iPod Video

Apple and Steve Jobs announced the latest improvements being made to select Apple products today at his "One More Thing" conference. Included in this is an upgrade of the iPod that basically made buying the iPod nano a waste of money. The next generation of iPod now have the ability to play videos, assuming the Quicktime format only for now. On top of that they know come in black just like the nano. There are two models, the 30gb ($300) and the 60gb ($400). At that price, there is no point in getting a nano in my opinion. Pay $50 extra an not only get about 26 gigs more space, but a bigger screen and the ability to play videos.

In addition to the iPod video, Jobs announced a new iMac that is slimmer with new equipment such as the iSight videocam and an apple remote. The best part about the remote, other then controlling the Apple stuff from away is can use it on the iPod "Universal docking station". Of course this requires paying about $30 for the remote and $40 for the docking station so its meh to me. The extra cost isn't worth the reward, but if bundled together for around $50 I might reconsider.

Finally, iTunes in the space of a month, went from 5.0 to 6.0. The version change is the result of offering video's for download for $2 bucks a pop. Currently the site offers about 2000 videos, mostly music video but a sprinkling of individual episodes of ABC programs such as "Lost."

I was hyper about a nano, actually bought one last week but didn't open it as heard about new products being released. Glad I waited as going to return that nano and get the iPod video instead. Also, I recommend ordering it online, not only is it free shipping currently on the apple website, but free engraving to. Since its a new iPod, unless very lucky, you are going to have wait anyway, might as well get a free goody out of it.