[Kent Pribbernow]

http://news.com.com/Apple+takes+a+step+away+from+FireWire/2100-1041_3-5587951.html?tag=nefd.top

"FireWire is still Apple Computer's baby, but the proud parent is cutting the cord. With the latest crop of iPods, Apple is no longer including a FireWire cable in the box. The music players will still work with FireWire, if a cord is purchased separately, but only a USB 2.0 cable comes with the device. The move is part of a gradual shift on Apple's part to standardize the iPod on USB, which is far more common in the Windows world."

Not surprising since far fewer PCs include FireWire by default, though aftermarket PCI cards are available. The only gotcha is that most Macs sold didn't include USB 2.0 until about a year ago. Needless to say a large number of Mac users who are thinking of upgrading to one of these new iPods will have to pony up some cash.

[Kent Pribbernow]

http://news.com.com/Apple+takes+a+step+away+from+FireWire/2100-1041_3-5587951.html?tag=nefd.top

"FireWire is still Apple Computer's baby, but the proud parent is cutting the cord. With the latest crop of iPods, Apple is no longer including a FireWire cable in the box. The music players will still work with FireWire, if a cord is purchased separately, but only a USB 2.0 cable comes with the device. The move is part of a gradual shift on Apple's part to standardize the iPod on USB, which is far more common in the Windows world."

Not surprising since far fewer PCs include FireWire by default, though aftermarket PCI cards are available. The only gotcha is that most Macs sold didn't include USB 2.0 until about a year ago. Needless to say a large number of Mac users who are thinking of upgrading to one of these new iPods will have to pony up some cash.

[James Fee]

Meh, I think it makes business sense, though the older 4g iPods still include the cable. While I do like firewire, USB 2.0 is much more universal. Heck, I'm excited Apple finally released a USB power brick so I don't have to carry my firewire cable. I might put my 2 4g Firewire cables up on eBay.

[jeffd]

what dosn't make sense is... the butt ugly awfull headlines..like this one... for such a trivial change. They arn't droping firewire support in any way what so ever. They just no longer include the cord by default. No biggy, fire wire cords are dime a dozzen. All these headlines about "the end is neigh! fire wire dropped for the all mighty USB. Suck it apple users!" couldn't be further from the truth. I laughed when I heard a news article that mac users are taking this personaly, which just re inforces my question on mac owners sanity. :twisted:

[Jason Eaton]

Yes, they are dropping the cord (and case and dock on some models) but in return you get a lower price. Need a firewire cable, well they sell one and if that is all you need you still make out with a lower overall price.

Need the case and dock? Well you can buy those too and in the end... well look at that, the price is near where it was a month ago.

No one is losing. If fact Apple has provided lower costs to people, which I thought ever consumer liked. Nothing to see here... move on.