Finally, after much anticipation and speculation, Apple has officially launched the versatile media player, the iPod Video, at the end of Wednesday, October 12. The iPod Video models released by Apple feature a 2.5-inch screen with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels.
The iPod Video priced at $299 is equipped with a 30GB hard drive, while the $399 version boasts a 60GB hard drive, allowing for up to 150 hours of video playback or storage of up to 15,000 MP3 songs.
Apple has also partnered with Disney to enable its users to download ABC TV programs onto their iPod Videos, including popular shows like “Desperate Housewives” and “Lost,” as well as approximately 2,000 music videos from various famous bands worldwide. Users of the newly upgraded iTunes 6 can also purchase many exciting short films provided by Pixar.
On the occasion of launching the strategic iPod Video, Apple also officially introduced a new line of iMac G5 desktop computers integrated with video cameras and remote controls, allowing users to watch television as if they were using a conventional TV.
Additionally, the iTunes music download service has undergone a comprehensive upgrade, officially establishing iTunes as a global online video download platform. With the powerful brand support of its MP3 iPod, iPod Video, and iMac G5 Video lines, Apple is solidifying its position as a dominant player in the global entertainment market.
The new iMac G5 Video models released by Apple on this occasion are slimmer and lighter, weighing approximately 15% less than the previous iMac G5 models. The two iMac G5 Video configurations introduced this time feature 17-inch and 21-inch screens; PowerPC G5 processors of 1.9GHz and 2.1GHz; hard drives of 160GB and 250GB; DVD drives; 512MB of memory; and ATI Radeon X600 PCI Express 128MB graphics cards, priced at $1,299 and $1,699, respectively.
Notably, both iMac G5 models come with built-in video cameras attached to the screens, optimizing conditions for remote conferencing. Furthermore, both systems are equipped with a remote control integrated with the Front Row software, making it easy for users to watch movies, listen to music, watch TV, and browse images from a distance.
Experts believe that Apple’s iPod Video models may not necessarily outperform portable entertainment devices with similar functionalities that many other “younger” companies have released long before Apple. However, with its superior brand, Apple is expected to continue achieving success and maintain its leading position in the digital music device market for a long time to come.
