Since the release of the fourth-generation (4G) iPod, we’ve read many reactions and comments from readers. Below, iLounge has collected official reactions on the new product from familiar and new makers of iPod accessories. We want to thank these companies for participating in our roundup, and invite any other company offering iPod accessories to email with answers to the questions you see below.
Dension USA, Inc
Alfred Barabas
CEO
What’s your general reaction to the new fourth-generation iPod?
The facelift looks good and well designed. I like the extended battery life
and the thinner design.
What do you think about the new click wheel?
It works well on the mini iPod.
How does this affect your iPod products?
The Dension ice>Link is compatible with the 4th generation iPod. We offer a
dock-cable connection and a cradle for the new iPod.
When can customers expect updated accessories?
It is now available in our on-line store.
Digital Lifestyle Outfitters
Jeff Grady
President and CEO
What’s your general reaction to the new fourth-generation iPod?
It looks fantastic. It is amazing how Apple has improved on what was
already a very elegantly designed product.
What do you think about the new click wheel?
This was a no-brainer. I love the interface on the iPod mini and knew it
was just a matter of time before Big Brother would follow suit.
How does this affect your iPod products?
Of course we will be modifying and improving our line of cases to fit the
new form. Expect to see some design modifications that our customers have
been asking for when we design our new 4G cases. Look for new colors and
added features. Additionally, all of our dock connector products
(TransPodFM, Autocharger, etc.) will work with the 4G iPod. Look to see
some new products from DLO in the coming month that utilize the iPod’s dock
connector.
When can customers expect updated accessories?
We pride ourselves on speed to market, so new products should be available
in the coming weeks. Visit our website at http://www.everythingipod.com
New product availability will be announced there first.
Griffin Technology
Andrew Green
VP Marketing & Design
What’s your general reaction to the new fourth-generation iPod?
A great ‘evolutionary’ update. It shows significant design restraint, which
I think is very effective and very smart.
What do you think about the new click wheel?
Clearly the ‘best of both worlds’. The combination of the first two iPods’
button philosophy is both space saving and elegant. Very Apple.
How does this affect your iPod products?
All of our iPod products, the iTrip, iTalk and PowerPod charger, work
perfectly with the new iPod.
When can customers expect updated accessories?
No updates are required – but some cool ‘new’ products to come.
LiliPods
Eric Roch von Rochsburg
President
What’s your general reaction to the new fourth-generation iPod?
Looks nice, can’t wait to get one in my hands. Where’s the 60gb
What do you think about the new click wheel?
I like it on the mini, so I’m sure I’ll like it on 4G
How does this affect your iPod products?
We believe the existing LiliPod will still accommodate the new 4G.
When can customers expect updated accessories?
As soon as we can be assured of a good fit, hopefully by the time this publishes.
Kirk McElhearn
Computer book author
What’s your general reaction to the new fourth-generation iPod?
The new iPod is a logical next step in the general evolution of
the iPod. While there are no earth-shattering new features, the added battery
life responds to one of the most common complaints about previous generation
models.
What do you think about the new click wheel?
Love it! It’s one of the best innovations Apple has made to the
iPod. I love it on the iPod mini, and I love it on the maxi as well. One
annoyance with the 3G iPods was that it was too easy to brush your fingers
against the buttons and skip tracks.
How does this affect your iPod products?
No problem here – my forthcoming book, iPod and iTunes Garage, is
scheduled for release in October, and I’ve just got enough time to include
information about the 4G.
MacMice, Inc.
Jack Campbell
President
What’s your general reaction to the new fourth-generation iPod?
Love it. I’m glad that Apple isn’t sitting on their hands in maintaining their competitive advantage with the iPod, as would be easy for them to do. Even when no hugely noticeable improvements are possible, they still invest in bringing the nice little gains that are possible to market. This is a great incremental product improvement.
What do you think about the new click wheel?
I never liked the four-button approach, as it flew in the face of the otherwise “Keep It Simple” philosophy of the iPod design. I, personally, use an Aluminum iPod mini now, and have fallen in love with the one-point control of the click-wheel.
How does this affect your iPod products?
Since the face footprint hasn’t changed, the new shape works fine with our DeskMac line iPod stands.
When can customers expect updated accessories?
Our products won’t change for this release. We have several all-new iPod products coming for January.
Marware, Inc.
Edward Martin
CEO
What’s your general reaction to the new fourth-generation iPod?
The new 4G iPod shows that Apple can take an amazing product and make it even better. The multifunction click wheel and extended battery life are great additions.
What do you think about the new click wheel?
The click wheel is extremely easy to use. I find that I can navigate more intuitively with the new design.
How does this affect your iPod products?
Marware will be releasing new versions of all our current cases as soon as possible. We will also be rolling out an innovative new line of cases for both the iPod mini and the new 4G iPod. Of course, iPod loungers will be the first to see them.
When can customers expect updated accessories?
