Despite rumors and speculation focused on a NAND flash-based iPod video, Apple may have to hold off on introducing such a device due to recent price trends.
DigiTimes reports that Taiwan-based memory module producers claim Apple has placed monthly orders for around 20 million 1 Gbit units, which the companies are attributing to a flash-based, video-capable iPod.
Based on recent pricing trends, however, at least one flash-related sales manager at a Taiwanese memory house believes “Apple may need to postpone its launch plans for the NAND flash-based iPod video beyond the third quarter as the product would not be competitive.” All fifth-generation iPods are currently based on hard disk drives, while the iPod nano, shuffle, and upcoming iPhone all use flash-based storage.
