Apple updates, drops price of U2 iPod

Apple Computer this week quietly refreshed its special edition U2 iPod, bringing it up to spec with the recently updated line of fifth-generation iPod digital music players.

Although the change is not immediately apparent from the company's U2 iPod product page, an update on the Apple online store describes the new model with "its new, brighter 320 x 240-pixel QVGA color display."

"You can view your photos and album art, plus movies, music videos, TV shows, and games you purchase from the iTunes Store," the description adds.

Like the recently refreshed line of fifth-generation iPods, the new U2 model promises up to 14 hours of music or 3-1/2 hours of video between charges. It ships with Apple's redesigned Earbud headphones, a USB 2.0 cable, universal dock adapter, a case and a coupon for a video download from the iTunes store.

The 30GB player comes clad in a jet black enclosure that features a prominent red Click-Wheel. On the flip side are autographs of each U2 band member engraved in black metal.

With its release, Apple has reduced the cost of the player by $50, bringing it down to $279. Still, the company charges a $30 premium for the special edition enclosure; the player is otherwise identical to the new $249 30GB iPod.

Both models include enough storage space for 7,500 songs, 25,000 photos and up to 40 hours of video.

Apple last updated the U2 iPod in June when it brought the model inline with fifth-generation iPods introduced prior to last year's holiday shopping season.