Travel Technology - Big iPod news today?

Despite being branded an "Apple hater" I have more Apple kit in my office than most Apple stores :D

Hence my interest in the "big" announcements expected later today from Apple and Motorola.

The "iPod phone" doesn't interest me much, as it is rumored to have just 512Mb of memory :(

Color screen flash-based Mini's and an 8Gb mini? Yes please.
2Gb and 4Gb shuffles? Sure.
Video iPod? Yes please, though not very likely :(

There was a market analyst on Bloomberg radio this morning talking about the new products. He kept referring to the "mini mini" which is going to be a flash-media based player. He said Apple will market it as being much smaller and power-efficient than the current mini, but it will not be as small as the shuffle.

the "new mini" is suppossed to be a bit smaller, since it now uses flash and no HD. color screens, better battery life, and some extra feature.

the phone, yes as well not interested. but, 512, or possible 1 gb of space, but it looks to be spendy and not THAT integrated with itunes.

I am not holding my breath waiting for the video ipod, what I wouldn't give for a moderm newton though.

haven't heard anything yet, cnbc is talking about it right now

New ipod: iPod "nano". Interesting name, since Cretive labs already has a Zen Nano... :D

Sadly most of the gadget sites are down at the moment :D

gizmodo.com
cingular.com

It's called the Motorola ROKR with iTunes. $249 witha 2-year contract.
100 song capacity ~ 512MB

Here are the specs from Cingular's site
* iTunes player with dedicated key
* 850/1800/1900 MHz Tri-band GSM/GPRS
* Weight: 3.77 oz
* Dimensions: 4.25 x 1.81 x .80 in
* Display: 176 x 220, up to 262 colors TFT
* VGA Camera, 4x Zoom, flash and video record
* Music Tones
* Bluetooth Capable for voice calls
* Speakerphone
* Talk Time: Up to 9 hours/560 min
* Standby Time: Up to 9 days/230 hrs

Well, I have to say the earth didn't exactly move when I read those specs. I guess I'm just too much of a snob when it comes to this stuff.

iPod Nano: I am in love.

I need one NOW.

Apple store better have them :D

Now that OTOH is rather desirable.

http://www.apple.com/ipodnano/

can't say the iphone is too exciting, unless they're going to fit 4gb+ in it. I guess mp3 player + phone is decent convergence, but remember, both halves need to be usable for it to make sense...we'll see :cool:

ipod nano looks slick, why not just fit the ipod into the pencil itself? :D

I've had my Kyocera 7135 for several years, with MP3 player built in, Palm OS, etc. so I guess this isn't that exciting...

Apple is fighting hard to combat the SonyEricsson Walkman phone on the way in 2 weeks. That is a much more impressive device.

Okay, I want the nano. Heading to apple store now,
they better have one.
arrgh

I think they need to get a phone into the iPod nano. Now *that* would be something. :D

Even without, the nano looks pretty sweet to me. It has the really low weight and flash memory of the shuffle with the capacity of a mini and color screen, controls (both smaller, true) and capabilities (photo storage, etc.) of the full-sized iPod all in a pretty tiny package. $249 is what the 4GB HD-based mini with black and white screen cost when it was introduced, what, just a year or so ago?

Geez, I still don't think I'd use it enough, but I want one anyway. Besides, you gotta love the geeky scientific joke: accessory called nano Tubes. :D

The ROKR, well, that's not that interesting really I don't think. But it will be the phone with the power of iTunes/Apple behind it, which should grow that area a bit. Bet more of them are sold than other MP3-playing phones.

It's beautiful!

Okay, I want the nano. Heading to apple store now,
they better have one.
arrgh


I don't think the stores will have them until tomorrow. You might want to try to call first to check if they're in stock before making the drive.

The entire apple ipod product line is crap. After having mine a week I returned it for an Iaudio X5. It blows away the crapod.

The entire apple ipod product line is crap. After having mine a week I returned it for an Iaudio X5. It blows away the crapod.

:rolleyes: Now that's a useful post. Maybe you could be a little more detailed as to why you think the Iaudio X5 is better than the entire Apple iPod line (of which you appear to have only bought one).

