Apple's newest iPod gets a makeover, adds some evolutionary upgrades, and delivers more bang for the buck. But are these changes enough to make a big splash?
The fourth-generation Apple iPod was unveiled to the world on the cover of the July 26 edition of Newsweek magazine, confirming a growing chorus of whispers and rumors that had been percolating for weeks on various Apple enthusiast Web sites. The new iPod will be available in 20GB and 40GB versions for AU$499 and AU$649, respectively. No firm release date was provided, but Apple is already taking orders via its online store.
Upside
The revised pricing means entry-level iPod buyers will be able to fit more music in their pockets than ever before -- an additional 33 percent over those who bought the soon-to-be-phased-out 15GB iPod at the same price. Not surprisingly, the new models feature the same integrated scrollwheel found on their wildly popular sibling, the iPod Mini; the clickable wheel gives tactile feedback, which many users find more intuitive than the feather-touch controls of current-generation players. In addition to a body that's said to be about a millimeter thinner, Apple is claiming the new models deliver 12 hours of music on a single charge -- significantly longer than the 8-hour rating of their predecessors. Rounding out the list of improvements are a new menu system, enhanced playlist options, and variable speed control (for digital DJs who want beat matching in a tiny package).
Downside
The bigger hard drive capacities at lower prices and the addition of the Mini-style scrollwheel are predictable upgrades, not radical, stop-the-presses overhauls. And aside from the silver-coloured scrollwheel, the full-size iPod remains an all-white affair, unlike the multiple colour schemes available for the Mini. More quibbles: Where's the built-in MP3 encoder to make voice memos or to record our band's jam sessions? What about a wireless component to tie in with the recently announced AirPort Express? And is a video iPod ever going to happen, or is Apple ceding the portable video player market to others?
Outlook
We'll need to do our own hands-on testing of the new iPods before we can make a definitive judgment, especially on the issue of battery life, which almost always falls short of manufacturers' promises. However, despite our nitpicks, Apple's fourth-generation iPod delivers what looks to be some worthwhile improvements to an already excellent product. That it's more affordable than ever is icing on the cake.
Apple iPod 20GB
Company: Apple Computer
Price: AU$499
Phone: 13 36 22
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4%
I bought two of these last Christmas for my daughters. One went back already twice for repair and the second one is dead. The dealer refuses to refund them (And pretend to need an Apple authorization to do so. Once the Apple center was contacted after 3/4 hour phone wait they said that it was not up to them!!??). I am really sorry not to have bought the Creative one! (When) working, the software under XP pro is ok and seems to be intuitive. It's a real shame that the hardware is so bad. I certainly not recommend it unless $400 is nothing for you. In other word don’t expect support for it!. It’s a bad product, very well marketed, and once more Apple shows its inability to deliver good solutions.