Possible new iPod causing buzz

Is Apple Computer Inc fine-tuning an enhanced iPod with roughly 50 percent more storage and a colour screen to display photos?

The Internet sites that follow Apple’s coming product releases are buzzing with speculation that the iconic computer maker is preparing to unveil a 60-gigabyte iPod that would become its top-of-the-line offering. Apple, of Cupertino, California, declined to comment on the reports, which gained momentum in recent weeks after a key supplier announced plans to produce a larger portable hard drive. In the past, Apple watchers used Hitachi’s announcement of its 1-inch hard drive to accurately predict the arrival of the popular iPod mini.

But if true, analysts said the move by Apple would be among the most significant yet to transform the popular iPod music player into a broader entertainment platform that would raise the stakes in Apple’s competition with Microsoft Corp. Among the Apple rumor sites, ThinkSecret cited “highly reliable sources” in reporting that Apple would announce a 60-gigabyte iPod within the next 60 days, in time for the holidays. (For story, see: http://www.thinksecret.com)

Many financial analysts who follow Apple also closely track the rumor sites, which have at times in the past accurately predicted new versions of the iPod, for example, and other products by the famously tight-lipped company.

“The iPod has the potential of evolving into an ever more powerful entertainment platform,” said Tim Bajarin, an analyst at research firm Creative Strategies, adding that he had no specific knowledge that Apple was readying a bigger iPod, which some industry watchers believe would cost about $500. reuters