“FireWire is still Apple Computer’s baby, but the proud parent is cutting the cord. With the latest crop of iPods, Apple is no longer including a FireWire cable in the box. The music players will still work with FireWire, if a cord is purchased separately, but only a USB 2.0 cable comes with the device. The move is part of a gradual shift on Apple’s part to standardize the iPod on USB, which is far more common in the Windows world,” Ina Fried reports for CNET News.
MacDailyNews Take: Is “cutting the cord” or “knifing the baby” more appropriate to use when describing the situation?
“Although Apple’s embrace has been gradual over several years, it is still a big shift for a company that helped develop the standard behind FireWire, technically known as IEEE 1394, and has been one of its biggest proponents,” Fried reports. “Some Mac owners were rankled by the move, saying that as recently as a year or two ago many Macs didn’t include a USB 2.0 port. As of Wednesday night, more than 1,300 people had signed an online petition calling on Apple to again include a FireWire cable with iPods.”
“When the iPod debuted in 2001, it used only FireWire, and even the second crop of iPods–the first to support Windows–lacked USB support entirely. It wasn’t until April 2003, with the dock connector-based iPods, that Apple first offered a USB 2.0 option. And then it was USB 2.0, which had to be bought separately as a $19 extra,” Fried reports.
Full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: The Apple iPod boxes used to read “Mac+PC.” Apple iPod boxes now read “PC+Mac.” Mac users ought to be able to “do the math” and get used to being treated by Apple as second class iPod users from here on out. Shareholders should be happy that Apple has a “money talks” attitude. Mac users, especially long-time Mac users, should be wary. Unless your Mac is less than 1 or 2 years old, you’ll have FireWire ports, but only USB 1.1 which transfers files much more slowly than USB 2.0 and does not carry enough power to charge an iPod. (And, by the way, even USB 2.0 can’t compare to FireWire 400 for sustained data transfer rates). Apple’s attitude toward most Mac users seems to be, “you’re in the minority, go buy the extra cord” or the usual “go buy a new Mac.” Getting “taxed” by Apple for being a Mac user really rubs us the wrong way. And exactly whose fault is it that we’re in the damn minority anyway?
What do we want from Apple? Respect for Mac users. In fact, we want better, we want preferential treatment for Mac users; it’s well-deserved. We also want Apple to provide to consumers the choice between a FireWire or USB 2.0 connectivity cable from (at least) the online Apple Store at the time of purchase for no extra charge. It’s not the lousy twenty bucks, it’s the principle. Do the right thing, Apple.
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 knifing its own FireWire baby by pushing USB 2.0 as iPod’s primary connectivity option – February 23, 2005
Geez people, the top of the line iPod photo went from $599 to $449. At $20 for the firewire cable you’re still $130 ahead. To really stay competitive, Apple has decided to simplify the packing and features included with an iPod to bring down the price. Smart move, in my opinion. Now how is that a slap at Mac users?
OK USB 2.0 IS WAY FASTER THAN FIREWIRE 400
FIREWIRE 800 IS WAY FASTER THAN USB 2.0
NOW THE FIREWIRE HOOKUP WITH THE IPOD IS FIREWIRE 400
SO IT IS SLOWER THAN USB 2.0
GOT IT
SO I RATHER HAVE USB 2.0 THAN HAVE A FIREWIRE 400 CABLE HOOKUP
SOMEONE BACK ME UP HERE
Actually, FireWire 400 is faster than USB 2.0…
http://barefeats.com/usb2.html
Man, what a bunch of whiners!!
If I want to use Firewire, I will just use the cable that came with my FIRST Mini!
People, just pay the extra $20 and get over it. If you can afford $249 for a LUXURY item then you can damn well afford the extra $20.
Gee, Mac, I want my floppy drive back too!!!
I applaud Apple for not including a cable that the majority of users will never use (until they finally toss out the PC and get a Mac mini). This is a good business decision with respect to reducing costs and protecting profit margins.
However, for the minority of people (us Mac users w/firewire) that want to purchase the Firewire Cable it should be at most $10. They’ll still make a profit and at that price we are not getting screwed.
I thought Apple was cutting out FW capability from the iPod. If it is as simple as buying a FW cable as an extra, I have no problem with that.
