As Ball State University's computer store prepares to release the new iPod Nano, Shuffle and Touch, students have different reactions to the newest addition to the Apple family.
David Scott, assistant director for Unified Technology and who also helps at the computer store, said they are expecting to receive their order sometime this week. They will be supplied with a variety of colors and models.
"We try to get a few of each color," he said. "And once we start selling, we monitor which color goes out first. Based on that we'll order more with that particular color."
Although the store does not know what to expect as far as what will sell out the most, Scott said the new iPod touch with an attached camera may be the most attractive.
Earlier this month, Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Inc, said the new iPods are part of "the biggest change in the iPod lineup ever."
The new iPod nano, 6th generation, shows the most extensive changes. Exploiting the rising popularity of touch screens, like on the iPad and iPhone, Apple introduced a square-shaped device with a 1.54 inch screen as the successor of the more rectangular iPod nano of the 5th generation.
Among other features the new iPod Nano boasts an FM radio tuner, a shake-to-shuffle feature and a built-in clip.
However, features like video playback, microphone and camcorder have disappeared.
Different reactions among students and staff members toward the new generation iPod vary. Freshman political science major Jakob Ogle said he did not like the newer version of the iPod Nano.
"The whole thing doesn't seem like much of an improvement," he said. "It looks dumb."
Ben Reckelhoff, a worker at the Emerging Media Initiative, said although he likes the iPod touch, he found the new Nano too small.
"I like to have weight on my iPod, so that when I plug in my headphones it doesn't sway around," he said.
The changes to the 5th generation iPod shuffle and iPod touch are less dramatic. The shuffle now includes a VoiceOver feature that audibly reads out what one is listening to at the touch of a button. Also, clickable buttons return with the new model.
Finally, the iPod touch comes out with more visual improvements. Apple included its own video calling feature for the iPod touch. FaceTime lets friends speak to and see each other. HD video recording and a higher resolution are also new improvements to the iPod touch.
Brandon Stephens, a Ball State alumnus who now works at Emerging Technologies, Media Design and training, has a 2nd generation iPhone and a 5th generation iPod Touch, and he is happy with his Apple products. He said he did not think many changes were made to any of the newer iPods.
"It's not revolutionary," he said. "It's just part of the evolution of the iPod. They come up with these high technology products and then provide them for lower cost."
The iPod Nano is available with 8GB for the retail price of $149 and 16GB for $179. An 8GB, 32GB and 64GB version of the iPod touch go for $229, $299 and $399, respectively. The iPod shuffle comes only with 2GB and sales for only $49.
Sharon Hernandez contributed to this report
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