Podcasting, along with blogging and other DIY media, are being counted as factors for the stong outlook, at least by some, over Apple's future.

Michael Brush, a columnist for MSN, writes that the Apple price has been slipping off its high of $45 per share due to some who believe that the iPod hype can't last.

But he writes that the stock may actually be a bargain.

Why? According to the article, Apple is retooling itself to fit with the "decade of self-expression, where people employ digital tools as creative outlets."

That self-expression is manifested in efforts such as blogging, podcasting and the growing popularity of digital video.

People are looking for simplicity in these tools and Apple offers it with an ecosystem of computers, software and music players.

He writes:

"It goes way beyond sleek designs and colors, or the popular iPod for that matter, says Darcy Travlos a digital technology analyst who follows Apple for CreditSights, an independent research firm.

To understand Apple, Travlos says, you have to see how it’s retooled itself to fit in with the “decade of self-expression” -- a time when people employ digital tools as creative outlets.

Online commentary can take the written form, via blogging. Or a broadcast form, via podcasting. Some are venturing into cinematography, or laying down tracks of original music in home studios, or simply producing slide shows of family photos. And, of course, they’re loading music onto iPods.

Apple has positioned itself as an important player by creating an ecosystem of computers, software, music players, and other devices that fit together nicely, says Travlos. “Consumers have much more digital content to play with, and they want an integrated system to do this,” she says. That’s what Apple offers."

So, do you think Apple is a good investment?