Death to the Ipod

woz says they'll die from oversupply:

http://apple.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=08/10/09/036212

i think they should go via their proprietary nature - the same way apple was beaten by microsoft in the pc world, even though their product was superior. ok, i'm sure this ipod rant isn't new, but it's new to me.

i've just started using one, maybe a few days ago. i've been using the el-cheapo 1gb no-frills flash memory variety for a while. all told, i like the cheapies better for these reasons:

1. no hard drive or video gadgetry = longer battery life
2. replaceable battery!
3. fewer features = simpler to operate
4. smaller, lighter, and you can drop one and they'll still work
5. no extra software required (read: itunes!)
6. you can actually transfer files back-and-forth with a computer

...so what's wrong with the ipod?
(other than the afore mentioned)

problem #1) if you copy files off your ipod (which it's not designed for), you cannot easily recognize each file. imagine 'heartbreak hotel.mp3' as 'XDYB.MP3'. that's what the ipod does! ergo, you also can't choose which files you back-up or copy without scanning through 20gb of randomly organized folders in list view. oy vey! maybe these funky files work with the windows search function, but i haven't tried it yet. i shouldn't have to.

problem #2) if you accidentally add the same file twice in itunes, itunes can't tell the difference and will happily (and needlessly) duplicate the file on your ipod. this is really bad when you add files to a folder, then add the folder to your library. itunes' library should be smart enough to know to just take the new files.

problem #3) if you move a file in your library (a library is just a list of where your mp3's and other media files are stored OFF your ipod, to which the ipod synchronizes), itunes can't find the file. among other banes, this means itunes CAN'T PLAY YOUR FILES, even though they're still present. you have to manually link to your moved file. there's an option to consolidate your library, but this means duplicating your archive, which is a waste of space and makes for messy housekeeping. of course, you can still play the files on your ipod, but woe is you to assume they're still on your computer, or that you can play them there.

problem #4) who wants to use software connected to a store? i won't even run itunes if i have an internet connection, and i'm skeptical as to whether background processes are running when i do. i hope not.

...there are other problems, but these are the biggies i've come across so far - troublesome enough to where i wouldn't buy an ipod.

if i've stated anything factually incorrect, or don't understand some functionality, please correct me!

in the meantime, as a long-time portable media user, ipods are a sad disappoint as an unrealized potential. they're solid, quality devices, despite how they work (if that makes any sense).