Apple debuts new U2 iPod

Apple Computer on Tuesday released a new version of its U2 Special Edition iPod music player, with a 30GB storage capacity and 14-hour battery life for £239.

Like the first version, the black and stainless steel iPod has a red navigation wheel and is engraved on the back with the signatures of U2's four band members. The new model holds up to 7,500 songs, 25,000 photos or up to 75 hours of video, Apple said.

The first U2 iPod, which was released in October 2004, held 20GB, had a 12-hour battery life, and did not have video functionality. It was priced at £249. At the time, Apple also released what it claimed was the world's first digital box set, containing about 400 tracks from U2's catalogue, including some previously unreleased ones. Purchasers of the U2 iPod were given a coupon for £50 off the price of the digital box set.

The new U2 Special Edition iPod comes with a coupon to download 30 minutes of exclusive U2 video footage from Apple's iTunes Music Store.

Like other recent versions of iPods, the newest U2 Special Edition will sync with computers to automatically download video, podcasts and photo content as well as digital music.

Apple would not comment on how many of the original U2 Special Edition units have been sold.