Samsung slashing prices on 4GB memory modules for a flash iPod mini?

In what is one of the more encouraging signs sign yet that Apple is planning a flash-based version of the iPod mini, Tom's Hardware reports that Samsung, which already supplies the flash memory modules used in the iPod shuffle, has offered to cut the price of its 4GB flash memory module by roughly 50% in order to make it competitive with the 4GB Microdrives that Apple currently uses in the 4GB iPod mini. That'd severely undercut every other supplier's pricing and make it possible for Apple to offer a smaller, lighter 4GB iPod mini without a mini hard drive. That also means an iPod mini with no moving parts that could be damaged during exercise.

[Thanks, CoreyTheGent and AFD]

[Pom @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

Well that certainly answers all the criticism before mentioning that flash based memory in such large capacities is absurdly expensive compared to hard drives.

[DaLa @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

only paving the way to the 8 Gb flash they already have

[Alexander Barbara @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

That is an absolutely brilliant idea. I love my iPod, but I still use my RIO PMP500 to go running because there are no moving parts.

http://www.wealthjunkie.com

[Hacp @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

Very good. 20 hour + battery life could go up to 30 hours + ....

[Alex @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

that would be a smart choice on apples/samsungs part.
A flash based ipod mini would be phenomenal.

[Whiplash @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

Sounds cool. Althouth I've dropped my mini at least 4 times while running on the treadmill and it never even skipped a beat.

[Tuolumne @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

THANKS FOR THE CREDIT Corey!! :irked:

http://sprintusers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=73537

[Chris Kalan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

It would be smarter for Apple to release a 4GB flash mini than it would be to release a 4GB shuffle. I mean, at 4GB, you really do need a screen, plus that makes the mini the only (that I am aware of) 4GB flash player out there.

[Joseph T. @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

They're just getting ready for the color screen iPod mini being announced in Paris.

[John Connuck @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

I agree, this makes the idea of running with your mini a hole lot more appealing. I also agree that at 4GB you definately do need a screen. I'm not sure that the mini needs a color screen, although it will probably get one. Personally I think the color screen is nice, but I know there are people like my brother who prefer the monochrome screen and would choose it even if they were the same price.

[Donnie @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

Makes sense since the SDRAM days (1998-2002), when Samsung supplied RAM for Apple.

[Jesus @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

I write rhymes about this ish:

Ipod flash drives
look alive
On the Samsung tip
Don't dip
Apple
Don't dip

Peace out

[Jonathan N. @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

Nice. They could maintain the same form factor and simply use the extra space for a larger li-ion polymer battery. I smell iPod Mini Colors on the horizon.

[Kibiyama @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

Are we going to get the star rating things like the Euro Engadget has?

On-topic: The lack of moving parts would reduce battery usage. ++cool points

[Jeff @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

Does it not seem more likely that this will pave the way for the 4GB iPod Shuffles we've been speculating about?

I think it's more likely that the Mini will get a bump to 8GB or 10GB, with a hard drive, and the Shuffles will get a bump to 2GB and 4GB with possibly a small screen. The "big" iPods will get a redesign.

I think potentially Apple's lineup would be something like 1GB, 2GB and 4GB Shuffles, 6GB and 10GB Minis (or 8GB and 10GB Minis), and 20GB, 40GB and 60GB 5G iPods. That would cover all the major price points as well (with the 1GB shuffles dropping in price to where the 512MB is now).

[Alec @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

hell, I am getting a flash based mini if it comes out. I love the size and design of the mini, but I am an athlete and I needed (but mostly wanted) a flash based mp3 player so it would't get damaged playing different sports, thus I got a shuffle.

[BroadScot @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

If I keep waiting for the next improved version like this I dont think I will ever enter the market! Flash is most definately tyhe way to, now to wait for the 60Gb version!

[pujutengineered @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

This will definitely benefit the market

[alpha-sphere @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

I think the most intresting thing would be the price. If it stays the same as the current mini maybe we can open up the mini and use the 4GB in our digital camera? Just like they did with some creative flash player.

[cf18 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

Well I hope Apple actually make something new this time. Screenless shuffle just sucks for 1G+, and mini is unnecessary huge for a flash player.

But isn't Samsung also trying to go big on the MP3 player scene? I would like a 4G YP-T7 if it has a functional playlist feature.

[Mike @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

Does this also mean that the Ipod Mini will have to be formatted as FAT? *shivers*

[enricogiacomo @ Dec 19th 2005 12:18AM]

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