Apple to unveil new iPod

NEW YORK: Apple Computer Inc. plans to roll out a more efficient, lower-cost version of its iPod digital music player this week, according to Newsweek's online edition.

The fourth-generation iPod will cost $399 for the top-of-the-line, 40-gigabyte model that will hold up to 10,000 songs, while the lower-capacity model, with room for 5,000 songs and 20 gigabytes of storage, costs $299, Newsweek reported. That's a $100 price reduction for each model, Newsweek said.

Among the new features in the revamped iPod is longer battery life, Newsweek said.

The new iPods are rated for 12 hours of use between charges, a 50 percent longer battery life than the previous versions, according to the report. The longer play stems from better conservation of power, not a heavier battery, Newsweek said.

Cupertino, California-based Apple was not immediately available to comment on the report.