For the past few years, companies, such as Apple, have been able to create gadgets and items that were originally intended to be merely for entertainment, but were later on raised to the status of necessities. On top of that, these products spawned entire subcultures and lifestyles.

Now, the iPod has become a household name and has also almost become synonymous with the term "MP3 player". Because of its popularity, everyone wanted some piece of the action, and we're not just talking about the consumers here, but the manufacturers as well. Hence, the iPod knock-off was born.

Admittedly, these cheap iPod imitations (with the one featured in the photo being one of the most notorious) are more commonly found in third-world countries. People who do not want to be left behind but cannot afford the real thing opt for these cheaper alternatives under the reasoning that it has almost the same functions of the real thing anyway. In case it breaks, it will be easier to replace it.

However, poverty or peer pressure isn't always a factor, since ignorance sometimes also plays a part in it. For example, even until now, there are people in the U.S. who think that any and all MP3 players are called "iPods".

All in all, this may be signs of either the iPod's immense popularity, or it may be a call for manufacturers to step up consumer awareness, not just to keep these bootleg items and imitations at bay, but also to educate buyers and allow them to make informed decisions. After all, you only get what you pay for.