October 04, 2004
iPod Micro?
MercuryNews.com | Analyst: SigmaTel to supply chips for new Apple MP3 player
If this rumor is true (and there are conflicting stories here), then this could possibly mean the emergence of a truly low-end iPod. A lot of people out there (and I'm looking at you, macrumors forums) have an unfounded hatred towards low-end, flash-based mp3 players. Yes, you aren't getting as much as you're paying for, but I've always maintained that there are other benefits out there besides a purely storage-to-dollar ratio (e.g. exercising, size, etc.). I'm not saying I'd rather have a smaller mp3 player; I'm just saying it would be nice to have the option.
That being said, I doubt that this rumor means the imminent introduction of an iPod micro. It doesn't fit the iPod's high-end profile. And if they did decide to produce one, it would probably be about $50 too much anyway.
Ken at October 4, 2004 01:51 PM
ooo, a flash-pod would be nice. I love the physical design of my Sony flash player -- it's about the size of two fingers put together and is practically weightless. If it weren't for the crappy software it might get more use than my iPod. I've been able to skip my iPod while running -- it's annoying having to make sure that you place it on a non-bouncy part of your body while working out.
I bought some flash yesterday -- $30/512MB. It seems to me that they could introduce a 1GB or 2GB model fairly cheaply, which would dovetail nicely with the rest of their line.
I don't know how they'd stick a scroll-wheel on it though :)
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kenji at October 4, 2004 02:00 PM
Think 3D over 2D. The whole thing could be a cylinder and the touch pad would wrap around the outside of the cylinder. That way, it wouldn't be limited to being as large/small as the face of it. The screen could then walk down the cylinder, and the plugs could come off the ends!
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Ken at October 4, 2004 05:03 PM
That sounds pretty cool. Sony had a similar design in the past, but it was a mechanical twist knob rather than touch-sensitive. Your idea would keep it consistent with the iPod aesthetic and also give a nicer aesthetic (no protruding ends). My only question I guess is whether or not anyone is manufacturing high-capacity flash that would fit in that form-factor. To update my price stat, I just saw 2GB of flash going for $110 retail.
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