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iPod – The Devil is in the Details

I happened to run into someone that had an iPod while I was at a pre-screening of a movie. Just to get things straight I do think that the price is justified, it is a quality machine, and that it is a good move for Apple. Apple products are for active lifestyles, which is the main reason for the 20 minutes of skip protection the iPod offers.


I happened to run into someone that had an iPod while I was at a pre-screening of a movie. Just to get things straight I do think that the price is justified, it is a quality machine, and that it is a good move for Apple. Apple products are for active lifestyles, which is the main reason for the 20 minutes of skip protection the iPod offers.

Apple supplies rugged portable products, gym access on their main campus for employees, and promotes the iPod as an “on-the-go” product. I only have two major gripes. For 400 bucks, and I do not think this is unreasonable, they could include a FireWire port filler and some way to hold onto the machine while your running. I looked at the iPod and I was impressed, but the thing might as well be covered in oil because there is no way that I could hold onto it while I run or even walk because its somewhat frictionless.

I run in shorts without pockets and I run in the rain because that’s the best time to run. The iPod’s FireWire port is exposed which, along with the price tag, make me hesitant to go running with it. What is a user to do with the 20 minutes of shock-protection when the only shock the machine will encounter is from dropping it on the sidewalk? Form follows function? Maybe in this case Function takes a backseat to form.

All I ask for is a small screw hole (maybe in the middle of the Apple logo if that would not upset Steve… which it might) that fits into an iPodian hand strap and some little piece of plastic to go over, in, around, above or in some way cover the FireWire port when I am not using it. How durable is this thing really? I guess only winter (and 91 days after purchase when the warranty dies) will tell.

[Note: JR Hill & Company is planning to offer an iPod sleeve within a couple weeks after November 10th. “It will be a leather case like a cell phone case and will include a belt clip.”]

What is your spin on the iPod? Does it need a belt clip or the ability to add one? Sound off in the Go2Mac iPod Message Board.

By Jason O'Grady

Founded the PowerPage in 1995.