dave

Here's why I bought an iPod:

- Because it integrates seamlessly in my setup. I have a $3,200 PowerBook, a $4,000 Power Mac, a $1,700 iMac and a $1,500 iBook. What's another $500 when I can plug it in and it does its thing automagically?

- Because iPod was fast before the others were. When I bought my first iPod in January 2002, there was nothing else comparable. I could grab 1,000 songs, drag them to my iPod, hop in the shower and <b>it was done by the time I had my hair washed</b>. Now that I have a 30 gig, it takes considerably more time - but since it holds my entire music collection (about 25GB), I only had to do it once - and even then, it was only like an hour.

- Because iPod is light and small. The "sleeker" design isn't just for looks. I can put an iPod in my pocket and barely realize it's there. This is good for a guy that has a cell phone, an iPaq 5455, a Clié NR70, keys and a big damn wallet (as well as the iPod). I don't need <b>another</b> heavy/large object in my pockets. The new iPod is <b>just over half an inch thick</b> and tips the scales at under six ounces.

- Because I know Apple will be around to support it. Who knows how long Archos will be around? Everyone thought Sonicblue was the next big thing, but... uh....

- Because Apple did pretty much everything right. The interface is fast and intuitive, everything just works, even the packaging is elegant and, yes, when you look at it, you can tell that someone cared about making this product the best.

People don't mind paying that price; the iPod is <b>the most popular portable MP3 player</b> - and for good reason.

As I said in the other thread where jaguar got uppity about his iPod, <b>if the Archos works for you, cool</b>. And as I said earlier in this thread, diff'rent strokes for different folks. I see the value in the iPod (I own three of them), and I'm not alone.