iPod helps plant an Apple seed in the minds of consumers

Apple sold over 2 million iPods last quarter, marking a 500% growth over sales in the same quarter last year.
Portable music players are hot, and it's not just any brand consumers are hankering for:

"Millions of people want Santa to bring them a portable music player this Christmas. And not just any brand, mind you.
They're asking for Apple Computer's iPod. That's harmony for Apple, which has staged an amazing corporate turnaround to the tune of its popular iPod devices and iTunes music download service." — Patrick Seitz, Investor's Business Daily

Analysts say the advent of the iPod has done wonders to expand Apple's visibility to consumers who, liking the interface design and user experience of the iPod, could be swayed to start demanding similar ease-of-use from their next computer. For many, the iPod is the first Apple product they've purchased, and they report being extremely pleased. Personally, I would have given it 6 stars if Apple had let me!