Apple Computer once again captured the imagination of its faithful, unveiling on Wednesday an ultra-thin iPod as well as a mobile phone built by Motorola that features the iTunes music player software.Apple’s new iPod nano will feature 4G bytes of capacity for $249 in a device that is thinner than a #2 pencil, said Steve Jobs, Apple’s chief executive officer at a jam-packed media event at San Francisco’s Moscone Center, IDG News Service reported.The iPod nano is 80 percent smaller than Apple’s original iPod and 62 percent smaller than the iPod mini, Jobs said. It weighs 1.5 ounces (42 grams) and comes with a color screen. The device is available in some stores as of Wednesday, and stores around the world expected to have the device by the end of the week, he said. The Cupertino, Calif. company also unveiled the Motorola Rokr (pronounced “rocker”). This is a GSM/GPRS (Global System for Mobile Communications/General Packet Radio Service) phone that features a button that allows direct access to the iTunes player. Cingular Wireless LLC will be the exclusive North American carrier for the phone, which is expected to be available in stores this weekend, Jobs said. Reaction was quick and positive, especially to the iPod nano.“This is the most important new iPod since the iPod Photo was released and will be the hottest product this Christmas,” said Tim Bajarin, president of Creative Strategies. “Apple’s own timing for this launch, and the fact that they will be in channels WW by the end of this week virtually assures them that this will become the top MP3 player this fall. They have already sold 21 million iPods since its launch in 2003 and last quarter they sold 6.2 million alone. Apple’s desire to stay number one in the MP3 player market drives them to strive to create truly innovative products and continues to make all the other MP3 players pale in comparison,” Bajarin added. “The iPod Nano is so cool looking in design, style and thinness that it will be tough for any competitor to beat them at their game.”Rob Enderle, president of the Enderle Group, agreed. “There is no doubt in my mind that the iPod Nano is a hit. Sleek sexy and signaling a move from the aging white ID to a more contemporary black this product is well priced and uses the successful iPod interface,” Enderle said. “For the iPod users ready to get the next big thing in music players and for those just coming into the fold this should be a hit.” Technology Industry