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Apple iPod makes the move to solid-state

September 7, 2005

Apple Computer is looking to revolutionize the consumer electronics field once again with the introduction of yet another model of its popular iPod portable music player. The iPod nano, unveiled to the public Sept. 7, holds 1,000 songs and is thinner than a standard #2 pencil.

The unit replaces the iPod mini, which was built upon a tiny hard drive. The nano, by contrast, utilizes solid-state flash memory; this prolongs battery life, reduces skipping and minimizes the chance of damage if the unit is dropped.

"Entire factories were created to make this device," Apple chief executive officer Steve Jobs told The New York Times. "Overnight we have become the largest consumer of flash memory in the world."

Apple simultaneously unveiled the Motorola ROKR, an iTunes-enabled cellular phone developed in partnership with Motorola and Cingular Wireless.

For more thoughts on solid-state storage and what it might mean to the kiosk industry, read "No moving parts: the rise of solid-state storage."