In 2001, Apple introduced the iPod, an MP3 player with the unheard-of storage capacity of 5 gigabytes. Six iPod generations later, the iPod plays songs, movies, games and photo slideshows, and you can store up to 160 GB of any type of file you want. The evolution has been a lesson in consumer electronics marketing and development: Millions of people are so hooked on the iPod, they continue to buy it and its coordinating Apple products despite quick battery death and difficult repairs.



The 2007 iPod release, the sixth-generation iPod classic, is a digital audio player, video player, photo viewer and portable hard drive, making it a full-fledged portable media center. It's available in 80-GB and 160-GB capacities and has a color LCD screen. In addition to the iPod classic, there are several other devices in the current generation of iPod players:

* iPhone, the device which probably saved Apple! Brilliantly designed, it is a phone that allows users to access the internet and music/video applications with great ease.

* iPod Touch contains all the features of the iPod but also integrates Wifi internet access. In this respect it is similar to the iPhone, except for it not being able to make phone calls.

* iPod shuffle, with a 1-GB capacity, plays only songs and has no display.

* iPod nano plays digital audio, displays digital photos and comes in 4- and 8-GB capacities. It has a 2-inch display screen and a smaller form factor than the iPod video.

The Ipod has gained immense populartity and is undoubtedly one of the most popular gifts you can give a friend, a relative, a co-worker or loved one. There is no downside to ever giving someone an Ipod! While special edition iPods are not always cheap, it is possible to buy them at a discount. Its almost impossible to find a discount iPhone, but they make great gifts if you can afford the price tag.