upgrade to a Nokia 800 Internet Tablet running Canola.
My 3G 40GB iPod is getting long in the tooth, but I'm holding out for a true video ipod. If apple releases a low capacity flash model, I'm likely to skip the iPod entirely and just upgrade to a Nokia 800 Internet Tablet running Canola.
If I were you, I'd simply consider a happy-medium: the iPod Shuffle. It's a $79 hit to the wallet, but then again, it's only a $79 hit to the wallet... they really are quite nice.
I own a 5.5G/80GB model and the newest shuffle and I must say, there are times when I'm glad I'm not dragging the "bad boy" around. Sure, you can only bring about 10 CDs with you but it will help soften the blow of waiting.
I don't know if I agee with this line of thought. In my opinion, it makes more sense to bring out the 6G Widescreen Touchscreen iPod now.
Why?
If I'm planning on buying an iPhone in June, I'm gonna buy. I've got money for an expensive phone and I've got money for an expensive plan. If I'm buying $599 phone and agreeing to $1800 2 year contract (that's $75 x 24 mo), I'm agreeing to be ready to spend almost $2500 in the next 2 years.
Now if Apple releases the 6G iPod for $299-399, it's quite possible (since I've got cash) to go ahead and get used to the "experience" of the touchscreen technology that I'll have in 3-4 months. At which time, I either keep both units or I can decide to give that one away. It's an impulse move but it's "only" an extra $299-399, on top of the $2500 commitment their bracing for. And it's an extra $299-399 in Apple's pocket.
If the 6G iPod comes out AFTER the iPhone, those iPhone owners would most surely not cough up the additional money. They have their slick iPod experience in their phone and the wallet is shut.
If I'm NOT buying an iPhone in June, why not make a big splash in the 2nd quarter and get those not buying in the 3rd to at least throw money in the till now. It's $299-399 in Apple's pocket now.
I say, bring on the 6G iPod now, 'cause I ain't buying an iPhone in June!
For those that don't want all that capability they'd of course opt for a lower phone model, or even a model without a phone.
But, when given the two different options, if someone were willing to spend more yet they really just want the increased functionality that comes with widescreen, why not just wait a few months to release a lower-priced product? The iPod is perfectly fine as it is, give or take a few adjustments.
It just seems to me that the iPhone would be cannibalized if it came out with a full screen, regardless of the functionality. Cell phones aren't a niche market, but the amount of smart-cell phone users might almost equate to one. There are certainly more low-end cell phones than high end. Those who are going to buy an iPhone with its current functionality certainly will not be affected by a new iPod, but, the amount of people like that are few compared to the entire market. However, if going by the amount that really just want 'full screen', there are more.
I think.
Why not get as many possible people to buy an iPhone?
-=|Mgkwho
But, when given the two different options, if someone were willing to spend more yet they really just want the increased functionality that comes with widescreen, why not just wait a few months to release a lower-priced product? The iPod is perfectly fine as it is, give or take a few adjustments.
It just seems to me that the iPhone would be cannibalized if it came out with a full screen, regardless of the functionality. Cell phones aren't a niche market, but the amount of smart-cell phone users might almost equate to one. There are certainly more low-end cell phones than high end. Those who are going to buy an iPhone with its current functionality certainly will not be affected by a new iPod, but, the amount of people like that are few compared to the entire market. However, if going by the amount that really just want 'full screen', there are more.
I think.
Why not get as many possible people to buy an iPhone?
-=|Mgkwho
Seagate presently has a momentus hybrid which uses flash memory on top of the rotating media so that there's less of a need to frequently access the data on the platter, improving battery time. Something similar would be great, though I don't know if such a thing exists for 1.8" drives.
As I've said before, NAND video iPods don't strike me as particularly appealing. It sounds like they'd be cutting the flagship model line down to one, which would surely drive away customers to other hardware that will deliver on the capacity. I won't settle for anything less than a 60-80GB HD based PMP, mostly because they already gave them to me. They can't just make these things then go back on the capacity expecting everyone to be happy with this. I already have the extra space spent in my mind, it would be a mistake to turn video ipods into giant nanos all of a sudden.
