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TMO Reports - Apple Revamps iPod photo; 30GB for $349 (UPDATED)

by , 8:35 AM EST, February 23rd, 2005

Apple Computer announced Wednesday a new lineup of its iPod photo with a slimmer 30 gigabyte (GB) model at US$349 and a new 60GB model at $449, which can use an adapter to connect directly to digital cameras and display photos

The 30GB model will hold 7,500 songs and the 60GB model with hold 15,000 songs, the company said. Previously, Apple offered a 40GB model for $499 and a 60GB version for $599.

Both models will feature the ability to import photos from a digital camera via the new iPod Camera Connector for instant viewing and slide show playback.


Apple's new iPod photo

The iPod Camera Connector will retail for $29, and will be available in March, the company said. The company has not yet made it available for pre-order through the Apple Store, and has given no additional information on its Web site.

The iPod photo is available now through the Apple Store.

Apple has dropped the FireWire cable and Photo Dock Connector as standard, included accessories with the iPod. The optional Photo Dock Connector retails for $39, while the FireWire cable will now be an additional $19.

Bryan Chaffin contributed to this report.

Observer Comments

Show: Subjects Only | Full Comments
View Name:RealityCheck -   Troll Posts: 392 Joined: 06 May 2004
Subject: Wow - Can't Wait To See My Photos On 2 Inch Screen!
Close Name:macnut Posts: 52 Joined: 28 Jul 2004
Subject:

Quote
RealityCheck wrote:
Remember when Steve Jobs made fun of competitors small screens? Now with the smallest screen at 2 inches, the RDF spin machine goes into overdrive. To find your photos the iPod photo shows 25 microscopic thumbnails on the 2 inch screen. LOL.


You do know you're four months late trolling this product, right??

Close Name:jimothy Posts: 612 Joined: 04 Jun 2004
Subject: Bose SoundDock

I've yet to take the iPod plunge, but it's getting harder and harder to resist.

Currently, the Bose SoundDock is said to be incompatible with the iPod Photo. But with the 30GB slimmer than the previous model, will this change? If so, I'll find myself unable to resist any longer.

Close Name:Small White Car Posts: 1960 Joined: 02 Jul 2004
Subject:

Quote
RealityCheck wrote:
Remember when Steve Jobs made fun of competitors small screens? Now with the smallest screen at 2 inches, the RDF spin machine goes into overdrive. To find your photos the iPod photo shows 25 microscopic thumbnails on the 2 inch screen. LOL.


RC, did you hear about this new invention? I hear it's going to change the world. Not only that, I think they designed it to solve this little problem you have.

I don't know what the name of this device is, yet, but I've managed to secure a secret lab photo of it:

http://www.mercadolibre.com.mx/org-img/preview/MLM/082004/5738731_8922.jpg

Close Name:Biff Posts: 1479 Joined: 08 Apr 2004
Subject:

So is this new camera connector going to make the iPod Photo a must-have tool for professional photographers?

Close Name:Guest
Subject: Old iPod Photo

Most important question: will the camera connector and software update work with the old 60GB iPod Photo?

Close Name:Substance Posts: 32 Joined: 21 Sep 2004
Subject: RE: Wow - Can't Wait To See My Photos On 2 Inch Screen!

Quote
RealityCheck wrote:
Remember when Steve Jobs made fun of competitors small screens? Now with the smallest screen at 2 inches, the RDF spin machine goes into overdrive. To find your photos the iPod photo shows 25 microscopic thumbnails on the 2 inch screen. LOL.


Is that the best you've got today RC? That's lame even by your lowly standards.

I think Steve Jobs was making fun of Mp3 players that doubled as video players, asking who would want to video on such a small screen. And since the iPod Photo can output to a TV, you're not stuck using the iPod's built-in screen.

So what do you say about that RC?

Close Name:Engine Joe Posts: 413 Joined: 29 Jun 2004
Subject: Camera Connector?

Why can I find nothing on this camera connector on the Apple site? I see the Belkin model, but I can't see a picture or description of the new iPod Camera Connector anywhere but in the industry articles about the new releases.

Close Name:Guest
Subject: Check reality

I'm so sorry Reality Check doesn't own a television with a screen larger than two inches, so he can use the included cable to see the photos nice and large like the rest of us. That cable isn't in there for giggles.

I'm so sorry Reality Check doesn't seem to have anything bigger than two inches.

Close Name:acdc1174 Posts: 723 Joined: 16 Apr 2004
Subject: Re: Bose SoundDock

Quote
jimothy wrote:
I've yet to take the iPod plunge, but it's getting harder and harder to resist.

