Full-size iPod updated with 80GB, better video
updated 03:25 pm EDT, Tue September 12, 2006
iPod 80GB Model
A relatively minor update to the iPod rounded out the suite of new product announcements from Apple's press event today. Similar in most respects to the previous version, the new iPod has primarily received improvements in capacity, software, and price. A new 80GB model is available which matches the dimensions of the earlier 60GB model but can hold up to 20,000 songs or 100 hours of video. Gapless audio playback is now a standard feature and video playback has been greatly enhanced: a 30GB model can play video continuously for 3.5 hours instead of 2, while the new 80GB version is capable of 6.5 hours (increased from 4). All models support 640x480 H.264 video files. A new search function lets users find content by keyword. Games are also a significant component of the launch: new iPods ship with games from PopCap and other companies including Bejeweled and Pac-Man, while others can be purchased from the iTunes Store for $5 each. Finally, the revised iPod lineup has dropped prices to $249 for 30GB and $349 for 80GB. Both new models are shipping today in black and white colors from the Apple Store.
