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More on iPod Updates

why not iPhoto?

iTunes had a revision so it would sync perfectly with the iPod, so why couldnt iPhoto? Apple should just have iPhoto 2 with the same auto-sync capabilities that iTunes 2 has. Plug in iPod, and let iPhoto 2 download all your pics to it.

And by the way, I was thinking about quicktime movies a little more. It just would be stupid to do that. Imagine watching a movie on a screen that small. I mean pictures are bad enough that small (they would still be ok though), but movies?

...it could have some PDA features though...
:)
 
why not iPhoto?

iTunes had a revision so it would sync perfectly with the iPod, so why couldnt iPhoto? Apple should just have iPhoto 2 with the same auto-sync capabilities that iTunes 2 has. Plug in iPod, and let iPhoto 2 download all your pics to it.

And by the way, I was thinking about quicktime movies a little more. It just would be stupid to do that. Imagine watching a movie on a screen that small. I mean pictures are bad enough that small (they would still be ok though), but movies?

...it could have some PDA features though...
:)
 
Originally posted by krossfyter
why must there be revisions to everything? why cant they just get it right the first time?
Click to expand...

Because technology is constantly changing, improving, evolving. Apple did a great job on the current iPod, but people are thinking ahead to what will come out next. Just like we do with the current line of computers from Apple... What will the next processor speeds be, when are they going to change the case again, when will Firewire 2 be out?? All valid questions and do not bash Apple in any way, shape or form. UNLIKE questions to m$... when will windowz be secure, when will you stop being such an evil empire??? The lists go on for both cases.

The easiest thing for Apple to do, and keep the cost either the same or to drop it, would be for an increase in the capacity of the iPod and a software update. The software would be the cheapest, and can apply to all of the iPod's out now, and in the future. Increasing the drive size will only affect people that do not (yet) have an iPod.
 
Biggles: im sure apple could easily do what you speak of. i was referring to the ability to connect a camera to the ipod and thus use it for storage of photos. apple could easily do what you suggest and have you plug your ipod into your mac and have it synch your iphotos onto the ipod. im just not sure what the use of this would be. as it is now you can put anytime of file onto your ipod and use it as a data shuttle im not sure why you would want your photos automatically synched to your ipod but perhaps im missing something.

i think most people mostly wanted to boost their digital camera storage by being able to download their files from the camera to the ipod while in the field and thus continue taking pictures. this would be wonderful, but unfortunately digital cameras use usb not firewire, so no go.

krossfyter: i wont even dignify that with a response.
 
As for Biggles request for pds features in the iPod.... not bloodly likely.

That market is small, and seems to be shrinking. If it ever grew again, and Apple thought that they could produce a product to compete with the rest, then they will release something. I would most likely buy one, but I would need to see if in person first, as well as get some feedback from people that already have one. That's what happened for me getting the iPod. I talked with a few people that have them, and then picked one up. It didn't hurt that I was in an Apple retail store, and there were many on the shelves.

If you haven't been to an Apple retail location yet, I recommend going to one. It is worth the trip.
 
thanks alpha tech... it was jut a curious question. i know about technology and it bettering itself every 18 months or less. i was just simply saying from that statement.... why cant they get an item out that does not have to be revised each month. i understand getting it better in a year and a half because thats the nature of technology....but comeone every month or 3? what gives. it just seems like they should cover all the possible flaws (that induce revisions in the first place) the first time around. there seems to be an alterior motive for this.....and the technology argument seems to be an excuse. i mean everywhere i turn apple is making revisions to everything....not that thats a bad thing in of itslef....but its bad when its every 3 months or less. you get my drift here. maybe im seeing this from the wrong angle i dont know. but i apprecitate and welcome your corrections. because Lord knows im not versed in this department and im sure you are..at least more then me.

ambitious lemon...while it seemed like a stupid question (on the surface) i meant other then what you first saw..

both alpha tech and ambitious lemon....im not trying to bash apple by the way. im just trying to uderstand them more because they rock.
 
The reason for the 3 month time frame you are talking about is the expo's. Peecee's get updated faster then that with faster processors and such. Apple has a more steady update path.

I don't expect to see anything other then software updates for the iPod until at least MWNY (over 6 months from it's release).

Apple also does updates as new items become available, such as the combo drive for the laptops.
 
okay alphatech....

but is what im thinking a valid concern or is it just bogus..or a failure to understand apple at this? im trying to see this from where you all are seeing this...since most of you are more knowledgeable on this then i am.
 
Apple typically releases updated hardware at the expo's, not between them (unless it is a minor revision or adding promised features). That is why it seems like they are changing things so much. With three expo's within a few months of each other it can make for a bit of insanity. Most people that I know, wait until after an expo before making a purchase. Unless it is software, which usually gets either free, or very reduced cost, updates. Where else can you update an OS that you picked up a few months ago for $20???
 
