Google has begun giving out an award that could be worth millions of dollars to employees who work on outstanding projects, the company said yesterday.

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"About 80 percent of Microsoft employees who have a portable music player have an iPod," said one source, a high-level manager who asked to remain anonymous. "It's pretty staggering."

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So popular is the iPod, executives are increasingly sending out memos frowning on its use.

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But at the Windows Digital Media Group, which is charged with software for portable players and the WMA format, using an iPod is not a good career move.

"In the media group they all smoke the company dope on that one," the manager said.

So let me jump into the fray :).

I think the 80% number is too high.

I have never seen one of these don't use an iPod memos.

But we don't just own iPods, but we also have people who have Macs in their offices (mainly the designer types).

And you probably won't be surprised to learn that people on the Media Center team own Tivos, ReplayTVs, Comcast DVRs,... And THIS IS A GOOD THING. We need to have an intimate understanding of our competitors strengths and weaknesses and the only way to truly gain that understanding is to use the product on a daily basis in their natural environment.

And uh, where do I get some of this company dope? :) It sure would beat the free kool aid in the kitchen.

Also check out this photo of BillG's iPod.

Update: The author of the article speaks out.
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