If we didn't have the ipod, we wouldnt .... or probably even intel macs.
The iMac had re-introduced Apple as being successful and whether or not the iPod was made available to PC users or not has nothing to do with Apple being prominent again. Never has Apple *needed* the PC community for anything, Apple does not depend on anyone else to make their users happy. They play their own game. The iPod I feel was an unexpected hit, or rather the right thing at the right time. I am still not convinced that the iPod is what brought Apple back.
Apple was already back when it conceived the iPod.
and TanToday I'm not sure what you're point was, but you DO USE a LOT of CAPS. The Apple experience is an illusion at best, and isn't a product.