Article 1, from Yahoo! news: Reports Say Apple's iPod Line to Get New Look, Features

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nf/20080825/tc_nf/61524;_ylt=ArlxtBwgBh6IN.eVjcTdPy8jtBAF

This article reports on rumors that the new line of iPods will be undergoing some changes by the end of September. According to Kevin Rose, of the social website "Digg," changes include the iPod Nano's shape, which will become longer and skinnier with a wide screen, and small cosmetic changes for the iPod Touch.
Rose also mentions software updates for the iPod Touch and iPhone, but neglects to mention any specifics. Similarly, he shares vague predictions of big improvements for iTunes 8.0 and Mac OSX 10.5.6.

The article caught my eye because my personal 3rd generation iPod seems to be on its last legs. I'm not sure if it was general aging, lack of care, or going through the wash a couple times, but there is an ever-growing black spot on the screen of my beloved 40 gig companion. Seeing this article, I have realized that I only have to keep it alive for another couple of months before I pull the trigger on a replacement.
Aside from advising consumers such as myself, the article shows the continued war over the small electronics market. The field is still dominated by Apple, whose main concern seems to be differentiating their own products (iPod and iPhone) in price and feature to prevent self-competition.