Apple made a big noise about the recent launch of its iPod Mac-only digital music player, but Windows users so far haven't been able to jump on the bandwagon. That may change soon, however, with software maker Mediafour planning a Windows client to handle iPod. The software, XPod, would let users with a Windows PC and a FireWire port connect to the device. Mediafour announced this week that it is at work on an XPod beta, but did not give a launch date. IPod has won the praise of many critics for combining the high storage capacity of players like Creative's Jukebox with the pocket-sized form factor of more traditional digital music players. It costs £349 inc VAT in the UK, or $399 in the US, and is available on Apple's Web site. There's one catch, however: most Windows machines, unlike Macs, don't come with FireWire built in, an exception being Sony's VAIO series. FireWire add-on cards are available, but will add another £80 or so to the already pricey iPod. Mediafour, based in West Des Moines, Iowa, makes cross-platform Windows-Mac software, such as Macdrive, which lets Windows boot Mac discs. For the latest on everything from DVD standards and MP3s to your rights online, see the Consumer News Section. See the Hardware News Section for the latest update on everything from MP3 players and PDAs to supercomputing. Have your say instantly, and see what others have said. Click on the TalkBack button and go to the ZDNet news forum. Let the editors know what you think in the Mailroom. And read other letters.