Apple obviously seems to be morphing the iPod family’s connectivity from FireWire-centric to USB-centric. The newest member of the iPod lineup, the iPod shuffle connects via USB 1.1 and 2.0 through integrated USB connector. Today’s latest iPod mini and iPod photo connects via USB 2.0 and FireWire 400 (with FireWire cable, sold separately) through Dock connector.
Only the older iPod Special Edition and iPod models seem to still come with FireWire connectivity (FireWire cable) out-of-the-box, featuring both USB 2.0 and FireWire 400. One guess is all it should take to figure out that the next iPod revision will probably not ship with a FireWire Cable and rely upon USB 2.0 instead.
FireWire was the original iPod’s only connection. Apple invented FireWire. You’d think Apple would use its iPod platform to expand FireWire’s reach, not diminish it. Unfortunately, most Wintel PC’s do not come with FireWire standard while all Macs do. It’s ironic that Apple feels they have to knife their own baby in favor of Intel-developed USB, which many consider to be inferior for data transfer compared to FireWire. If the iPod shuffle is any indication, soon FireWire connectivity for all iPods will be discontinued.
So, Mac + iPod users are in the interesting position of being considered second class citizens by Apple, the maker of the Macintosh no less, as Mac users are being forced to pay extra for the superior FireWire connectivity that our iPods would naturally utilize to connect to our Macs. Because more Windows users buy iPods than Mac users, the iPod’s connectivity is being dumbed down to match Wintel PC’s second-rate “standards.” Enjoy!
What’s next, Apple, building Windows key support into iTunes and forcing Mac users to use a mapped function key on their Mac keyboards?
Note to Apple: be very careful with your Mac users. Do not force Mac users into substandard “solutions” just because that’s what the majority of Wintel PC users happen to be stuck with or “tax” Mac users an extra $20 because we want to use the better, Apple-invented connectivity solution that’s built into our better, Apple-invented Mac computers. Apple, you should allow users to choose between FireWire or USB 2.0 cables at the point of purchase, at least at your online store. We Mac users have been treated as second class citizens for years from most other tech companies, do we now have to endure being treated that way by Apple, too? Remember the people that kept your company going for many bleak years. Mac users are watching what you do and how you treat us now very, very closely.
We have a message in to Apple and will update this article with any response they choose to give, if they do indeed choose to respond.
Related MacDailyNews articles:
Apple should include a combo FireWire and USB 2.0 cable in every iPod box – February 24, 2005
Petition to Apple for iPod FireWire support posted online – February 23, 2005
Apple updates ‘iPod photo’ family with new slim 30GB model, debuts new iPod Camera Connector – February 23, 2005
Apple unveils new 6GB iPod mini for $249, 4GB model now priced at just $199 – February 23, 2005
I’m a huge Apple fan and think this is a very smart move by Apple.
They’ve got no need to ‘push’ firewire through their ipod line just because it’s theirs. They realize that usb2 more than meets the needs of speed for music transfers on the ipod, and now that most new macs ship with usb-2, they’re not letting down anyone. And ‘dumbing down’ the ipod!?!? Then I guess they dumbed down all Macs when they put in USB-2 support.
This move just shows that Apple is a smart computer company that is not afraid to make innovative and industry-changing moves….but has the sense to adopt something if it works. USB-2 works for the ipod.
For years we all complained that Apple stuck too strongly to its NIH (Not Invented Here) approach, now when they actually have a product that brings in revenue from PC users we complain that they use a technology NIH. Whatever. After all, it was Apple who made the Intel-developed USB popular. Without Apple PC users would still be connecting printers with 1284 cables and keyboards with PS/2 cables.
Also, rickl is right. You don’t need the added advantages of FireWire with an iPod. With a FireWire equipped digtital camcorder you can record directly to disk instead of tape saving the import time (a device to device connection). It isn’t as if you can connect an iPod to a CD player which will transfer encoded songs to the iPod; you still need a computer and iTunes for that.
