100 million iPods sold

An Apple milestone: 100 million iPods sold

Technology company transforming entertainment world but faces risks

ANALYSIS

By Allison Linn

Senior writer

MSNBC

Updated: 1:27 p.m. PT April 9, 2007

Allison Linn Senior writer • Profile • E-mail

Apple Inc.’s announcement Monday that it has sold 100 million of its iPod music players marks more than just a business milestone for the once-struggling computer company.

The remarkable sales figure also is evidence that Apple has, in just a few short years, played a major role in transforming a fringe technology into a mainstream phenomenon — spawning massive ripple effects in both the music and technology industries.

What’s more, analysts say, Apple’s more recent forays into selling movies and TV shows — and, soon, its own cell phone — could be poised to transform those industries as well.