We should have the new versions of the convertible and basic within 1 to 2 weeks. We will have some of our new cases available shortly after.
Matias Corporation
Edgar Matias
President
What’s your general reaction to the new fourth-generation iPod?
It’s wonderful. I’m delighted to see the buttons back around the scroll
wheel, rather than on top. I never upgraded from the 2G iPod, because I
didn’t like the buttons on the 3G. They were too easy to press.
What do you think about the new click wheel?
It’s great—it’s at least as good as the interface on the 2G. I hope
they stick with it. Competitors will have a hard time coming up with
something better.
How does this affect your iPod products?
Our current products fit the new iPods, so the effect on us is minimal for
now.
When can customers expect updated accessories?
We plan to change the front face of our iPod Armor case to match the look
of the new 4G iPods. It will probably be 2-3 months before it is
available. In the mean time, our current iPod Armor model fits the new
iPods.
Pyrim Technologies
Steve Gurley
President
What’s your general reaction to the new fourth-generation iPod?
Like it. I think the click wheel is fantastic.
How does this affect your iPod products?
None other than the elimination of the slip case and remote, which could impact the perception of our case’s value.
When can customers expect updated accessories?
They can buy them today.
RadTech
John Grzeskowiak
Chief Engineer
What’s your general reaction to the new fourth-generation iPod?
They’re fabulous – the click wheel is a definite human interface improvement.
What do you think about the new click wheel?
Provides an improvement to nav’ing and can be operated easier when you cant get eyes on the iPod.
I’m a mountain biker, and the click wheel has been a joy.I can reach back and slam in new tunes while pedaling along the trails.
How does this affect your iPod products?
Grows our Sku count by at least 12, and possibly adds one full-time position!
When can customers expect updated accessories?
New PodSleevz will be ready 4-5 weeks after I’ve got the new ‘pods in my hands.
SendStation Systems
André Klein
Founder
What’s your general reaction to the new fourth-generation iPod?
We think it was a good idea on Apple’s part to carry over the 3G iPod’s styling and form factor to the 4G models. While the iPod mini is certainly a way-cool product, the color and shape of the “big” iPod have made it a cultural icon. So both designs have their place.
Considering how jam-packed the iPod is, it’s quite remarkable that Apple managed to reduce the thickness further, shaving off more than a millimeter this time.
What do you think about the new click wheel?
The touch-sensitive buttons were cool, but after using them for a while, many users found they would prefer some real tactile feedback. It makes perfect sense that Apple decided to use the click wheel on the new full-size iPod.
How does this affect your iPod products?
All PocketDock models work well with the new iPods, because we did our very best to make them as small and slim as possible from the outset.
When can customers expect updated accessories?
The PocketDock, PocketDock Combo and PocketDock with Line Out are compatible with all iPods with Dock Connector, including the new 4G models.
SiK, Inc.
AJ Fouladpour
What’s your general reaction to the new fourth-generation iPod?
It’s four orders of magnitude better than the Original iPod.
What do you think about the new click wheel?
Feels good.Looks good.
How does this affect your iPod products?
We have compatible versions of all of our products.
When can customers expect updated accessories?
Late Summer, early Fall.
Speck Products
Tim Hickman
What’s your general reaction to the new fourth-generation iPod?
Love it. Better battery & better interface. They are also a smidge thinner that the 3Gs.
What do you think about the new click wheel?
Great. I’m sure apple has test the heck out of the different interfaces and this one appears to be the best.
How does this affect your iPod products?
We’ve already started on new rubberized skins for the 4G iPods. We should have something on the shelves in 7 weeks or less.
STM
Name: Adina Krausz
Marketing Director
What’s your general reaction to the new fourth-generation iPod?
the new design looks great. Apparently it has a longer battery life, which would be be beneficial. there’s nothing worse than settling in for a long flight and losing your music half way through.
What do you think about the new click wheel?
Having used both the 3g iPod and the mini, the click wheel is easier to use and will be a welcome change.
How does this affect your iPod products?
Our current iPod cocoon comes with a hard outer shell (the cocoon) and 2 inner skins, one to fit each size of the 3G iPods. In response to the 4th generation, we will add another appropriately sized skin to the product
When can customers expect updated accessories?
We’re aiming to have updated product 4 weeks after the release of the new iPod.
Teski
Tim Cave
What’s your general reaction to the new fourth-generation iPod?
We love it!
What do you think about the new click wheel?
We think that it is a natural evolution. The click wheel allows for greater ease of use.
How does this affect your iPod products?
We will need to do some minor modifications
When can customers expect updated accessories?
Best estimate is 3-4 weeks.We will keep our customers updated on our website, Teski.com.
TUNEWEAR
Hfo
Founder, designer
What’s your general reaction to the new fourth-generation iPod?
Nice, just as expected.
What do you think about the new click wheel?
Obvious this is the way to go.
How does this affect your iPod products?
None, we will have even better products for the 4G.
When can customers expect updated accessories?
Next month.
