Originally posted by Freg3000
Seems to me that being the first, smallest, and best all at once is not a possibility. In order to add wireless connectivity to the iPod, it will need to become a bit larger. So then the iPod would not be as small. That is, unless they wait until others try and fail, and then they wouldn't be first. Either of these two would might jeopardize the iPod being the best MP3 player out there.
Then again, this is Apple. If anyone can do it, Apple can.
But if they can't...don't try.
This is no different from when the iPod was released. It was not first, it did not have the most storage, and it is not smallest of the portable mp3 players (solid state are much smaller). What the iPod was, and still is, better. Smaller hdd, firewire connectivity, and a slick interface. This is no longer unique, but at the time it was, and allowed Apple to muscle into a huge share of a burgeoning niche.
Today, wireless is a issue. Once 802.11g on a chip is done smaller, with less power needed, the iPod will have some sort of built in antenna (probably surrounding perimeter of the frame) connected to all in one 802.11g chip. Bluetooth is to slow, with a very limited range. Capability to update the database while playing songs would be nice...
This iPod as a ladle thing will not work until there is a continuous wireless network throughout the US (and elsewhere of course) that is reliable, and fast. I am thinking something like 4G (my guess for a name of what is to replace the 3G network that is just now getting to the US, and already showing its limitations in places like Japan). It is a moot point until there is a network in place that can handle the bandwidth required, as well as the necessary coverage (worldwide would be best).
This all sounds more and more like a Star Trek type thing... I love it! Next thing you know there might be rumblings about a true world government.