Avid Web Developer

iTunes is one funky application. I was a bit late to start using the application. I’ve only been using iTunes for less than a year and yet I rely on it to help me get through work on a daily basis.

But by using iTunes, should I be compelled to buying an iPod? I mean, 1 + 1 = 2 does it not? Makes logical sense to use this music device with a matching software.

I’ve never been eager to jump on the bandwagon. I know they’re really popular and there’s a good chance the person nodding their head on the C-Train has their ear buds connected to an iPod. Even my niece has one. But why am I so hesitant to get one?

It is because I’ve been using my Sony Mini Disc for a long time? Maybe it’s because I haven’t handled an iPod long enough to be familiar with it? Could it be that I didn’t watch the keynote when the iPod was introduced? Or maybe it’s because I’m a laggard?

Though it’s nowhere near close to the popularity of the iPod, I’ve been using my Mini Disc since I got my first job at the Calgary Stampede in high school. The Mini Disc never really got any big spotlight on the market. But it wasn’t a complete failure. Mini Discs are useful for recording ambiance with clarity out on the field. Something you can’t quite do with most music players including the iPod, unless you get an accessory to do so.

Like many others, I moved away from using the battery eating CD player and onto a new form of portable music player that would provide longer playback time and fit more of my downloaded purchased music. The biggest reason why I love my Mini Disc is because the durability of it. I accidentally left it outside in the rain for 4 consecutive days in my parent’s backyard. Tells you a lot that I keep my gadgets well kept. I was sure it was toasted but I left it to dry, (coincidently outside again) and within a couple days, it was playing like I just it bought brand new from Radio Shack, or should I say The Source by Circuit City. I’m sure other devices would be in similar in that nature. But nevertheless, my Mini Disc had put a smile on my face.

Seriously, I’m sure that an iPod lover out there would like clobber me with their first generation iPod. I am glad that these iPods are getting smaller, I really did believe at one point that the iFlea would surely be the next size of iPods. But don’t get me wrong, I do know the benefits of a music player such as the iPod…

• You can easily sync your music with your iTunes
• It has a rechargeable lithium ion battery which buying new batteries
• Long playback time

…you get the point. It’s a great form of technology. Not only can the iPod play music, it can literally take a bullet for you, but don’t take my word for it. Perhaps the military should look into producing the iBodyArmor. Heck, listening to some Paul Oakenfold while in the midst of some intense Navy Seals training? I’m down with that.

When the iPod was first brought onto the market, it rocked the socks off of competitors and music lovers alike. And why wouldn’t it. The iPod addressed and solved many issues that CD players couldn’t. Steve Jobs sure knows how to pitch a sale. If only my oral skills were as good. I can only imagine what it would be like to experience such a presentation live in person. An Apple keynote would be really cool to attend to. But hey, I’m only an avid web developer.

If all things, I try not to be a laggard. I at least try to hear about a new fancy gadget to hit the market by storm. Come on, I bought a Nintendo Wii when it first came out, my proof that I’m not always hesitant to jump blindly on a bandwagon. But there times where it can’t be helped (HD-DVD & Blu-Ray). With those 2 new storage formats, it was hard to tell a winner from the get-go. That is something I would like to wait out to see after the dust of the epic battle has ceased. But without any innovators and early adopters, there would be no one to pave a path for everyone else. It pretty much comes down to those folks, they help determine the outcome.

Nevertheless, all this is nothing more than a simple question. Will we benefit in the new technology? That new form of technology should be able to answer that first. It is why in the past century, we as a species have involve in a rapid pace of surpassing roadblocks that cease to make our lives just that much more livable.

And as for the bigger question on my mind, iPod with iTunes? Due time…due time.