What exactly is nano about this?

How many times do I have to read "nano" about products that aren't?

go to cnet. Its all there. Longery battery life, better interface, better packaging, smaller, its endless. Go to cnet and look at their reviews for disk storage mp3s.

I don't think the stores will have them until tomorrow. You might want to try to call first to check if they're in stock before making the drive.


thanks for the tip, i know they probably won't be there, but since I am .75 from one boutique and eight miles from a real store, i might hit the boutique for a little while. Allows me some time to pet a mini once in a while

:-)

I don't care what people say about apple products (I have been using them for 25 years now!) their industrial design and engineering are second to none. I still have most of the products I have owned. I should have NEVER sold the lisa though. that was a mistake!

This new mini is going to set a new sales benchmark, mark my words.

Sweeeet, just ordered online. Says will ship in 1-3 days but I know better; probably will be weeks instead. :)

A little more about the phone...

- It syncs via USB with iTunes, which makes loading music easy

- Data (music) is stored on a compact flash card

- Steve described it as integrating the features of iPod Shuffle into a phone. I think that's a good description.

- Most interesting of all: you can turn off the "phone" portion of the ROKR while still using the music player on it on planes.

Sweeeet, just ordered online. Says will ship in 1-3 days but I know better; probably will be weeks instead. :)

They're getting better about meeting those estimates. If you just ordered, you should be early enough in line to not see any sort of delay.

Of course, I say that now... :)

What exactly is nano about this?

How many times do I have to read "nano" about products that aren't?


Well, Steve does have a tendency to exaggerate. ;)

Deal: iPod Nano 2GB (Black or White) $199 at Apple Store Click Here
Discuss (20) Posted 11:38 AM PDT 9/7/05 by Ben

Apple has done it again. The Apple Store has the new iPod Nano 2GB in Black or White for $199 with free shipping and free laser engraving. The 4GB version is also available in both colors for $249.


1.5 ounces, 1.6 x 3.5 x 0.27 inches, 1.5" Color Display, 14 hr battery

2GB holds 500 songs, 4GB holds 1000 songs. Compatible with PC and MAC

http://www.bensbargains.net/#newsitem1126118327,15955,

The "thinner than a pencil" had me going. I was looking for something tubular (maybe "nano"tubes influenced me) and .3" in diameter. That would have been impressive.

40% bigger and 90% heavier than a Shuffle - pretty cool if you want a display, but I have to wonder how readable a 1.25x0.85" screen is going to be.

Cool, but I'll stick with my shuffle.

At some point they are going to get so small that losing them will be a serious risk. There has to be some limit - my wife's last phone was *too* small, she stepped back up to a larger RAZR.

The entire apple ipod product line is crap. After having mine a week I returned it for an Iaudio X5. It blows away the crapod.

A, a lone voice in between the millions of iPod users.

The iPod is the best MP3 player there is. Period.

That Nano is HOT! :D

A, a lone voice in between the millions of iPod users.

The iPod is the best MP3 player there is. Period.

DECA millions!

I'm not too impressed with the ROKR phone, but I like the iPod Nano. The Nano is small enough that I don't mind carrying an extra device to listen to music so that I can keep my favorite cell phone (a Nokia 6820).

Apple store said they should be shipped their way tomorrow meaning in-store on Friday or Saturday. They too were desperate to see one IRL. :)

IPod Nano Combines Beauty, Function
September 8, 2005

Grab a standard American business card. Now, get a pair of scissors and trim the long side of the card by 20%. That's all the space you need to hold over 1,000 songs, plus audio books, podcasts and photos if you buy Apple Computer's newest iPod model, the gorgeous and sleek iPod nano.
This latest iPod was publicly revealed today at a razzle-dazzle marketing event orchestrated by Apple CEO Steve Jobs. But I have been testing a nano for the past few days, and I am smitten. It's not only beautiful and incredibly thin, but I found it exceeds Apple's performance claims.

