Everything you wanted to know about the iPod

By Amanda Bolton

December 21, 2005 | It's the newest technology craze, and it's changing the face of the music industry. The iPod's signature white ear plugs can be seen everywhere and anywhere. The iPod has spawned a culture of new terms, accessories, and a cult following (not to mention building an empire for its parent company, Apple ).

The iPod is a portable digital music player, that uses an internal hard drive to store audio and video files. The iPod can be connected to both Windows and Macintosh computer systems using the itunes software to manage its contents. The technology allows for users to have access to to their complete music library encased in a cigarette case-sized player.

The iPod was originally developed by Tony Fadell, who presented his idea to Apple. Apple hired him as an independent contractor and brought in Jonathon Ive to design the product. On October 23, 2001 Apple released the first generation iPod as a Mac only compatible player.

The iPod was an instant success, spawning second, third, fourth, and fifth-generation iPods, including iPod mini, iPod shuffle, iPod nano, and the newest version: the iPod video. Since 2001, Apple has sold more than 28 million iPods, skyrocketing Apples stock. Apple now dominates the digital music industry, and the iPod has created a halo effect for other macintosh products. Many iPod users have now switched to other Macintosh products exclusively, inducing the term icult.

The iPod revolution is a nationwide phenomena, that is even apparent in Cache Valley.

"I do not leave my house without my iPod," said local, Joshua Dalley. "I have it connected in my car, at work, and on campus."

Accessories for the iPod now bring in an average of $300 million a year, including external players, fm transmitters, external protection cases, and software sales. The iPod and its accessories are this year's hottest Christmas items, and recently were named in Businessweek's best of 2005 issue.

The iPod is also a hot item in Cache Valley according to Brady Forbush of Lynn's Audio and Video , a local electronics store. "We have had a lot of interest in the iPod, especially now that the holidays are rolling around. It seems that those who are in the market for a player, only want the iPod brand, although we do carry a variety of digital players," said Forbush.

Brandon Archibald, a Utah State Student, and Macintosh loyale, agrees, "I started by buying the iPod last year. Since then I have bought an ishuffle, an imac, and three or four accessories."

Newsweek recently coined the term iPod nation, which they describe as the phenomena that is connecting generations. "Podsters" are no longer only college students, but are spreading to older generations as well. The easy to use format and the universal love of music is gaining iPod fans of all ages.

"I do see the majority of white earphones on campus, but even my dad now has an iPod," said Dalley.

Although iPod's numbers speak for themselves, there is also a rising backlash against iPod. Blogs such as i hate iPod and anti-iPod.com have popped up all over the internet.

"Yeah, sometimes iPods do have to come back for repairs, but that is technology. For the most part I haven't met too many people who don't love thier iPods," said Forbush.

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