Rumormongering for fun and profit: true video iPod edition

We don’t spend a lot of time on rumors here at MacUser. Yes, we know they’re endlessly fascinating, but we figured you might be more interested in what’s actually going on and not what might perhaps maybe be about to happen, we think. While we’d love to tell you all about the latest and greatest Apple developments that our confidential sources tell us, well, we don’t actually have any confidential sources (if you’re a confidential source, totally drop us a line).

That doesn’t stop everybody. While perusing the old RSS feeds last night, I came across this article on Apple Gazette about how the True video iPod (one of the many mockups of which you can see above) is imminent. The story also made it pretty high up on digg, providing me with yet another in the long line of reasons to be skeptical about that site’s use.

Anyway, let’s take a quick look at the Apple Gazette article and see what has them so gosh darn convinced that a true video iPod will be appearing in everybody’s stockings next week (what, you don’t put up your stockings all year round? Boy are you missing out).

Engadget reported earlier this month that they had confirmation from multiple, separate, and trusted sources that Apple was finished with the long awaited widescreen/wireless Video iPod. Engadget also stated that the device would be announced in the very near future.

Now, we love the big E here at MacUser. Our own Blogger Emeritus, Cyrus Farivar, is the Senior Associate Editor over there and we trust him with our very lives. Still, I don’t think even Engadget would claim papal infallibility.

Oct. 23rd marks the 5th anniversary of the iPod. Could there be a better time to announce this next generation of iPod?

Yes. Last month when Apple announced downloadble movies and the 5.5G iPod.

The Newsweek article posted this weekend that is specifically about the iPod and it’s [sic] 5th anniversary. It is also suspiciously void of ANY conversation about a video iPod, or even (more than a passing remark) about iPod’s video playing capabilities - even though the main graphic on the site showcases the new iTunes movies.

Duh duh DUH! Oh, wait. That doesn’t actually make any sense. Are you saying that Newsweek is saving up its comments on the iPod’s video playback functionality, or lack thereof? And that points to a new iPod? Okey dokey.

Microsoft’s “iPod Killing” Zune launches on Nov. 14th. Launching a new iPod with wireless capabilities so close to Zune’s arrival will absolutely take the wind from Microsoft’s sails. Microsoft’s main selling points for their bulky device is wifi and a large screen (even though it’s the same resolution as a Video iPod - but that’s another article all together). A widescreen and wireless Video iPod, even one that’s more expensive than a Zune (which this device is sure to be) will be another strong nail in the coffin of the Zune.

Okay, that’s not a bad argument, but I’m fairly certain the Zune doesn’t need Apple’s help to become the New Coke of music players. Though, admittedly, it would be funny to see Apple deliver a one-two punch of a new iPod beating the Zune and Leopard beating Vista.

There is a hole at the top of the iPod food chain (price wise, at least). Is Apple really going to let the holiday season come and go with no major upping of the ante for the iPod. We seriously doubt it.

If by “hole” you mean the infinite amount of space above the $349 pricetag on the 80GB iPod. Consider my doubt not so serious. It’s an interesting point, but I think the iPod has hit the sweet spot for price. Still, I’m intrigued by the implicit suggestion here that Apple will supplement the 5.5G iPod with the true video (6G?) iPod. Given that the 5.5G is only a month old, there’s no way they’re going to replace it with a new model. I think that’s one reason many have discounted a true video iPod appearing in the short term—they expect Apple to pull a mini-nano move, swapping the iPod with video for the video iPod. But there is room at the top of the “food chain,” as they put it, to pop in a $400 or $450 video iPod. Sure.

So what are we left with? Two half-convincing arguments and a bunch of rumor and supposition. The amount of speculation and rampant rumors on this subject are second only to that of the mythical iPhone. If a true video iPod does materialize next week, well, I’ll be needing some serious barbecue sauce for my hat, I suppose. And a hair cut.