Me and my iPod(s) - A Retrospective : CNET Reviews

Five years ago, the iPod was launched, offering "a breakthrough MP3 music player that packs up to 1,000 CD-quality songs into an ultraportable, 6.5-ounce design that fits in your pocket." It wasn't the first MP3 player by a long shot, but it was definitely the first to penetrate the mainstream psyche. It is the Walkman of the early 21st century.

What a remarkable five years for the franchise, which now holds a commanding 79 percent of the U.S. MP3 player market (it actually peaked in mid-2004 at 92 percent). Within those five years, we've seen brands such as Rio flame out, and wannabes such as Dell and Gateway bow out due to the pressure. Recently, second place SanDisk has approached 19 percent market share, and there are several outstanding players including Toshiba's Gigabeat S and Creative's Zen Vision:M that theoretically challenge the iPod.