Cupertino, Calif. — Apple today introduced its fourth-generation iPod portable music players at a reduced cost compared to earlier models.

The two new units are available immediately in two sizes, one with a 20GB hard drive for $299, which can hold 5,000 songs, and another with a 40GB hard drive for $399. These are $100 cheaper then the earlier models of the same capacity. Other updates include 12 hour battery life, a somewhat-thinner profile and new song shuffle software.