My Next iPod

I currently have a 5G iPod (with video) with a 60GB hard drive. It was also my first iPod (though I did buy an original Shuffle before that). Why did I wait so long to buy an iPod, you ask? Though I am an Apple fan boy, my income is not unlimited, and I set a standard that an iPod would have to meet before I would lay down the cash for one. That standard was a) video and b) a minimum of 60GB, abd the 5G fulfilled both of those requirements, so I bought it.

I've been longing for the day the "true" video iPod would appear, which it did in the form of the iPhone a few months ago, and now the iPod Touch. However, as before, I have certain criteria that must be met before I will buy either of those products. Eventually, I'm sure Apple will reach these milestones, and I will buy one or the other.

My iPhone specifications:

1. Must be unlocked OR sottware unlockable and usable with a faster 3G network (we'll see if Apple manages to undo the latest unlock hacks from iPhoneSIMfree and others over time.)


2. Must be able to take at least 640x480 video and 3 megapixel stills with the built in camera. Camera should have a flash.


3. Safari MUST be able to utilize Flash AND be able to use any other plug-in that comes along.


4. Must have AT LEAST 6 hours of video playback battery life.


5. Must have STEREO bluetooth AND the ability to control playback from the Bluetooth device (A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) and/or AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile)).


6. Should have a minimum of 30GB of storage (though I'd prefer upwards of 80GB, even if that means a hard drive instead of flash).


7. Third party apps (even if they have to be purchased through iTunes, like the iPod games.)


8. Should have iChat installed AND an iSight on the front (either rotate the existing camera or have a second camera for videoconferencing).

My iPod specifications (based on the Touch):

1. Should have a minimum of 30GB of storage (though I'd prefer upwards of 80GB, even if that means a hard drive instead of flash).


2. Must have AT LEAST 6 hours of video playback battery life.


3. Must have STEREO bluetooth AND the ability to control playback from the Bluetooth device (A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) and/or AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile)).


4. Third party apps (even if they have to be purchased through iTunes, like the iPod games.)


5. Safari MUST be able to utilize Flash AND be able to use any other plug-in that comes along.


6. Should have a camera that can take 3 megapixel stills and 640x480 video.


7. Should have iChat installed AND an iSight on the front (either rotate the existing camera or have a second camera for videoconferencing).

Once these specs are met by either of these product lines, I'll take the plunge.