Apple iPod: faster than a speeding Walkman

Merrill Lynch analyst Steve Milunovich's 10-page research note released this morning indicates that the adoption rate of the iPod is greater than the adoption rate of the Sony Walkman in the early 1980s. After 2.5 years on the market, sales of the iPod are about 1 million units ahead of Walkman sales after the equivalent period of time.

Milunovich also bumped up his previous estimate of iPod sales this quarter to 4 million from 2.7-3.5 million units. He also lends credibility to the rumours about a forthcoming flash-based iPod and hints at a possible January announcement at the San Francisco MacExpo.