Comments

Like the American Express card used to be... Won't leave home without it.

Give in to the power of cool design.

Posted by Andrew at July 19, 2005 10:46 AM

Madeleine, like you, I have not succumb to the peer pressure of modernizing my music delivery systems. Frankly, I think that Ipods, walkmans, and any other private listening devices (plds) are anti-social, not to mention dangerous. There are television ads in Ireland sponsored by the Road Safety Authority graphically showing young people being hurled into the air by passing cars as they attempt to cross the street while listening to their ipod/walkmen; unaware of what's going on around them.

I love technology, and think that the designs are cool and the sound is great....but I don't think that this use of technology is doing anything to advance society...but hey, I suppose its ok to adapt technologies for selfish reasons every now and then.

Personally, I enjoy music most when I share it with others, preferrably as part of a small audience for a live performance. It's like watching a funny movie by yourself - it's just not as funny as when you watch it with someone else.

Posted by Tom O'Leary at July 19, 2005 11:22 AM

YES!!! The iPod is indeed a wonderful add to life. I started off with the old version of MP3 player four years ago, a memory stick with basic next or back functions. I am now on my second iPod, a 60GB that has color added and photo capabilities. That is a WOW amount of storage and battery life. With the included cable, your pictures look suprisingly good on a TV, which is the equivalent of being able to have those old slide shows with friends and family in your pocket. I direct connect the iPod to my stereo and now have an FM modulator in my car to listen to my songs there. I created a direct connect for the boat too.

The point is, I now take my music everywhere I go in a nice small COOL form factor.

With over 8,000 songs and hundreds of pictures, getting organized is easy. I usually play in a random mode by genre. The blues were on all weekend. Sometimes I want an artist, other times an album, and it is so easy! Now there are 'PodCasts' (commentaries, radio shows, etc.) that can be downloaded and listened to at your convenience.

Music Quality -- I had to start learning about the bit rate at which the music is compressed and recorded since the basic MP3 format doesn't sound great on my home stereo, which I would classify as above average equipment. The higher the bit rate, the larger the file the better the quality, but your iPod fills up faster than you'd think. I've now settled on 192 bits per second as my lowest recording rate. I record my very favorites much higher.

I only buy some songs online when I only want a single track, but end up with a lower bit rate and lower quality. If I want the album, I buy the CD so I can record at a higher bit rate. I've re-recorded some CD's at higher bit rates over the years. And besides, when you REALLY want to enjoy an artist or album, the CD still sounds just a 'bit' better.

So Tom, go buy one. Have fun filling it up and then listening to it where ever you are on this little ball of a planet. BTW, I now take some small and light weight JBL computer speakers with me when I travel so I don't have to use head phones in the hotel room.

Enjoy the experience...

Posted by DougE at July 19, 2005 11:33 AM

Madeleine,

I fear that explaining the benefits of an ipod might be as pointless as explaining the benefits of a Digital Video Recorder. The DVR changes how you watch TV. The ipod changes how you listen to music. That is the "revolution" here. Changing very basic behaviors that lesser companies, and most humans assumed were unchangeable.

For the DVR, your life will change the moment you pause live tv for the first time. You'll be further changed when you don't have to rush home, or leave the party to catch the season premier of your favorite show. You confidently say "that's okay, I'll watch it when I get home."

With the ipod, that ugly rack of 100+ CDs, many of which haven't been opened since college, is suddenly with you...everywhere you go. Your playlists are an endless series of mix tapes. And the next time you hear some music you really, really like...A minute or so on itunes, a few more minutes of downloading, and your off to the next scene with a new soundtrack to your personal movie.

PS - If you haven't heard the new Sufjan Stevens album, prepare to be blown away.

Posted by Paul Davidson at July 19, 2005 11:42 AM

pretty sure, if you google "ipod-experience" you will find loads of answers to your question.

the thing about the ipod is not the isolation. on-the-go music is for some... not for everybody. the thing is that a thing like the ipod makes all other music-media obsolete. i your car or connected to your home stereo.. whatever... it is - or can be - just the ipod. sorting each music file by criteria that you define yourself gives you access to your music collection in a way that traditional media does not allow.

some say though that the music quality compared to cds is not the same.

anyway, the ipod is a mean little washing-machine: in you put some dirty stolen music - out comes some clean and chic design experience...

effective little laundromat.

music(-business)will never be the same.

