New iPods!

Woah Apple actually unveiled three new iPods on 5 Sept: the all new iPod Touch modelled after the iPhone, with touch screen and wi-fi capabilities(!); the revamped iPod nano with video capabilities; and the iPod shuffle in new colours. The iPod Touch looks extremely promising - imagine serving the net on the go and watching youtube videos on a dedicated player - except for the meagre flash storage (8/16GB for now), and price ($498/698).

To put things in perspective, the iPod classic (the 5th Gen HDD iPod) only costs $428 and $598 for 80GB and 160GB respectively. Which is why Apple is really smart to retain the iPod classic in its line-up, instead of replacing it with the Touch.

The release, coincidentally or not, surely stole the thunder from Creative, which also released its new flagship portable media player earlier this month. Mr. Sim should be panicking as his product immediately pales in comparison. Not wise to hold on to Creative shares, as Apple, not a company to rest on its laurels, is evidently looking to consolidate and extend its leadership in the DAP (digital audio player) market with its range of well-designed and sexy iPods.

They already have a repeat customer in yours truly.