Apple's greatest hits (pictures) - CNET

The iPod wasn't the first digital music player, but it became the most popular. Launched in 2001, the iPod became the primary driver of Apple's renaissance. Analysts called it a "halo" product that drew people into Apple's stores, where they sometimes bought other products.

Apple's iTunes software, which gave consumers an easy way to manage lots of music, contributed to the iPod's success. Apple released the software for Microsoft Windows in 2003, the same year Apple launched the iTunes Store, selling songs for 99 cents apiece and creating the online music market.