News
UPDATED: Apple’s new iPod: 12h battery, surprises
Following a weekend trickling out of initial product details, Apple Computer has this morning officially premiered a “remixed” fourth-generation (4G) iPod on its web site. Confirming initial reports, the 4G iPod offers 12 hours of battery life and, while available in two familiar capacities, has dropped in price: 20 gigabytes ($299) and 40 gigabytes ($399). No 15 gigabyte version is available, nor is any size larger than 40 gigabytes. The 4G iPod also features a gray and white plastic Click Wheel controller (see iLounge Backstage for additional discussion), the familiar black and white backlit two-inch screen, Apple’s proprietary Dock Connector on the bottom, and the Signature iPod white and chrome case design familiar from prior high-capacity iPod hardware.
Contrary to initial reports, however, the 4G iPod’s body has not changed dramatically in size: the 20GB unit measures 4.1"x2.4"x0.57” and weighs 5.6 oz., while the 40GB unit measures 4.1"x2.4"x0.69” and weighs 6.2 oz. But iPod packages have changed, generally for the better: each iPod now includes a USB 2.0 cable, removing a separate but frequently necessary $19 purchase for 3G iPod consumers. However, only the 40GB iPod includes a new Dock ($39, new part number M9602G/A), wired Remote ($39), and carrying case ($39); the 20GB iPod loses these optional accessories.
The 4G iPods are the beneficiaries of additional firmware features, as well. Version 3.0 of the iPod’s firmware allows multiple on-the-go playlists to be created and audiobook playback speed (faster/slower) to be adjusted - but apparently not other audio. Menus have also changed slightly to create easier access to certain key features, including shuffled playback, and Apple’s site lists another new feature: “Clicker playback through headphones,” which lets users optionally hear their Click Wheel adjustments through headphones. Additional languages have also been added to the iPod, however, game and other menu offerings remain the same as before. Packed-in software also remains largely the same: the 4G iPod ships with the current (4.6) version of iTunes.
Apple claims immediate availability of the new iPod, and Hewlett-Packard has confirmed that its HP-branded version of the iPod will be based upon the fourth-generation design, and available in September. As of the time of this article’s publication, Apple’s online store currently shows 1-2 business day availability for the new iPod, and international orders are being taken. Free laser engraving is also available.
UPDATE (10:39AM PST): After posting specifications for the new 40GB iPod this morning, Apple has changed the list of pack-in items to reflect the removal of two accessories from the box - while the Dock ($39) is still included with the 40GB unit, Apple will apparently no longer include the iPod wired Remote ($39) or the fabric carrying case ($39) with either of the new iPods. Additionally, and contrary to Apple’s press release this morning, iLounge has confirmed that Apple retail stores do not yet have the new iPod in stock, with some stores claiming availability “in about a week.” More updates are available at backstage.ilounge.com.
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1
“Clicker playback through headphones” means that when scrubbing through menus, the clicking sound is emitted through the headphones instead of the iPod itself. This is the way it should have been from the beginning, IMHO.
Posted by Dr. Webster on July 19, 2004 at 7:01 AM (PDT)
2
Also out:
New ipod firmware…
Looks like no new features for gen 3 ipods… figures!
This from the new firmware page:
“Charge via USB 2.0 connection
Enjoy improved playback performance”
etc..
the charging is an improvment though!
Posted by Aptmunich on July 19, 2004 at 7:08 AM (PDT)
3
Well after successfully resisting the desire to purchase the 3G and mini, I’m finally upgrading from my trusty old 1st generation 5gig. I ordered my 4G about an hour ago
Posted by Drew-tang on July 19, 2004 at 7:08 AM (PDT)
4
so there’s a new ipod coming out in sptember too? Why is it by Hp??? I thought Ipods were from Apple.
Posted by IpodLover656 on July 19, 2004 at 7:11 AM (PDT)
5
Umm it censored out the word first…
Posted by Drew-tang on July 19, 2004 at 7:12 AM (PDT)
6
Are the 4 clickwheel “buttons” backlit? An image at Spymac showed them lit in a blue or purplish color… could be fake but it was convincingly hi-res. I see no mention at Apple.com.
The 4G looks like a nice improvement, but doesn’t offer enough to tempt me away from a Mini—as long as the Mini gets the 3.0 software soon. (And I ought to wait for rumored new Mini colors… might be more capacity too? Who knows.)
Posted by Nagromme on July 19, 2004 at 7:15 AM (PDT)
7
I can’t order them from Canada. I don’t really want to though. My good ol’ 3G iPod is good enough for me. It’s sweet that the dock is the same though. I was worried that they would release a new dock and then my 3G wouldn’t work with it.
