Apple iPod Helps Spur Sales in Germany

Business for U.S. computer maker Apple is looking up in Germany. In an interview with the German news agency DPA, Apple Deutschland boss Frank Steinhoff said sales last quarter were better in Germany than the rest of Europe. “The budgets (of customers) are still quite tight,” Steinhoff said. “But things are improving step by step.” Besides its design-heavy brand of popular Mac computers and laptops, Apple’s portable digital music player the iPod continues to make inroads in Germany. “The iPod is the real work horse,” he said, adding sales for the mp3 and AAC player should grow after a German version of its iTunes Music Store is ready. The Internet portal with its legal 99 cent song downloads has been a major success in the United States.