Finally , this hebdomad we ’re gettinga new iPodmodel from Apple . ( Congrats to Newsweek ’s Steven Levy — a former Macworld contributor , I might add — for breaking the story . ) I ’m thrilled by this , not because of the presumably increase feature set but because Apple ’s incorporate the wheel - as - button system precede on the iPod Mini .
This is slap-up news . The third - contemporaries iPods have a row of four tactile sensation - sensitive button that seem cool but , ultimately , just do n’t work on . It ’s too easy to press them ; you ca n’t bear on them for orientation without ready one off . Do n’t get me started .
However , the organization of make clit ( or clickable tip of any kind ) oriented like the gunpoint of a compass has its own drawbacks . My chief complaint : that the Menu clitoris , which moves you “ back ” ( scroll from right field to get out ) in the iPod interface is at the top . That confuses fresh users every time . But it does n’t take too long to figure it out , and once you ’ve learned it , it ’s not a trouble any longer . As opposed to the third - genesis iPod ’s buttons , which remain a problem for as long as you own one .
Other good news : Apple has simplified the iPods , base carte du jour , with a “ Music ” menu at the top level , and a top - level “ Shuffle Songs ” mastery to start shuffling through your intact collection . ( I never , ever do this — I choose to place my make a whole lot more , via artist or playlist — but I understand that it ’s popular with lots of iPod users . ) you may now build and save multiple “ on - the - go ” playlists on the fly , and even remove birdcall from playlists .
good of all , the prices have get along down ! The 40 GB mannikin now costs $ 399 , with the 20 GB model at $ 299 . presumptively there will be a 60 GB model finally , for $ 499 , but Apple ’s florist’s chrysanthemum on that properly now .
So three cheers for the new iPods , which borrow from the Mini in just the right way . When can I get one ?
