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iPod Peripherals and Special Edition iPod?
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Since the current generation iPods already have audio input capabilities in hardware I've got to believe that an iPod microphone or recording dock has to be coming. In any case, the iPods definitely need to support audio recording and analog audio input. This is the one area where almost every other decent MP3 player is ahead of Apple. And I agree with the earlier statements, giving the iPod recording capabilities would be a huge win for students.
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.
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.
Take advantage of the hard drive
When the iPod had a 5 Gig drive in it the average user could just about fill it with all their CDs and LPs.
Now that you can get a 40 Gig drive (60 coming soon?) there is room for other things, like using some of the space for a backup drive. I travel on overseas business trips and would very rapidly upgrade to a new iPod if it could also be the backup drive for important data.
Begin able to quickly download pics would also be a plus as users would not have to drag their laptop everywhere they went - especially when sightseeing on vacations.
The fact is that the iPod is moving to a point where it can be many things - not just a music player. I hope that Apple can continue to take the lead in developing new ideas & uses. It can only mean more sales and converts.
When the iPod had a 5 Gig drive in it the average user could just about fill it with all their CDs and LPs.
Now that you can get a 40 Gig drive (60 coming soon?) there is room for other things, like using some of the space for a backup drive. I travel on overseas business trips and would very rapidly upgrade to a new iPod if it could also be the backup drive for important data.
Begin able to quickly download pics would also be a plus as users would not have to drag their laptop everywhere they went - especially when sightseeing on vacations.
The fact is that the iPod is moving to a point where it can be many things - not just a music player. I hope that Apple can continue to take the lead in developing new ideas & uses. It can only mean more sales and converts.
let's not forget what that "i" originally stood for in Apple's products; internet.
I think you guys are all on the right track, let's hope Apple is too.
I think you guys are all on the right track, let's hope Apple is too.
Re: Re: Re: What the iPod *really* needs
The idea is not to look at the photos on the iPod (that wouldn't work anyway with only a monochrome, 1-bit display). The value would be to dump the photos to the larger storage in the iPod. Thus with just your iPod and the digital camera you could take many gigabytes of photos while investing in and carrying only a single media card (like one fifty dollar 128MB CompactFlash card). This would be great if you planned a full day of picture taking. I'd much rather take a day trip carrying my iPod and digital camera instead of my camera and laptop computer.
The idea is not to look at the photos on the iPod (that wouldn't work anyway with only a monochrome, 1-bit display). The value would be to dump the photos to the larger storage in the iPod. Thus with just your iPod and the digital camera you could take many gigabytes of photos while investing in and carrying only a single media card (like one fifty dollar 128MB CompactFlash card). This would be great if you planned a full day of picture taking. I'd much rather take a day trip carrying my iPod and digital camera instead of my camera and laptop computer.
themadchemist
macrumors 68030
You're right.
Well, in my opinion, almost right. 3rd party companies would NOT be able to compete with Apple on PDAs, but I don't think the same is true for digital cameras.
The OS and compatability concerns that exist with PDAs are far less complex (in the case of OS, nonexistent) w/digital cameras. These are devices with a single, specialized task.
Therefore, the focus will always be more on the strength of the device at performing that task than its ability to establish a connection with another device such as a computer. The latter task is an easy one to accomplish and has marginal, negligible differences from manufacturer to manufacturer. The former task is the key, and the strength of certain long-standing film companies has carried over into the digital era. Apple does not have the credibility in the camera market, one that is characterized by brand-loyal, detail-sensitive consumers looking for a precision instrument.
No, I don't think Apple would find success against competitors in the digital camera realm. At least, not in the high end. Moreover, a low-end, el cheapo camera could do nothing but hurt Apple's credibility in general--as it will be spun by competitors and detractors not as a camera targeted to the layman, but as a camera of poor quality.
Re: Take advantage of the hard drive
You can already use any iPod as a backup drive for you notebook computer. In fact, on the Macintosh you can actually use the iPod as an emergency boot drive (if you install the Mac OS onto the iPod). In any case, you can mount any iPod directly to your desktop and copy data files to it (it acts just like any other external drive).
You can already use any iPod as a backup drive for you notebook computer. In fact, on the Macintosh you can actually use the iPod as an emergency boot drive (if you install the Mac OS onto the iPod). In any case, you can mount any iPod directly to your desktop and copy data files to it (it acts just like any other external drive).
themadchemist
macrumors 68030
As a post note, Apple has already been in the digital camera market. In early 1994 Apple introduced the QuickTake line of color digital still cameras. In fact, the QuickTake was one of the earliest consumer-grade, full-color, digital cameras in the US market. However, Apple subsequently discontinued all of its digital camera development due in part to the growing financial crises that Apple faced in the mid-90's.