Posted by dino in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada on July 19, 2004 at 7:16 AM (PDT)
8
Re HP: HP’s just selling Apple iPods with HP logo and HP blue.
Re new iPods in Aug or Sep: probably new Minis—new colors? Maybe even bigger HD.
Posted by Nagromme on July 19, 2004 at 7:19 AM (PDT)
9
It’s actually pretty cheap what Apple’s doing with the 4Gs. The only difference between them and the 3Gs is the click wheel and the firmware. Apple could have easily just offered all of the new software features for the 3Gs, including the supposed increased battery life. 3G users had better be getting a decent firmware update soon.
Posted by Dr. Webster on July 19, 2004 at 7:19 AM (PDT)
10
Also, I thought the HP iPod would be based on the 3G design. Oh well.
Posted by dino in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada on July 19, 2004 at 7:21 AM (PDT)
11
> 3G users had better be getting a decent firmware update soon
Oh joy , how does this remind me about the days when Apple Came out with the 3rd Generation iPods and they left us 2nd Generation Podders out in the cold with updates ... I would say : don’t count on it ... what is new is supposed to be better, what is old tends to be forgotten
Posted by Oenie on July 19, 2004 at 7:30 AM (PDT)
12
iPod Updater 2004-07-15 supports all models of iPod and iPod mini, including the new Click Wheel iPod. This update includes the latest available software for each model of iPod or iPod mini.
Download and install the iPod Updater 2004-07-15 then connect your iPod or iPod mini to yor computer. The iPod Updater will automatically determine if an update is required.
New for Click Wheel iPods
Shuffle songs with one click
Create multiple On-The-Go playlists
Delete songs from On-The-Go playlists
Select reading playback speed for audiobooks
Hear the clicker user interface sound through headphones
Charge via USB 2.0 connection
Enjoy improved playback performance
Updates for iPod with a Dock connector and iPod mini
Compatibility with iTunes 4.5 or later and the iTunes Music Store
Improved playback performance
Support for the Apple Lossless Encoder, to enable compressed music encoding at high quality
Posted by Mindflayer on July 19, 2004 at 7:34 AM (PDT)
13
The only thing I can see here, is apple is really pushing selling more 40 Gigs, since they have a surplus of them, and felt this way more people will buy em since the 400 price tag, and now the 20 Gig comes with no accessories. Just another way they can get rid of their product in a seamingly attractive package. I think my 3rd Gen is fine, better luck next time apple.
Posted by Lupin III on July 19, 2004 at 7:39 AM (PDT)
14
grr… not at all happy with this.
apple have gone from releasing a solid update every year to a slightly modified version every while… i suspect the 60gig toshiba hard-drives will be utilised in the near future, i would expect a new version by christmas…
in fact hardware-wise, the only real difference is the click wheel, which seems to be a step back rather than forward, and offers no real new features. this has given other companies, i.e. sony, the chance to catch up. i say bring on the competetion and a more advancing market!
Posted by jasper on July 19, 2004 at 7:39 AM (PDT)
15
UPDATE: Apple has updated the Tech Specs page of the iPod site and the 40GB iPod DOES NOT include the dock, nor does it include the remote.
http://www.apple.com/ipod/specs.html
Posted by AndyH in Berwyn, PA on July 19, 2004 at 7:52 AM (PDT)
16
UPDATE: Apple has updated the Tech Specs page of the iPod site and the 40GB iPod DOES NOT include the case, nor does it include the remote.
http://www.apple.com/ipod/specs.html
Posted by AndyH in Berwyn, PA on July 19, 2004 at 7:52 AM (PDT)
17
Don’t expect them to make massive improvements. There isn’t much to improve on the iPod with today’s technology.
Posted by dino in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada on July 19, 2004 at 7:53 AM (PDT)
18
Got to find out if these new batteries will work in my 3g!!!!!
I need that 12 HOURS of Charge!
Posted by Joeysallamander on July 19, 2004 at 7:54 AM (PDT)
19
Sorry for the double-post…the second post from me is correct, no remote and no case with the 40GB iPod. The dock is included however.
Posted by AndyH in Berwyn, PA on July 19, 2004 at 7:54 AM (PDT)
20
Got to find out if these new batteries will work in my 3g!!!!!
I need that 12 HOURS of Charge!
Posted by Joeysallamander on July 19, 2004 at 7:54 AM (PDT)
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