Posted by jens at July 19, 2005 11:45 AM

iPod has no appeal to me. Personally I'm into silence as a spiritual connection whenever and wherever I can get it - and it is becoming more rare in this media frenzy world-wide lifestyle most of us lead.

The overload of media including music is too much - a case could be made of course for classical, relaxing music on the iPod - however, earplugs seem to do the trick. The Pod demographics are vastly younger buyers/users. I

Posted by Sean at July 19, 2005 12:20 PM

I haven't bought an ipod. Listening to music on headphones gives me a headache, so portable music is not for me..

However a portable computer certainly is, and I just invested 1212,65 (ex VAT) on a gorgeous 12 inch powerbook. I fell for the brand and its looks.

To look at the iPod and the Powerbook objectively, I think that Apple has re-imagined the product-service-benefits package that is normally associated with computers and portable music players. They've added another two dimensions - exclusive individuality and affection.

The iPod is branded as the coolest player around. A legion of happy users, who reinforce each other's views on the coolness and user friendliness of the iPod, carry that message out. The music you carry around is personal. You get your name engraved on the iPod mini which makes it even more personal.
The powerbook is not the most advanced notebook around in terms of hardware. But it looks so great - burnished metallic body, and a lot of little "wow" user interface features which are minimalistic. Only 3% of the global installed base of computers is Apple, which lends exclusivity.

Apple owners "love" their machines, for all the quirks, shortcomings, benefits, features and so on. The iPod on the other hand can be kept "warm" on cold nights using "iPod socks". If that isn't affection, I don't know what is.

Users pay extra for these extra benefits which makes Apple very happy!

So the next time I advise someone on marketing, i'm gonna carry a few lessons from Apple. Re-imagine your customer's experience!

-

Posted by Arun Sadhashivan at July 19, 2005 12:29 PM

I'm with some of the commenters above - when I get time alone or en route, I prefer to take in the sights and sounds of my surroundings. I believe personal devices like Ipod simply caters to our self-interested Nation of robotic consumption.

For those of us who commute every day, the last thing we need is something that will make people more unaware of their surroundings.

Posted by aleah at July 19, 2005 12:45 PM

I love music and I love the iPod. It's beautifully made and it's smart. Like everything else Apple makes, it's a breeze to operate and a pleasure to use. Even the packaging it comes in is a pleasure to open. Every detail has been considered. Aside from the quality of the sound the iPod produces, it's that little clickwheel, the user interface, I really like. It works exactly the way you'd expect it to, making it easy to quickly find and play any tune in your library you're in the humor of hearing.

Though it can be anti-social listening to music all by your lonesome, I find it relaxing when other people aren't around - walking, working out, shopping, or just waiting around somewhere. It can fill some of those mundane moments in life with songs you enjoy hearing.

There are other MP3 players and I've tried them, but none compare to the quality and user friendly interface of the iPod. That Apple did it with style is an added bonus.

And Arun, the Powerbook is without a shadow of a doubt the most advanced portable computer available. What makes it so is not just its good looks - it's Tiger, Apple's latest operating system. Nothing in the PC world can for the moment rival it.

Posted by Noel Guinane at July 19, 2005 1:05 PM

A "Mini" was given to me by my boss last year (probably still wouldn't have one otherwise). Being a runner, I tried it and found it lighter than the old bulky walkman and convenient to have a selection of tunes. But alas, after some serious outings (N.Y. and Disney Marathons), the iPod shutdown on me (Apple calls it corrosion). Little bitter about my experience (Mac "genius" actually told me my warranty is void and I now have an expensive paperweight - speaking of customer experience!?!?), but all being fair in love and war, the bottom line is that I now realize that:
1. Mac doesn't walk on water - "COOL" & design are important (very, as far as saving Apple), but it is back to basics - quality and customer service that has me shopping for another brand.
2. Thank you Tom! Elated to find out that there is life without iPod. After reading every day about "Podcasts" and other headlines glorifying this new miracle device, I felt that I was the only person on earth that doesn't get it. Nice sound - Yes. Convenient - Yes. Great design - Yes. Maybe I am too old (Baby-Boomer) to get it, but the force doesn't move me.
3. This is all an ironic oxymoron - Apple = nonconformity, yet iPod users are rewriting the book on conformity (93% marketshare)?

