iPod

The clear front runner in portable audio these days is the iPod.  If you have been on a college campus in the last few years, you have seen their clever white chords snaking out the pockets of the hippest and most affluent undergrads.  Black headphones could be anything, but the white clearly demarks those in the know from those in the past.

What is it and why don't I have one?

The iPod has vastly improved on the portable music player, be they walkmen or any one of many MP3 players.  It is a tiny digital device that stores and plays nearly all varieties of audio available on the internet.  Several models range in price from about $70 (iPod Shuffle) to $400 (video iPod). 

The style of these machines is not inappropriately described as sexy.  Complaints about short battery life and an easily scratched surface occasionally crop up.  Nonetheless, the iPod's popularity continues to soar, along with all the accoutrements such as cradles that hold your iPod in your car and that connect to your home stereo system.

Is there anything an iPod can't do?

Accompanying the iPod in the box is a compact disc, software compatible with both Mac and PCs that helps manage your music.  Music managing is an odd idea that proves quite necessary when dealing with over one thousand songs.  The software allows you to interface with Apple's online music monster, iTunes.  This is a short list of services that seems to grow daily.

Flip through an artist's discography by clicking a name.

Receive recommendations based on your purchase habits.

Sign up for notification of a favorite artist's new releases.

Chime in on a review and ratings community of 10 million listeners.

Podcasts update your iPod with the latest radio and television.

Send a musical gift to anyone with an email address.

Celebrity Playlists inflates the importance of what high-profile stars listen to.

Individual songs are getting expensive, though.  At a dollar per song and 12 dollars for an album, it can become a draining habit.  This is where the iPod's dominance comes in handy.  Anyone with an iPod can load songs on your computer, and regular compact discs can be imported automatically.  A collection of friends with decent taste can multiply your library indefinitely.

More information on portable audio