By Tim Yarbrough
MacDoor Editor
zxmac8384@yahoo.com
With the runaway success of the iPod we can only wonder what the "next big thing" will be from our friends in Cupertino.
The 2004 Christmas shopping season will be known as the "Year of the iPod" just as in past years were known for the Cabbage Patch doll and Tickle Me Elmo.
What's different is the iPod is a utility device that will bring millions of users years of music enjoyment and a reason to access Apple's iTunes store to buy new music.
In the months to come we'll know if the iPod phenomenon is for real. Apple may see increased computer sales as millions of people experience Apple and its innovative products. The company continues to get good press on the quality and stability of its OS X operating system and how Macintosh is immune to many viruses that bombard Windows every day. But selling a few more computers is only part of the iPod story.
Steve Jobs isn't sitting on his laurels. Rumor sites are sizzling with speculation that a new iPod flash and an increased capacity iPod Mini will be introduced in January. But what else does Jobs have under his hat?
Whatever "it" is won't be introduced in January, I'm sure of that. I think Apple could very well be working on new products that further integrate home or personal media. What that is, I can only speculate.
However, Jobs knows all too well that computers won't keep Apple afloat. Rather, it will be the creation of innovative products that make peoples' lives better and more enjoyable.
Only time will tell what products Apple will debut on the world stage. One thing is for certain, on the heels of a monster hit like the iPod, there will be a lot of folks taking notice.