I would much rather see an HD based iPhone-like iPod with the brushed aluminum backplate and thin bezel around the full widescreen face that gives me 100+GB to play with, while of course fitting in my iPod dock so it doesnt become a $50 paperweight.
As I've said before, NAND video iPods don't strike me as particularly appealing. It sounds like they'd be cutting the flagship model line down to one, which would surely drive away customers to other hardware that will deliver on the capacity. I won't settle for anything less than a 60-80GB HD based PMP, mostly because they already gave them to me. They can't just make these things then go back on the capacity expecting everyone to be happy with this. I already have the extra space spent in my mind, it would be a mistake to turn video ipods into giant nanos all of a sudden.
I would much rather see an HD based iPhone-like iPod with the brushed aluminum backplate and thin bezel around the full widescreen face that gives me 100+GB to play with, while of course fitting in my iPod dock so it doesnt become a $50 paperweight.
I'm not talking the iPhone. I have WIFI in my PDA and its a godsend, but in my iPod? Don't need it, don't want it. All it will do is drive up the cost, and the size. Again though, BlueTooth would be nice. The size of BT modules have come down substantially in the last couple years, as has power consumption, and with 2.0 it can handle the transmission rates for fairly high quality audio.
Guys repeat after me: The iPhone and iPod are after different markets. Again. The iPhone and iPod are after different markets.
Its really that simple. There are about a dozen things that differentiate the two, the least of which is storage space.
The minimum size IMHO is 4". I've had 2"-3.5" screens on my PDA's over the years and they are too small for video playback. The minimum size requirement should be around 4". Currently my on the go video player is my iPaq 4700. It rocks for video.
That being said it would be a little on the large side for an iPod. Total catch 22 here.
Youre mad because people want to upgrade and you either dont want to or cant afford to?
You should be mad at yourself for only having shuffle and having no way to charge it yourself.
Sounds like a personal problem
BITTER!
thnx for that. i actually have a 1st gen shuffle, and it does help, but nothing beats being able to watch some movies, tv shows, or ANY of the songs in my music library during long bus commutes...... oh well ::sigh::
im commited to wait
Flash Drives
Flash drive technology has made some major breakthroughs during this past month, with SanDisk's 32G being only the tip-'o-the iceberg. The price for 'em will come down as production and supplies ramp up. Although $600 for 32G is quite steep, they'll drop significantly by the end of the year as supply meets demand, and as demand dictates a fair price....
Flash drive technology has made some major breakthroughs during this past month, with SanDisk's 32G being only the tip-'o-the iceberg. The price for 'em will come down as production and supplies ramp up. Although $600 for 32G is quite steep, they'll drop significantly by the end of the year as supply meets demand, and as demand dictates a fair price....
I see Apple offering 3 music player lines:
- iPod Shuffle. Continue with a flash based small iPod with no display.
- iPod Nano and regular type. Convert over to flash based players. With flash prices dropping as they are, we could expect to see models in the 32GB and 64GB ranges soon. In the meantime, we may see smaller offerings. Aimed at the music on the go audience.
- vPod or iPod Video. Continue to be HD based. Large capacity with a large screen and bigger battery. Aimed at those who want to take along their videos and movies, and of course large music collections. I would expect to have cable connections for audio and video included in the design to make it easy to connect to a TV.
- iPod Shuffle. Continue with a flash based small iPod with no display.
- iPod Nano and regular type. Convert over to flash based players. With flash prices dropping as they are, we could expect to see models in the 32GB and 64GB ranges soon. In the meantime, we may see smaller offerings. Aimed at the music on the go audience.
- vPod or iPod Video. Continue to be HD based. Large capacity with a large screen and bigger battery. Aimed at those who want to take along their videos and movies, and of course large music collections. I would expect to have cable connections for audio and video included in the design to make it easy to connect to a TV.
????
And the Video Pod would be the size of the PSP. Huge and not dockable. It will take C batteries and have an 8" screen. Why don't we just give it a laptop battery and keyboard and call it the MacBook Mini.
Seriously though, I agree with you. They may be three options to the PMP line up but I think the shuffle lovers (myself included) will be a bit unhappy with the Nano. The shuffle is a set it and forget it player that I just put on and hit play. Then, 4 hours later, I hit pause and take it off. The Nano is nice and I used to own one but it isn't as care free. And since I live in a not so nice place in the USA I don't mind getting my player taken from me since it is $79.
