Apple Does It Again

Larry Magid: 'Video' iPod A Nifty Extra To Popular Original

(CBS) 
While I like the way video looks on an iPod, I’m not thrilled with the ergonomics of watching video on a 2.5-inch screen. Although this is a personal preference, I found that the screen looks best when it’s about 12 inches from my eyes –- in my case about the same distance as reading material. Trouble is, if you lay it down on a typical desk, table or airline tray table, it’s going to be further away.

It’s still acceptable, but not ideal. So for the best viewing position you need to hold it in your hand, which can get uncomfortable after a while. Given the market for iPod accessories, I’m sure someone will come up with a stand and, who knows, maybe something you wear around your neck that puts the iPod into a good viewing position.

It’s also important to point out that many people do have options when it comes to portable video. I still prefer to watch movies on my laptop when I travel. Some people have portable DVD players.

Still, there is something to be said about having a video player that can fit in your pocket. Unlike a laptop, you can pull it out if you find yourself with a little time on your hands, like waiting in line or –- though some people might consider this rude –- while waiting for your meal to come at a restaurant if you’re dining alone.

It’s also a pretty good answer to the nagging "are we there yet" question kids tend to ask while riding in the back seat of the car, though, as a parent, I prefer having the kids look out the window and interact with others in the car.

You don’t have to be all that desperate to download a copy of "Desperate Housewives." You can do it from within the new version of iTunes (6.0) that was also released last week. Apple cut a deal with Disney (which owns ABC) to allow users to download episodes of two ABC hits – "Desperate Housewives" and "Lost" as well as some Disney children shows.

You can download music videos and shorts from Pixar. Apple CEO Steve Jobs is also head of Pixar. Most shows and music videos cost $1.99. It took me just over 20 minutes per episode to download "Desperate Housewives" and "Lost."

The shows, which run an hour on TV with commercials, are commercial-free and run for about 43 minutes. You can also watch the shows full-screen using iTunes on a PC or a Mac.

Because the new iPod is a full iPod there is no doubt in my mind that it will do well because the video, however trendy, is an add-in that is icing on the cake. If you already have an iPod, I see no reason to rush out and replace it since, even without an iPod, you can still get a free copy of iTunes 6 and watch these shows on your computer. Still, with the video, thinner models, more storage and competitive price, there’s no question that Apple will continue to dominate the portable digital music player market.

Oops, make that portable digital media player market.

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A syndicated technology columnist for nearly two decades, Larry Magid serves as on air Technology Analyst for CBS Radio News. His technology reports can be heard several times a week on the CBS Radio Network. Magid is the author of several books including "The Little PC Book."