Apple's iPod nano

In fact, the nano has the best combination of beauty and functionality of any music player I've tested -- including the iconic original white iPod. And it sounds great. I plan to buy one for myself this weekend, when it is due to reach stores in the U.S., Europe and Asia.
Available in classic iPod white, or a lustrous black (my favorite), the nano is not only small, it's stunningly skinny -- about the thickness of five credit cards stacked on top of one another. That means it can be carried easily in even the snuggest of clothing and the smallest of purses, and worn comfortably during exercise. You could even carry it in a wallet, if you were sure you wouldn't sit on it.
Yet the nano, which starts at $199 in the middle of the iPod range, contains key features previously available only on the largest, costliest iPods. These include a sharp color screen, the ability to display the album covers for the songs it's playing, and the ability to store a user's photos and display them in slide shows accompanied by music.

link (http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB112610790291134082,00.html?mod=home_whats_new s_us) to full article.

Apple is fighting hard to combat the SonyEricsson Walkman phone on the way in 2 weeks. That is a much more impressive device.
Been in Europe for a little while now... a new one is coming out that'll have like 1gb onboard.

THAT'S what I want.. MP3 phone..best of both worlds :D

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Sony-Ericsson-k750i-k750-2MP-Camera-Phone-Bluetooth_W0QQitemZ5805648760QQcategoryZ64355QQrdZ 1QQcmdZViewItem this is somewhat similar of the item that's coming to the states.

Looks sweet.

THAT'S what I want.. MP3 phone..best of both worlds :D


Same here but I'm wary of the battery life on these things.

Been in Europe for a little while now... a new one is coming out that'll have like 1gb onboard.

THAT'S what I want.. MP3 phone..best of both worlds :D

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Sony-Ericsson-k750i-k750-2MP-Camera-Phone-Bluetooth_W0QQitemZ5805648760QQcategoryZ64355QQrdZ 1QQcmdZViewItem this is somewhat similar of the item that's coming to the states.

Looks sweet.

I know ;)

I've had the W800 for some time now :D

It is actually almost identical, except for a different UI and better headphones with a normal headphone jack. Sonystyle stores will be selling them sans subscription in 2 weeks.

I know ;)

I've had the W800 for some time now :D

It is actually almost identical, except for a different UI and better headphones with a normal headphone jack. Sonystyle stores will be selling them sans subscription in 2 weeks.
w800.. that's exactly it :) I want one... i'm getting giddy thinking about it.

How's the battery life on it? I currently have a iPod Shuffle (I only have about 1gig of music period) and I like the battery life of it.. is it somewhat similar?

what's the price on the sony store going to be? Brand new in box ones (from asia but unlocked) are $450-500 on eBay already.

Yawn :p

w800.. that's exactly it :) I want one... i'm getting giddy thinking about it.

How's the battery life on it? I currently have a iPod Shuffle (I only have about 1gig of music period) and I like the battery life of it.. is it somewhat similar?

what's the price on the sony store going to be? Brand new in box ones (from asia but unlocked) are $450-500 on eBay already.

Battery lasts around a week with normal use, and around 3 days with heavy camera/music use.

Price in the Sony store is reported to be around $475.

Battery lasts around a week with normal use, and around 3 days with heavy camera/music use.

Price in the Sony store is reported to be around $475.
Cool stuff :cool: Is it really much different from the K750?

I hate using interface software like iTunes, rather just drag/drop so no matter how much onboard memory, I may just get a memory card anyways.

edit: sonyericsson.com is selling them for $500

Cool stuff :cool: Is it really much different from the K750?

I hate using interface software like iTunes, rather just drag/drop so no matter how much onboard memory, I may just get a memory card anyways.

edit: sonyericsson.com is selling them for $500

Not any different at all. You can actually upgrade the firmware of the k750 to a W800. You can get a k750 for around $350 nowadays.

Doesn't quite measure up to the nano announcement:

Apple Computer Inc. made its widely anticipated foray into cellular phones yesterday, introducing a Motorola Inc. handset called the Rokr that plays music from its iTunes Music Store.

But analysts and industry executives are far more interested in what Apple Computer plans next for the wireless market. Two possibilities: phones that more closely resemble Apple's hit iPod music players, and a wireless service offered under the Apple name.

