It cost $399. It was 5GB in capacity (which Apple then called 1000 songs, but would now call 1250 songs...). It was shiny silver and white. It was brick-like (4.02" x 2.42" x 0.78", 0.41 lbs). And it was Mac-only.
It was the original iPod, introduced by Steve Jobs seven years ago today (ok, yesterday...this is a slightly belated birthday greeting).
Apple held a special event on October 23, 2001 where a rather more robust looking Steve took the stage and introduced the world to what would turn Apple into the lord of all things digital music. And critics were mostly "ho hum" and "yea, Creative already makes one of those." Who could've guessed where it would all lead?
I was there at the Apple Store (Tysons Corner, VA) to grab mine on day one. I still have it and it still works great. (Granted, it doesn't see much use given the handful of more recent iPods and iPhones that litter my workspace...)
Happy birthday, iPod.
TUAW has put up a gallery of various iPod models that have come and gone over the years. Also have a look at iPod Hacks' first post from November 14, 2001. Ah, the memories.
