Apple Updates iPod photo Lineup

[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><i>"Apple today updated its iPod photo lineup by introducing a new slim 30GB model, holding up to 7,500 songs, for just $349 and a new 60GB model, holding up to 15,000 songs, for $449. Designed to take your entire music and photo libraries with you wherever you go, both iPod photo models feature a stunning high-resolution color screen for displaying photos and enhancing the entire iPod music experience. Both models hold up to 25,000 digital photos and will feature the ability to import photos from your digital camera via the new iPod Camera Connector for instant viewing and slide show playback on iPod photo."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/indextop20050222.jpg" /><br /><br />So far it looks as though the rumor mill was dead wrong about these new iPod models. The new iPod photo line does not have built in Bluetooth wireless technology as previously speculated. I have to say this is a rather ho-hum product upgrade, although at a lower price ($350) the iPod photo looks more tempting to me as the owner of a 10GB third generation iPod. Beyond that, I don't see much here that makes me want to dance with joy like a school girl. <br /><br />And I am somewhat stunned that Apple isn't deploying color screens across the entire product line as I anticipated. Especially since color is quickly becoming standard on competing media players. Instead, Apple is choosing to make color screens a special "feature" option, which is an obvious money grab. But that didn't work last time around, so what makes them think it's going to resonate with consumers <i>this time</i>?

[treo007]

I don't know, choices are good. Myself, I'd rather have a B&amp;W music player that keeps its charge that much longer. Plus, I don't really have a need for a photo viewer (any smart phone can do this anyway).

I'm sure that if the color screen models start to really outsell the B&amp;W ones, Apple will make the switch.

[James Fee]

What is the iPod camera connector and what does it look like? :?:

[Gary Sheynkman]

bah!

you STILL cant sync and view on the go....iPod photo is garbage.

[Phoenix]

I don't quite understand why they don't just integrate an SD slot. Cameras don't take MiniSD cards, otherwise I'd suggest a MiniSD slot. But an SD slot at the very least would be the best choice and would make the Ipod Photo much nicer.

Having to carry around extra accessories just for something as simple as transfering photos is a lame solution.

Not to mention, I'd also like to see them put a TV out jack directly on the Ipod Photo in addition to the one they already have on its dock. This would eliminate the need to carry the dock around just when wanting to hook the Ipod up to a video screen. Again, less to carry around that way.



I'd also like to see them rid the Ipod of its dependance on iTunes just to load photos. Maybe this isn't a deal breaker, but of course it would be better if the choice was there to use iTunes or not when dealing with this.



But I am glad to see that they came out with the 30GB version for $350. I've been wanting to replace my Ipod Mini with a higher capacity Ipod. Before, I never would have considered an Ipod Photo, but now that this version is out - slimmer dimensions, cheaper $350 price (albeit for slightly lower capacity, but 30GB is more than enough for most people) - it looks now like this would be the best Ipod choice for me.

And Apple, please include the docks. For what you charge, the docks should really be included.

[Jason Eaton]

About Apple not including the dock (or the case, or the firewire cable) take a look again at the price.

This is like the whole $1.499 (not a typo) at the gas stations in the US. There really isn't a physical representation of a tenth of a penny, but yet there is a price for it and it looks better then $1.50 or the $199 price instead of $200 for a TV.

Now look at the iPod and add in the price for the dock, the case, the firewire cable. See what is happening? This price reduction doesn't effect Apple at all, it is a repackaging.

This isn't a bad thing. Some people never use the case, nor extra cables. In the end Apple can offer the price lower to more people and let people decide what extras they need.

...

As for the color screens on the iPod line? I think Apple could be suffereing from component lock in that all companies suffer from when they outsource components and aim for low prices. That is to get the parts cheaply they probably signed an agreement for the part at a reduced price but for a locked in amount of time or quantity.

Apple suffered from its own explosive popularity in that the sudden vacuum that appeard in peoples bank accounts as money fled has pushed competitors to up the ante to keep a peice of the pie or steal others pie. Apple also suffered in the fact that they planned big to keep shortages at bay.

Competitors were able to offer the additional features of color screens swiftly as their previous business model reflected slower sales and lower quantities as predicted by prior years sales. Competitors contracts where probably short term or for low quantity and new contracts could be made alot easier.

Business theory points to the fact that as a company grows larger then its competitors, best business practies and choices slow down the large entity and changes come slower then the more 'nimble' and smaller business.

Apple however has brand momentum and that should carry sales for a little while. With enough forsight Apple can factor that in and retain their parts price advantage to maximize profit on a device but will eventually need to match the market or lose sales.

I would predict that the change will occur but closer to mid year, then a larger revision around the end of years for the holidays. But I am not holding my breath on that one. :lol:

[jeffd]

I would easily take black and white if it ment cheap unit and increased battery life. last I checked, color LCD still cost more.

And imo the whole photo ipod line is just dumb, don't bother with the color lcd screen unless your going to play movies!

[James Fee]

bah!

you STILL cant sync and view on the go....iPod photo is garbage.
Looks like you can!

http://news.com.com/Apple+pipes+in+new+iPods/2100-1041_3-5586848-2.html
All four new iPods are available now, while the iPod Camera Connector will come out in late March.

The camera connector, Joswiak said, is a small white plastic device, similar in appearance to a small docking station, that has a cable for connecting to the iPod and a USB port for connecting to a camera. It will work with both the new iPod Photos and with earlier photo player models, Joswiak said.

[Gary Sheynkman]

wow..indeed...they have usb on the go....

now what file formats does it support???

[James Fee]

wow..indeed...they have usb on the go....

now what file formats does it support???There just isn't any info about it anywhere which is too bad. I really want to know if my 4g iPod will work with the cable. Sure I can't view, but I'd like to backup.