The Cupertino, Calif., company's future moves in the wireless business could play a critical role in determining whether Apple's success with the iPod will continue or wither in the face of a widely expected wave of competitors from the cellphone industry. Virtually all major makers of mobile handsets, including Nokia Corp., Sony Ericsson and Motorola, are adding digital music and video capabilities to their devices.

Many analysts believe the ubiquity of cellphones and their ability to download music instantly over the air eventually could make them powerful challengers to the iPod, a business that brings in more than $1 billion a quarter for Apple, or about a third of the company's revenue.

For now, analysts don't expect the Rokr to make much money for Apple directly. Its most immediate benefit could be to generate more sales of 99-cent songs on iTunes, from which the company has said it makes little or no profit. The Rokr, which holds about 100 songs, could, in theory, also help Apple sell more iPods by introducing a new audience of users to digital music. Apple says it will receive some financial benefit from each Rokr sold, but it declined to say how much.......

Meanwhile, Piper Jaffray's Mr. Munster has found another possible clue to Apple's wireless ambitions: The Web address iphone.org is registered to Apple, and typing it into a browser takes users to the Apple Web site.

link (http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB112611017493734124,00.html?mod=home_whats_new s_us) to full article

damn,

i am so lucky. wanted to buy a apple mini, than saw on the apple HP the NANO wow!

now, which color to chose, i think black>>>

man i am in love with that one..

dp

Ordered the Nano in Black from apple.com this afternoon. Did not know anything about this until seeing it on flyertalk. Thanks to the OP.

If you buy from Apple Store you get free engraving and free shipping. Great deal I think. Said will ship in 3-5 days. Guess a couple of extra days for the engraving.

Can't wait to get it !!

go to cnet. Its all there. Longery battery life, better interface, better packaging, smaller, its endless. Go to cnet and look at their reviews for disk storage mp3s.

Uh - CNET gives it a relatively low editorial review. Sorry you had a bad experience with the iPod, but most consumers seem to like it better. At least judging by the millions of them out there, as opposed to the iaudio.

For those of you looking to get a new Acura: http://www.hondanews.com/CatID1000?mid=2005090754774&mime=asc

Or a new Honda Civic: http://www.hondanews.com/CatID1000?mid=2005090754437&mime=asc

^ ^

I was going to get myself a mini for my birthday, but this is...WOW!

I'm in.

Buy two!

nano nano

Uh - CNET gives it a relatively low editorial review. Sorry you had a bad experience with the iPod, but most consumers seem to like it better. At least judging by the millions of them out there, as opposed to the iaudio.

Not to mention the 1000's of accessories, and just TRY intregrating your Cowon player with steering wheel controls and your Benz integrated radio like I did with my mini. iPods f'ing ROCK.

Apple proves once again with the nano that it is, and will stay the world leader in this market.

it would be sweet if they could fit a mac mini in that form factor ;)
I'd be interested in a cheaper model that didn't have photo capability (or even color...I just want music)

The nano looks really cool. Its so thin it is amazing. But The price is probably going to be outrageous like the rest of them.

it would be sweet if they could fit a mac mini in that form factor ;)
I'd be interested in a cheaper model that didn't have photo capability (or even color...I just want music)


sure color display is not that important. but this will secure apples leading position.

i ordered one black and one white :)

will keep the color which looks better.

dp

WSJ review (http://online.wsj.com/public/article/0,,SB112610790291134082-nggjEH175Vg5bSUeS_3ibezBDy0_20060908,00.html?mod=b logs)

Ordered a black one last night...can't wait...

The nano looks really cool. Its so thin it is amazing. But The price is probably going to be outrageous like the rest of them.

They are priced at $199 and $249. Not cheap but not outrageous...

The Nano is awesome, maybe the screen is small but its kind of cool to be able to see the album art on screen. It appears that the big news was the phone but Nano definitely stole the show. Now, how to justify it to the wife... ;)

Played with the ipod phone today. Terribly disappointing. The interface is nothing more than the already pretty poor Motorola Triplets UI with a basic ipod menu structure. How sad.

If only SonyEricsson would support itunes with their W800i things would be a lot better.

