Apple Computer, who helped to develop the IEEE1394 interconnection standard known as FireWire by users of Mac computers, is excluding FireWire cable out of the bundle of the popular iPod player. Even though USB connection can satisfy both Mac and PC users, some feel a bit annoyed with the move. Still, the decision indicates growing popularity of the iPod among PC users and shows the company's commitment to volume customers.

?With the latest crop of iPods, Apple is no longer including a FireWire cable in the box. The music players will still work with FireWire, if a cord is purchased separately, but only a USB 2.0 cable comes with the device. The move is part of a gradual shift on Apple's part to standardize the iPod on USB, which is far more common in the Windows world,?claims an article at CNET News.com

There is a clear economical reason for Apple to include only USB cable in the product package.

?It's more cost efficient to ship with one cable rather than two, and USB is more broadly supported on both platforms, FireWire, it ships on some PCs, but not the vast majority,?said IDC analyst Susan Kevorkian.

Not all things came smooth for Apple with its iPod shipment changes.

?Some Mac owners were rankled by the move, saying that as recently as a year or two ago many Macs didn't include a USB 2.0 port. As of Wednesday night, more than 1,300 people had signed an online petition calling on Apple to again include a FireWire cable with iPods,?continues the article over CNET News.com.

?[I] felt a little betrayed.?explained Gary Reich, an Annapolis, Md.-based boating publication editor and owner of three Macs, who launched the petition.

• CNET News.com: Apple Takes a Step Away From FireWire.