BEIJING, Feb. 8 (Xinhuanet) -- Apple Computer Inc. on Tuesday lauched a new 1-GB iPod nano, priced at $149.

    The new iPod nano is distinctive in the company's device lineup for its ultrathin design, which Apple boasts is thinner than a pencil. 

    The nano is sharply discounted from the 4-gigabyte and 2-gigabyte iPod nanos currently available on the market.

    The company also said it is cutting prices on 512 MB and 1 GB iPod shuffles to $69 and $99, respectively. Before the price cuts, a 512 MB shuffle could cost roughly $100, while a 1 GB shuffle could cost about $129.

    "Now everyone can afford an iPod Nano," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of worldwide iPod product marketing, in a statement. He added that the iPod is the world's most popular digital music player, with over 40 million sold so far.

    "With lower pricing, someone might buy a Shuffle for the car, and another one for the gym, and one for the office," said Forrester analyst Ted Schadler. "That strategy makes the iPod an accessory rather than the center of the digital music experience. That benefits Apple because it can sell more." Enditem

    (Agencies)