When Apple debuted the first iPod in October 2001, it was met with skepticism from even the brand's most diehard fans — some called it a gimmick, others viewed it as just an overhyped MP3 player.

Before the age of streaming services, one of the easiest ways to take your music library with you was with an iPod. Apple's portable music player required no subscription: All you had to do was buy ...

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