Can You Say Flash-Based iPod Mini...Again?

NewsFactor Network writes another in what seems like a never-ending series of articles about the rumored 4GB flash-based iPod Mini. Yes, I'm helping to perpetuate the story, but as you know, Apple makes good copy.

In this article, analyst Nitin Gupta of Yankee Group and Michael Gartenberg of Jupiter chime in with their thoughts on the product.

Gupta believes Apple's shift to flash is a big deal. The article notes that even though "flash-memory drives often cost twice as much as traditional disk drives, their memory density allows for smaller devices, increased battery life and more durable storage." Since flash has no moving parts, it is also less susceptible to failure and skipping.

Gupta said, "The user experience is far superior," compared to disk drives, but thinks there is less chance of flash-based higher-capacity iPods due to cost. "Apple will market the features, not flash," added Gupta.

"I have no doubt other Apple products [using flash drives] will appear in the fourth quarter," Gartenberg countered.

With the mini possibly moving to flash, what does that mean for the rest of the product line? Video? The Apple rumor mill never ends and is a cottage industry on its own...
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