The Editor-in-Chief of iPodLounge has written up his thoughts on Apple's 2004 in their iPod Year in Review 2004:
With that, we have come full circle: Apple entered the year with critics, and so it leaves the year with critics - the crucial difference being that there are now far fewer than before, and around four million new iPod owners, besides. Having defied expectations with the iPod mini and vaulted the iPod to new sales heights, partnerships and functionality with the 4G iPod, U2 iPod and iPod photo, Apple has clearly had a spectacular year, one far better than any of the doubters would have imagined.
Beware, this article is NSFAOIPH (Not Safe For Apple Or iPod Haters). You've been warned.