I’ve been an iPod user since Apple unveiled the 4th generation iPod, and I have owned every full-size iPod since then (iPod Photo, iPod 5G). In all my iPod years, I have never been more excited for a new iPod. Why? I believe Apple perfected portable media devices with the iPod 5th generation. The next iPod is going to launch Apple into a new market, and I’m not talking about the phone market. I’m talking about the PDA market.

I purchased my first PDA back in eighth grade (2001) and used PDAs until my senior year of high school. I first owned a Palm m100, then upgraded to a Sony Clié, with my final Palm being a Zire 72s. I used to love PDAs until I started having to carry more devices. At one point my pockets consisted of a PDA, an iPod, and a cell phone. Not the most comfortable situation, leaving me to drop a device (the PDA).

Why an iPod is the Solution

I know this sounds like I should be talking about the iPhone, but hang with me a moment. To me, a smartphone is not practical. I don’t need to check my email anywhere; I’m more than content waiting to break out my laptop. I also don’t want to pay the ridiculous data fees cell phone companies charge.

However, I want to enter in appointments wherever I am or check my task list for the day. I think breaking out a notebook for something that simple is stupid. Therefore, I feel if Apple can deliver an iPod with basic PIM functionality (this must include data input), Apple will have my perfect all-in-one device.

What the Next iPod Needs

While Apple’s next iPod could be the perfect all-in-one, Apple needs to do it right. The iPhone raised the bar for what portable devices are capable of, and if Apple delivers anything less, people will be disappointed.

First, Apple’s next iPod needs to be widescreen. With more and more videos being sold in the widescreen format, a standard definition screen would look dated. Apple’s key competitors are all embracing widescreen devices, and if Apple does not also, they will quickly fall behind.

If Apple chooses to go widescreen, a touch screen is logical. Anything less would end up confusing, or leave the dimensions of the iPod looking awkward. The iPhone’s touch screen proved fingerprints to be a non-issue, so there is no reason not to use touch screen technology.

A touch screen clickwheel just won’t cut it anymore.

Before the iPhone, a virtual clickwheel would have been accepted on a touch screen iPod. I don’t think Apple could get away with that anymore. If the iPod’s interface is anything less than the iPhone’s, people will complain. I don’t necessarily think the iPod needs multitouch like the iPhone; it just needs a simple interface that fits the intended functionality.

Finally, the next iPod needs more storage. If the next iPod goes the hard drive route, anything less than 60GB on the base model will be frowned upon. The high end model will need at least 100GB to keep those users satisfied. If the flash route is chosen, the size will have to be larger than the current iPhone sizes. Apple would need a base model size of at least 16GB and a high end size of 32GB or more.

What Could Go Wrong

The next iPod could be the perfect all-in-one, but I fear Apple may get caught up in stupid features. While CoverFlow is certainly a nice feature, I don’t think it’s the feature that will get me to upgrade. The same goes for OS X. Apple seems to be pushing OS X onto every device, but if it’s doesn’t bring any enhanced functionality, I don’t care.

I also fear Apple may be looking in the wrong direction for the next iPod. I fear the “fat nano” may be the 6th generation iPod. While smaller is sometimes better, I’m personally looking for more features, not more portability. I think the “fat nano” would make a great addition to the iPod lineup, but it should not be the top-of-the-line iPod.

Conclusion

Regardless, I know Apple’s not one to disappoint, and I look forward to whatever they have in store for Wednesday. I just hope the long wait for a new iPod is worthwhile and doesn’t land us with some minor upgrade.