'iPod: Hot Accessories!' Confirmed.

[Squire]

Originally posted by fpnc
If you read all of my posts that occurred before the announcement I think you'll see that my observation was that I could see no way that Apple could design a card reader that would be consistent with the elegant design of the iPod. Basically, what Belkin introduced just confirmed my fears and I think this is one reason why the product that was introduced was not produced by Apple. AFAIK, there were no rumors suggesting that this would be a non-Apple product. Thus, I think it is fair to say that Apple did not introduce an image card reader for the iPod, Belkin did.

I read through the earlier posts related to the card-reader. I'm glad I did; you brought up a lot of interesting points. (For example, I didn't know that Apple was involved with early digital cameras.) The one to which you refer, I believe, is below. In it, you mention technical not aesthetic reasons for your reluctance to believe in the card-reader rumors. In your defense, you do say that you "...don't think we'll see any device from Apple in the near future." However, I believe that's the only place you where make that distinction.

Here's where you make your case...

Originally posted by fpnc
As for the multi-media card reader idea (off-loading photos from you digital camera), yes that would be a very nice trick. However, I think there may be technical reasons why that might not be possible. USB, for example, is not a symmetrical hardware interconnect. That is, there is a difference between being a USB host and a USB peripheral and up until now the iPod has only acted as a peripheral (and it may only be able to act in that mode, the hardware might not support being a USB host). Firewire is more capable in this regard but I've heard nothing about the iPod being able to act as a Firewire host (it's possible, but not certain). So, perhaps the iPod could host a Firewire-based card reader. But it would require software support from Apple (significant effort?) and there might also be copy-protection issues so I don't think we'll see any such device from Apple in the near future.

...and again...

Originally posted by fpnc
Just so my earlier predictions don't get lost in the recent "crush" of expectations, here is what I expect -- audio recording yes, but no image card reader or camera features.

...and again, except that you mention the word "announced" here.

Originally posted by fpnc
I've already posted my opinions (and analysis) on all these iPod-based image card reader and camera rumors over on the "iPod Peripherals - Mic and Image Card Reader?" thread. But let me say it once more, IMO there will not be any card reader or camera functions announced at today's event. However, Apple will introduce an audio record feature with some new iPod firmware features and (of course) they'll intro the iTunes Music Store for Windows products. So, no card reader, no image display, no camera features.

Judging by what you wrote, I'd say that it's pretty evident that you were not expecting an announcement of an image card reader from Apple or, for that matter, any other manufacturer.

Squire

Note: I normally wouldn't make a response this long but I'm on vacation