iPod Craze

With all this, Apple is making more connection with different companies to make more accessories and more ways to use the iPod. The new BMW iPod links to in-wall iPod mounts, also having main brand name fashion companies making iPod holders, such as LV, Kate Spade & etc. The iPod is not just the geek trend MP3 player of the month anymore. Its a main stream device that every hipster to nerd owns. Not to mention the two tone iPod ad campaign has started a trend of its own. From parodies to message boards, anything relating to the iPod is getting a media-kick. on the craiglist talks of how a girl, whom told her boyfriend that she wanted an iPod mini instead of expensive handbag. And many other craiglist stories of what people will do for an iPod. The general populace is definitely embracing the iPod.

But on the other end of the spectrum, a recent Wired article writes about the "closet iPod user". Obviously, a new term in the iPoding fields. Apple, a company that advocates individualism and style is suddenly hit with the term "main stream". No longer is having an Apple device a rebel to the modern trend. Unlike the computer users of Apple, the iPod is the "it" machine for the MP3 world. So what happens to a media rebellious tech guru with an iPod, now that he/she is just another "pod-user"? Well they hide. The trend amongst the older iPod user, according to Wired, is to hide the well-known iPod white earphones. Most people still use this earphone even though it isnt the best. The head phones are such trademarks that a t-shirt was once made with the art of two what ear bud earphones hanging, just to mimic the iPod trend. Die-hard and first Generation iPoder are all hiding them selves, trying to stay true to Apple’s original allure of being media rebels. So has the new found fame of the iPod detached its self from its original supporters? Or is the iPod just the best darn MP3 players?

As an iPod owner and a gadgeteer, I would have to say that the iPod isn’t the greatest of all MP3 players. I would personally prefer some extra features, and a more refined menu. The iPod is hands-down the best single thumb menu I’ve seen. It really could use a few more buttons and a remote with a display. The design of the iPod has limited its buttons, and a lot of buttons do multi functions or certain function needs to be done by holding down a button for 3+ sec. None of this really stopped the iPod from selling. The craze and the support for the device has definitely boosted the iPod in the world of gadgets. Its die-hard follower, much like the Mac users, has turned the iPod into the Subaru of MP3 players, communities such as www.ipodlounge.com are the go-to place for iPod info, news, and accessories. Though dreamers envision a perfect iPod with color LCD screens to Wi-Fi capable and of course, more battery life. Still the issue of 8 hr batteries has not slowed the iPod claim to fame.

Overall the iPod has made a niche market for Apple. Every company out there today is trying to turn out a MP3 player to de-throne the iPod. Will they be successful? Newer players fight for the title of most battery life, smallest player, to advance features. Olympus even came out with a player that can take pictures and make slide shows. Other companies have jumped in the battle of the recent Media Player market. Players that are capable of playing MPEG-4, Divx, Xvid and other similar codex, all-in-one with a hard drive to be used as some sort of portable media player. Apple has not made any entries to this field as of yet. But Apple surpingly holds on tight to the world of MP3 and runs with the 5 yr old iPod. Now in its 4th generation, Will apple dominate the field like the did in the 80s? Will the Microsoft of MP3 players come soon? Well I guess every company out there wants in. And eventually someone just might do it.