The Apple Files

Since the introduction of the 5^th Generation iPods with video, the U2 iPod has been discontinued! Well, until today that is when Apple released it again not only in 5^th Generation with video but also with a black metal back enclosure! That’s not all:

Even Better Than the Real Thing

The iPod U2 Special Edition also comes with an exclusive iTunes Music Store coupon you can redeem for a 30-minute video of music videos and band interviews.(2) Think of it as your virtual backstage pass.

The all new U2 5^th Generation iPod retails for £239 ($329 in the US) and features solely 30GB storage. That’s an extra £20 ($30 for the US) for the red click wheel, the U2 signatures and the ITMS 30-minute video coupon. It is worth it? I suppose it depends on how big a U2 fan you are or how badly you want an all black iPod!

So, where is this business of all black enclosure going? Are we going to see an all black metal back enclosure in future iPods? Last summer, we saw Apple giving away free iPod minis (in the form of a rebate) for students who bought a Mac. Was this an attempt to help clear their stock of iPod minis to make way for the upcoming iPod nanos?

It looks like the same thing is happening again this year with the nano, at least in the US for now. Buy a Mac and get a free iPod nano. So, are we going to see an updated version of the nano towards the end of the year? Maybe with an all black metal back enclosure?

Original of The Species

Like no other, iPod U2 Special Edition stands out. Jet black, it bears a prominent red Apple Click Wheel, a full-color display and, on the flip side, the autographs of each U2 band member on striking black metal. Thanks to this unique partnership between U2 and Apple, U2 fans can finally find what they’re looking for.