Wednesday - April 30, 2003

I downloaded iTunes 4 and the iPod 1.3 and QuickTime 6.2 software updates yesterday, but I didn't get a chance until this evening to try out the new iTunes Music Store.  I have to admit, I like it.  There are definitely many one and two song albums that I would rather just buy the one or two songs individually.  I have created an account with Apple and I have bought 4 songs to date.  Each song is 99 cents, but you can buy the entire album as well.  You are allowed a 30 second preview of the song, and after your account is setup buying a song is basically a one click affair.  The music downloads directly into iTunes, and syncs painlessly onto the iPod.  You also get the album cover art, a nice touch.  The search engine interface seemed straight forward, I easily found the music I was looking for if they had it in their library.  The top download lists are interesting to shop as well.  The music selection seems wide, but there are certainly some gaps.  For instance, you might think a company named Apple might have a better selection of the Beatles music.  If this gets popular I am sure those gaps will get filled quite quickly.

Apple also released a new iPod design in parallel with the Music Store business.  The last time I was talking to the designer my company uses for instrument enclosures and cases, we were discussing the iPod I was showing off.  The first thing out of his mouth was that he would round off the edge around the face, I said I liked the hard edge because it gave me something to grip on to.  Well, he called it, Apple rounded the edge off on these new designs.  I like the button setup on the classic iPod (which don't need to be illuminated because their position can easily be found around the dial), but I can't wait to see how the illuminated buttons on the new one look.  I am envious of the docking station, that is the way it should have been in the first place.  However I can't imagine trading in my 20 GB iPod anytime soon.  Especially since I am supposed to get one of these later today.