HP Offers IPod Mini

HP has expanded its line of digital music players to include Apple's IPod Mini. The company said that the miniature player will be available from its Web site beginning Sunday, with the Apple IPod Mini from HP hitting major retailers shortly thereafter.

HP's prices will be the same--$200 for a 4GB model, and $250 for a 6GB model. HP's enormous retail distribution channel and emphasis on appealing to Windows-centric users may give the IPod Mini further penetration into the mass market.

HP and Apple first announced a partnership more than a year ago, to bring IPods to HP's customers and make the devices available through HP's considerable retail distribution channels. HP also includes Apple's ITunes software pre-installed on all its PCs.

Already Available

Since last year, the Apple IPod from HP has been available both through HP's Web site and through retailers Apple didn't have access to before, such as Radio Shack, Sears, and Wal-Mart. The HP-branded devices work and look just like the ones that Apple sells.

HP expanded its initial line of Apple IPods from HP to include Apple's color screen-equipped IPod photos earlier this year. Now the company is including Apple's wildly popular IPod Mini in the mix. And just like Apple's units, the HP IPod Minis are available in 4GB and 6GB capacities, equipped with touch-sensitive clip wheels, earbuds, a belt clip, and USB 2.0 cable.

Based on initial observations on the HP Web site, it doesn't appear that the company will be offering IPod Minis in the same color options that Apple offers, however.

HP is also offering $10 "HP Printable Tattoos" for the IPod Mini--the company said it will roll out more than 300 new images including album art from hot bands and recording artists, and unique artwork. HP Printable Tattoos let users customize their IPods and IPod Minis by printing out removable decals that they can apply to the IPod's case.