To be fair, though, the QuickTake was not Apple designed. It was a rebranded Kodak product, IIRC.
Quoted from a Google-d article:
Quoted from a Google-d article:
i'd like to see a mic, an enhanced dock, a camera (?), an ultrapowerful laser, and maybe a death ray
BTW... As for the discussion on an Apple PDA, I doubt it'd be as successful as you think. Perhaps I don't speak for the general public, but personally, the thing I value most about about my Palm is the huge amount of software already available for it.
Anyway... back to iPod peripherals:
Put me in for a iPod sled with directional microphone and additional Li-Ion rechargeable battery, chargeable via the same connector as a sort of 'passthrough.' Kinda like this sort of thing, but with the incorporated battery and directional mike instead of GPS antenna 😉 :
Anyway... back to iPod peripherals:
Put me in for a iPod sled with directional microphone and additional Li-Ion rechargeable battery, chargeable via the same connector as a sort of 'passthrough.' Kinda like this sort of thing, but with the incorporated battery and directional mike instead of GPS antenna 😉 :
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chewbaccapits
macrumors 6502a
Maybe this is why the delay for the WINNERS of the iPod giveaway contest has yet to be announced! I'd be full of envy if people received SE iPods.Winners were to be announced on or about Oct.1
Wow, I remember using one of those in high school... If I remember correctly, it was one of the black and white ones that took pict files. It sucks now, but back then it was pretty cool.
Creative, Neuros, Archos, Apacer ... hell, just put "MP3 player recording" into Google and see all the players that have recording built in now.
Or are you saying Dell "innovated" by putting recording in a knock-off of the iPod? In which case, yup, I guess ya got us there.
Re: iPod and iPhoto
That would be the 12" AlBook. Best part about it: you don't need to connect the iPod to use it as a trouser-press!
That would be the 12" AlBook. Best part about it: you don't need to connect the iPod to use it as a trouser-press!
Re: Re: Re: Re: What the iPod *really* needs
I guess everyone has an opinion...
But I for one like that the Mac os has alot more software nowadays, i lets me do more things with my computer. I also like that apple has built internal harddrives, cd/dvd burners, and on some modles screens... it keeps me from having to have all these items all over my desk.
I guess everyone has an opinion...
But I for one like that the Mac os has alot more software nowadays, i lets me do more things with my computer. I also like that apple has built internal harddrives, cd/dvd burners, and on some modles screens... it keeps me from having to have all these items all over my desk.
A recording capability (with a built-in mic or option to use your own) is what I'm waiting for.
The perfect concert companion. Record the whole show in 320kbps MP3!
The perfect concert companion. Record the whole show in 320kbps MP3!
Re: Re: Re: Re: What the iPod *really* needs
Agreed.
I cover a fair amount of auto-related events and it would be nice to unload my 1GB microdrive without having to necessarily do it to a laptop. I'm already carrying around enough gear with lenses and other camera gear and having even a small 12" on your back starts to add up after a long day...
Cheers.
Agreed.
I cover a fair amount of auto-related events and it would be nice to unload my 1GB microdrive without having to necessarily do it to a laptop. I'm already carrying around enough gear with lenses and other camera gear and having even a small 12" on your back starts to add up after a long day...
Cheers.
Dude.. just because you live in OK... dont rag on us that have GOOD radio stations. I live in Boston and WBCN and several other stations play good music and have news for what is happening in town. I realize you wouldnt want to hear all your bible stations.... LOL!
Bring on osx on the ipod
I dont have a ipod. I just dont need one. I want osx on it with a color screen. aka PDA I guess... but what is up with the software on it??? Why isnt iTunes on it to play the music? And then with a mini-osx they could have say... iphoto and other iapps even quicktime.. With the hard drive space they have now. Why not?? I havent checked the specs of these hardrived but I heard they are getting close to 2.5 HD speeds. I wonder how long until we start seeing these HD's in laptops. Again I havent checked the specs of the HD. Its a simple click and search but I havent taken the time. Anyway just some thoughts...
I dont have a ipod. I just dont need one. I want osx on it with a color screen. aka PDA I guess... but what is up with the software on it??? Why isnt iTunes on it to play the music? And then with a mini-osx they could have say... iphoto and other iapps even quicktime.. With the hard drive space they have now. Why not?? I havent checked the specs of these hardrived but I heard they are getting close to 2.5 HD speeds. I wonder how long until we start seeing these HD's in laptops. Again I havent checked the specs of the HD. Its a simple click and search but I havent taken the time. Anyway just some thoughts...