Give the Gift of Great Tunes This Holiday Season
with iPod Products Perfect for Travel
by Jessica Howell
MP3 players have swept the nation, leaving a trail of musically enhanced lives and tapping feet behind them. Topping the list of cool must-haves, the tiny devices have become accessible to the general public as competition increases and prices slowly drop with the onset of newer models.
MP3 king iPod by Apple continues its reign in 2006, accounting for over three quarters of portable music players sold, and according to Jupiter Research, shows no sign of losing momentum.
In fact, this year marked the announcement that three automakers – General Motors, Ford Motor Co. and Mazda Motor Corp. – would be teaming up with Apple to enable iPod users to link up to vehicle audio systems on most 2007 models. That means that over 70 percent of ’07 U.S. vehicles will be available as MP3 compatible, reports Apple.
For road trippers, that’s great news. And for those of us who find ourselves in airport terminals and coach class more often than on highways, iPods can be a literal lifesaver. Needless to say, the easy-to-use, multi-hued iPods have become a staple for hip backpackers and solo travelers and have consequently brought forth a plethora of travel-savvy iPod products to the market.
What’s the big deal with iPods, you ask? We asked Sheryl Connelly, Global Trends and Futuring Manager for Ford, who predicts and evaluates the future of the marketplace for not just cars, but all trends under the sun.
Connelly explains the extreme popularity of iPods as interesting. The iPod is really just an empty vessel – a device that people can load with their own music, and consequently, personality, she says. No two are exactly the same; allowing you complete self-expression and customization. Should you decide to reinvent yourself tomorrow, it’s possible. Just empty out your iPod and reload it. A simple idea, yes, but completely unique.
That said, whether you’re nine or ninety-nine, an iPod or MP3 player makes perfect sense. Add one of these great travel gadgets to your holiday gift list, or grab one for a deserving friend. Believe us, they’ll be singing your praises – and likely dancing along.
- Go to iPod Gift Guide -
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