James Delahunty
8 Jun 2007 17:36
According to memory module makers (particularly in Taiwan), an NAND flash-based iPod video is in Apple Inc.'s plans as has long been speculated. However, the company has set no launch schedule for such an iPod model. Currently available video-capable iPod models come with conventional hard disk drives (HDD), which are supplied by Toshiba and Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, for storage.
Besides the iPod Shuffle and Nano, all iPods include a HDD. Using NAND flash for storage in MP3 players has key benefits in access times, power consumption and product lifespan. Some memory makers in Taiwan have reported that over the third quarter Apple placed monthly orders for about 20 million units of NAND flash, suggesting the company is planning for increased demand.
However, based on current price trends, Apple may have to hold off the NAND iPod video model for another while as the product would not be competitive.
Source:
DigiTimes