There are Apple iPod users that would not trade their iPod for anything in the world. On the other hand, other people cannot stand it. As always, the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

The Apple iPod, released in 2001 became almost a substitute term for MP3 player in a very short time. iPods enjoyed having an impressive market share (over 80% of the hard drive based MP3 player market and around 70% of the entire MP3 player market).

This means that almost everyone has heard of the iPod, which is another reason for it selling so well, besides the real advantages, of course. So the question becomes - Is the Apple iPod the Best MP3 Player, or just the Best Known MP3 Player?

Let's take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages that can help you decide if the Apple iPod is the best MP3 player for you.

The iPod is cool, trendy, fashionable, stylish, classy ... whatever word you want to use to describe sweeeet. However, it is also one of the most expensive MP3 players out there. If you want to impress and price is not a problem for you, you will probably choose an iPod.

Then it has genuine advantages: small size, very good sound quality, easy to use navigation with the click wheel and large storage capacity. What's more, the latest models can play video files and display pictures in multiple file formats. The iPod Nano also has a full color screen, a stopwatch and lap timer. Another plus is that you can find many iPod accessories.

When it comes to disadvantages, the iPod has a big one, especially if you are an audio book lover. Downloadable audio books are becoming very popular and more and more are downloading and listening to them.

Unfortunately, Apple has refused to enable the Windows Media capabilities of the iPod, while the majority of audio book publishers do request that their titles are available only in a copy protected WMA format. In this situation, you can only use iTunes to add new content to your iPod MP3 player.

Virtually all other MP3 player manufacturers support WMA files now, so it should not be too long until pressure from customers forces Apple to enable it. Then again, there is always that Steve Jobs versus Bill Gates thing, kind of like the Republican Party versus the Democratic Party, so who knows when egos do the talking!

However, in the meantime, there is a viable solution, it just takes a bit longer. You need to burn the files to a regular compact disc and then rip as MP3 to your iTunes. However, this might not be convenient for everyone. Here's an instructional video on how to get downloaded audio book files into your iPod.

Another drawback becomes apparent if you want to connect the iPod with your home stereo system. That is because the iPods do not have other needed output connections besides the headphone jack. In this case, you will need to buy a separate special docking station.

The good thing is that the docking station can also act as a charger for the battery, it has a remote control and output connections for video as well. However, this is an extra expense and you need to be aware of this.

In addition, the iPod does not play radio, record voice or have a text viewer. However, if all you need is to play music, this should not bother you.

Now you know some advantages and some disadvantages of the well-known Apple iPod MP3 player and you can make an informed decision.

I think you already know this fact, but sometimes it is good to be reminded: there's no point to look for "the best mp3 player", because all you need is “the best MP3 player for you and your own unique needs”.