FWIW; the "itunes phone" is based on the pretty old e398 which has been around for over a year now. They could have at least based it on the much nicer E1000 with its amazing screen and 3G downloads (since it will be released in Europe too).

It would seem like the ipod phone is just a project someone dreamed up in their attic and hacked away at some firmware. Sad.

Played with the ipod phone today. Terribly disappointing. The interface is nothing more than the already pretty poor Motorola Triplets UI with a basic ipod menu structure. How sad.

If only SonyEricsson would support itunes with their W800i things would be a lot better.

FWIW; the "itunes phone" is based on the pretty old e398 which has been around for over a year now. They could have at least based it on the much nicer E1000 with its amazing screen and 3G downloads (since it will be released in Europe too).

It would seem like the ipod phone is just a project someone dreamed up in their attic and hacked away at some firmware. Sad.

hrm.. not surprising.

I recently got a razr. At least it's nice to know that the new phone doesn't make me regret getting the razr.

Switched from SE to Moto and can't say I'm fond of Moto's menu, UI and keys. buttons buttons everywhere. lots of annoying redundency. It was the best phone offered through the corporate plan though, and it's not that bad.

One thing I really love is loading MP3s onto the phone to use as ringtones. It's a total kick and very easy. Right now I have a quippy, random snip from TMBG. it raises some eyebrows. fun stuff.

back to the iTunes phone... I was watching the nightowl 3 AM news last night and saw a report mentioning the Apple announcements. The story said that "Apple introduced a new iTunes cell phone," failing to mention that the POC is actually Motorolla's folly. I doubt many people will pay attention enough to have the phone reflect badly on Apple, but it still doesn't sit well to have The Fruit so intimately affiliated with a mediocre product.

Ah well. the stock hit my limit price today of $50. goody gumdrop.

Well I ordered from Apple yesterday and received Fed Ex tracking # today. My engraved Nano is on the way. I can't believe how fast it was.

YEAH !! Can't wait to see it in person.

Edited to add:

I just used the Fed Ex tracking # and the package is coming from Shenzhen China. Guess it is factory direct !

Now, how to justify it to the wife... ;)

Just bring out the Lovemaster, baby. :cool:

Just played with a nano in MP, they are just about to get the displays up, but they had a couple at the desk. I want it, and will order one soon. Figuring out best option now.

Vodafone shows how an ipod phone should really look:

http://www.mobilewhack.com/reviews/vodafone_803t_cell_phone.html

yeah, I am NOT a fan of the ROKR, but I think ultimatly the concept will work out. Either PDA does phone, and MP3, or PHONE does pda double duty. If the JAM had a full phone/mp3 integration, that would be cool. Of course the itunes integration would be nice.

But, one of the things some may have overlooked is that the ROKR comes with those cool orange headphones, which are FULL STEREO headphones with a MICROPHONE built in. That is something that I would like. For biking, exercising, etc. Where, I just want to have MP3 playing in stereo, but then if a call comes in boom, I can switch to phone, and then switch back.

THAT is cool. Hadn't seen them en mass before.

It's beautiful!

The IPOD is a great lttle machine but this is branding at its worse.

It does look nice but what is new about it or the concept? Many phones can play music (without the 100 song or itunes limit). When it gets FM radio and wi-fi wake me up.

I am a sad sad person. Black was nice. And now so is white :)

My smaller local store has ALL the models in stock, so I'm popping over to get another one for the car. And my wife has now also been convinced, so she is trading in her shuffle for a nano :D

Swise, happy birthday, let me add a little pep to your shares :D

Vodafone shows how an ipod phone should really look:

http://www.mobilewhack.com/reviews/vodafone_803t_cell_phone.html

^ looks much nicer than the rokr
fm tuner would be great, wifi even better - imagine if your gym had wireless throughout and you could listen to internet radio through your phone. that gets around the much smaller capacity compared to a regular mp3 player (at least if you're at the gym :D )

Sorry for being stupid...but will the iTrip work with the Nano?

Nope. There's no remote control port which the iTrip uses for power.

Nope. There's no remote control port which the iTrip uses for power.


Then how do you make it work in your car?

