Since its founding in 1976, Apple Computer Inc. has developed innovative computers and operating systems that completely revolutionize the way that we listen to and manage music.

In a few months, Apple will continue its conquest of the media with the release of Apple TV and the iPhone.

Apple TV, to be released in mid-March, is an expansion to iTunes, Apple’s widely used online music store.

The addition of movies, music videos, television shows and video podcasts on iTunes prompted Apple to create Apple TV, a device that wirelessly synchronizes a television with a computer.

Apple TV will allow people to experience any media they have stored in iTunes on their television, for a price of $299.

The iPhone, slated for release in June, will give people the ability to make calls, listen to music, watch movies, surf the Internet, send e-mails and manage photos, all in one sleek, handheld package.

Apple will release two models of the iPhone, one at a price of $499 and another for $599. Even with that kind of a price tag, Apple is confident consumers will shell out the extra dough for the innovative handheld device.

The outrageous success of the iPod has ushered in what senior in computer engineering Brandon Newendorp calls the “halo effect” – iPod users have been found to be more likely to buy a Mac computer, spurring an exponential increase in Apple sales.

Newendorp is the president of the Ames Mac Users Group, which meets every other Thursday night at Howe Hall.

Newendorp said he prefers Apple products for a variety of reasons.

“Apple puts a tremendous amount of effort into the design of every aspect of the products,” Newendorp said. “Their products are designed to be powerful and yet easy to use, and are built extremely well.”

Newendorp expects the iPhone to be popular among ISU students, and he plans to buy one as soon as it is released.

“There are many cell phones on the market right now, but none of them really stand out from each other,” Newendorp said. “I’ve been waiting for a truly innovative cell phone for years.”

Newendorp believes that student interest may not be as high for Apple TV, because it is more catered to people who live in houses where the computer and TV are in separate rooms.

Though many students support Apple products, there is also a large contingency of students who dislike the brand.

Matt Janowicz, senior in materials engineering, is one of these students.

“Apple products are extremely overpriced and overrated,” Janowicz said. “I feel that Apple gets more credit than it deserves.”

Janowicz believes many people will purchase an iPhone simply because Apple products are fashionable.

“Apple has convinced people that it’s cool to have an Apple product, so it would be cool to be the first with an Apple phone,” Janowicz said.

Janowicz said he wouldn’t consider buying the phone, because it offers a bunch of features he doesn’t need.

“I only use my phone for making phone calls, and the free one from Verizon does just fine,” Janowicz said.

However, Janowicz agreed with Newendorp on the idea of the Apple “halo effect.”

“[The people] who buy Mac computers and swear by them will probably be the same ones to buy the iPhone and Apple TV,” Janowicz said.

Regardless of where your opinion on Apple lies, the company continues to create products that are changing the ways we view the media.

One can only wonder . what’s next?

For more information, see Apple.com for virtual tours of new Apple TV and iPhone.