I would rather see Apple make the high end iPod into the video, and increase the capacity of the Shuffle and Nano. The shuffle goes to 2 GB maybe more and at the same price. The Nano keeps the 2GB model at a lower price (like $99) and the $149 model gets 4GB, the $199 gets 8GB and the $249 gets 12 or 16GB. If flash based storage decreases in price of course. The flagship iPod does get that 120GB 1.8" HDD and maybe a combo flash and HDD 120GB hybrid that can cache the songs and movies you play more often to conserve battery life. The second version will be totally flash based and have a 64GB (advertised as 60GB) flash based drive and a smaller size. ***OR*** it will stay the same size and have a better battery. Price would remain the same.
Or Apple could just go big and bring the Video iPod back to that $450 - $500 price range and make it entirely flash based with two 64GB flash drives. That would make it 120GB in size, smaller in dimensions and much better battery life.
And the biggest improvement across the line (or at least for the Video Pod) it would gain the UI of the iPhone and much much improved battery life during video playback.
And the Video Pod would be the size of the PSP. Huge and not dockable. It will take C batteries and have an 8" screen. Why don't we just give it a laptop battery and keyboard and call it the MacBook Mini.
Seriously though, I agree with you. They may be three options to the PMP line up but I think the shuffle lovers (myself included) will be a bit unhappy with the Nano. The shuffle is a set it and forget it player that I just put on and hit play. Then, 4 hours later, I hit pause and take it off. The Nano is nice and I used to own one but it isn't as care free. And since I live in a not so nice place in the USA I don't mind getting my player taken from me since it is $79.
I would rather see Apple make the high end iPod into the video, and increase the capacity of the Shuffle and Nano. The shuffle goes to 2 GB maybe more and at the same price. The Nano keeps the 2GB model at a lower price (like $99) and the $149 model gets 4GB, the $199 gets 8GB and the $249 gets 12 or 16GB. If flash based storage decreases in price of course. The flagship iPod does get that 120GB 1.8" HDD and maybe a combo flash and HDD 120GB hybrid that can cache the songs and movies you play more often to conserve battery life. The second version will be totally flash based and have a 64GB (advertised as 60GB) flash based drive and a smaller size. ***OR*** it will stay the same size and have a better battery. Price would remain the same.
Or Apple could just go big and bring the Video iPod back to that $450 - $500 price range and make it entirely flash based with two 64GB flash drives. That would make it 120GB in size, smaller in dimensions and much better battery life.
And the biggest improvement across the line (or at least for the Video Pod) it would gain the UI of the iPhone and much much improved battery life during video playback.
Widescreen Nano
A mini iPhone screen designed Nano? Or just a slightly larger screen? You do realize that this would likely alter the slim design of the Nano.....
A mini iPhone screen designed Nano? Or just a slightly larger screen? You do realize that this would likely alter the slim design of the Nano.....
That's why I think that there will be three separate and distinct lines.
The Shuffle is perfect for those who want a simple low end player. Love mine and use it while skiing and during other similar activities. Increased memory to 2GB would be a nice addition.
The 2nd Gen Nano form factor is so much nicer than the regular iPod, of which I have both. I really like the Nano (Black 8GB) but wish that it had more capacity at times. A 32GB version would be very nice. A 64GB version would be fantastic.
As for the video iPod, or whatever they are going to call it, I don't see it as a primary music player. I see it as an on the go video player that can also play music. With a display the size of the iPod and controls similar to the iPhone, the video iPod can still be fairly small. But at this point in time, it needs the capacity that only a HD can deliver at a cost effective price. In a few years, that will probably change.
Despite what people want, all iPods across the board will have to function as primary music players. My 60GB is my one and only iPod, and I have no intention of getting a shuffle or nano to compliment it as I've grown too fond of having my entire library with me at all times. If the 6G iPod takes away from the audio listening experience at all I imagine it would do poorly. I don't want some Apple version of the Archos, which may give a good video experience but sucks as a walk around music player. For people who intend on listening to music first and foremost, but probably will not use the video function much or at all the full sized iPods will have to deliver to them too. You can't shut out the audio power users just to cater to the ones that want video more than anything.