Posted by Gerard at July 19, 2005 2:08 PM

I'm a hybrid. iTunes is the vehicle that has changed my music listening experience. Some day I will add a Blue Tooth enabled iPod-ish device but for now it's iTunes, a computer, I great D/A converter (typical computer sound cards suck) and my home stereo.

Imagine a 600+ CD library of music (collected since the mid 80's) most of which is blues. Keep in mind these are owned by a marginally organized person who refuses to spend a day catagorizing the collection. I am in the process of copying my collection into iTunes so I can actually SEE what I own. I can organize it at the touch of a few keys, I can shuffle the whole collection; basically, I have access to all 600 cd's at once.

How cool is THAT?

Posted by Bruce DeBoer at July 19, 2005 2:09 PM

Gerard, why exactly was your warranty voided? Would you think it unfair if you got it wet or spilled coffee on it? If I were to take my digital camera on vacation, leave it by the pool while I did one of my magnificent triple-crest bellyflops and got it wet, I would understand if Canon or Sony or Panasonic said the damage caused was due to my own negligence and voided my warranty. I can understand you being sore about it because it also would not occur to me that running with it would cause corrosive damage, especially if you have one of those special armbands they sell to hold the iPod while you run.

Posted by Noel Guinane at July 19, 2005 2:32 PM

Madeleine:

I don't have an Ipod but I do listen to MP3s on my Palm handheld (at least a little). Digital music/sound is what the Ipod has brought mainstream and opened up the floodgates for a more development in the entire spectrum of digital sound. It's not just digital music that the Ipod had popularized, it is digital audiobooks (which I listen to as I commute each day)and now "podcasting" is developing into a whole new way of "radio." In short, I think Ipod is having the same sort of impact on sound that cable and Tivo and DVR technologies have had on television. It allows us to program our own media world on our schedule rather than be subjected to what broadcast media chooses to let us see on their schedule.

Posted by walter white at July 19, 2005 2:34 PM

I have not got an IPOD. I have a smaller, lighter MUCH cheaper digital player that does exactly what I want it to do.

Posted by PaulH at July 19, 2005 2:45 PM

I have an iPod "like" device that enable me to download any song in my service providers catalog for no additional charge beyond the $7 per month subscription fee. I may never by another CD again!

I also listen to books on tape, PodCasts and other audio titbits.

I now am able to "consume" audio throughout the day that entertains, pacifies, educates, and amuses. (Not to mention now contributing to the podcasting masses.)

Posted by Jeff DeVerter at July 19, 2005 2:54 PM

An iPod is like any other gadget: you can go overboard on it or you can let it pass you by; you can let it change your life or you can use it as best fits your life. Personally, I think it's ultra, ice-cold, super cool. I'm nuts about music and for me it's great to have for when I travel, when I'm mowing the lawn, when the wife's watching Eastenders or many other occasions.

There are always going to be people who get run over while wearing one: not because they're listening to an iPod but because they've taken the daft decision to crank the volume up too loud.

One complaint, though: stop all this BS about "CD quality." MP3, AAC and WMA are all lossy technologies that give you an approximation of what the music sounds like, even if you rip at 320 kbps. It sounds OK through headphones but play it through a halfway decent hi fi and you can't fail but notice the loss of quality. BUT, if it gets people appreciating and buying music and (better still) going to live music - great!

Paul: spot on re Sufjan Stevens - superb. Have you tried "Nashville" by Josh Rouse?

Posted by Mark JF at July 19, 2005 3:17 PM

Hadn't heard of either of them, but they both sound good, especially Sufjan Stevens' Illinoise. Always looking for something new. You've probably heard some of my old favorites, Mark Knopfler's Ragpicker's Dream or David Byrne's Feelings.

Posted by Noel Guinane at July 19, 2005 4:18 PM

My iPod Shuffle has motivated me to exercise. I set up a playlist with upbeat, fast music that pushes me to walk faster (for me, it's like trying to walk next to a marching band and NOT fall lockstep into their beat). Walking before I got my Shuffle was drudgery, but now I look forward to spending an hour enjoying listening to the music I choose, sans commercials. Think Tivo in a Doublemint package.

