Over the years, Apple has expanded the form and capability of the original iPod. The series of models now available include the iPod classic and its hard drive storage; the iPod Touch and its touch screen capability; the iPod Nano and its video capability and the iPod Shuffle which is the compact version capable of sharing media openly with others. All the various forms of media can be downloaded. But music still remains the number one feature of the iPod and it's relatives. It's like being able to carry around your home video and audio system. It also comes with accessories such as the iPod Speakers which enable you to share your music with others. The technology has evolved such that data is now stored with flash memory.
It has now grown to be the ultimate portable personal assistant. It's like always having your desktop pc with you. It can connect to the internet. You can check your email making it a "must have" for the businessman on the go. It's your personal arcade as many computer games may be downloaded. It will also become your portable video or DVD player when movies become affordable to download. Apple and its marketing have made it the personal fashion accessory for today's "in crowd".
The growth in usage of the iPod and its many versions has had a great impact on the music industry. Free music downloads are widely available. The technology is evolving to the point where movie downloads are envisioned for the near future. If you are concerned about the legalities of the downloads, there are many places you can actually purchase the media.
In addition, the iPod can be connected to your computer; whether it's an Apple Macintosh or a Microsoft Windows machine. The iTunes software will accomplish this for you. It will enable you to backup your iPod media. It also allows you to upload the various digital media you already access through your personal computer in order to take it with you. It is also capable of being your external data storage device. As a result, you can conveniently transport documents and data you need to be able to work with at your client's desktop computer for instance.
The mobile phone went a long way to freeing people up and removing them from their desk during the day. The iPod is the next step in the process. It allows us to have the freedom to move around and go anywhere to do all the things we used to do at our office desks.