div>Earlier today, Steve Jobs announced several new and updated iPods. With the exception of the iPod shuffle, every iPod now supports video. Even the nano!
The redesigned iPod nano (see top image) is said to provide 24 hours of audio and five hours of video playback on a single battery charge. The new iPod nano is available in a silver 4 gig version for $149, and an 8 gig version for $199 (available in several colors).
The newly dubbed “iPod classic” still features a click wheel, and the 80 gig version is thinner than the previous 30 gig iPod video. The classic sports a full metal case in silver and black. Perhaps most impressive is the fact that there will now be a 160 gigabyte model. The new 80GB model costs $249, while the 160GB model costs $349.
A new addition to the iPod line, the “iPod touch” is essentially an iPhone without the phone (see bottom image). With a 3.5″ touch screen, 802.11 b/g wireless, and a built-in Safari browser, the iPod touch is still slightly thinner than the iPhone. Its battery lasts for 22 hours of audio playback and five hours of video playback per charge, according to Apple. It comes in two configurations, 8 gig and 16 gig, for $299 and $399 respectively. Both models are supposed to ship by September 28th, according to the Apple Store website.
A couple other surprises announced today include a price drop on the 8 gig iPhone (now $399) and new iTunes ringtones. An iTunes update that will be available tonight will allow users to create a ringtones from many of the songs currently available on the iTunes store for an additional 99 cents (US). A bell icon next to a song on iTunes will indicate that it is available as a ringtone. If the song was purchased previously, it will also be convertible into ringtones for the same additional 99 cents.
Sources: Macworld and Engadget
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Good overview… The one thing you missed that I think is worth mentioning is the fact that you’ll be able to use iTunes now on the iPod Touch and the iPhone.
I think that could become very popular… Browsing songs, listening to samples, and then buying songs directly from your mp3 player. And it’ll sync with your computer later. Nice!
I’m very happy with my new 80GB iPod “Classic.” I personally think it now represents the “sweet spot” in the lineup, now that the price dropped $100 to $249.
Still love my 4GB 1st generation Nano, but the 80 GB capacity of my new toy will let me take tons of music (and movies) with me. The 160GB model was tempting, but the much thinner form factor of the 80GB made it the clear winner.
The iPod Touch is fantastic, but I just can’t see paying that much for only 8/16 GB capacity. As RAM prices continue to drop, I look forward to seeing an 80GB Touch within a year or two. That will be an unbeatable combination.