Apple debuts new U2 iPod

Please allow me to be the first to say: "Whoopdey-Freeekin'-Do"!

My 3G 10GB iPod is showing it's age, but I'll be holding off on a new one until they release the larger-screen version, hopefully this summer still.

I like some U2 material, but I'm not a huge fan. Still, the stainless steel enclosure sounds cool, it might be worth the extra $30.

The interesting thing about the U2 iPod since its inception 18 months ago is, it's been selling to people who probably aren't U2 fans. In short, as the Clinton '92 campaign might say, it's the design, stupid.

I first noticed the U2 iPod's cache not in a U2 video, but in the January '05 video for The Game's "How We Do," in which the distinctive red-and-black device made an appearance. For months afterward, the only folks I saw on NYC subways carrying a U2 iPod were B-boys blasting hip-hop. (Not to say you can't love both rap and U2 – I for one love both – but I could tell these guys weren't jamming to Achtung Baby.)

I think the main reasons the U2 iPod sold well, despite predictions to the contrary, was its distinctive, badass color combination, and the fact that until fall '05, it was the only iPod available in black. It will be interesting to see if this new edition sells well, too, now that you can buy both nanos and full-size Pods in black; perhaps the red click wheel will continue to have appeal.

One thing I can tell you, though – Apple isn't doing this solely because of their ongoing nice-nice relationship with Bono; U2's latest album is now ancient by Top 40 standards and is no longer being actively promoted. They're refreshing it because it looks cool and it sold well, plain and simple.

You are better off waiting for the 6th generation iPod...but when it arrives it's anyone's guess.

Pete Avila (from engadget) said: "Did they make the U2 because they couldnt finish the true video ipod? I think this U2 is just a way to buy apple some time!"

I agree, Another band besides U2 needs to get on the iPod Train.

Anybody else here thinking this? I think the Nano is going to become a 'video iPod' nano soon anyway (6-12 Gig). but with less memory still than the Hard Drive players (Max Capacity 80-100 Gig area). Flash is better anyway.

Special_K wrote: "Ummm... do we really need another one of these? I'd dig a Beck iPod, or a Wynton Marsellis iPod (in fact, that makes sense, considering the iTunes session...)"

I think it doesn't have to be limited to just a 'Wynton Marsalis' iPod. How about just one or maybe two different styles that emulate the "Jazz" or "Blues" Genres.

The would need to be . . . 1) "either made of a different metal entirely like "brushed Brass", (Look similar to the back of the U2 ipod), shiny or give it a Brassy look. and

2) Come out with a trumpet/sax "Brass" color with purple clickwheel or, "Blues" iPod, (rather than Steel? or whatever metal they use) or white with Blue (as in Wyton Jazz ipod commercial background blue) clickwheel (or vice versa Blue with grey/white clickwheel.

At the MacWorld Conference on Oct. 19, 2005 when the "insanely great" Steve Gods, uhh Jobs, debuted 'Front Row' He Encored the Conference with Wynton Marsalis' Jazz Group, (Now that was some Good Jazz! :D Anyway, He could have that group play again at the debut of the (video) ipod nano & Jazz ipod, (similar to this one U2) which is signed by Marsalsis's Group.

Either this or a/many Disney-Pixar Branded iPods with all six Pixar shorts/or a movie or 2 {including Cars(R)} already installed and the introduction of the Apple iWatch Store, Etc. (Mike Wazouski Green anybody, with an eye sticker for the Menu Button?).

Any other color/ipod genre ideas?

(More Apple & Disney-Pixar iPod Speculation to come!) on here and Engadget! :D

Apple: "We Changed Musical/Media History--Again!" :D

Please No Flames & pardon all name missspellings, Sorry!

When I saw this design again I first thought it was going to be for Nike instead of U2. I just haven't seen anything on their albums or music videos that is black and red.