What is an iPod?
Olivia KellyThe iPod is Apple's hugely successful portable digital music player, which has sold more than 10 million devices since it was launched in April 2003.
It was the first popular MP3 player and comes in several different models, including the standard iPod device, iPod photo, iPod mini and the new iPod shuffle.
The devices play MP3 files, a standard type of digital file that compresses audio into a small format that enables it to be transferred easily across the internet.
IPod owners can download music from the Web on to their PCs or Macintosh computers and then transfer them on to the hard disk on their music player. They can also copy their CDs and transfer them on to their iPod.
What is the iTunes website?
Apple has also launched a website to sell digital music over the internet called iTunes. This site, which was launched in Ireland last week, sells individual music tracks for 99 cents each. More than 200 million tracks have been purchased so far but tracks bought from iTunes can only be played on Apple's iPod player.
Are there rival MP3s?
Apple may have got a jump on the competition with the release of the iPod in April 2003 but over the past 18 months cut-price competitors have begun to launch a range of copycat products. Companies such as Creative and even Dell have begun to manufacture devices at cheaper prices. These products may not have the sleek design and consumer chic that Apple offers its customers but they play MP3 files just as well.
Where to get them:
Shuffle iPod and Mac Mini stockists
3G (formerly Eircom) Stores: Both products will be available in five to six weeks and customers can pre-order items from Monday. Prices for the Shuffle iPod will start from €89.99. Prices are not yet available for the Mac Mini.
02 Stores: No date has been set for arrival of the new machines, but a spokeswoman estimated they would be available in early February. Shuffle iPods will be available in a 512 megabyte format holding 120 songs and a 1 gigabyte format holding 240 songs. Prices will start from €90. Mac Minis will be available in the 02 Experience stores in Henry Street and Grafton Street, Dublin and Patrick Street, Cork from €450 to €550.
Dixons: Hopes to have Shuffle iPods within two weeks. The 512 megabyte iPod will cost €99 while the 1 gigabyte format will cost €149. The arrival date for the Mac Mini is not available.