Cheap Classic

Introduction

The first Classic had a total of 5GB storage, not alot in today's terms. It cost $399, soon came a 1G Classic which had a total of 10GB storage, and was one hundred dollars more at $499. The prices stayed the same for the 2G model, but the storage space was increased, with a 10GB and 20GB versions released. But, Apple saw the need to find new customers, so they continued to sell their first 1G model for a discount of 100 dollars less at $299.

They continued this pricing structure over to the 3G model, with three different models selling for $299, $399 and $499 respectively. By 2004 and the 4G model Apple phased out a model costing $499, believing the price unrealistic, with most 3G sales being for the two lower priced versions. The same thing happened for the 5G Classic. By 2008 this did not continue for the 6G model. It appears by this date Apple were wanting to concentrate their efforts on other iPods. Therefore, they released just one Classic model, costing $250.

The term 'Classic' was only applied to this model in 2007, before this date this model was simply referred to as an 'iPod'.

News

Steve Wozniak sees death of iPod

As a cofounder of Apple Computers, a certain amount of weight is given to what Steve Wozniak says, especially about all things Apple. What's surprising is it's not all positive, especially when it comes to Apple's best selling product, the iPod.

The problem Wozniak highlighted was as technology advances all hardware devices eventually become obsolete, like the Walkman. And it was to be expected that the Apple iPod Classic would eventually suffer the same fate.

The issue is the size and storage technology of the Classic. Featuring a hard disk, it's very probable that flash memory will equal the storage space of a hard disk, but with the added advantage of weight and less power usage. It's actually predicted by many analysts that the iPod Classic may not even continue for the next two to three years.

It does appear that Apple have noted Wozniak's advice, evolving their range of 'i' products, for example, with the introduction of the iPhone. He was not giving much away, but, Steve indicated that the next 'i' product could be the iWatch.

iPods to be taxed in the UK?

A new tax has been muted by Ofcom, which would be applied to all sales of iPods. The suggestion came after an investigation into the funding of public service broadcasting. The revenue received through advertising for Channel 4 etc., has seen a rapid decrease in recent years.

To combat this Ofcom seem to be suggesting a tax on all the things which has effected this revenue creation. So your sky bskyb box, your ISP monthly payment, CDs, DVDs, media players will all be hit with an added tax to supplement the like of C4 News.

The public reaction to yet another tax to fund public broadcasters have been unequivocally negative. A final decision is far from being decided, so for the next year Ofcom will be consulting the private and public sectors before giving their recommendations to the UK government.