Apple Computer today announced a higher capacity iPod Mini MP3 player at 6GB that will debut in blue, pink, green and silver, with the gold version being discontinued. The new model will debut at $249US ($319CAD), dropping the previous 4GB model to $199US ($249CAD). The new models now feature up to 18 hours of battery life.

“The iPod mini is now available at the magic price point of $199,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “At this breakthrough price point, and with more than twice the battery life, the new iPod mini should appeal to even more music lovers.”

Also available are new mini armbands and lanyards at $29US ($39CAD) and $19US ($29CAD) respectively.

In addition to the new iPod Minis, Apple also announced a new slim 30GB and 60GB iPod model which can hold up to 15,000 songs and up to 25,000 photos. The new models will sell for $349US ($439CAD) and $449US ($569CAD) respectively.

“The new slim 30GB iPod photo at just $349 lets music lovers enjoy their iPod in full color, including album artwork along with their personal photo library,” said Jobs. “And now you can import photos from your digital camera directly into iPod photo with the optional iPod Camera Connector.”

In addition to the new hardware, Apple also released a new accessory, the iPod Camera Connector, which allows anyone to connect their digital camera directly to their iPod Photo for immediate picture viewing. The connector is optional and costs $29US ($39CAD).

The new models are available immediately at apple.com.






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