Truth detector – I guess I wouldn’t know since I connect mine to the most convenient USB port – the one on the keyboard – but your comment shows that you have totally missed my point – some truth detector you are. Thanks for the irrelevent tidbit though, it may mean something to someone.
Well, I’m happy because it means one travel charger that will work for both the iPod Shuffle and the new iPod Photo I’ve just ordered. Time to be pragmatic – I will still probably use the Firewire cable I’ve got from my old iPod when synching with the computer, because in my experience it’s faster and less problematic. But let’s not forget that USB languished until Apple adopted it on the iMac – so USB and Macs go hand in hand.
…and as for not being able to plug it into the USB port on your eMac, well, a USB extended cable costs about $1 – in fact one came with my Apple keyboard, you can have it if you like…
I think this can be taken care of if Apple just allows customers to bring in the USB 2 cord that comes with the iPOd and exchange it for hte FIrewire cord.
I can understand Apple not including both it eats into the margin.
Good business move.
ricki,
USB2 has a burst max transfer rate of 480. Burst means a very short rush of data. The rest of the time the actual sustained throughput is MUCH slower. Firewire on the other hand is capable of sustained, continuous 400 throughput. Its MUCH MUCH faster and more reliable for transfering large amounts of data, like say 60 gig of photos and/ or music.
The basic iPod connector hasn’t changed. Mac and other firewire users just have to buy a cable. Sorry, but its the same deal with buying a printer. Cable not included. Not that big of a deal for the price, HUGE deal in real life data transfer performance.
They’ve got no need to ‘push’ firewire through their ipod line just because it’s theirs. They realize that usb2 more than meets the needs of speed for music transfers on the ipod, and now that most new macs ship with usb-2, they’re not letting down anyone. And ‘dumbing down’ the ipod!?!? Then I guess they dumbed down all Macs when they put in USB-2 support.
The problem isn’t that Apple is offering USB 2 as well as FireWire 400 with their iPod products. The problem lies in the fact that Apple was shipping both USB and FireWire cables with the iPods so the user had a choice out of the box, but now they’re snubbing their nose to their own loyal customer base, which primarily use FireWire for high speed connectivity with external devices. Even today with USB 2.0 versus FireWire 400, FireWire is still faster as every benchmark has shown.
http://barefeats.com/usb2.html
Good move by Apple. They’re listening to the market and delivering what the customers want. How can people complain about that? If you want a firewire cable, buy one.
Good move by Apple. They’re listening to the market and delivering what the customers want. How can people complain about that? If you want a firewire cable, buy one.
It’s as easy as saying; “you want a USB cable, buy one”.
I can’t believe the reaction to this. Who cares if it’s USB2 or Firewire? Sure, Firewire is superior but USB2 isn’t bad. Apple made an economic move. Hopefully, their stock will continue to climb…
And the question is; why buy a USB cable for $20 bucks, when you can buy a FireWire card for the same amount at your local Wal-Mart? So why do Mac users have to suffer, when PC users should just get on-board and expand their freakin’ tower (since that’s why they own a PC in the first place)!
MDN Magic Word; question
Gee – my third post, sorry folks. Truth Detector, according to Apple, my shuffle should not be connected to my eMac keyboard because it supposedly will not charge. However, it is doing it just fine. There may some differences in the eMac models.
Darknite – thanks for the info, however, in most cases, you will fill up as much of your 60GB ipod as you can, ONCE, and thereafter incrementally add small amounts of data (songs). USB 2 is still more that adequate. Maybe if you are using it primarily as a portable hard drive then firewire is the choice. I still think this is a non issue. And Firewire still has a great potential for the future.
“Note to Apple: be very careful with your Mac users. Do not force Mac users into substandard “solutions” just because that’s what the majority of Wintel PC users happen to be stuck with. Remember the people that kept your company going for many bleak years. “
Ridiculous! Those users that stayed with Apple through the bleak years proved that Apple need not worry about them at all. They’ll stick through anything. Mac users are one demographic that Apple need not be careful with.