Sorry for being stupid...but will the iTrip work with the Nano?

No, but rest assured that the various manufacturers of accessories will be working hard to get one in stores real soon... They had a nice one for the shuffle ready in 3 weeks, so I'm sure the nano won't take much longer :D

I wonder if Apple gives these firms a headstart on what is on the way?

Swise, happy birthday, let me add a little pep to your shares :D

:) :)
much appreciated. It has been a very nice birthday indeed. ^
:D

The proceeds are burning a hole through my pocket so fast that if I don't watch it, I will soon be indecent.

:D

Then how do you make it work in your car?
I have a Belkin Tunecast that plugs into the headphone jack of any audio device. It's a little clunky, but it works really well.

I am a sad sad person. Black was nice. And now so is white :)

My smaller local store has ALL the models in stock, so I'm popping over to get another one for the car. And my wife has now also been convinced, so she is trading in her shuffle for a nano :D

Swise, happy birthday, let me add a little pep to your shares :D


I was out today at 50.00. Nice run for three months "work"
paid for my new nano, and more.

I have a Belkin Tunecast that plugs into the headphone jack of any audio device. It's a little clunky, but it works really well.


Not to be dense, but this works with the Nano? I don't really care about buly-ness...anything is going to look bulky next to this thing :)

Not to be dense, but this works with the Nano? I don't really care about buly-ness...anything is going to look bulky next to this thing :)
Yup. It plugs into a standard headphone jack. So you can use it with any device you might have that uses headphones.

Then how do you make it work in your car?


wait for belkin to make an accesory that is designed for the Nano. It could connect to the dock connector on the bottom.



The phone? Ehh... You can tell it's not an Apple product. :)

[QUOTE=jsmeeker]wait for belkin to make an accesory that is designed for the Nano. It could connect to the dock connector on the bottom.QUOTE]


Good point...I am just a little antsy..couldn't you tell :p

So in terms of sound quality and reliability are Belkin products better or the iTrip or similar apple products that let you use your ipod with your car stereo.

As scottc pointed out earlier, I am too really surpised they called this nano.

what with creative STILL selling nanos today

So in terms of sound quality and reliability are Belkin products better or the iTrip or similar apple products that let you use your ipod with your car stereo.

I don't know about reliability, but from my experience, the Belkin device has a better quality and stronger signal than the iTrip. In actuality, it can have a better sound quality if you use something like the Monster car charger that has a line-out. The iTrip is limited to the headphone jack, which is amplified, reducing sound quality.

If someone comes out with an accessory that plugs into the dock port, jump all over that because you'll get the line-out quality and integrated goodness. Actually, monster already sells a combination car charger and fm transmitter that plugs into the dock port (which is the same on the nano). It's pricey, but it's also black, so it'll make your nice new nano if you got a black one ;)

I don't know about reliability, but from my experience, the Belkin device has a better quality and stronger signal than the iTrip. In actuality, it can have a better sound quality if you use something like the Monster car charger that has a line-out. The iTrip is limited to the headphone jack, which is amplified, reducing sound quality.

If someone comes out with an accessory that plugs into the dock port, jump all over that because you'll get the line-out quality and integrated goodness. Actually, monster already sells a combination car charger and fm transmitter that plugs into the dock port (which is the same on the nano). It's pricey, but it's also black, so it'll make your nice new nano if you got a black one ;)


You guys are such a fountain of information! I think that the best bet is to wait to see if they come out with a FM transmitter that goes into the dock port and if not, use the Monster one? Correct?

You guys are such a fountain of information! I think that the best bet is to wait to see if they come out with a FM transmitter that goes into the dock port and if not, use the Monster one? Correct?
If you've got money to blow, that's my suggestion :)

Sigh. I finally decided that it wouldn't do to have only one Nano between my wife and myself. I had to call 6 Apple stores before finding one that still had a 4Gb black in stock :eek:

Now I have my own :cool:

Remember that in big cities where there are lots of stations, any FM device may have problems. If your car stereo has a tape deck you can always get one of the devices that goes into the deck.

