It appears that usability tops sound quality, "cool factor" and even the recommendations of friends when choosing an MP3 player.
"The quality of the user interface was the primary reason why users chose the iPod over other digital music players," notes TDG's Dale Gilliam. "This finding is especially relevant given that many press and industry pundits argue that it is the aesthetics or maybe the cool factor that has made the iPod so popular."
"The iPod will remain the dominant device for mobile digital music consumption," according to Gilliam, "as long as Apple can keep from tripping over its own feet."
TDG recently completed an in-depth consumer study focused on mobile multimedia services and platforms among US mobile consumers ranging in age from 15 to 50. They included a detailed section of questions targeting the iPod phenomenon.
