RIP HP iPod

Today, HP ended its high-profile deal with Apple to distribute iPods under the HP brand. This doesn't surprise us, especially in the wake of recent HP layoffs and reorganization. According to Apple, iPods sold by HP accounted for only 5 percent of all iPods sold since the Apple-HP partnership launched in January 2004.

It's true that HP lagged behind Apple in releasing new products such as the color-screen iPod--in fact, the first HP iPods were several months late to the market. But when it comes down to it, why go with a reseller like HP when you could go directly to the source? Perhaps the best thing to come out of this is the custom iPod tattoo concept developed and marketed by HP. Maybe not.