Facts About IPods

Who hasn't heard of Apple's iPod? Even the least tech savvy among us has heard of iPods and more than likely owns one or has added it to their wish list. The ability to carry your music collection in your pocket is enticing. This is definitely an improvement over the boombox of the 80s.

BASICS

The iPod was created by Apple and really hit in 2001. Over time, the iPod has become the most popular portable music and video player on the market. Others have tried to compete but have not been successful. To give you an idea, over 51 million iPods were sold in 2007 alone. This is a massive increase from 2001's total of only 376,000.

As prices have decreased, so has the popularity. You can store anywhere from 512 MB to 160 GB of music and video for $80 to $350. These prices differ greatly around holidays when stores run specials. They can also be found on eBay for varying prices. Sometimes you can find a good deal on your dream iPod.

USE AND FEATURES

iPods are simple to use, which adds to their popularity. The device plugs into your computer's USB port for easy file transfer. Songs can be purchased from iTunes or transferred from CDs. Most iPods have a few basic features such as a clock, memos, games, and a stopwatch. They feature a simple click wheel navigation which makes using the iPod a breeze.

MODELS

Some iPods only play music, while others play music and video. The new iPod Touch even boasts a touch screen and Wi-Fi capability. The current iPod models in increasing capacity include the following: Shuffle, Mini, Nano, Touch, and Classic. True music lovers will probably go with the Touch or Classic for the largest song capacity.

CONS

The main cons are short battery life and frailty. Battery life is probably the biggest complaint. The iPod can be charged, but the battery life decreases with each charge. iPods are also infamously fragile. The screen can be scratched easily and the entire device can be broken with even small drops. Cases can help, but may not entirely prevent the damage.

Microsoft has only recently begun competing with Apple as the king of portable media players. Still, no one has managed to come anywhere close. The ease of use and storage space is what makes iPods popular. These small little devices are serving as a way to shut out the world while exercising, studying, and simply relaxing and will continue to for many years to come.