iLounge

21

Apple will sell ooodles of these.

Think of it as the “ipod playlist”...you get one playlist in sequential or random mode; there’s no need for a screen.

Perfect for workouts or other times when you need music delivery with minimal control; compatible with iTunes; different enough in features to make a regular iPod interesting to the purchaser as a jukebox (ie, this product minimizes competition with the mini and larger models).

I see this model as an accessery for many existing iPod owners, and a gateway into a cheaper market. The fact that other flash players have screens is irrelevant…those other players are not integrated into iTunes, they are not part of a large product family, they are not called iPod.

Great thinking Apple!

Posted by Tom Affinito on January 11, 2005 at 5:59 AM (PST)

22

I agree that Apple has let the iPod name go to its head on this one. Unless they have some surprise like an inscreen remote to also be released, they are riding on the iPods name alone, and for this, I hope it fails (only if the product is as described).

You MIGHT actually get away with it on a 32/64MB player, but for 1GB, I would want some form of navigation. This is going to die a horrible death, unless as people say, trendys’ with a lack of money latch onto it. I personally won’t consider this an iPod, just an mp3 player made by Apple.

Apple, if you’re listening, you have to stop digging this hole, please focus on existing customers aswell as drawing in new ones.  I am really getting annoyed of the lack of features (well, actually, just lack of video playback on my photo…we KNOW the iPod can do it). And I know others are aswell, if you neglect customers, and the competitors around you, you fail as there are better options. Fact.

Posted by silver_haze on January 11, 2005 at 6:09 AM (PST)

23

Also, I agree with the aforementioned price, and also, if it was locked to just AAC, then it could go one of two ways…Either people willl flock to it like sheep, and download iTunes, buy/rip songs in AAC, or say, “no, I need more choice than this” and it would fail.

People like options

Posted by silver_haze on January 11, 2005 at 6:11 AM (PST)

24

flash mp3 players are geared towards the sport market.

how often when working out do you look at the screen of your ipod? if you’re spending time navigating through menus then you’re not working out.

this is not an ipod replacement. it’s an addition to the family.

if it’s less than $150 i’ll buy it.

only a couple more hours until we find out!!

Posted by trav in north america on January 11, 2005 at 6:18 AM (PST)

25

steve jobs will say things like: “everyone uses shuffle anyway,”

This is the same guy who spent months saying that flash players sucked arse when he wqas flogging the mini. Why do people take him so seriously, he changes his opinions on demand to sell more product.

Posted by Demosthenes on January 11, 2005 at 6:50 AM (PST)

26

Steve Jobs a year ago: When people talk about MP3 players, they often mean stupid flash players that have about 128MB of memory and can hold about 30 songs. They get used a few times and sit in a drawer unused. Another thing we don’t think people want is Photos or Video.

So now a year on we have iPod photo and a flash iPod…

Posted by Daveoc64 in UK on January 11, 2005 at 7:26 AM (PST)

27

And I’m sure the next real incarnation of the iPod (not the Mini) will included the ability to add video/movies. Mark my words.

Posted by FallN in New York, NY on January 11, 2005 at 8:28 AM (PST)