Apple Inc (AAPL)

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15:26 AAPL Apple may ax next-gen HDD iPod in favor of all-flash models - AppleInsider (85.93 +1.78) -Update-

AppleInsider reports Apple may begin transitioning its flagship iPod models away from hard disk drive-based storage and towards solid-state NAND flash memory by the end of year.

According to an "IT Hardware" report from Prudential Equity Group analyst Jesse Tortora, the move would pave the way for smaller form factor players, more diverse model mix, and both improved battery life and durability.

The analyst noted that recent history supports the scenario, given the economics of a similar transition where Apple in late 2005 decided to move from the 1-inch hard drive based iPod mini to the NAND flash based iPod nano...

(Briefing.com note: The Prudential note referenced in the story was originally released the morning of Feb. 5)