Apple Computer Inc., maker of the 50 percent market shareholder iPod music player, has announced a special edition U2 iPod for music fans.

The U2 iPod will come in two storage flavors – 40GB and 60GB. It will feature a black and red theme to match the band along with a major and most anticipated functionality – the ability to view photos on a colored iPod screen. The special edition music player is expected to hold close to 25,000 photos with all the standard features that users have come to expect from Apple's iPod.

Apple seems quite hopeful of their latest generation of high storage iPods. "We think photos are the next big thing. Everyone has the content and there are no copyright issues," said Steve Jobs, CEO, Apple Computer Inc. He also stated, "We think music plus photos is the next big thing."

Due to their partnership with U2, Apple will offer a music package with 450 songs featuring all of U2’s music albums. The cost of the package is set at $149 and the company said, users will be able to download the entire package with one click through their iTunes online music store.

The special edition U2 40GB iPod will retail around $499 while the 60GB model will cost close to $599. Both models are available immediately.