My iPod has even made trips to Wal-Mart enjoyable. I endure the long lines with a smile on a face and a song in my head.

HATE the ear buds. I bought some sports headphones that do a little less damage to the eardrums. I'll bet the hearing aid industry will see an upsurge in a decade or so when the iPod generation becomes their largest customer base.

Posted by Kris Ball at July 19, 2005 4:59 PM

I too LOVE my iPod. I wasn't really hot to get one and received one for my birthday. Now I'm addicted. And while I can take my favorite tunes with me everywhere I go now, I actually use it most for listening to audiobooks, radio shows and podcasts. It's allowed me the opportunity to turn my commute/chores/down time into a class. It's also allowed me to "meet" (via podcasts) a lot of very cool business people I would have never had the chance to meet otherwise. Now I regularly correspond with a lot of them. It's expanded my world!

Posted by Darrin Dickey at July 19, 2005 5:09 PM

PS - Everyone, Tom got an ipod last year. Madeleine is the hold out.

Thanks for the tip Mark. Josh Rouse reminds me of David Gray. $9.90 and no stops on the ride home Madeleine. Noel neither album on itunes. What should I do, go to a record store? Sell your stock in Tower folks.

Which brings up a wonderful question, besides changing how, where and when you listen to music, isn't ipod also changing how where and when we buy music? Think of the up and coming artists that give things away for free to gain a following. Think of podcasting.

There is a new economy for audio.

Posted by Paul Davidson at July 20, 2005 12:09 AM

I'm definitely addicted to my iPod. It's probably the most used device I own next to my laptop. As an avowed audiobook junkie the iPod makes it so nice and easy to listen to audiobooks rather than having to cart a bunch of CDs or tapes with you in the car. The only downside is that there still isn't an easy way to hook up your iPod to your car. When that changes you'll see the market for these things explode (as if it isn't already).

And of course the podcasting thing provides another cool benefit to owning an iPod. I can't wait until the day comes when Tom starts podcasting. The ability to learn on the go is so cool. That's essentially why we started LearnOutLoud.com. To allow people to find educational stuff to fill up their iPods. Glad to hear that so many people are fans!

Posted by Jon Bischke at July 20, 2005 12:54 AM

Paul, they're both on UK iTunes under the musician's names, but am not sure about U.S. iTunes.

Posted by Noel Guinane at July 20, 2005 3:15 AM

I can't believe Tom has no iPod! iPod is cool, and cool people have one. Ask Kevin Roberts, I think he has several!!

I always have mine in my purse, I take it for sports, for travelling, or even when I am running errands but need to relax... Now with Podcasting it's even cooler because you can take information with you everywhere.

Posted by Marie D. at July 20, 2005 8:11 AM

I have not listned to music in such a long time. Growing up it was all I did beside race motorcycles and stumble through school.

But recently I had a fascination with U2 and started listing to them. My wife noticed this and decided to get me a Shuffle…IPOD…now I can not get away from it.

I use it to work out and go to sleep. I wish I could invent a way to hear it without the earphones, just because it is weird to fall asleep with it on. But I would not give that thing up for nothing…

GO IPOD and can’t wait for the next thing

Posted by phill at July 20, 2005 9:48 AM

I have an ipod. They're cool, useful.

But, at the end of the day, they are just technology... it may allow you to do a few things you couldn't do before, but it's not earth shattering, it's (as i say) cool, but no more.

As with all technological advances, they do not bring about the advancement of human existence (in the spiritual sense) for that you need different kinds of "technology" eg zen buddhism.

Ok hope that helps...

What is the sound of one hand clapping?

Posted by OneHandClapping at July 20, 2005 10:38 AM

MESSAGE FOR TOM: how about posting some of your rants and thoughts as Podcasts? A weekly, "Letter from Tom" and make it available for download on the site and through subscription via iTunes?

Posted by Mark JF at July 21, 2005 3:26 AM

I'll second that.

Posted by Noel Guinane at July 21, 2005 7:20 AM

There are a lot of great things about the iPod. However, if you travel, here's one reason to get it:

1. Traveling is stressful and the iPod is a stress buster.

Posted by Ken Leebow at July 21, 2005 9:56 AM

Here, here to Mark JF's proposal. We'd all like to hear more of what Tom's thinking... Go Podcast!!!

