iPod Rumor Mill Back in Action

The MacWorld show that brought us the new Apple Shuffle was only 2 weeks ago, but new iPod rumors are already circulating. The source, once again, is ThinkSecret. They got the scoop on the Shuffle first (quickly followed by a lawsuit from Apple), so they've got a track record to go on.

The first rumor, according to ThinkSecret, is pretty much a no-brainer for Apple. They predict that the iPod Mini will be updated to include a 5GB Seagate drive, replacing the current 4GB Hitatchi drive. Hitatchi is currently working on 8GB and 10GB drives, but they won't be ready until later this year. Presumably Apple will go with the drive it has now, and maybe drop in the drive it wants later when they're ready.

Besides the space increase, it's not known what else might change with the iPod Mini.

A fifth-generation iPod is also supposed to be in the works for delivery in the 2nd half of this year. The no-brainer for the 5G iPod will be swapping in new drives, namely an 80GB Toshiba drive and a 40GB Toshiba drive that is smaller than the currently used 40GB drive. With the more compact 40GB drive, Apple should be able to shrink the iPod's size even further.

Also, in a departure from the now-iconic white case, Apple may change the iPod casing to match the new Apple Mini computer.

Again with the 5G iPod, no word on what new functionality will be added. Unless, of course, you consider a different case a new feature.

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