October 12, 2005
Apple Launches Video iPod and new iMac G5
Apple launched new iPods today that are video-capable. The $299 30GB hard-drive version is 30% thinner than before. The 60GB version will go for $399. Both have a 2.5 inch 320x240 screen that is capable of 260,000 colors. Moreover they will have a TV-out that uses a mini-jack cable with 3 RCA composite connectors. Apple also released version 6.0 of iTunes that will let users download music videos, Pixar short-films, and ABC TV shows (Lost, Desperate Housewives) for $1.99 each. Although the screen resolution is meager, it's a start of the inevitable trend towards IPTV. Sony could of had this market with the Sony PSP, but looks like they have dropped the ball and will lose out to Apple again. Even with weaker technical specs and features, Apple wins because of end-to-end ease of use and the best user experience.
The new thinner iMac G5s come in 2 SKUs. The 1.5ghz 17 inch screen version goes for $1299 and the 2.1ghz 20 inch screen version goes for $1699. Apple also release Frontrow and an Apple Remote that mimcis some Windows Media Center functionality.
