IBM almost made the first iPod
Wednesday, July 21, 2004 by Frogboy | Discussion: WinCustomize News
IBM, never shy about blowing an opportunity to take over the market, was working on an iPod type product with the company that later went on to supply the hardware to Apple long before Apple showed up.
Among the interesting nuggets is the fact that PortalPlayer was working with a number of companies, including IBM, before concentrating its efforts on Apple. According to Knauss, IBM's plan was to create a small player built around its Microdrive (IBM later sold its drive business, including the Microdrive to Hitachi, which now sells it to Apple for use in the iPod Mini.) IBM also planned to use Bluetooth headphones--something that a few folks here have been wanting for some time.
I always wondered where the IBM executives who were in charge of OS/2 went to. Now I guess we know... 
Reply #3 Thursday, July 22, 2004 2:58 AM
Reply #4 Thursday, July 22, 2004 10:11 AM
It's not like the iPod is the 1st ever hard drive based mp3 player. I have a 6GB Nomad that predates the iPod by some time.
IBM wouldn't be making an 'iPod' They would have been be entering the market.
Reply #5 Thursday, July 22, 2004 10:26 AM
Reply #6 Thursday, July 22, 2004 8:18 PM
Big companies sometimes miss the details when looking at the bigger picture.
Reply #7 Thursday, July 22, 2004 9:46 PM
Frogboy, I thought frogs ate flies, not Apples
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Reply #1 Wednesday, July 21, 2004 9:10 PM