Yes, the iPod has fundamentally changed the way we listen to music and other information/entertainment. It is no substitute for being in the moment or a live performance, but it does enhance the way I live and enjoy my day. It is not on all the time, just wonderfully available with just the right music when I am in the mood.

I too have an Apple PowerBook with a wireless AirPort connection to my stereo - all cool products wonderfully styled. Since I work at home quite a bit, it is nice to be typing away and subconciously enjoying the background music of the moment.

It would be excellent to take a break and listen to Tom's latest thoughts. Better than coffee, something to stir the mind.

Posted by DougE at July 21, 2005 11:33 AM

Yes, Tom, please Podcast! Rant away!

Posted by Kris Ball at July 22, 2005 8:42 AM

I don't iPod. Like others, I too much enjoy my environment to shove in ear plugs, besides I don't have the patience to download all of the songs I would want to listen to.

But I have discovered LaunchCast as part of Yahoo. It is essentially offers the musical organization of an iPod, but with a much larger selection of songs. Better yet, based on genere prefrences, artist/song/album rankings I get to hear music from lesser known artists that I am likely to enjoy. Still better I can set my prefernces so that songs played are based on other users preference (either my friends or other users I select based on their profiles).

Just need to figure out how to get this into my car.

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Posted by Bryan at July 22, 2005 10:45 AM

I have an ipod and the one thing that I have found tremendously useful is listening to books in mp3 form. It allows me to maximize my time in an already hectic world, although I still love to curl up with a good book, sometimes there just isn't time and cd's are bulky. I've found my ipod to be a great and powerful resource.

Posted by Ken at July 22, 2005 2:03 PM

Well, one thing's for sure, the ipod certainly stirs emotions! Thanks for all the ideas about when to use it to best effect. There are some compelling arguments, especially using it whilst running at the gym (has to be the most boring pursuit I know!).

Just one thought though - I don't think we heard from any female ipod enthusiasts did we? Are there any, or is it a gadget that appeals more to men than women?

Posted by Madeleine McGrath at July 22, 2005 4:50 PM

Can't wait for Tom's podcast! And learning out loud via learnoutloud.com has changed my life. (Seriously.) Not only does my iPod (connected to iTrip) remove all stress when I'm driving and hit traffic (I almost look forward to it in a weird way) but my workouts and walks are now times to learn if I'm in the mood.

Posted by Brian Johnson at July 23, 2005 2:26 PM

Interesting to see how other markets are reacting to the iPod revolution. I've recently reviewed a couple of serious mountaineering products for the climbing magazine I write for which have had special features for iPod (or MP3 players).

One was a jacket and one was a climbing pack, but both had a headphone outlet from their respective inner and outer pockets.

So the hills really are alive to the sound of music...

Cheers

Keith

Posted by Keith Rickaby at July 25, 2005 12:53 PM

I have an MP3 player, not an iPod.

I guess that I'm a bit jaded toward the iPod only because in iTunes, Apple has taken a hint from Microsoft, and embraced and extended the digital audio file format to only work on your iPod (or the iTunes player).

Focussing more on the PodCasting, etc, though, I think the digital audio player has had a dramatic effect on media as a whole. I don't know of many national talk show hosts who don't PodCast now. My new Chevy Uplander has an MP3 CD player built in (and there is an iPod connection option), I haven't changed the CD in my Uplander since I bought it (since the MP3 CD has nearly 200 songs on it).

On my PC at work, I have multiple playlists geared for my different tasks (programming, document writing, etc.)

The biggest change is that I really can't stand the broadcast radio now as a result. Their advertising and playlists get old.

Posted by Tony Brinson at July 25, 2005 4:57 PM

The iPod keeps you fit.

After decades of training in sports clubs, I was getting burned out. Then I got an iPod, then an iPod mini, now an iPod Shuffle, and I have never been in better shape. I credit the iPod in part. For me, having a tiny music device playing only the kind of music that motivates me made working out fun, exciting, and even more intense. The iPod really helped me "kick it up a notch." Sure, I still run, bike, etc. outside sans-iPod to enjoy the outdoors. But for the gym, nothing beats the iPod. Having access to so much good music while training turned "good-for-your but boring" into "good-for-you and fun."