60G iPod
You make a great point - a Swiss Army Knife may offer you an entire toolbox, but if all you really need and want is a single blade, the one on the SAK seems compromised when compared to high-end single blades. Not to say that the listening experience is compromised within
's Video iPods, (they seem to use the same sound processors in all models, including the Shuffle) but why carry around a backpack when all you really need is a wallet?
You make a great point - a Swiss Army Knife may offer you an entire toolbox, but if all you really need and want is a single blade, the one on the SAK seems compromised when compared to high-end single blades. Not to say that the listening experience is compromised within
's Video iPods, (they seem to use the same sound processors in all models, including the Shuffle) but why carry around a backpack when all you really need is a wallet?
Well when I say compromise the audio experience, I mean through the controls. Part of the reason why I love using my iPod is because the textured pad integrated into the physical button array make it very intuitive to use by feel, and the menus and layouts are very clear for quick browsing and song selection. The 6G would have to have an interface and control mechanism that can be used comfortably by people with no interest in video as well as video users.
This whole thing is kind of disappointing. I hope it isn't true that Apple is "betting the barn" on the iPhone, because I really don't think it's going to be the revolution that the iPod was, even if it does sell well. And as for the TV, who really cares? I watched the product reveal, and I've looked at every tech spec I can find, and still have not managed to discover its real significance. So I can stream media to my TV. Big deal. I do exactly the same thing right now with my iPod AV cable without paying $300.
As for the new iPod, I couldn't care less about WiFi. What I really want to see is bluetooth. Think of the possibilities: wireless headsets, wireless downloads from your computer (or an iTunes kiosk ), wireless communication with other iPods and cellular devices, and, my favorite, wireless streaming to car stereos. Another feature that I think would be amazing but is more than highly unlikely is wireless charging capability such as is currently available from Splashpower and other electronics companies. (Maybe this can be on my list for the 8th or 9th gen iPod, when wireless charging has become more mainstream.) Another of my main concerns with the 6gen iPod is its durability. iPods are beautifully designed devices, but they must be shoved into much less beautiful cases and covers in order to remain that way. Finally, I am cautiously optimistic that Apple (if it knows what's good for itself) will release both a flash based iPod and a 100+GB HDD-based one. The flash-based model would be targeted at the casual user looking for longer battery life and a slimmer form factor while the HDD model would target those with large media collections. Besides, if Apple wants to continue to better the resolution of their video downloads and offering new media, they will need to provide the necessary storage space.
But no matter what, all iPod models should cater first and foremost to listeners of music. I WILL NOT buy an Apple version of the Archos! (Thank you, Maccus Aurelius.)
TV, who really cares? I watched the product reveal, and I've looked at every tech spec I can find, and still have not managed to discover its real significance. So I can stream media to my TV. Big deal. I do exactly the same thing right now with my iPod AV cable without paying $300.As for the new iPod, I couldn't care less about WiFi. What I really want to see is bluetooth. Think of the possibilities: wireless headsets, wireless downloads from your computer (or an iTunes kiosk
), wireless communication with other iPods and cellular devices, and, my favorite, wireless streaming to car stereos. Another feature that I think would be amazing but is more than highly unlikely is wireless charging capability such as is currently available from Splashpower and other electronics companies. (Maybe this can be on my list for the 8th or 9th gen iPod, when wireless charging has become more mainstream.) Another of my main concerns with the 6gen iPod is its durability. iPods are beautifully designed devices, but they must be shoved into much less beautiful cases and covers in order to remain that way. Finally, I am cautiously optimistic that Apple (if it knows what's good for itself) will release both a flash based iPod and a 100+GB HDD-based one. The flash-based model would be targeted at the casual user looking for longer battery life and a slimmer form factor while the HDD model would target those with large media collections. Besides, if Apple wants to continue to better the resolution of their video downloads and offering new media, they will need to provide the necessary storage space.But no matter what, all iPod models should cater first and foremost to listeners of music. I WILL NOT buy an Apple version of the Archos! (Thank you, Maccus Aurelius.)
The Gen 5.5 update was more or less a joke. I got an 80G black now, but just because it was on sale. the differences between my 5th gen and my 5.5 are very small.