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Apple today introduced its fourth-generation ("4G") iPod, boasting 12 hours of battery life, improved playlist functionality, and capacities of 20GB and 40GB. The new iPod borrows the iPod mini's click wheel design, doing away with the third-generation's four touch buttons, and is a millimeter thinner than its predecessor. Pricing starts at $300 for the bare 20GB model and $400 for the 40GB model (with a dock). Update: Neither model includes a carry case ($40 option) or wired remote ($40). "The best digital music player just got better," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "The fourth generation iPod features Apple's amazing Click Wheel for superb one handed control, 12 hour battery life and the new Shuffle Songs command in the main menu -- all in an even smaller design that puts up to 10,000 songs in your pocket."
HP says it will use the fourth-generation iPod as the basis for its upcoming HP-branded version the music player. "HP has chosen iPod and iTunes as the best products to integrate in to our digital entertainment strategy," said Carly Fiorina, chairman and chief executive officer at HP. "We decided to wait for this amazing new fourth generation iPod, as it will offer our customers an even better experience. HP's version of the new iPod will be available in September."
Both new models include earbud headphones, 1.2m 30-pin to FireWire cable, a 1.2m 30-pin to USB cable, and a CD with iTunes 4.6 for Mac and Windows computers. The 40GB model also includes an iPod dock. Optional accessories include the iPod Dock for $40 and in-ear headphones for $40. Laser engraving is available for iPod for $20 from the online Apple Store and can include two lines of text with up to 27 characters per line. It is currrently available for free for a limited time.
Regarding the new pricing, one reader writes: "Unmentioned on any Mac/Apple web site that I can find is the fact that neither of the new iPods includes the remote control or case. They are both options with both units. Furthermore, only the 40Gb includes a dock. Since all three of these options have a $39 price tag, it is not correct to state that the new units reflect a $100 price reduction from current models. For example, a "3G" 20GB unit - which included a dock, case and remote - listed for $399. The "4G" 20GB lists at $299, true, but add the optional remote, case and dock and it costs $416, a $17 price increase!!"
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