Apple has just reached another milestone in its runaway success of recent years, selling the 100 millionth iPod. The little portable media player is the fastest selling such device in history.

Just five and a half years ago, Apple sold the very first iPod, in November 2001. Since then, more than ten new models have come out, with five generations of iPods, two generations of iPod mini, two generations of iPod nano and two generations of iPod shuffle.

"At this historic milestone, we want to thank music lovers everywhere for making iPod such an incredible success," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO, in the press release. "iPod has helped millions of people around the world rekindle their passion for music, and we're thrilled to be a part of that."

More than just a device, the iPod is an integral part of an ecosystem that has changed the way people listen to music as well as acquire, manage and store it. Both iTunes and the incredible market of accessories available for the device have contributed to cementing its position as the best device out there. In fact, both the iTunes Store and the "Made for iPod" ecosystem are amazing success stories in themselves, with the latter boasting over 4,000 accessories made specifically for the iPod that range from fashionable cases to speaker systems, and more than 70 percent of 2007-model US automobiles currently offer iPod connectivity.

The success of the iPod is truly remarkable, and has long surpassed all expectations. By comparison, it took Sony 10 years to sell 50 million units of their renowned Walkman personal music players. Though many are saying that iPod sales are starting to soften, the devices are still selling incredibly well, and still see steady year-over-year growths.