Maybe Apple should try a new marketing tactic: "The iPod can help you lose weight!"

Posted by Garr Reynolds at July 26, 2005 2:06 AM

My Top Ten Reasons to iPod:

10) Backup my hard drive (60G).
9) More than 12,000 photographs I can store, arrange and play on most monitors or television set. (I'm a professional photographer.) Your slides, Tom!
8) I can download that catchy tune I've been humming without buying the whole album.
7) Hypnosis selections for relaxation, energy, motivation and weight loss. Lectures from public broadcasting, podcasts, seminars, meetings and goverments sessions.
6) Audible.com. I'm a manic reader. Some books do lend themselves to being read out loud, and I can get to them sooner. Many are unabridged, many read by the author, many not (wisely). And I always have a book with me.
5) Palm out, iPod in. Holds and syncs contacts and calendars.
4) Planes-- plug in noise cancelling headphones and hear what I choose.
3) A different music playlist for every day of the week or any occasion.
2) Control my environment. Plug in to speakers at the office, in the kitchen, in my car. I like peace and quiet too, but sometimes there's noise that can thankfully be overridden.
1) I JUST DOWNLOADED RE-IMAGINE BY TOM PETERS!

Posted by Susan Lucas at July 26, 2005 11:39 AM

Well campers, it's been a long time since I put on my old curmudgeon badge and let fly, but it is now once again time for a dose of the non-obvious reality of life. Dr. Peters posts about a book on the evolution of humankind and receives one comment. Of course the post about the iPod--just a toy at worst, a convenient audio device at best--AND HE GETS 40 COMMENTS! Oh, we are indeed such an educated and enlightened crowd, aren't we?

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And the most irritating thing about it all is that having read all your comments, I realize I now really, really want an iPod. Jobs must be chortling in his lair about all the free advertising he's getting here. I hope you are all happy with yourselves...

...aaahhh, I feel better now, thank you all.

Posted by Mike at July 26, 2005 3:22 PM

My iPod has allowed me to stop trucking around 40+ CD's on the highway and into the office and begin carrying every CD in my collection. Especially important when I want to listen to that obscure song/album/artist.

Less hassle. Beautiful design. Wildly functional.
I wouldn't settle for any other.

Posted by Brad at July 26, 2005 10:12 PM

All the discussion thus far has been: either you like/love the iPod and the portable technology it is spearheading ... or you dislike/hate it and want silence. Good grief folks, it doesn't have to be that you either embrace the product and technology or you shun it and love the silence. Either/Or, Lose/Lose postures. I ablsolutely love my iPod and love my silence and solitude. Both enrich my life.

As for Gerard's experience (above) with Apple's customer service with his iPod mini ... I'm sorry this was his only experience with Apple. However, the exception does not prove the rule. Leading consumer magazines have rated Apple light years above anyone else (and don't even get me started on the computer virus issue.)

I have owned both Apple products and PC products since the inception of the personal computer. I have business PCs because there is certain business software that will only run on a PC. However, nothing comes close to Apple's ease, power, elegance, reliability (and customer service), design ... and, of course, their vision (which made personal computing, and all that it implies, available to the masses.)

Posted by Steve at July 26, 2005 11:01 PM

as i said previously, there are many good and cool things about owning an ipod... HOWEVER, one of the disadvantages is that - when using it whilst running, exercising, doing other things - it stops you from being present!

being present is the core of being aware (you'll find that it is central to zen and buddhism, and few other philosophies of life)... being aware means seeing, hearing, feeling what is going on right now!... doing one thing at a time in order to fully experience it... there is an ancient saying in zen relating to this "when you eat, just eat; when you sleep, just sleep; when you shit, just shit"...

using an ipod when you are doing something else prevents you from fully experiencing reality as it is, right now!

if you are using an ipod, just use the ipod..

Posted by OneHandClapping at July 28, 2005 11:29 AM

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Do one thing at a time? In this multi-tasking world? Impossible.

I would not exercise without the iPod. I've tried. When I don't have the extra motivation, I tend to tire out easier, or I am aware of how much I'm sweating or how much my muscles ache and want to stop.

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Do you drive to work with the radio off? Can you sit in an office and not answer the ringing phone?

Posted by Kris Ball at July 28, 2005 2:25 PM