Spoon - The Beast and Dragon, Adored

So it's been a little over four years since the iPod was first debuted on October 23rd, 2001. I had just upgraded my car stereo a month earlier with a Pioneer headunit, and an XM receiver. I admit it, I'm always the first on the bandwagon for everything, and the iPod would be no different. First, though, let's back up a little bit.

Apple had announced to reporters that they were about to release a "breakthrough digital device." Expectations were running high off of rampant speculation that sometimes hit and sometimes missed. Many in the Mac community already had their wallets ready and were just waiting for the Apple Store to add the device. Then, it was unveiled and message boards lit up. I have to admit that I was completely underwhelmed, especially with the $399 price tag. I knew the thing would see at least some success, but I knew that I couldn't afford one. Other reactions varied from very good to very bad, but I think it's safe to say that people were cautiously optimistic about it.

"The device is by no ways groundbreaking. Sure, it uses firewire (which is good), it is light, and probably built well, but in 5 years will [we] be looking back at the iPod?" (link)

It hasn't quite been five years yet, but I have a feeling people are going to remember the iPod.

I never did get one of those original iPods. A few months later, Apple rolled out the 2nd generation of iPods with Mac and PC versions. I picked up the Mac 10GB iPod from the local Apple Store and the building hype started to make sense to me. Up until that point, I couldn't understand how people would go and shell out over $400 for something as trivial as a music player. Then as I walked around with my entire music library in my pocket, it hit me; I understood. I was also hooked.

I eventually sold off that iPod to a friend, and upgraded to a 3rd generation 15GB player. Being as much of a sucker as I am for Apple products, I also ran out earlier this yearand bought a 512mb iPod shuffle. Luckily, I've gotten a ton of use out of that little thing. It really looks like I've taken sand paper to it with how abused it gets on a daily basis, but it keeps on tickin'. It's been my all-purpose gym music player/flash drive since I first connected it to my PowerBook.

I still take care of my 3rd generation iPod as if it were delicate porcelain, but I know one day it's going to play its last note. That new iPod is looking pretty cool... chu's iPod nano looks good too...

Labels: computers

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