Hywel,
Are we really bitching about who’s name comes first? This has hit an all new low. And it really needs to say Mac on it for you to know that this Apple made product is able to work on a Mac? Once again, small things that mean little to nothing, but somehow people are making a stink about it. (rolling eyes)
I’ll give you guys something to bitch about. Why does Apple spend all of it’s marketing dollars on the iPod and not showing off the Mac OS at all? I would like to see 20% of the iPod advertising budget given to the Mac OS and run some commercials showing off how much better the Mac OS is over Windows. That is something worth talking about.
The Dude abides.
$ 20 is $ 20. For some people, its a lot.
The point isn’t the money, folks. The point is the slighting of Mac users who are in the space between FW posessing and USB 2.0 lacking. I have friends with iBooks and PowerBooks that are 15 months old with firewire obviously, but not USB 2.0. What do they do? Spend $20 more on an Apple cable for their Apple iPod to work tolerably with their Apple laptop? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?
Here’s another point. What about the Windows users who have *PROBLEMS* with iPods over USB 2.0 because Windows still has mediorce USB support????? I know multiple people who are *very good* Windows IT people and have cleanly running Windows machines, whose iPods will not operate properly over USB. Funny, plug it into my PowerBook with firewire, and it’s perfect. Firewire is also basically driverless – USB is not.
AWFUL MISTAKE. Do not give me this “cost savings” crap – that cable, by now, can’t cost Apple over $1.00 each. Leave them both in the box. Adding USB 2.0 was catering to lowest common denominator. Now you’re cutting out Mac users … bad bad bad.
I think most of us are not really that concerned about the cost, but Apple is apparently concerned about the cost. And that’s the part that is so upsetting. It’s a definite change in philosophy for Apple.
The cheapest Mac used to cost more than the cheapest Dell because you got better, more superior equipment. They weren’t completely focused on selling as many units as possible, which game them the freedom to create superior products, even if the majority of people didn’t buy them. That’s why we love Apple so much. They don’t make products that are “just good enough.”
Now they are saying that their goal is to sell products even if that means giving the consumer less. That wouldn’t be a problem if USB2 and FireWire were equal, but they are not. FireWire is clearly the superior product.
They are clearly catering to the PC world and the truly upsetting part is that there is no indication that this is going to be an isolated incident. Are they going to start making cheaper displays to appease Mac mini purchasers that want a cheap, low-quality display? And then next they will cheapen the Mac itself?
It’s great that Apple is reaching an ever growing audience, but they must be very careful not to lose sight of what it is that makes them truly unique.
you don’t have to buy the firewire cable from apple. you can buy a 3rd party one even cheaper.
froogle
You Mac people crack me up. Now, you’re getting “taxed” by Apple for being a Mac user and most of you here seem to be lining up and bending over in anticipation for your usual reaming.
The fact that now it’s not Microsoft or Adobe or some third-party forcing Mac users to pay extra, but Apple, of all companies, is re-goddam-diculously funny!
Why not just offer a firewire and a USB version and call it a day?
Personally, I think USB 2 was the way to go, Just because most systems today dont come with Firewire.
Mine do though…!
“Standard” as in USB 2 and Firewire are both the standard.
For all the good MDN does in reporting on Mac news, you are overstating the importance of the cable issue. To suggest that Apple is abandoning Firewire is simply wrong. Your rationale is misguided. Apple is simply being more financially and environmentally responsible. The idea of a cable exchange or ordering option IS an excellent idea, however. I could get behind that movement.
A world already filled with strident rancor and vitriol is not well served by hyperbolic rhetoric. Apple has long offered so much more than the PC world to improve our collective user experience. Apple is not about to abandon its user base.
Perhaps a better issue to explore is the possibility that emerging technologies such as Bluetooth may soon render the cable issue moot. New iPod docks with built-in wireless technologies could make for a wonderful discussion.
Though it is rare that I am compelled to respond, this was one instance that begged for a better perspective. Thank you again for many of the thoughtful articles and reports over the years. I enjoy the often-insightful perspectives of your staff and the readers.
king_alvarez,
Yeap, you are right, Apple sold a superior product, and look at our market share now. Cost more, less units shipped, less market share. So Apple is trying to avoid the iPod becoming like our Macs are, the low market share device. I think it is good that Apple is trying to keep the field competitive and sometimes you need to trim the included fat.