DudeMac,
Good question. Firewire card for PC users is the same price as the firewire cable for mac users. So, it would seem that the 2% marketshare myth has struck at mac users from inside Apple itself. How is that for irony?
MDN word = tax? As in now Apple charges Mac users an Apple Tax?
ph8te wrote: “and for those with older Macs with USB 1, there is always the option of buying a USB 2.0 PCI-Card.”
Unless, like the vast majority of Mac users, you have an iMac, eMac, iBook, or PowerBook.
I think people have lost sight of the fact that a 4GB mini + FireWire cable still costs $31 less today than the same thing did yesterday. And there’s now an iPod at every $50 price point from $99 up to $349. The iPod family matured in a big way this morning and all we can do is complain about a $19 cable!
hey, my firewire ports are full. I am glad I have the option of using an open USB port. Do not have to diconnect the fire wire hardrive that HOLDS ALL MY ITUNES. can you say USB compatability is a feature/benefit?
This is the typical crap that happens when a loser (Al Gore) is “thieving money” form us, the Mac loyalist…
Let the herd of lemmins run wild…and feed on USB2 but, FireWire should not be ignored!
Folks, don’t be silly!
Apple cut the price of these new models by some $50. The FireWire cable costs $20. Do the math. You still save, and Apple makes it easier for the the majority of non-FireWire owning PC folks to pick up an iPod.
And on another note: If you want the extra benefits of FireWire, why not pay for it?
All in all, this Apple made a good business decision. Mind you, if they nix the FireWire connectivity altogether in the non-Flash ‘Pods, then I’d have concerns.
Folks, don’t be silly!
Apple cut the price of these new models by some $50. The FireWire cable costs $20. Do the math. You still save, and Apple makes it easier for the the majority of non-FireWire owning PC folks to pick up an iPod.
You do the math; a FireWire card can be had for $20 bucks and PC users always tout why they like their PC, because they can expand it. Well go and get a FireWire card and expand away!!!
bdb, I agree with you. The fact that Apple has dropped prices and increased capacity on an iPod model is GREAT news.
MDN word expected …. Mac users are expected to display this sort of behavior when they feel the least bit slighted over the most trivial of $19 items.
I would understand this response if Apple nixed the FireWire interface, but not over leaving the cable out.
Dudemac Quote: “The problem isn’t that Apple is offering USB 2 as well as FireWire 400 with their iPod products. The problem lies in the fact that Apple was shipping both USB and FireWire cables with the iPods so the user had a choice out of the box, but now they’re snubbing their nose to their own loyal customer base, which primarily use FireWire for high speed connectivity with external devices. Even today with USB 2.0 versus FireWire 400, FireWire is still faster as every benchmark has shown.”
They’re not snubbing their nose to their loyal customer base. That’d be the case if they discontinued firewire support. But (like I said the first time) now that most macs include usb-2 support, they’ve decided to adopt that as the standard ipod interface. So what if firewire is faster. Are you gonna be that pissed that it takes 7.5 minutes vs. 6.23 minutes for your songs to load?!? Is your data transfer rate that critical. Apple computer made a good business decision for the most people (that includes mac people).
Apple’s in a difficult position here. They want to support firewire over USB against an array of Intel-galvanized forces. And it is a better standard, better even then USB2. But they’ve also introduced firewire 800. FW800 is more than a year old and where is it? No market penetration. I think this is the death knell for 1sts-gen firewire. Apple will let it languish and fade away. It’s okay though: as before there was USB and the superior firewire, soon there will again be two standards: USB2 and the superior FW800.
Question is, aside from giving in to that reality, how does this move push FW800. Maybe Apple should sell a dock connector-to-FW800 cable, for $19, promising faster transfers.
Also, can you do target disk mode with FW800? target disk mode is in my view a killer app, worth using one cable instead of another, and by itself worth using OS X instead of Windows. (Though there are of course other reasons as well…)
As I said in the other thread this is no big deal. Just about every Mac user already owns an iPod which means they already have a firewall cable that can be used with the new models. Apple knows that so stop complaining over trivial things people.