Another plus for them is that batteries never become an issue....

iPod Flea (http://media.putfile.com/wwwadotKQEadotde_iFlea_Hoheit_moegt)

I'm not impressed with the ROKR. A quick comparison with the Sony Ericsson W800i:

Number of songs available:
ROKR: 100 songs. Inserting another memory card won't get you any new songs automatically. If you want to add new songs you have to delete the old songs and upload the new.
W800i: about 200 per memory card and you get access to more songs by just inserting another memory card.

Camera:
ROKR: 0.3 megapixel
W800i: 2 megapixel

Upload speed for songs via cable:
ROKR: USB 1.1 (1 hour to load 512 MB)
W800i: USB 2.0 (less than 10 minutes to load 512 MB)

Bluetooth file transfer speed:
ROKR Bluetooth speed is much slower than the W800i.

The slow upload speed combined with the 100 song limit means that it's a real hassle to listen to more than 100 songs since you need to upload the new songs instead of just inserting a new memory card with the files on it.

But, of course, the ROKR is an iPod phone so it will sell well anyway. Why let performance be more important than a brand name...

Keep in mind; with the ROKR, the song limit is a limitation of the MicroSD card. A 1Gb MicroSD card will be here in a few months, and a 2Gb card some time in 2006.

That said; it still is a very poor phone, and I am amazed Apple put any time into working with Motorola on it.

Keep in mind; with the ROKR, the song limit is a limitation of the MicroSD card. A 1Gb MicroSD card will be here in a few months, and a 2Gb card some time in 2006.

No, Apple made Motorola put in a hard 100 song limit so that the phone wouldn't compete with the iPods.

No, Apple made Motorola put in a hard 100 song limit so that the phone wouldn't compete with the iPods.

Oh my goodness... That really is the killer for this phone then.

I have no idea why anyone would even consider buying one.

Thanks for the info.

EDIT: I just noticed that the E1 still also has the same generic java based mp3 player that the e398 had, so it CAN play unlimited amount of tracks, just not through the Apple interface... What a waste of a phone..

In terms of styling, does anybody still prefer the iPod third generation???

Personally, I do. I still am very fond my 3G, with the simple and elegant design of mysterious looking red bottoms, azur blue screen and plain all white surface. People still comment on it at night :) and it still looks great!

By contrast I find the new colour screens to be somewhat ordinary, like glorified mobile phones. The album art especially is silly, as it just clutters things up and makes the song info that much harder to read. And I really enjoy the seperation of the function buttons from the scroll.

This is just my opinion from a style point of view... but the idea of being able to quickly view all my pictures on the fly is still very appealing, and eventually I imagine I will have to upgrade. Maybe I'll wait for the 5G.

No, Apple made Motorola put in a hard 100 song limit so that the phone wouldn't compete with the iPods.


fairly simple to get around this limite,

just pull up the mp3's you want, create a new mp3, and put in chapter stops, and then drop all the mp3's in there.

not CLEAN and SLICK, but you can put 100 mp3's in one FILE and the ROKR will see it as 1 mp3.

Now, only limited by storage space.

fairly simple to get around this limite,

just pull up the mp3's you want, create a new mp3, and put in chapter stops, and then drop all the mp3's in there.

not CLEAN and SLICK, but you can put 100 mp3's in one FILE and the ROKR will see it as 1 mp3.

Now, only limited by storage space.

iPod are known for their ease of use. The method described above is anything but easy.
Like I said, the ROKR will sell well because of its connection to iPod, but technically it is inferior to its competitors.

and ability,

i've got an automator script made that will do it all for you. If you have a mac. lemme know if anyone wants it.

as for the ROKR, I don't think it will sell well at all. Already, it is FAR, which does not bode well.

and ability,

i've got an automator script made that will do it all for you. If you have a mac. lemme know if anyone wants it.

as for the ROKR, I don't think it will sell well at all. Already, it is FAR, which does not bode well.

The lukewarm response to ROKR certainly doesn't bode well for the phone. Now the nano is a totally different story...

iPod Flea (http://media.putfile.com/wwwadotKQEadotde_iFlea_Hoheit_moegt)
Even smaller than that, the iBrain:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9740475/site/newsweek