For most college students, exposure to an iPod is inevitable.
From commercials on television starring famous rock band U2, to the
student meandering next to you on the way to class, the iPod is
everywhere.

In a recent survey by securities firm Piper Jaffray & Co. of
600 teenagers, 16 percent already owned an iPod and 24 percent
planned to purchase one within the next year. Another survey from
the group found the iPod was the fourth most requested Christmas
gift among America's teenagers, trailing only clothes, money and
cars.

Economics sophomore Alex Duncan said his favorite thing about
his iPod is that “it’s very easy to use.” Duncan
enjoys listening to his iPod in his car, cranking up hits from
OutKast and the group Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.

An iPod is a little box the size of a deck of cards that can
play anywhere from 1,000 to 10,000 songs on demand. Apple
introduced its fourth-generation iPod in July, featuring the
“click wheel,” which makes it easier for one-handed
navigation.

According to Apple’s Web site, the iPod has become the
company’s fastest-growing product since its introduction in
October 2001. The company has sold more than 4 million iPods thus
far and the numbers are expected to increase during this holiday
season. During Apple's fiscal 2004 fourth quarter, over 2 million
iPods were shipped—up 500 percent from a year ago.

University College freshman Alona Fromberg said she wants an
iPod this holiday season so she can put all of her music in one
place.

“It is well-known iPods are the best mp3 player,”
she said. “Plus they are cute.”

The NPD Group recently reported the iPod accounted for 92.1
percent of the market for hard-drive-based music players, up 10
percent from last year. When Apple introduced the iPod Mini last
year with 4GB, compared to the regular 20GB, competition grew.

The Mini market is much more casual. Therefore it is more likely
to see competition based on pricing, form factor, and compatibility
with music stores.

A huge factor to the success of the iPod has been the fact that
it is usually coupled with Apple’s iTunes software and online
music store. This combination has not be achieved by other
manufacturers, and all of their attempts so far have fallen short
of Apple's dominance.

iPods also work as a voice recorder. When listening in class is
impossible, iPod owners can bust out their trusty gadget, then go
back and listen to the lecture when they are ready. An iPod can
also be used as a hard drive to store files or as a handy way to
access a calendar, address book or to-do list. If missing class is
a problem, the iPod can even be used as an alarm clock.

Apple’s suggested retail price is $299.

University College freshman Bradley Cook said iPods are worth
the money because of all the space available. The device especially
comes in handy on road trips, he said.
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