I'm skeptical of the veracity of the claim that they really "ran out" of units to sell. Can't really be proven can it?
Also curious if they will slash the price on the iPod touch.
To faintdreams: don't forget that there are lots and lots of unlocked iPhones - withOUT contracts.
Yup, I guess we have all had these conversations. Using my PB in public always generates curious stares. In a Chinese restaurant once I even almost sold mine to the waitress! And another time a guy next to me on a flight asked me the simple question: Why a mac?
Is it even possible to put into words? In one or two sentences? Saying "it's easy to use / intuitive" sounds like if you're a pc idiot. Saying it has great software makes them think, well there's great pc software too, why go through the trouble of learning a different system. And aren't they much more expensive? Sigh.
Apple has many hurdles to overcome if it wants to win more converts. Here in Austria, although iPods are being sold in all the major electronic stores now, it is practically insider information to know you can buy a mac. I do what I can, but it's not easy being an ambassador.
The new design is really an improvement - clean, fresh and elegant. Many a comment here has had me in stiches.
I love your open and honest crticism about all things apple and the way you try to avoid blind devoteeism. Except when it comes to your ipods of course. Who can be impartial about their babies? ;)
Hi,
my vote is to buy the iPod photo AND keep your baby for the time being as is. If money is no object then that's what I'd do.
Believe me then the decision about what to do with it will be easier. I ended selling my "baby" via ebay after I had a mini and a 20 gig 4th gen.
I lived with all for a while, trying to use all for different purposes, but a new iPod is a new iPod.
while we are on the topic of wishing impossible(?) things, I want my ipod to shuffle by genre, play count, artist, kind...
to be able to change play order on iPod itself, erase tunes from it, AND I want to be able to sync either way - not only from itunes but from ipod to itunes for the files of my choice
in short I want iTunes and a new and improved iTunes on the iPod, if anyone can do it Apple can...
oh, and that a SPL can be not only match all or any but BOTH criteria :)
EXCELLENT Article! The translated computerspeak had me in stitches.
IMHO the iPod is a success cos it is simple, unique and iconic - like sliced bread.
The iTMS is a productive medium but depressingly slow to realize true worldwide coverage and to become what it could, and should be. A veritable universal music database where users in e.g. China can explore and buy tracks from the UK store and vice versa. If Apple manages to cut through the quagmire of proprietary rights, labels' jurisdictions and tax laws and make it work globally where music lovers can have free and legal access to artists in other places they would have never known about, they'd truly have something big and worthwhile on their hands.
I LOVED the article, my thoughts exactly!
Only thing is, my 3rd gen is really whacked at the moment (refuses to transfer more than 3.3 gigs beofre itunes freezes) so my decision is easier. I WILL get a new one, a photo one. All I am waiting on is the cash ;) or a donation ;);)
I got a mini with the intention of selling my loyal 3rd gen companion - couldn't part with it tho'. It means too much to me.
I can't actually believe I am saying that - this is a little white machine for goodness sakes.
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