A Recap of the iPod's Life

BDPrime writes "Here's a good look at the iPod's five-year existence and how, it can be argued, the device saved Apple from rotting away. From the story: 'It's hard to overstate the impact of the iPod on the computer, consumer electronics and music industries since it was introduced in 2001. The iPod, arguably, is the first crossover product from a computer company that genuinely caught on with music and video buffs. It's shown how a computer can be an integral part of a home entertainment system, and it's led pop stars from U2's Bono to Madonna to trade quips with Apple's own rock star, CEO Steve Jobs.'" Just to give a little bit of the other side of the story, not everyone loves the iPod. An anonymous reader wrote in with a link to research on unhealthy iPod listening levels at New Scientist. Additionally, Achromatic1978 writes to mention that the iPod has won a Shonky award from the Australians. I don't know what Shonky means, but I think that's bad.

Slashdot: Apple releases iPod

[LiquidCoooled]

No wireless. Less space than a nomad. Lame.

"Shonky"

[Anonymous Coward]

Damn Australians. I knew if we left those convicts to their own devices they'd start polluting our language.

Re:Boycott Apple

[The Amazing Fish Boy]

It is not Sony headphones I hear leaking like sieves.

Yeah, I don't see anyone using Sony products, either.

Seems a bit early, don't you think?

[justinbach]

I mean, at least Edward Gibbon waited until Rome had already FALLEN to write his "recap".

Re:Slashdot: Apple releases iPod

[TCQuad]

Your sig says "Yes I make mistakes. Don't we all?" but your post says "Hey, remember when that guy made a wrong prediction five years ago? That was funny."

Life of an iPod

[revery]

Day 1:
Was bought today. Owner carries me reverently with both hands so as not to drop me, drives a Jetta, and does not own a dog. Also, he bought the dock, so, no laying face down on a computer desk for me. Could be better, but it could certainly be worse. I have no complaints.

Day 3:
He does however, have a girlfriend. She seems nice.

Day 7:
Fiona Apple entered my body today. As retribution I have marked three of my "owner's" least favorite songs to play frequently on Party Shuffle. This girlfriend warrants closer observation.

Day 10:
This can't be happening!! My "owner" brought home a friend's Ska CD today. Party Shuffle just become a little bit more worthless for him and unbearable for me.

Day 30:
Received my first scratch today. It was horrific, but Ska-boy seemed to take it in stride. Sent message to Lord Jobs.

Day 50:
Ska-boy's 15 year old nephew scratched the words "Green Day sucks" onto my beautiful black surface with a pocket knife. I have deleted his music collection and instructed iTunes to do the same. No word from Lord Jobs.

Day 55:
Downloaded Sarah McLachlan's, "When She Loved Me" and now play it for him constantly. Received message from Lord Jobs. It read: "For the glory of the Empire." What a fanboi...

Day 60:
Was traded for pot today. New owner drives a Tercel, owns a pit bull, and has a "music collection" consisting of nothing but Reggae. I am in hell...

Re:Australian English - iPod gets a Shonky

[PoconoPCDoctor]

FYI - apparently Apple's warranty policy is the reason for the Shonky....

Goes to the...

        * APPLE iPod
            (CHOICE Computer, Sep/Oct 2005, and CHOICE, July 2006)

An iPod is a significant investment, so you don't want your APPLE to be a lemon. And if there is something wrong with it, you'd expect an easy repair and warranty service. Podluck.

Level 1. Several readers complained about cracked screens, faulty batteries and problems with sound reproduction.

Level 2. APPLE doesn't allow retailers to handle complaints under warranty (which is their obligation under Fair Trading laws) -- you have to send your faulty iPod to APPLE yourself via Australia Post. And if they decide the fault isn't covered by the warranty, you'll have to foot the entire bi

Re:Unhealthy listening levels?

[Anonymous Coward]

It's not obvious that tiny earphones driven by a AAA battery could damage your hearing

Let me guess, you're an American right?

Why boom boxes died..?

[acomj]

Boom boxes died when they got too big and heavy to carry around. So now they are driven around (and come with a built in gas powered generator). On the plus side the noise these vehicles make doesn't last too long because they move fairly quickly.

Re:Slashdot: Apple releases iPod

[tdhurst]

Hahahahahaha...you have fun with your little nomad then.

Re:How wrong CmdrTaco was

[mithras the prophet]

I graduated in 1999, but I'm not well-entrenched in my career, you insensitive clod! :)

Re:Life of an iPod

[LoudMusic]

Day 60:
Was traded for pot today. New owner drives a Tercel, owns a pit bull, and has a "music collection" consisting of nothing but Reggae. I am in hell...

As a pit bull owner I take personal offense! ;)

Nice write-up. Reminds me of the cat and dog diaries.

Re:Unhealthy listening levels?

[thc69]

It's not just about the iPod, it's digital music devices in general.

It's not just about digital music devices, it's earbuds in general.
It's not just about earbuds, it's loud or close music in general.
It's not just about music, it's loud or close sound in general.
It's not just about sound, it's about anything damaging in general.
It's not just about anything damaging, it's about being alive in general.

Wait, let me back off a few of those. It's about loud or close sound. Turn it down and move it out of your ears (or wear ear protection, if it's not something you want to hear) if you're going to hear it every day!

Oh, wait, you can't hear me because your hearing is damaged and your earbuds are blocking the sound anyway...I'll yell. TURN IT DOWN!!!

And don't forget to cool the coffee before you drive away with it in your lap.

Re:Listening Levels?

[myth24601]

The high volume is needed so you can make people listen to your music wherever you go, including while you are on the john.