Currently, the Bose SoundDock is said to be incompatible with the iPod Photo. But with the 30GB slimmer than the previous model, will this change? If so, I'll find myself unable to resist any longer.


I can tell you for a FACT, that the Bose Sound Dock is 100% compatible with iPod Photo. The Bose Sound Dock comes with about 6 different cradle inserts so you can have a perfect fit. I ordered the iPod Photo and BSD for a friend of mine and she LOVES it. No problems in fit, function, or finish at all.

Close Name:jimothy Posts: 612 Joined: 04 Jun 2004
Subject:

Quote
acdc1174 wrote:
I can tell you for a FACT, that the Bose Sound Dock is 100% compatible with iPod Photo. The Bose Sound Dock comes with about 6 different cradle inserts so you can have a perfect fit. I ordered the iPod Photo and BSD for a friend of mine and she LOVES it. No problems in fit, function, or finish at all.

Oh, that's just GREAT! Blow away the one excuse I've got not to rush out and buy one!

Seriously though, thanks for the info. The online Apple store description says, "Does not support iPod photo".

Does the SoundDock only work with an iPod, or can I use it as speakers for another device, like the computer, by using a minijack or RCA cable?

Close Name:srdashiki Posts: 7 Joined: 20 Aug 2004
Subject: MAC MINI OR AN IPOD!?

How the hell can Apple sell a full fledged computer for $500 and then sell you a friggen 60GB color photo ipod for $600? I CANT FRIGGIN BELIEVE THAT ANYONE WOULD BUY AN IPOD PHOTO WITH THE MINI (mac not iPod) COSTING LESS THAN IT!

Mini does everything.

iPod plays music and photos. Wow wat a deal.
GIMME A BREAK APPLE!

[Edited for potty-mouth language - JB]

Close Name:Guest
Subject: "LOL?"

Since when does RC say "LOL?"

Sounds like something a 15 year-old girl would say on Instant Messenger in a pink curly font with a darker pink background...

... perhaps.

-Paul

Close Name:Small White Car Posts: 1960 Joined: 02 Jul 2004
Subject: Re: MAC MINI OR AN IPOD!?

Quote
srdashiki wrote:
How the hell can Apple sell a full fledged computer for $500 and then sell you a friggen 60GB color photo ipod for $600? I CANT FRIGGIN BELIEVE THAT ANYONE WOULD BUY AN IPOD PHOTO WITH THE MINI (mac not iPod) COSTING LESS THAN IT!


Smaller always means more expensive.

Powerbooks cost more then Powermacs.

iPods Minis cost more per GB then regular iPods.

A watch with a calculator built in costs more than a calculator with a clock built in.

That's how technology works.

[Edited for potty-mouth language in original - JB]

Close Name:jimothy Posts: 612 Joined: 04 Jun 2004
Subject:

Quote
srdashiki wrote:
How the hell can Apple sell a full fledged computer for $500 and then sell you a friggen 60GB color photo ipod for $600? I CANT [bleeping] BELIEVE THAT ANYONE WOULD BUY AN IPOD PHOTO WITH THE MINI (mac not iPod) COSTING LESS THAN IT!

Mini does everything.

iPod plays music and photos. Wow wat a deal.
GIMME A BREAK APPLE!

They don't. They sell it for $449, which you'd know if you spent more time reading the article and less time swearing.

By the way, you're comparing apples to oranges; the iPod doesn't compete with the Mac mini. How can they sell an iPod for $450 when you can get a blender that slices, dices, and juliennes for $50?!? Why, because they are completely different devices for different purposes.

Sticking to the computer realm, compare the price of a notebook computer to a comparable desktop, and you'll see the former is priced at a premium to the later. Portability doesn't come free.

But you are right: $600 for an iPod did seem like a bit much. It appears that the market and Apple agreed, as evidenced by today's price cut. Now, you'll undoubtedly ask, "WHY WOULD ANYBODY BUY A MINI WHEN YOU CAN GET A FRIGGIN' IPOD WITH 50% MORE STORAGE FOR $50 LESS!" Sigh. There's no winning.

Close Name:Guest
Subject: Re: Bose Sound Dock

Hi jimothy -

I have a Bose SoundDock and it is awsome, but can confirm that there is not a way to connect other devices through it aside from the iPod. The only connector is the iPod dock.

