Technology (2008)

Technological advances in mp3 players include build-in address books, full-color screens, the ability to play movies and download tv shows. The iPod is not a new-and-improved walkman, it has become, for most people, an extension of themselves. The typical consumer's dependence on this product has increased due to the marketing strategies employed by apple. Apple has played on this consumer dependence by adding a free forum for organizing and downloading (iTunes) and a cheap and easy cyber-place to buy most televisions shows, movies, album artwork, and music (iTunes Store). The iPod is even regarded as a good, but not the best, mp3 player on the market, but since Apple has generated such trendy accessories and forums, the consumer dependence grows and expands

http://www.consumer.org.nz/newsitem.asp?docid=3124&category=News&topic=Nike%20iPod%20sport%20kit
http://www.wired.com/gadgets/mac/commentary/cultofmac/2005/01/66426