MP3 Players: Why Apple’s iPod Is King

The first mp3 player was introduced in 1998 by Eiger Labs and was called MPMan. It had a storage capacity of 32 MB (between 10 and 20 songs) and was sold for $69. Now, it’s not uncommon to find an mp3 player with 120GB of storage capacity (up to 30,000 songs) for $249. However, long gone are the days of using an mp3 player as, well, an mp3 player. Most mp3 players now serve as the “Swiss Army Knife” of electronics. They can play music, display photos, play videos and movies, connect to the Internet, check email, and serve as a personal game room.

When the words “mp3 player” are uttered, the first thought that comes to people’s minds is “iPod”. Why is this when there are multiple manufacturers of mp3 players (Sony, Samsung, and Creative Technologies, to name a few)? Is it the creative TV commercials that seem to bombard us at least twice during a 30-minute episode of “The Office”? Is it the fact that these players come in several different colors to suit our mood? Is it the smooth navigation and ease of use? Or is it due to the fact that within each of us we support Apple, the underdog, who has taken on the mighty Microsoft Corporation?

Whatever the reason, the fact remains that Apple has creative geniuses behind the marketing and development of these ever-changing devices. Every advertisement we see on television gives us the feeling that we have to have one of these devices… to be fashionable, to be cool, to really have fun in life. Then you take a look at the actual devices. They come in ultra-small (iPod shuffle), ultra-colorful (iPod nano), and ultra-sleek (iPod touch). The different types of iPods make it easy to please anyone, from the casual music listener with small pockets to the frequent flyer who needs a device that can keep them busy with music, movies and games during a three-hour flight. There is literally an iPod for every lifestyle.

Don’t forget the ease of use, seamless iTunes integration, and continuous updates and new apps to ensure you’re getting the most out of your iPod. The bottom line is that Apple is leading the way in mp3 player development, while all other mp3 player manufacturers seem to be a step behind. With prices ranging from $79 to $229, all budgets are considered.

Consumers aren’t just jumping on the iPod bandwagon. Many companies have focused on developing iPod accessories for each model, from plug-and-play stereo systems to sports bands and iPod cases. These iPod accessories are becoming as attractive as the iPod itself. Now the question is not “what brand of mp3 player should I buy?” but “what accessory can I get for my iPod?”

Since the iPod is such a popular product, iPods and iPod accessories are available for purchase with more online stores popping up every day and with iPods and iPod accessories being sold at “big box” stores like Walmart and Target.

As more people invest in iPods, the demand for iPod repair services increases. For some of the inexpensive iPod models (iPod shuffle, for example), it doesn’t make much sense to pay for iPod repair service. However, for more expensive models, iPod repair can be a substantially cheaper alternative to buying a new iPod.