According to "IT Hardware" report from Prudential Equity Group analyst Jesse Tortora, Apple may move some of its iPod models away from HDD-based storage to solid-state NAND flash memory by the end of 2007. Such a move would pave the way for smaller form factor players and increase battery life of iPod models.
"We believe that the video iPod transition from 1.8-inch hard disk drives to NAND flash memory may occur as soon as late 2007," Tortora wrote. "Our checks indicate that Apple is considering canceling its next generation HDD-based iPod design, with the form factor refresh involving a move to NAND flash memory."
He noted that flash-based players would cost more to produce than HDD models, but said that history of iPod models shows Apple may make such a transition. "Flash memory is clearly more expensive on a $/GB basis than hard disk drives," he wrote. "However, the late 2005 Nano transition to flash provides a guide as to the point at which the previously mentioned non-cost advantages of flash memory outweigh the cost premium."
Tortora sees flash storage capacities up to 32GB as being cost-feasible, but questions whether it would be enough for video content. "Apple currently offers 30GB and 80GB HDD-based models, and will have the option to increase storage capacity up to 120GB this year based on new perpendicular recording technology," he wrote. "While the higher capacities would allow for more video storage, we view battery life as the key consideration for a move to flash."
A 30GB HDD-based video iPod will play back video content for a maximum 3.5 hours. With a flash memory model, the full battery would be sufficient for up to 60% more playback.
Source:
Apple Insider
He noted that flash-based players would cost more to produce than HDD models, but said that history of iPod models shows Apple may make such a transition. "Flash memory is clearly more expensive on a $/GB basis than hard disk drives," he wrote. "However, the late 2005 Nano transition to flash provides a guide as to the point at which the previously mentioned non-cost advantages of flash memory outweigh the cost premium."
Tortora sees flash storage capacities up to 32GB as being cost-feasible, but questions whether it would be enough for video content. "Apple currently offers 30GB and 80GB HDD-based models, and will have the option to increase storage capacity up to 120GB this year based on new perpendicular recording technology," he wrote. "While the higher capacities would allow for more video storage, we view battery life as the key consideration for a move to flash."
A 30GB HDD-based video iPod will play back video content for a maximum 3.5 hours. With a flash memory model, the full battery would be sufficient for up to 60% more playback.
Source:
Apple Insider
