iPod+HP

An iPod+HP

The Apple iPod+HP is an Apple iPod 4G with an HP logo on the back, distributed through HP.

On January 8, 2004, Carly Fiorina announced the Apple iPod+HP deal at the Consumer Electronics Show.^[1] The Apple iPod+HP was originally to have come in "HP Blue".^[2]

Initially, HP only offered the 20 and 40 GB 4th-generation iPods. HP later added the iPod mini, the iPod photo, and the iPod shuffle to the lineup.^[3] As these were officially HP products rather than Apple products, Apple Store Genius Bars were not authorized to repair Apple iPod+HP iPods, and they had to be sent to an HP Authorized Service Center for repair, despite identical designs.^[4]

On July 29, 2005, HP announced that it would terminate its deal with Apple. Even though the deal would be terminated, part of the deal says that HP cannot make a rival digital music player until August 2006, almost making it 3 years since the deal was made in January 2004.^[5] HP continued to pre-install iTunes on home computers until January 6, 2006, when HP announced a partnership with RealNetworks to install Rhapsody on HP and Compaq-branded home player under the HP brand.^[6]

Sources

1. PC World: HP Will Resell Apple's iPod
2. Mac Rumors: HP's Blue iPod Revealed
3. HP Press Release: HP Adds iPod shuffle to Digital Music Player Lineup
4. iLounge Forums: iPod from HP
5. CNET News.com: HP to stop selling Apple's iPod
6. PC Magazine: HP Drops iTunes for Rhapsody