Flash-based iPod days away

Apple's long-rumored flash-based iPod will be introduced at Macworld Expo in 1GB and likely 2GB versions, Think Secret has confirmed. Various details regarding the device have emerged days before Apple CEO Steve Jobs is set to unveil the tiny music player during his keynote address.

Rapidly falling flash prices have enabled Apple to buy 1GB modules from Samsung at a relatively low cost, sources report, which in turn will allow Apple to sell the device for $149. Sources have also suggested that a 2GB version, packing two tiny 1GB flash modules, may sell for $199.

The device is currently being manufactured by Taiwain-based Asustek, which Apple brought on towards the end of the summer as a second ODM for manufacturing iPods. Sources say the flash-based iPod will be powered by a chipset from SigmaTel and that it will feature a screen that is the same width as the iPod mini's but two lines shorter.

Not certain at this point is what sort of touch-based interface the device will use. Some sources have suggested that device will forgo Apple's ClickWheel, featured on the iPod mini and 4G iPod, and will instead have more buttons, like the first generation iPod.

Also unknown is when the device will be available. Initially, sources say Apple was hoping to have plenty of stock on hand for the product's roll-out to meet anticipated high demand and avoid the typical shortages associated with new Apple hardware. However, insiders report that recent manufacturing issues may postpone the device's full-scale roll-out for as long as a month.

AppleInsider and various analysts have recently reported that Apple will bump the iPod mini to 5GB at Macworld Expo, widening the feature set between the mini and the forthcoming flash-based iPod and ensuring that the lighter, more durable flash-based iPod won't diminish sales of its slightly larger counterpart.

Source: Think Secret