Apple introduces a new, smaller iPod with a 1-inch, 4GB hard drive that comes in a variety of colours.Today at Macworld, Apple announced a new, smaller iPod, just as many experts predicted. Apple included a 1-inch, 4GB hard drive instead of the flash memory many assumed it would use. While the iPod Mini holds an impressive (for its size) 1,000 tunes, at US$250, it can't be had for a song.
Upside: The original iPods came in any colour you liked, as long as it was white. The new Minis come in hues that spread across the rainbow: silver, gold, blue, pink, and green. But the biggest breakthrough is that the clickable scrollwheel now doubles as play/menu/fast-forward/rewind controls; pressing against the wheel activates each of the four functions, as labelled. We were impressed when we tried it--kudos to Apple for improving the strongest part of its device.
Still, some things haven't changed. You get the same in-line remote found in the larger iPods, as well as a sharp, scaled-down version of the GUI found on its older brother, fitted for the Mini's 1.67-inch, white-backlit LCD. As expected, the iPod Mini syncs to iTunes; plays songs purchased from iTunes Music Store; and handles MP3s, AACs, Audible audiobooks, WAVs, and AIFFs. Although it doesn't work with the Belkin voice recorder and media attachments, it's compatible with most other iPod accessories. Apple throws in a snap-on holder with a belt clip; US$29 gets you an armband for the gym.
Downside: Even at its reduced size (9.14 by 5.08 by 1.27cm; 102gm), the iPod Mini is larger than Rio's competing Nitrus, which will also ship in a 4GB version later this month. The Mini uses a smaller, non-replaceable battery that Apple claims to have optimized so that it provides eight hours of juice; if it weakens after extensive use, you can replace it for US$99. The device's US$250 price tag is still out of reach for some consumers, and depending on Rio's pricing of its forthcoming competitor, Apple could face stiff competition in this emerging market. In any case, Australian consumers -- and indeed, anyone outside the US -- will have to wait until April to even order an iPod Mini.
Outlook: Inevitably, mini hard drive-based players will be a big story in 2004, thanks to the availability of one-inch drives. But the iPod is still the king of the larger devices, and unless Rio or someone else attacks it on a price level, we see the iPod Mini following in its footsteps.
6%
1%
Found this place to preorder for me in the USA
Pretty nifty service
http://www.americangoodies.com/page/page/893379.htm