the iPod design process

Electronics Design Chain had an interesting article from last summer discussing the process that used to create the iPod. It is a good analysis of how decided to not only outsource the manufacturing of the iPod, but also the majority of the design process. Essentially acting as a client of a reference platform designer PortalPlayer, with contributions from DSP manufacturers and Sony for the battery, plus Toshiba for the hard drive. All contributing their expertise to create something faster and better than they probably could on their own.
Maybe the article preaches to the choir a little, but still interesting reading. the end of the article predicts that elements of the reference design used for the iPod will appear in other devices over the next few months, as it will only be covered under an agreement for a short period. Hence the similar products, even down to shape that have been announced recently.