Apple debuts new, low-priced iPod

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Apple and DRM

Hi, tic.

Actually, I think the iPod *is* more limiting than other players. The DRM'ed AAC that the iPod uses can't be played on other devices, and it can't be bought from other online services. And you can't use WMA on iPods, either, so if you want to buy, you're forced into only buying from Apple iTunes (unless you want to burn your songs before copying them, in which case all bets are obviously off). In contrast, if you buy a Rio Karma, you can buy DRM'd WMA files, which give you a much wider selection of online stores. You can also use FLAC for lossless recording, rather than the proprietary Apple Lossless format.

In principle, no one DRM scheme is better than another. However, at least WMA support means you have a choice of online suppliers. (Personally, I'm waiting for DRM'd MP3's, currently in development, which would open things up even more.)

It's ironic, but in this particular market, I think Microsoft might actually be *preventing* a monopoly. I wouldn't want to see either format crushed, but it's nice to know that Apple still has some pressure on the iPod.

Now, as to the flash player: I don't know why I'd want one. What Jobs fails to mention in his pitch is that there are expandable flash players that offer much more storage than 512 MB. His presentation had a Rio Forge that is 256 MB, but supports Secure Digital cards which effectively quadruple the capacity. (You can get a 1 GB card for about $40 on Ebay.) Add to that the fact that this new device doesn't have a display, and, oddly, doesn't seem to have a "reverse" button (I've heard mentioned fast forward, pause, and play, but not reverse) and you can see how limited the device is. Now, it's true that you can't expect much for that price, but there are smaller, more functional flash players out there. Apple was late to this particular party.

Posted by: bhartman24   Posted on: 01/11/05 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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