It seems like you buy the latest Apple product, and within the next month, a newer and more attractive product is released. Whether it’s the new, brightly colored iPod nano or the sleek iPod touch, Apple does not cease to surprise its consumers with the products they continuously craft.

The evolution of the iPod has been prominent in the technological world. And since 2001, the popularity of the iPod and the Apple brand has reached unbelievable heights. In the past year alone, more than 3.4 million customers a week visited an Apple store, according to Philip Schiller, senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, at a Macworld 2009 event.

Currently, the iPods available through Apple are the iPod classic, iPod nano, iPod shuffle and iPod touch. The latter is the most technologically advanced iPod, with its slim touch screen and features such as wireless Internet access, games, video capability and plenty of space for music.

“I really like the (iPod touch’s) wireless Internet feature and the ability to check the weather outside and updates on sporting events,” said Matt Teske, a freshman in the College of Business Administration.

But aside from the iPod itself, Apple offers a variety of gadgets that allow you to listen to your beloved playlists on the go. Apple locations, along with other electronics stores, sell iPod radio connections through which you can transfer your music to your car’s speakers. Out for a run? Apple partnered with Nike to create the Nike + iPod Sport Kit, a sensor in Nike running shoes that tracks how far and fast you run. An added bonus: the iPod provides feedback along the journey.

If you’re giving the iPod as a gift, Apple allows you to engrave the back with a special note, a name, etc. Many varieties of iPod cases are also available, along with dual alarm clocks and even remotes to control an iPod from across the room.

Alice Williams, a sophomore in the College of Nursing and iPod nano owner, said she wanted an iPod with “a pretty color and lots of gigabytes.”

Although there are plenty of other MP3 player options available for customers, there seems to be none more popular than the iPod. The recognizably upbeat iPod commercials feature popular music from artists including The Ting Tings, Feist and U2. Teske said he is more attracted to Apple products because of the “way they put themselves out there compared to other competing companies like Zune. Their products are better advertised and more appealing.”

Williams also noted that she is attracted to Apple because the company provides a good balance of quality and price in its products.