iPod Video, iTunes 6, iMac G5, and More!
As promised, I’m going to discuss my views on the latest releases from Apple.
Let’s start with the new iPod, aka iPod Video…. I love the idea! Congratulations to Apple for convincing all the major Apple rumor sites that this was not going to be released for some time. Am I going to go out and buy one? No way. There isn’t a value-add for me personally. But, if I did not own an iPod, I would probably make the investment. I like the fact that Apple did not choose to name this “iPod Video”, like they did with the iPod Photo. Following that naming convention would have only led to confusion.
Who is going to watch video on their iPod? I have no idea! For me, I might buy a video if I was going on a trip, and I couldn’t bring my laptop. I would probably be more likely to buy a TV show and then hook the iPod up to my TV.
Did Apple release the iPod Video too soon? I have no idea! I’m not a marketing guru, but as a consumer I like the choices… the Shuffle is good for exercising and if you don’t have many digital audio files…. the Nano is also good for exercising and most people will not use more than 2 or 4gb’s…. the regular iPod is for everyone else; for music gurus who will use whatever amount of space Apple throws at us, and for nerds who just need the latest and greatest gadgets.
iTunes 6 and Quicktime 7.0.3 were also released today. iTunes 5 was released a month ago, but with the unveiling of the video-capable iPod, there is now a video section in iTunes! Now one can purchase music videos, shorts, and TV shows and download video podcasts. The ability to download TV shows is something that makes a lot of sense, and I think will be somewhat revolutionary. Also, I think a lot of audio-only podcasts will now invest in video cameras. I can envision myself watching ESPN News in iTunes.
A new iMac G5 was also released today. The eMac was officially put to rest, and I think this is a good move for Apple. I don’t know how well the eMac did in the marketplace, but I naturally avoid any product that begins with ‘e’, especially eMachine. The iMac is essentially the size of a laptop computer, but it is built to sit on a desk and be a family computer. It also has a built-in iSight with iPhotobooth software to take quick images. It comes with a Mighty Mouse, too, and that may be the only flaw. I’d rather have Apple knock off $50 and ship without the silly Mighty Mouse. But, the iMac is built to be ready out-of-the-box and I guess a Mighty Mouse is better than a mouse with one button.
Another neat little thing Apple revealed today was a remote control to control your iMac or iPod. It ships with the new iMac G5, and looks like an iPod Shuffle. You can buy one seperately to use it with your iPod and iPod Universal Dock. A good usage for this may be for presentations. Now, you can leave your laptop in your office! You can simply put your slides on your iPod and bring the Universal Dock, a few cables, and the remote!
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