APPLE WELCOMES IPOD PEOPLE

"With iPod, listening to music will never be the same again," said Apple CEO Steve Jobs in announcing Apple's foray into the portable MP3 jukebox market. "And if not, well, we'll announce something cool again in a couple of months."

The iPod is a 6.5-ounce device the size of a deck of cards with a 5GB internal hard drive capable of holding up to 1,000 CD-quality songs. The iPod comes with a built-in FireWire port that allows file transfers, using Apple's recent iTunes software, between a user's computer and the device in a Palm Pilot-like syncing cradle. The FireWire port allows a transfer of 1,000 songs in less than 10 minutes or a single CD in 5 to 10 seconds and it does it automatically. iGenius!

If any of this sounds familiar, it's because you read it on our rumor mill last week—before today's official announcement.

The device is powered by batteries that recharge each time the device is connected to a Mac and comes with a travel adapter for recharging. The iPod hits the shelves Nov. 10 and should retail for $399. It also doubles as a portable hard drive for all of your portable hard drive needs.