C

Quote
jimothy wrote:
Quote
acdc1174 wrote:
I can tell you for a FACT, that the Bose Sound Dock is 100% compatible with iPod Photo. The Bose Sound Dock comes with about 6 different cradle inserts so you can have a perfect fit. I ordered the iPod Photo and BSD for a friend of mine and she LOVES it. No problems in fit, function, or finish at all.

Oh, that's just GREAT! Blow away the one excuse I've got not to rush out and buy one!

Seriously though, thanks for the info. The online Apple store description says, "Does not support iPod photo".

Does the SoundDock only work with an iPod, or can I use it as speakers for another device, like the computer, by using a minijack or RCA cable?

Close Name:Bookman Posts: 543 Joined: 22 Apr 2002
Subject:

This direct camera to ipod addon has moved the low end photo iPod near the top of my wishlist - perfect for traveling - just empty your camera onto your iPod, which also holds your traveling music and your address book for postcards. I think I can sell THIS to the wife

Close Name:Guest
Subject:

Quote
srdashiki wrote:
How the hell can Apple sell a full fledged computer for $500 and then sell you a friggen 60GB color photo ipod for $600? I CANT FRIGGIN BELIEVE THAT ANYONE WOULD BUY AN IPOD PHOTO WITH THE MINI (mac not iPod) COSTING LESS THAN IT!
[Edited for potty-mouth language - JB]


If you ever get around to having a fiancee, I feel sorry for her because you will yell and scream at her for wanting one of those teeny tiny diamond rings, I mean good lord, it's so small and has no functionality, it's probably worth about five cents because it's so small !!! Have fun with that.

Close Name:Guest
Subject: AUD$1000-$700

In Australia, our price of the iPod Photo used to $949 (same as the 1.42GHz Mac Mini), now the 60GB one is AUD$649. Plus I'm getting a iPod mini-AUD$349 for 6GB/18hr battery life is a good deal (used to $399 here for the 4gb model).

Close Name:GinKo Posts: 44 Joined: 02 Jul 2002
Subject: don't chew me out but...

I can't find any reference on the Apple website to new functionality that allows viewing of photos downloaded from a camera. They still refer to 'storage' of photos.

Please tell me I'm wrong and where the info is!

Thanks.

Close Name:GinKo Posts: 44 Joined: 02 Jul 2002
Subject:

Well, isn't that interesting? it's in the Hot News: " ...the iPod Camera Connector, arriving in March with new iPod photo software, for instant viewing and slide show playback on iPod photo..."

But not anywhere else.

I'll just go quietly back into my wombat hole now...

Close Name:Guest
Subject: Re: RE: Wow - Can't Wait To See My Photos On 2 Inch Screen!

Quote
Substance wrote:


I think Steve Jobs was making fun of Mp3 players that doubled as video players, asking who would want to video on such a small screen. And since the iPod Photo can output to a TV, you're not stuck using the iPod's built-in screen.

So what do you say about that RC?



So what's your point? Windows players can output video to a tv. Steve's comment was his RDF at work.

Close Name:Guest
Subject: Re: RE: Wow - Can't Wait To See My Photos On 2 Inch Screen!

Quote
Anonymous wrote:
Quote
Substance wrote:


I think Steve Jobs was making fun of Mp3 players that doubled as video players, asking who would want to video on such a small screen. And since the iPod Photo can output to a TV, you're not stuck using the iPod's built-in screen.

So what do you say about that RC?



So what's your point? Windows players can output video to a tv. Steve's comment was his RDF at work.


And the Windows players can output pictures to tv too.

Close Name:Guest
Subject:

Quote
Biff wrote:
So is this new camera connector going to make the iPod Photo a must-have tool for professional photographers?


Absolutely NOT! The iPod Photo is designed with consumers in mind, not professional photographers. Apple's proprietary "iPhoto and iTunes" workflow runs contrary to that of a professional photographers. The screen on the iPod Photo is laughable for photo viewing!

The iPod Photo is a music player with a color screen capable of displaying album art (and photos if you like them that small) and better battery life. That's why I just took the plunge and bought a 40GB iPod Photo before they disappear for ever. I'm a professional photographer and have no delusions about using the iPod Photo for my photography.

Close Name:Guest
Subject:

Quote
GinKo wrote:
I can't find any reference on the Apple website to new functionality that allows viewing of photos downloaded from a camera. They still refer to 'storage' of photos.

Please tell me I'm wrong and where the info is!

Thanks.


Yep you can view photos on it! Didn't ya see the pictures on the apple site?

Close Name:Guest
Subject: i pod photo 30gb

i jsut cant wait to get my ipod photo in my hands. i have it ordered but its not here yet. i think that it should be a good deal. will just have to wait and see.

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