Filed under: Accessories, Analysis / Opinion, iPod Family
Has the iPod reached ubiquitous status?
So I was shopping in Linens 'N Things with my fiance this afternoon, and what did my eyes spy? iPod accessories. Yep, amidst the warehouse-ceiling-high shelves of bed and bath products and gadgets were iPod and iPod shuffle cases from DLO and even Griffin's iTrip. In a Linens 'N Things.Is the iPod this ubiquitous? I know they're showing up in 711's, TV shows, "Free iPod!" offers and Targets.. but L'NT? Wow. They don't even have an electronics section. I'm starting to wonder if there are any avenues, stores or marketing ploys the iPod hasn't permeated. Anyone else? Is there nowhere left for the iPod to go?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jamison said 10:00AM on 9-18-2005
A few weeks ago I was at "Bed, Bath and Beyond" and with a friend who just couldn't believe it when we happened on an iPod speaker/dock combo thing. He had the same reaction.
So yes, they seem to be ubiquitous, but does this also mean the dock connector has become a defacto standard as well?
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anthony said 10:37AM on 9-18-2005
I think this is the precise reason why the iPod is so popular. Put it this way, if 90% of your computer store has Windows software and hardware, you're probably going to buy a Windos machine because it has the appearance of being the most popular and safest choice.
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Joseph Matt said 10:42AM on 9-18-2005
LnT also raffled off a Segway. Does that mean the Segway is ubiquitous now? Not really. I think they are just reaching out to a new market.
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Cashmore said 11:15AM on 9-18-2005
If you say "mp3 player", most people think of the iPod. So yes, I think it's ubiquitous.
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random said 11:32AM on 9-18-2005
Linens-n-things is just the tip of the iceberg though. I also see iPod cases in Urban Outfitters, J.Crew, and American Eagle. Accessories in Wal-Mart and Target. Magazine ads touting contests to win a free iPod. iPods in non-Apple commercials.
If I wear an Apple shirt anywhere, people will tell me that they own an iPod. Or that their kid wants one...
And do you see this kind of marketing for the Rio? Nope.
I think iPod will eventually start treading into generic term country. A word so ubiquitous that when you say iPod, you mean any mp3 players. The way 'Kleenex' refers to facial tissue. Or the way 'Coke' refers to any soda in Texas. ;)
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Ryan Green said 1:10PM on 9-18-2005
Korea. Thats where. Its really really hard to promote a product there, even if its better, because people there are EXTREMELY nationalistic. Everyone isn't wearing an iPod Shuffle, theyre wearing a Samsung Yepp. Someone at Apple Marketing should read into this opportunity.
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RP said 1:37PM on 9-18-2005
I see them in Gap, Urban Outfitters, American Eagle, Hollister (sometimes), Old Navy, besically all of the 16+ stores.
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pacificwave said 1:15PM on 9-18-2005
I just saw iPod shuffles and minis for sale in a vending machine in the international terminal at SFO, right next to the sunscreen and ibuprophen. Give the machine your credit card, and your new iPod comes sliding out like a bag of potato chips! Is it just me, or is that a bit surreal?
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Momus said 5:47PM on 9-18-2005
Walk down the right back alley at Algonquin College and you can any kind of iPod. They're everywhere. Everyone has one. Regular iPods, iPod photos, iPod minis, shuffles, 3G's (myself included) except U2 and 1G iPods, I don't think I've seen any of those.
Can't wait until class starts again on the 26th. I am expecting the nanos to pop up immediately.
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Justin Thorp said 8:31PM on 9-18-2005
I go to school at the Rochester Institute of Technology and you see the white earbuds everywhere. Everyone has an iPod. It is very noticeable.
The iPod is amazing because it trascends geeky gadgets and fashion. Having an iPod has reached the level of like having a nice watch or something.
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dan said 9:54PM on 9-18-2005
where hasnt it gone? wireless. i want to see some built in wireless blue tooth headphones
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KT said 2:25AM on 9-19-2005
I saw an iPod charger (and a BUNCH of accessories) at Walgreens.
FREAKING WALGREENS!
They're everywhere.. and I like it. :)
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David said 1:07PM on 9-19-2005
They don't seem to have them yet at Starbucks. I'm still waiting for them to ask "would you like a Nano with your Grande?"
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