New iPods and iPhone Price Cuts

Apple announced a refresh to the entire iPod line: the major story is a touch-sensitive 3.5-inch widescreen iPod that looks a lot like the iPhone and has Wi-Fi built into it. Users will be able to download content directly to the new iPods from the iTunes store using Wi-Fi networks — no computer necessary. The iPod Touch comes in a $299, 8GB model and a $399, 16GB model. The iPod touch will be available for purchase in mid to late September.

The addition of video to the Nano brought a major design change for Apple's most popular music player. The new Nano is a lot shorter than its predecessor, but to accommodate the new 2-inch wide screen, it's stretched a little wider. The 4GB model retails for $149, the 8GB model for $199. There are also 5 new colors for the Nano including a Product Red Nano that benefits the fight against AIDS in Africa.

The old iPod Video is now called the iPod Classic. It now comes in silver and black, it's case is all metal, and it's a little thinner than the previous iPod. The 80GB model retails for $249, the new 160GB model retails for $349.

The iPod shuffle has 5 new colors including its own Product Red version. It still has 1GB of storage and retails for $79. The new iPod Classic, Nano, and Shuffle will be available starting September 8th.

Finally the 8GB iPhone is getting a monster price cut. It debuted at $599, but is now being offered for $399. A software upgrade for the iPhone will also give it access to the Wi-Fi enabled iTunes store.

While some were disappointed that Steve Jobs didn't announce a brand new innovative product beyond our wildest imagination, I am personally thrilled at the price cuts. For most people, the prices on the iPhone and the video models of the iPod were ridiculously prohibitive. I like Steve Jobs' new model for the Nano, "It's a little video for everyone."