APPLE A new and improved iPod music player? Sounds good

The scroll wheel for making selections and choosing songs is gone.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
True to Apple Computer's reputation, the latest generation of iPod music players is slicker, slimmer and more stylish than its predecessors, without any sacrifice in sound quality.
But the latest reflection of Apple style does come at a price -- shorter battery life, overly sensitive buttons and a new FireWire cable. Those three elements ultimately make the latest models just a bit less convenient.
That said, the iPod remains by far the best, most portable and durable jukebox for both Macintosh and Windows-based computers.
Details
The new iPods weigh about 5.6 ounces, or less than two compact discs, and are roughly the dimensions of a cassette tape. The new models sport rounded edges as well as the iPod's trademark white front and a silver backing that is impossible to keep unmarred.
They're available in three sizes, ranging from 10 gigabytes (roughly 2,500 songs) for $299 to 30 gigabytes (roughly 7,500 songs) for $499. I tested the 15-gigabyte model ($399). Sound expensive? Remember, the first-generation iPod had a 5-gigabyte drive and sold for $399.
Setup was easy. In fact, there was no setup beyond plugging the gadget into my Mac.
It was instantly recognized by the companion iTunes software. My 1,700-item music library, which includes brief pop tunes as well as hourlong symphonies, transferred to the iPod's disk drive in about 15 minutes.
Windows users with newer computers can use either FireWire or an optional USB 2.0 cable, along with MusicMatch software that comes with the package.
Changes
The new iPod's biggest change is its look.
The first iPods had a scroll wheel for making menu selections and choosing songs. In the second generation, the wheel shape remains -- but to scroll you slide your finger over it. There are no moving parts.
And now, the buttons that formerly surrounded the scroll wheel have been moved to a spot between it and the screen. Like the wheel, they're now touch-sensitive.
In fact, they're overly sensitive. I often found myself skipping ahead by two or three tracks when I only wanted one. It might just take getting used to, though it would be nice if I could change the sensitivity via software.
Apple admits that the new iPods have shorter battery lives -- a requirement of their smaller size. In previous models, Apple promised 11 hours, but I managed to squeeze out 13. In the new units, Apple claims eight hours, but I got only 71/2 before the gadget died.
Plugging in
Apple makes it somewhat easier -- and more attractive -- to plug the iPod into the computer. The 15- and 30-gigabyte models include a dock, which resembles a Palm handheld computer's cradle. You can also connect speakers or a stereo system to the dock.
Even the cable that connects to the dock (or directly to the iPod) has undergone a redesign, probably because of the players' smaller sizes. Unfortunately, it's no longer compatible with other FireWire devices, including Apple's new iSight video conferencing camera.
The internal software got an upgrade, so users can create play lists directly on the iPod without having to trudge over to the computer. A couple of games have been added, and the main menu's listings can now be customized.
Thanks to built-in flash memory, iPods have 25 seconds of buffering for skip protection. I didn't notice any skipping while running on a treadmill or driving over bumpy country roads. In fact, it didn't miss a beat when I nearly slammed into an SUV.