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Apple Releases Fourth Generation iPod (Updated)

Newsweek iPod CoverFeatured on the next cover of Newsweek, The iPod G4 seems like a nice generational bump for the full size pod. The big design flaw of the 3G iPod is fixed – with navigation like the mini, there are no longer separate buttons above the wheel! Reputed to be slightly thinner and presumably lighter than the model it replaces, the new lineup should provide 20GB, 40GB and 60GB capacities at lower price points for the two smaller drives. I am happy to see the bigger machine retain its trademark color scheme to keep its identity distinct from the mini. This is a nice conservative approach for the flagship model and the big question and potential snag is supply. The 60GB drive is new and demand for the big boy could outstrip supply. Understandable, but potentially embarrassing when combined with mini shortages and the missing iMac.
Read More to find out more about what’s new in the iPod 4G…


Newsweek iPod CoverFeatured on the next cover of Newsweek, The iPod G4 seems like a nice generational bump for the full size pod. The big design flaw of the 3G iPod is fixed – with navigation like the mini, there are no longer separate buttons above the wheel! Reputed to be slightly thinner and presumably lighter than the model it replaces, the new lineup should provide 20GB, 40GB and 60GB capacities at lower price points for the two smaller drives. I am happy to see the bigger machine retain its trademark color scheme to keep its identity distinct from the mini. This is a nice conservative approach for the flagship model and the big question and potential snag is supply. The 60GB drive is new and demand for the big boy could outstrip supply. Understandable, but potentially embarrassing when combined with mini shortages and the missing iMac.
Update: AppleStore is back online with the 20GB at US$299 and the 40GB at US$399. No mention of the 60GB drives. 12 hour battery life through better power management. We shall soon find out if that holds up in real world use. Seems smart to keep the base price the same and raise capacity.
Apple iPod 4GAccording to Newsweek, the features of the new iPod 4G include:
The click wheel – eliminates the control buttons that sat under the display screen. Instead, it uses a “click wheel,” where the controls are placed on the compass points of the circular touchpad that lets you scroll through menus. This is an innovation carried over from the diminutive iPod Mini.
More efficient menus. There’s less thumbing required to get to your favorite stuff. “Music” is a first-level entry, and now a single click initiates the popular technique of shuffling your library for playback.
New features. You can create multiple on-the-go playlists and delete songs from those ad hoc mixes. And audiobooks are not only easier to find, you can listen to them at normal speed, slower or 25 percent faster, without its sounding like a Munchkin.
Longer play. Coast-to-coasters rejoice: the new iPods are rated for 12 hours of rockin’ between charges?a 50 percent boost in battery life. This is accomplished, Apple says, not by a heavier battery but diligent conservation of power.
Lower price. The top-of-the-line iPod, holding 10,000 songs (40 gigs, as geeks will tell you), now costs $399. The lower-capacity model, with room for 5,000 songs (20 gigs), costs $299. That’s a $100 price reduction for each. (There’s no more 15-gig model.)
Color. Fuggedaboutit. Despite rumors to the contrary, the wide-bodies are still as pure as the driven snow.
What do you think of the iPod 4G? Are you going to order one? Does anyone else care that features like crossfade playback or DJ features like pitch control, cueing and BPM display are still missing? Sound off in the new open comments below. No login required.

By Jason O'Grady

Founded the PowerPage in 1995.