Apple iPod (20GB, color)

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Apple has announced a new S$528 (US$372.75) 20GB iPod with a color screen to replace the noncolor version. Essentially an iPod photo, Apple has dropped the last part of the name on both this and the 60GB models and will no longer sell the S$618 (US$436.29) 30GB version. Apple has also added a color screen to the black-and-red 20GB iPod U2 Special Edition and has dropped its price by S$40 (US$28.24) to S$588 (US$415.11). So, as we predicted, the entire high-capacity iPod line is available with only the photo-friendly color screen. Apple simultaneously made available iTunes 4.9, which features a built-in podcasting directory that uses the same graphically rich format as iTunes Music Store. This robust feature makes browsing for and downloading podcasts a cinch. In related news, the company has dropped the price of the 1GB iPod shuffle to S$238 (US$168.02) from S$268 (US$189.20).

Upside: If you've tinkered with an iPod photo, you know what this new 20GB version offers. It features a 2-inch, 65,000-color LCD that supports digital photo browsing (as tiny thumbnails or in full screen), direct digital photo upload with the optional Camera Connector, and an aesthetically pleasing color interface that's compatible with album art. At 61 x 104 x 16mm and 167g, it's exactly same size as the discontinued 30GB version and a tad thicker and heavier than the non-color 20GB version. Battery life is rated for 15 hours and will probably be more in our upcoming CNET Labs tests--an appreciable improvement over the rated 12 hours of the non-color version. Finally, the newest iPods include a Podcasts menu option and a convenient bookmarking feature that allows users to return to a specific point in a podcast; older iPods can make do with a firmware update. Basically, at the same S$528 (US$372.75) price point, the new 20GB version with its color screen and improved battery life is decidedly more attractive than the noncolor version.

The iPod U2 Special Edition has a new photo-friendly color screen as well.

Downside: The short-lived 30GB iPod photo, which was a nice deal at S$618 (US$436.29), is now available from third-party retailers only. The heart of the iPod franchise--its simplicity and good looks--has been maintained, but we're still waiting for long-desired features such as a built-in FM radio, audio recording, and even video support. Also, one would think that Apple could truly empower the masses with a S$348 (US$245.68) black-and-white version of the 20GB iPod, but that would throw a wrench in the strategic and incremental iPod pricing scheme (the 4GB iPod mini is available for S$348 (US$245.68)).

Outlook: While the iPod update isn't major, it brings all models of the flagship Apple player up to the same level of sophistication. Next up: Color screens on the iPod mini. Along with the podcast-friendly iTunes 4.9, the iPod franchise is a one step closer to what we see as the inevitable addition of video features.