Recent rumors of new iPod devices to hit the market soon were confirmed by Apple today. Regarding the iPod mini (http://www.apple.com/ipodmini/), the company lowered the price on the 4Gb model and introduced a new 6Gb version. It also launched updated versions of its color-screen iPod photo (http://www.apple.com/ipodphoto/) device with new slim 30Gb and 60Gb models. The new models should be immediately available at Apple stores.

For a 4Gb iPod mini you will now pay $199 (before $249), while the 6Gb model will sell for $249. For the 30Gb and 60Gb iPod photos you have to shell out $349 and $449, respectively.

The new devices also have an increased battery life.

Btw, look at this eCost deal (http://www.ecost.com/ecost/shop/detail.asp?dpno=351002): the iPod mini 4GB for $179! I am seriously considering buying one now ;)

Yeah should've mentioned also that for the new models the colors are slightly changed (more vivid, and control icons are colored to match the case).

Paul Thurrott sums it up (http://www.internet-nexus.com/2005_02_20_archive.htm#110918910506204215) this way:

[Good] The new iPod mini gets significantly better battery life than the original.
[Bad] The new iPod mini does not include an AC adapter; the original did.
[Indifferent] The new iPod mini comes only with a USB 2.0 Dock Connector; the original included both USB 2.0 and Firewire.