It seems like every year, Apple announces new iPods that it claims will render the old ones "obsolete." Well, last month, Apple updated the entire iPod family. Now before everyone rushes out to pick one up, let's cut through the hype and see what is actually new.
The completely redesigned iPod nano is actually a throwback to the old iPod mini. The new nano comes in multicolored aluminum shells like the mini used to. Not only is the new nano more scratch resistant, but also it is marginally thinner than the old nano. For the same price points as the old model, you now get double the storage. The 2GB version is available in silver and costs $149; the 4GB model comes in silver, pink, blue and green and goes for $199.
Finally, the 8GB comes exclusively in black and sells for $249. Battery life on all the models has been increased to an impressive 24 hours. Lastly, the updated nanos have new software that includes support for gapless playback, quick-scroll and search functionality.
Receiving an even more dramatic makeover was the iPod shuffle. While the shuffle loses its useful built-in USB plug, it gains a brand new aluminum body that is about an inch square and less than half an inch thick.
Still without a screen, the new silver colored shuffle comes in one flavor: 1GB for $79. On the backside, you will find a built-in clip for attaching it to your clothes, bag or wherever. In place of the USB plug, the shuffle now comes bundled with a tiny little dock that plugs into the headphone jack. Battery life is rated at 12 hours.
Last, but certainly not least, the regular iPod also receives a few updates. In addition to the software upgrades the nano got, the iPod also gets a 60% brighter screen and extended battery life. Apple also lowered the price of the 30GB iPod to $249 and introduced a new 80GB model for $349 (to replace the 60GB). The iPod is still available in both white and black.
All the iPods benefit from the new iTunes 7. This new version of iTunes includes new features such as automatic downloading of cover art and the new Cover Flow browsing view, but the main attraction is the new Movie store that is selling feature films starting at $9.99. These movies can be watched on all regular iPods with video capability. There is also a new Games store that is selling classic games like Tetris and Pac-Man for $4.99. These games are also only for the iPod with video. Also of note, Apple has redesigned the earbuds that come with every new iPod to fit better.
It is always enticing to go out and buy the newest gadgets. However, for owners of the current generation iPods, there is no real reason to upgrade (unless you really want gapless playback or a nano that will match your outfit). But for those people with an older iPod or those still looking for their first mp3 player, the deal on a new iPod just got that much sweeter.
