I seriously haven’t been in the mood to type anything for weeks now. But this iPod thing has gotten better and better. Most of my complaints have been addressed in this new version of the iPod, but the original descriptions didn’t focus on them. So, great news, the iPod does some things we didn’t know it could do.

First of all, in-iPod playlists are entirely possible, as requested. You can build entire playlists on the fly, right in the iPod. Now my passengers/DJs can no longer complain about my lack of playlists.

Secondly, reviewers have said they like the new button layout, and everything is within fingers reach. I’ll check this one out for myself at the Apple store before buying.

Thirdly, it looks like the same iPods can work on Mac and PC, no more versioning, just a different adapter for connecting. What they haven’t explained is whether or not these connections can be made and synched together as in I have both Mac and PC. I also haven’t been able to find info on whether or not you can use firewire if you have it on your PC. I still think all this is a little weird and awkward. It appears USB 2.0 doesn’t carry power? Is this true? It looks like the adapter has a USB and Firewire cable, to facilitate power? That sucks if it’s true. Someone clarify if possible.

Fourthly, there is a full calendar, and now text notes added as part of the syncing process. It appears that slowly but surely, more and more PDA (read-only) functionality is being added. An input method would be great though.

This iTunes store looks pretty great so far. I like the way it works, and I wouldn’t mind paying for songs in this way. Since my Powerbook is still out of commission, I can’t test any of this out.

Folks over at iPoding.com have confirmed that the new iPod has a hidden recording mode, capable of recording voice from a microphone and potentially music through an input jack. They have it working capturing 6 seconds of audio at a time right now in diagnostic mode. They say a source in Apple has confirmed that a firmware update and new hardware in a few months will solidify the function. That’s pretty cool.

So, all in all, I think my mind is made up. If I ever get my Powerbook working again, I am going to spring for a 30GB iPod. Anyone want to buy an original 5GB model with the actual scrolling wheel?