Apple beefs up bytes, slims chassis on iPod

Product: Apple iPod Price: 30GB (7,500 songs) HK$3,900; 15GB (3,700 songs) HK$3,100; 10GB (2,500 songs) HK$2,500 Pros: Slim, beautifully designed, MP3 player that also can hold data Cons: Cannot record easily, a bit pricey

Apple Computer has launched a new version of the iPod, its wildly successful portable music (and data backup) device.

The new iPod is much slimmer than the previous version and the top-end model has a 30-gigabyte hard disk capacity, 10GB bigger than the previous version.

A subtle but significant feature is that the edges are now round and smooth, unlike the old version, which had a sharpish edge on one side. The new iPod is about the right size to fit in a shirt pocket, unlike its predecessor, which fitted better on a belt.

Apple first introduced its iPod in October, 2001. It immediately struck a chord with music fans who like to listen to their favourite songs on the go. Because it is based on hard disk technology, the iPod is restricted only by the size of the disk.

The 30GB version can hold up to 7,500 songs, Apple says.

Apple has made it a lot easier for Windows users by including both Mac and Windows software on the CD-Rom that comes with the product. Mac users can organise their music with Apple's built-in iTunes, while Windows users can install Musicmatch Jukebox.