TECH TITANS - Apple iPod

RIP, thin white jukebox. So which was the best?

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01 IPOD (1ST GENERATION)

In 2001, an unassuming white box arrived and transformed the gadget world. Good job it did too: if Apple had carried on just making computers, we might all be walking around today listening to MiniDiscs, taking photos on compact cameras and making calls on Nokias. Imagine!

In terms of design, the original iPod was a classic. It had a scroll wheel that actually turned – a clever system that in many ways beats a touchscreen for the tactile pleasure of scanning from Abba to Zappa – and four buttons around it that made a satisfying click when pressed. With 5GB of storage (generous at the time) and an interface that didn’t make you want to punch your own face off, Apple’s first iPod was nonetheless derided by plenty of people who didn’t see its potential – including some in the Stuff office. Little did they know that people love usability… and are willing to pay for it. Add in the iTunes Store, and a new way to listen to music was born.