The future prospects for the iPhone were put into perspective by examining the evolution of the original iPod. The historical analysis was published at Business Week on Thursday.

Arik Hesseldahl, Business Week's Apple specialist, went back to the beginning, the days right after September 11, 2001, and recalled the release of the first iPod and the economic malaise that followed.

"When I went to Comdex," Mr. Hesseldalh wrote, "the once-huge computer industry trade show in Las Vegas that November; the slowdown in the tech economy was palpable and advanced. The formerly bacchanalian festival of the digital set was a downright sullen affair. But it was at a Comdex press conference that I saw a glimmer of hope for better things to come: I saw the iPod up close for the very first time in the hands of a friend."

Putting the first iPod in perspective, the author pointed out how the original iPod compared to other MP3 players that held more music and cost less. And the first iPod was Mac only. However, he noted, "Anyone could understand its fabulously easy wheel-and-button interface in seconds."

In the end Apple learned what worked and what didn't. As a result, the original iPod evolved dramatically. As will the iPhone. The analysis concluded with words of wisdom. "If there's something you still don't like about it come June, save your money and wait a while. History shows that it's only going to get better with time."

If only we can all be that patient.