Photos: Apple's updated 5.5G iPod

Though it wasn't the true video iPod that we all expected (and wanted), the updated iPod adds some excellent software and performance updates. Features such as gapless playback, instant search, and enhanced games, plus stronger battery life and a brighter backlight, give this one-year-old form factor some fresh legs coming into the holiday season, one that will include competition from Microsoft, Creative, Archos, and Toshiba. Apple's getting the most it can get from the so-called 5.5G iPod, which now starts at $249 for the 30GB version; the 80GB is $349.

Read CNET's full review of the Apple iPod.

Same body, better heart

The enhanced iPod (80GB, black shown here) includes better video battery life, a brighter screen, gapless playback, instant search, and several other new features. Nothing revolutionary here (some features are even "borrowed" from its competitors), but it's a very solid upgrade.

Photo Credit: CNET Networks