New Video iPod on Apple's 30th Anniversary (April 1)?

[MacRumors]

MacObserver points to a PortalPlayer analyst report issued by Craig Berger and James Schneider of Wedbush Morgan.

The report predicts a decline in shipments in the 2nd Quarter for PortalPlayer -- producer of key components in the Apple iPod. However, looking forward, the analysts describe a sharp ramp up in demand based on "independent confirmation from a reliable industry source" that Apple is likely to launch the rumored Video iPod "as early as its 30th anniversary on April 1".

The upcoming device is described as sporting a larger size LCD, bigger battery, higher storage and a $400-$500 price point. The new iPod would represent a higher end video-targetted unit, while Apple is expected to retain the current 5G iPod for customers interested primarily in music playback.

Rumors of a "true" video iPod have been circulating for months. Previous analysts expected an "actual" video iPod in the first half of 2006 alongside major content deals. These rumors were further corroborated in February with word that a new iPod with a touch-screen instead of the current click wheel. The most recent rumors describe a 4 inch screen touchscreen iPod to be launched alongside an iTunes Movie service.

Rumors of a touchscreen iPod has spawned many mockups and images claiming to be the rumored Video iPod. None of the images are believed to be real at this time.

Of note, April 1, 2006 falls on a Saturday -- which would be an unusual day for Apple to release a product.

 

[iGary]

Oh vey.

On a Saturday?

No way.

 

[javabear90]

Sounds accurate to me. Do you think Apple will market it as a 30th anniversary event?

 

[amateurmacfreak]

Hm... I think a "real" video iPod is quite a possibility. But a Saturday... no.
I personally think Apple would make the date for the 4th, no?
Tuesday!!

 

[sunfast]

The video iPod is clearly a question of when not if. 30th anniversary seems as good a time as any, especially for a product that has become so synonymous with Apple over the last few years.

 

[alienex]

HERE WE GO AGAIN. Not sure if this is a repost but look at this....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1H_d_7CVPc&feature=Views&page=1&t=w&f=b

 

[ibook30]

Video iPod and additional content on iTunes sounds like a winner - perhaps now is the time to get some stock....

 

[schatten]

What a coincidence...

Wow. What a strange coincidence; I was planning to buy every registered MacRumors use a new iPod on April 1st.

(And if you believe that, I'll tell you another!)

 

[Xephian]

Bleh, I just bought a Video iPod 30GB.

 

[johnbro23]

HERE WE GO AGAIN. Not sure if this is a repost but look at this....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1H_d_7CVPc&feature=Views&page=1&t=w&f=b

I'd say that's the most believable Video iPod yet. I'm curious to see what the video experts have to say...

 

[Daveway]

Come Join us as we Celebrate Apple's 30th Birthday!
We have some great presents for you.

 

[ksz]

Well, if photos of Origami turned out to be true, then ...

 

[w_parietti22]

awww... was hoping for a 30th Anniversary Mac....

Oh well, maybe Steve will do the iPod and then say the magic words...
"One more thing..."

 

[asherman13]

awww... was hoping for a 30th Anniversary Mac....

Oh well, maybe Steve will do the iPod and then say the magic words...
"One more thing..."

Nobody said you can't get too things at one announcement.

April 1st, eh? I guess I was 17 minutes too early to make a birthday present out of these goodies (if they come) for myself. Oh well...there's always next year.

 

[virus1]

I'd say that's the most believable Video iPod yet. I'm curious to see what the video experts have to say...

looks like bull to me.

 

[WeBleed4Real]

I smell an April Fool's joke...

 

[virus1]

I smell an April Fool's joke...

ya... i can see apple having some fun with us..

 

[FreeState]

HERE WE GO AGAIN. Not sure if this is a repost but look at this....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1H_d_7CVPc&feature=Views&page=1&t=w&f=b

This ones been online at least a week. Its a fake - notice his thumb goes counter clockwise and the video does not - nor is there any slider showing where your volume is or where you are in the movie.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

...Someone actually gets paid to think of this stuff?

 

[revfife]

Wow another thread posting the same videos already reviewed 6 threads back. Keep up people

 

[pdpfilms]

Absolutely not going to happen. Pff.

 

[amateurmacfreak]

awww... was hoping for a 30th Anniversary Mac....

I personally think we will see a 30th Anniversary Mac. Otherwise I will be a sad little person.

 

[EricNau]

I think $400-$500 is too much when you can buy a whole computer from dell for the same price (actually cheaper)!

 

[EGT]

I'd like to see it happen but still skeptical. iPod video or not, why not April 1st? So what it's a Saturday?

Absolutely not going to happen. Pff.

How do you know?

 

[arn]

I think $400-$500 is too much when you can buy a whole computer from dell for the same price (actually cheaper)!

I refer you to the original ipod thread

Where oh where does a $400 (!!!!!) player fit into the scheme of things? Seems like Steve just wanted the coolest toy, regardless of its practicality.

I like [the iPod] and if it were $200-$299 I'd buy one. But at $400 you are getting into the price range of a new computer.

Of course the iPod is cool, neat, whatever. You wouldn't expect anything less from Apple. But I agree with most on this forum. $400 is simply too much in the present economic climate. One other thing. I'd like to know what their margins for the iPod are...