Connecting your iPod to a speakers

Mac_User and Alphatech, What the iPod is missing is a Line Out. This is basically a headphone out jack that is set at an industry standard level that can be safely plugged into the RCA inputs on your stereo. It also tends to avoid a lot of circuits that the headphone out uses (like equalizing or even volume control) and is better quality. You really shouldn't be plugging a powered device into your stereo. And the iPod has a very impressive 15mW/channel amp, compare that to the 8-10 on most discmans or even the 3-5mW/channel that Panasonic has on some of their's (battery life of 180 hours doesn't come without a price). It was one of the major dissappointments in the audio world.
 
grrr223, the line out function can be done either through the FM transmitter item from Dr. Bott (see it at http://www.drbott.com/), or by getting a 1/8" to dual RCA dongle from most stereo stores (Cambridge Soundworks or even Radio Shack). That allows you to connect it to the L/R input channels in most stereo's as well as some car systems (some have inputs on the face).

Why add another port when the function can be easily accomplished with either item??? Where would you suggest they put it??? The top is pretty much filled with the items in it now, and adding something to either the side or bottom wouldn't make much sense.
 
well put Alpha. i think apple needs to make the availability of these adapters better known. even include some of them as bto when purchasing an ipod maybe. apple currently offers non-apple crt monitors with the powermcs as a bto, and advertises custom tibook carrying cases. so showing off some of these adapters might be a good idea, let people know they are available.

thats 501. gonna get a avatar now?
 
AmbitiousLemon, of course I will be getting the avatar, I just need to get something good, or evil... :D

Thank for the congrats... and to think, most of those posts have been since the start of 2002.
 
Battery....?

Well 10gigs would give you a hole lot more songs on it but What about the battery life I mean You think they can get a battery in that small thing that will play 10gig worth of songs......... And as far as burning using the firewire port and using a color LCD screen and so on that sounds more like a PDA not just a MP3 Player....
 
Ahhhh ALL of u are stupid, mini CD-Rs, have any of you guys seen mini CDrs, they are smaller than the ipod, and i just bought a pack of 100 for $15 on sale at microcenter, ohh yeah i saw the new iMac and it kicks ass!!
 
Originally posted by jadam
Ahhhh ALL of u are stupid, mini CD-Rs, have any of you guys seen mini CDrs, they are smaller than the ipod, and i just bought a pack of 100 for $15 on sale at microcenter, ohh yeah i saw the new iMac and it kicks ass!!
Click to expand...

The mini cd's only hold about 185MB. I have seen the top coating of those flake off. Also, forget about getting them to work in the slot loading drives.

If Apple was to somehow put a burner for that size disc into the iPod, it would be at least twice the weight, and at least an inch thick. I don't see that happening. And the cd's are 3-1/2" diameter. The drive has to be larger then the actual disc. That includes the case and all hardware to make it work. The current iPod is under 2-1/2 inches wide which is about 1" LESS then the discs you are referring to.
 
Ambitious Lemon & Alphatech:

About the iPhoto dealy, I know my dad would love to carry pictures around with him. Of course a color LCD would be required, but the simple fact that he could carry around pictures of his kids AND MUSIC would be a dream come true for him. People just have different wants.

About the PDA, i was just being sarcastic (note the :) ). I dont want nor need a PDA. It's just that you guys get in such a "tizzy" when anyone speaks those three letters that i felt i need to add a reference for comedy's sake.

All i want if 5 gigs of music for under $300.
 
encoding MP3s with the iPod...

It would be interesting to see an iPod that could encode audio. While the processor used in the current iPod has the ability to encode MP3s, this has remained a dormant feature.

Probably too many issues with piracy and ticking off the music companies to see that feature enabled with an input jack.

However, the iPod having encode capability, it's probably likely that we'll see a microphone at some point. That wouldn't ruffle any feathers and would add a useful feature at minimal cost.
 
Keep it simple

Apple will not put CD burning capabilities in the new iPod. The new iPod will simply have larger drives, 10 and maybe 20 gigs. As for color LCD and photo storage capabilities, I seriously doubt the color LCD but Apple is smarter than you think about photo storage. They will not personally create the software for photo storage capabilities but will allow the hacking community to take care of that. Writing software is a pain in the ass to do especially for tech support and to constantly update. Also, this strategy will keep apple's software engineers free while increasing the iPod's appeal. This is the same reason why Apple has no problems with that one company (sorry i cant recall the name) to create software for Windows users to sync their computers with the iPod. In the end, they will have to purchse the iPod from Apple but go elsewhere if they run into software problems. Also, forget about playing MPEGs and outputting it to your TV. Not only is this idea stupid, but the drives run at very low RPMs to conserve battery life.

