iPod myths

Michael Gartenberg | September 11, 2006, 05:33 PM

On the eve of Apple's news, there's not much more to say at this point that hasn't been speculated on already. But there do seem to be two myths that are iPod related going around as I see "pundits" speculating.

1. The iPod has lost appeal as a cool device – The theory goes that if older folks are buying iPods and little kids want them then the 18-28 demographic (who I guess define cool) will no longer think of then as cool devices. Geez, it's a great theory but based on who's buying what, totally not true. In fact, the whole premise is false. Older folks tend to think BMWs are pretty cool, most folks in the 18-28 demographic think they're pretty cool too (but probably can't afford them). This one seems to be mostly spread by Apple competitors and folks just looking for something to say.

2. The iPod is a generic term for MP3 players – I've heard lots of reporters and analysts talk about how the iPod is a generic term for MP3 players, like Kleenex is to tissue. Nothing could be further than the truth. iPod is generic for nothing. It refers, in consumers minds, to a very specific family of devices that come from one company and one company alone. Woa unto the consumer that made the mistake and assumed another MP3 player was an iPod for a gift purchase. iPods might well be synonymous for portable music players in the minds of consumers but the term is hardly generic.