Apple's iTunes 6

I hope I'm not iTuning or iPodding you out, but Apple's latest release of iTunes is just too good not to mention. As a diehard Apple fan, I couldn't go on without telling you about the new iTunes 6.

iTunes 6 was recently released just a short 35 days after iTunes 5 became available. iTunes in general has always been an excellent one-stop music shop, but now this latest release comes with some dramatic new features, including downloadable television shows and music videos, in addition to music.

Television shows such as Desperate Housewives, Night Stalker, or Hawaii’s own Lost are available for purchase from the iTunes Music Store. It’s perfect if you miss an episode of your favorite show so you don’t have to wait for all the re-runs to air. In addition, there are about 2,000 music videos available to download. The television shows and music videos are both $1.99 each. There are also over two million songs, 20,000 podcasts and 11,000 audiobooks available. Another new feature is the ability to purchase digital box sets that include about 500 songs, bonus videos and a full-color digital booklet in each set.

This is the first time that hit primetime shows can be purchased the day after they are aired. iTunes 6 includes expanded online gift options which allows you to send specific songs, albums, music videos or your iTunes playlists to your friends. You can send these to anyone with an e-mail address, and an iTunes account is not required for receipt.

The new iTunes 6 release came hand-in-hand with Apple's newest 30GB or 60GB iPod, with the ability to hold up to 150 hours of video. The new iPod allows you to enjoy all your music with your television shows, music videos, home movies, video podcasts, photos and audiobooks. I know it doesn't make much sense to watch videos with a small device of that size, but with a battery life of 20 hours, it sure can provide for hours and hours of entertainment if you're on the road going from airport to airport, in the car or just sitting at Starbucks.

You can download the free iTunes 6 for yourself at www.apple.com, and it's available for both Mac and Windows. On Apple's website, if you hit the iPod link, you can also check out the latest iPod to go with your new iTunes.