Nothing's Random About iPod Shuffle Success

According to Apple Computer, the iPod shuffle currently owns over 58 percent of the flash-based digital media player market, up from the 43 percent market share it grabbed in February. The high market share is remarkable, considering the device has been on the market for less than four months and contains only a tiny subset of the features available on most flash devices. Unlike other devices, the iPod shuffle doesn't include a screen, an FM radio, or voice-recording features. The player does provide a great choice for those who want a small and inexpensive alternative to Apple's popular but expensive iPods. New cell phones are expected to provide a greater challenge to the popular flash-based digital media player market, so we'll be interested to see how long the iPod shuffle's random appeal lasts.