Apple Unveils iPod Photo and Special U2 Edition

[Kent Pribbernow]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.apple.com/ipodphoto/' target='_blank'>http://www.apple.com/ipodphoto/</a><br /><br /></div>Apple has officially announced two new models to its popular line of iPod digital audio players; the iPod Photo, and a special edition U2 iPod that sports a black and red body in place of the standard snow white motif. <br /><br /><b>iPod Photo:</b> <br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/coloripod.jpg" /><br /><br />The iPod Photo features a color LCD display that allows you to store and view photos downloaded from your PC or Mac, and comes in two flavors; a 40GB model ($499), and a 60GB model ($599). Apple also includes an A/V cable for connecting the iPod directly to any television or projector for photo slideshow presentations. <br /><br />One other interesting aspect to this iPod is the new graphical interface that resembles OSX, and shows album art during music playback. <br /><br /><b>iPod U2 Edition:</b><br /> <img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/u2ipod.jpg" /><br /><br />Also introduced today is a special edition U2 branded iPod that features a unique two-tone black and red design. The back includes autographs from every U2 band member. It also includes a special U2 poster as well. All for the low price of $349. Nothing really new here, just an excuse for Apple to squeeze another $50 from your wallet for a cool color case.

[dean_shan]

It also includes a special U2 poster as well. All for the low price of $349. Nothing really new here, just an excuse for Apple to squeeze another $50 from your wallet for a cool color case.

They also give you a code that gives you $50 off the up and coming U2 collection.

[Filip Norrgard]

Also, today iTunes Music Store opened in more EU countries, including mine (http://www.filips.net/archives/2004/10/26/yeah-itunes-finland-finally-opens/) :D :multi:

[Suhit Gupta]

The 60 GB is nice (especially since Apple has basically disallowed anyone else from getting that drive for the forseeable future). But it is still not a killer app as Phil Askey says - http://www.dpreview.com/news/0410/04102604appleipodphoto.asp

The iRiver still rules IMHO.

Suhit

[dean_shan]

Also, today iTunes Music Store opened in more EU countries, including mine (http://www.filips.net/archives/2004/10/26/yeah-itunes-finland-finally-opens/) :D :multi:

Yeah but still no Canada. Jason will still be upset.

[ctmagnus]

Also, today iTunes Music Store opened in more EU countries, including mine (http://www.filips.net/archives/2004/10/26/yeah-itunes-finland-finally-opens/) :D :multi:

Yeah but still no Canada. Jason will still be upset.

He's not the only one. :bad-words:

[klinux]

Must... deny... gadget... lust....

[Phoenix]

Having a color screen and viewing photos on an Ipod sounds slick, but viewing photos on that screen will be totally impractical.

With that resolution and screen size, photos are undoubtedly going to look like crud. For photo viewing, a 3-4" screen size and VGA resolution is what's really needed.

After looking at something like the new Epson P-2000, this is what photo viewing is all about in terms of a portable device. The Epson has a 3.8" VGA screen, 40GB HDD, and supports photos, audio (including AAC), and video.

As cool as a photo Ipod sounds, I'd much rather wait things out this round and in the meantime continue using my Ipod Mini and an Epson P-2000 when it finally arrives, and wait to see what else Apple comes out with later on.

I will say one thing... the day that Apple comes out with a device that plays back video, they better scrap the traditional Ipod design by offering a device with a much bigger screen in a 16:9 format. Of course, this won't support WMV files, which would be a drawback. But maybe it will. Guess we'll see.

[butch]

Also, today iTunes Music Store opened in more EU countries, including mine (http://www.filips.net/archives/2004/10/26/yeah-itunes-finland-finally-opens/) :D :multi:

Yeah but still no Canada. Jason will still be upset.

He's not the only one. :bad-words:

But not for too long! (http://www.macworld.com/news/2004/10/26/itunes/index.php) We are supposed to get it in November :-) :multi:

[ctmagnus]

Too late... After the front-page post about the review of the iRiver H320, I'll be getting an H340 rather than an iPod. I may still use iTunes after it gets here (which will be after I order it, which comes after the next paycheque ;)), but it certainly won't be my sole SW for interactig with my DAP.

[klinux]

Features, features, features. While I am not opposed to adding features, I believe the market has spoken - they value interface and elegance more than just features. Around me at work: iPod 4, other players 0.

[Darius Wey]

Feature-rich? Perhaps.
Microchip-rich? Confirmed. :P

For those interested in seeing the innards of the iPod Photo, click here. (http://www.ipoding.com/modules.php?set_albumName=album12&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php) :mrgreen: