Since being released by Apple in 2001, the iPod has steadily become a fixture on college campuses. Students listen to music from these multicolored electronics while walking to class or riding the bus home. But at a price ranging from about $100 for an iPod shuffle to around $250 for the latest version of the iPod nano, some college students can't afford the price tag.

Junior Henry Lau decided to create a Facebook group devoted to those who preferred a less expensive form of between-class entertainment. The group is called, "I am too poor to have an iPod, therefore I whistle as I walk to class."

"What inspired me to create this group was the fact that everybody doesn't have an iPod," said Lau. "There should be an alternative that costs much less than an iPod."

Although the group suggests whistling, sophomore Joseph Chen chose another option: using a cheaper MP3 player.

"I don't own an iPod. If I had a ridiculous amount of money I would, but I don't find my desire for an iPod warrants spending $200 right now," said Chen. "I don't need anything fancy to play a few songs while I walk to and from campus. My $50 MP3 player suits me just fine."

Chen joined the group within the last year after he saw it on a friend's profile and decided the group's statement fit his beliefs. When choosing groups, he looks for more than a common interest since he doesn't intend to post messages on the group page or follow the group closely.

"It adds a little to my Facebook identity," said Chen. "The groups I join reveal a little bit more about who I am, and just by seeing what groups people join you can get a feel for the kind of person they are."

According to the group's page, Lau was inspired to start the group after he returned from Christmas break and noticed the increase of iPods. One day as he was bored walking to class, he counted about one for every six people.

The number of iPods will more than likely continue to increase as new variations, such as the shuffle, make them slightly more affordable. Yet there will continue to be some students who prefer to spend their hard-earned money elsewhere, and the purpose of this group is to give these people somewhere to come together.

"I see this group as a way for people to express themselves," said Lau. "People should be able to say how they feel through music."

Since this is a place for those sympathetic to others who lack iPods, people are generally satisfied with the group and negative feedback is kept to a minimum.

Currently, this group has 48 members. When he created the group, Lau sent out invitations to friends; since then, it has slowly grown by word-of-mouth and simply searching the site.

"This groups gains and loses members just like the many other groups on Facebook," said Lau. "I hope that this group continues to gain more members as a result [of this article]."

Reach columnist Abby Walker at features@thedaily.washington.edu