Here's why Apple will not put CD burning and other capabilities in the new iPod:
1)Apple does not want you stealing music.CD burning would just make trading mp3s that much simpler.The music industry is Apple's best friends, just take a look at their commercials or the Quicktime videos about the iPod and iMac.

2)It's just not Apple's style to create an all-in-one. They have made it clear that they want their computers to be a digital hub to your digital lifestyle, not the iPod. The iPod is simply one of those items in your digital lifestyle. Apple is not like Sony.

3)Simplify. Simplify. Simplify.

Here's what Apple should put into the new iPod:
1)Mic. If they want to really win the education market back, they must market an MP3 player with the capability of recording lectures. With the audio input removed from the new line of desktop macs, its now a pain in the buttocks (if not impossible) to input sound from a minidisc player to the mac. Also, even using the sound input, the sound inputting lasts as long as the track im inputting (that's 1.5 hours for a lecture that lasts 1.5 hours) for a minidisc. If the iPod could simply encode to mp3 format and then transfer the file to the desktop comp, that would be a gift from Allah.

2)Radio.A simple digital radio isnt too hard to implement.

3)Titanium case. There have been many complaints about the current case. They need to make it elegant while strong.

4)Optical digital output. Imagine an iPod connected to a high end stereo system. Not only does this keep the iPod simple, it keeps it grounded to its original function: play music. Lots and lots of it.

Thanks all for listening.
 
CalStudent...

You started off pretty good, but then went south on the rest of your post.

What you think Apple should put into the iPod would destroy it's form factor. Have you actually SEEN an iPod??? If you had, you would realize that there is no good place to put a mic that isn't being used already. There are products out there to give you audio input jacks for any Mac that didn't ship with them, if you REALLY NEED it.

How many MP3 players out there have actuall AM/FM tuners inside them, AND are even close to the same dimensions of the iPod??? The tuner, again, would destroy the current size of the iPod, making it larger and going away from it's allure.

I have no complaints with my iPod's case, it is BOTH strong, and good to look at.

Optical output is another plug that not many people, if any, would use. Considering how most readily available optical cables are 2 feet long, it would require more effort then it is worth. Just get the FM transmitter for the iPod and connect it to your stereo that way.

I hope you survive all the holes that I just put in your post... Kevlar vests should be standard issue :D.
 
CAL student: Go bears. no that thats out of the way. i have to agree with alpha on most of his points. but i know how it is when you start making a list like that. its easy to get carried away.

the Ti case i think a metalic look is possible (not soon). Not real Ti though, too expensive and no reason.

the mic, i really think apple needs to squeeve thhis in somehow. it seems like an essential feature. besides they have a remote control port they arent even using currently! get rid of that and put the mic there!

as far as connection to stereo and FM radio... well we already have these. drop by http://www.drbott.com/ and take a look. nice little site someone listed in one of these ipod type threads.
 
Apple will not compromise

Apple does not cater to the low end spectrum of technology. An FM transmitter to connect to your stereo system is extremely archaic. Not only that, but its clunky. Imagine two pieces of hardware connected only by a wire. Apple will not go in the same direction as Sony on such an issue (such as those clunky external battery/remote controls that come with Discmans and MD players). To those of you who like your FM transmitter, that's fine, but Apple should also add optical output for desktop stereos (yes, a 2 foot cable probably wouldn't work too well for a full blown home theater and there would be no remote control for the iPod to change tracks).

As for the issue of the missing audio input for the desktop macs, the USB to audio inputs are horrible because in order to squeeze the type of info onto the available bandwidth of USB, the sound frequency range is narrow not to mention also the noticeable reduction in volume. And again, playing sound off the iPod and then inputting through USB sound adaptor would take the same amount of time as the length of the recording. But using FireWire, it would take mere seconds. If Apple can't put a mic into the unit, then simply add an audio input so people can add mics.

And on the radio issue, its just a little feature i'd like to see. Not passionate about radio though.

As for the form factor, Yes, i have seen an iPod but am waiting on buying one. Yes, they are beautiful. And I would buy them with or without the Ti case because the current case is also beautiful. I think adding an audio input for a mic would not change the size of the iPod by much. And it would really appeal to nerdy college students such as myself.

Thanks for all your replies. Also, Im new to macrumors forums and im just putting in my 4 cents. If you feel like bashing me, please do so without making fun of me and calling me a dork, cause i am a dork. And dorks are kewl.
 
Can't they make a mic connected through Firewire? If Apple doesn't do, can't a 3rd party? If there is a market for it, then it's possible. Then the mic would work on old iPods as well, it would just need a software update.

And how about the remote, I think it's pretty important for a portable music player. Any ideas how it can be done?
 
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