For some time, newspapers have tried to either keep things the same or forcibly invent new delivery mechanisms and technologies for their product. Instead, the reverse is happening, and the iPod touch and iPhone, with the Internet in the user’s pocket, have created the moment in time when the legacy newspaper is irrelevant, according to a New York journalism professor.

Professor Jeff Jarvis, who wrote a compelling essay on Monday for The Guardian, quoted Dilbert cartoonist Scott Adams, "When you have a web browser in your pocket, a printed newspaper is redundant."

Dr. Jarvis wrote that the "iPod moment is here." That is, the next generation computer has arrived, one that allows it to be, "infinite but personal; instantaneous yet permanent; unrestricted by medium because it offers all media; and enriched by the conversation around it," and all in the palm of the hand. As that moment comes upon us, and seeps into our consciousness, the world of newspapers will "shudder on its axis," according to Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger.

In looking at how this came to be, the author recounted how the newspaper industry, seeing the handwriting on the wall ever since the invention of the personal computer, has sought, via think tanks, to come up with the next medium for the news. Fanciful ideas such as an electronic sheet of paper, e-paper, like the one shown in the Harry Potter movies, have been envisioned. The journalism professor wrote that we should be taking the opposite view.

"I think that’s all driving the wrong way: backwards. These are attempts to mould technology to old media. What we should be doing instead, of course, is moulding media to new technology. We should be asking what new we can do on this new iPhone," he noted.

Dr. Jarvis also believes that the "iPod Moment" brings all kinds of new questions: "...how do we use this wonderful device to give people the news and links whenever, wherever, and however they want it? How do we do that with incredible efficiency? How do we make it local and relevant? How do we take advantage of the two-way relationship we now have, enabling people with these gadgets to share what they know? And - here’s what everyone really means when they talk about iPod moments - how do we make money doing it?"

Finally, iPO notes, if Apple forever altered the music and portable video industries and is on the brink of altering the newspaper industry, there may well be other industries in line for unalterable disruption. No one knows what those are, but analysts who watch Apple sense it’s coming.