(image taken from Dukebox.com)

Regardless of whether or not all those iPhone rumors are true, maybe Apple knows what a threat smartphones and PDAs could be to their bottom line. The iPod has literally funded Apple's resurgence, allowing it to survive.

But as mobiles and handhelds pack more features into a pocket-size package, including audio playback, some people are starting to doubt the merit of a stand-alone music player, especially since newer mobiles can store lots of music. And models like the 3250 and the N91 have helped Nokia's music-phone sales outpace the iPod's.

Personally, while we're still a long way from that perfect convergence device, I'd rather have only one gadget in my pocket. I'm quite careless with them, so the less I lose, the better.

New Words: Apparently coined by the folks over at MobHappy:

Seperatista - As implied, wants to keep everything separate. In this case, would rather use a stand-alone music player (like the iPod!) rather than play their favorite tunes on their smartphone or PDA.
Convergionist - I'm siding myself with this team. Aside from wanting everything in one neat package, they'd like to see more gadgets like the P990i and the N95.