HP's version of the iPod is physically identical to Apple's recently released 4th generation model and will be shipping to consumers on September 15th. Two versions will be available at $299 and $399 offering 20GB and 40GB storage sizes.

The announcement has been long anticipated since Carly Fiorina, HP's Chairman and CEO, first discussed the two company's strategic plans at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) earlier this year. The partnership aims to increase iPod sales by leveraging HP's PC-centric consumer reach. To that end, Apple has recently begun including USB 2.0 cables in addition to Firewire cables in every iPod and iPod mini sold to make PC usage less of a hassle.

So what's the difference between buying an iPod from HP and buying an iPod from Apple? The only real differentiation between what the two companies are offering comes from HP's tried and true successful printing and imaging division in the form of printable tattoos to customize the front of the iPod bezel. And it's about time too. Apple's iPod white hasn't changed since the product first hit the market nearly three years ago. The "HP Printable Tattoos", which are basically printable stickers, are customizable to any image an iPod owner chooses. The stickers are water resistant and printable on any regular format HP printer. HP also has struck a deal with Universal Music Group (UMG) to provide album art from recent artist releases as printable iPod bezel images.