The design is definitely a notch above other user concepts, but as an owner of a 2nd gen 20 GB iPod, I can already see that while the size is most definitely appealing, this design won't work.

Namely, there is no scroll wheel. I can't imagine the amount of effort it will take to scroll through a list of several hundred songs with the vertical stripe that's on this design. Can you imagine wiping your finger or your thumb in an up-and-down motion a dozen or two dozen times just to get to the "songs that start with R" in your song list? I already have close to 1000 songs on my iPod (all legally purchased, either ripped from my CD collection or downloaded from iTunes) and even with the continuous action of the scroll wheel, sometimes it takes 5 or 6 revolutions to get to where I want. I can't imagine having to swipe and reswipe the vertical bar multiple times compared to the fluidity of the scroll wheel.

I guess is that the if Apple does introduce the mini iPod, the design will be even sweeter than this respectable (but not-quite-practical) concept.

"I like this fake "new iPod" more than I like the actual one.."

"It's quite well done, and gives more screen room than the actual one."

Being that this little missive concerned the alleged mini-iPod, do the above quotes mean you've actually seen one?? On or before 5 January?? Prey tell where?

My apologies, I wasn't clear about what I was referring to when I was saying "actual one". I didn't see the new one before anyone else did -- I was referring to the larger, current iPods.

I will say having seen the newer ones, I'm really shocked at how much I dislike them -- those metallic colors just put me off, and dual-use buttons with a rocker-jog-wheel combination just isn't user friendly. Twirl the wheel, and hope you don't accidentally press too hard on one side? Ech.

I can see Paul's point on the stripe versus the jog-wheel -- but it's an interesting approach, at least. But I would argue that if you think of it like a jog-wheel on the side of a device, it makes more sense -- one thumb is used to dial the wheel, and is within easy reach of that hand. On the iPod's jog-wheel, the hand has to stretch across the whole device.

HEY! That's a sweet design! It looks like the layout would make much more sense than having all of the buttons under your fingers, and the screen is bigger, which matters the most.
Nice. You should seel your idea to Apple. The new mini's, and in fact, all the ipods kind of suck. Maybe find a way to increase battery life? or compatibility?

I would love to buy one of these fake ipods but can anybody tell me where

u guys are just wanabees who cant afford to buy real 1s. i can understand a 40gb ipod is usless really since it has a way to big capacity but 4 gb is not and it sells reasonabley well apple co. doesnt fuck around im sorry. get ur sorry asses up and get a decent fucking job