Everyone loves to see Apples shares go up, well, things like this help. The more units you can move, the better your bottom line looks at year end (usually). Apple is doing that they think is right. Has Steve lead the company poorly since his return? I think not… so let him run the company and stop whining about EVERY LITTLE THING (not directed at you king_alvarez, just a general broadcast).
The Dude abides.
MDN wrote this yesterday about this subject and said it all:
“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?”
Apple has chosen a worse connectivity to be iPod’s standard because that’s what Wintel boxes come equipped with – and that’s the only reason. Where will Apple cut corners on quality NeXT? If Steve Jobs cares about quality, he’ll reconsider this move. Otherwise he’s bullshit and Apple is starting down the wrong road. This seemingly minor issue could be a ominous sign.
Let’s see, Apple drops the price significantly – more than the cost of a FireWire cable – includes more functionality and people are getting all upset.
Go buy an m:robe, something from Creative or iRiver if you’re so upset. Oh wait, you want Apple’s DRM but don’t what others to be able to access it. Gee, all this “choice” you have being locked in to the iPod (and gleefully expounding about it) and now that Apple takes shrewd capitialistic steps that you don’t like you get all upset.
Methinks thou dost protest too much.
Yawn…Mountain out of a mole hill comes to mind.
Remember, Apple was on the brink of disaster just a few years ago and the iPod saved them. Why shouldn’t they further “arm” their Trojan Horse? Did MDN forget about the switchers? If switching to USB 2 means more PC user purchases, it means more switchers.
Have a USB-included box and a FIrewire-included box on the store shelves would be an inventory disaster. Places like Best Buy wouldn’t want to stock the Firewire version at all. Bad idea.
Having to deal with exchanging cables would likely cost more than simply including the cable. Bad idea.
Not including any cable in the box would have some purchasers getting home and forgetting the cable. Or the store where you are buying the iPod is out or doesn’t stock the cable you want. Bad idea.
The only reasonable choices are include the cable in the purchase price or make it an accessory. I could see them offering the FW cable for $5 if purchased at the same time as your iPod. $10-$20 otherwise.
The last time I checked iPod division was part of Apple Computers not a separate company. That means that Apple brings a product that disrespects its main (or not ?)business and its customers. I wouldn’t complain so much if Creative or Sony treats Apple users as second class citizens but I wouldn’t expect that from Apple itself.
If they want the market share they should bring the price even lower and let the customer choose the cable.
Firewire is ways better than USB-anything and even if I only kept my lame PC I would prefer FW for synchronization and charging.
A lot of complaining over nothing I think. Newer computers come with USB 2. “Legacy” computers will fork over $20 or buy a PCI card. Speed isn’t a huge concern for me. I load up my iPod which takes a while the first time. Each time after is a small incremental update. Can’t we find something else to complain about? Like the 256MB of RAM that comes with iMac and Mac mini? Or people that put “first post”?
This issue could be fixed, if… when ordering an iPod … Apple includes one cable for free… then,….. at the point of sale, Apple asks the consumer.. which cable he / she prefers….
End of arguement !
It’s rare I say this, but MDN are spot on.
It’s the price not the principle.
“Apple has chosen a worse connectivity to be iPod’s standard because that’s what Wintel boxes come equipped with – and that’s the only reason. Where will Apple cut corners on quality NeXT? If Steve Jobs cares about quality, he’ll reconsider this move. Otherwise he’s bullshit and Apple is starting down the wrong road. This seemingly minor issue could be a ominous sign.”
I agree 100%. Watch out, Apple. We’re watching you.
I don’t know if other mac users are like me, but I have too many firewire cables hanging around anyway. I think they must be reproducing – perhaps even becoming self-aware?
Could Apple be assuming that mac users already have firewire cables that came with their machines?
Gawd, this is what gives Apple users bad names.
Stupid petitions over a $20 wire. And we’re supposed to be the more affluent user?
Face it guys, Apple is trying to make inroads into the PC market, best way to do that is to give USB cables.
Let’s argue over something more important than a stupid cable.