The iPod turned ten years old over the weekend. You could arguably say that its introduction started Apple’s renaissance that continues today. There are other retrospectives on the Internet that are much better than what I could ever write but I thought I’d write a few words about my own experience.

I didn’t buy the iPod when it first came out. I bought my first iPod as soon as Apple introduced Windows compatibility through MusicMatch Jukebox software (if you even know what EphPod is, you’re awesome). It still, however, had the original iconic design. I remember saving a little from each paycheck from my job at the UCI Bookstore to save enough money to buy one. Luckily, I had a student discount and was able to get it for a little under $300 after taxes. At first I was embarrassed to tell people how much money I spent on something that “just played music”. But I didn’t care. For me, the greatest thing was being able to carry a thousand songs with me, all over campus with enough battery to last me an entire day.

The original iPod was the first Apple product that I purchased and it eventually converted me to the Apple fanboy that I am today. I’m proud to say that it still works. Every once in awhile I’ll take it out and set it next to one of its descendants, my iPhone 3GS and just stare in amazement at where ten years has brought us. I can’t wait to see where the next ten will take us.

Just for fun, here are a couple pictures of my original iPod through the years, from its unboxing to different trips I’ve taken it on.

Tags: iPod