I have to agree that one of the things that makes it difficult to sell the Squeezebox et al. to friends is the "need" to be a partial geek to use it. I got interested in the system because I have so many CDs, I was ripping them to use for my ipod anyway and I saw a chance to organize and simplify my life by having my music in "one big CD jukebox." But the truth is this stuff runs on software, it's buggy and the squeezebox's little display/remote combo just doesn't cut it for sexy, user friendly, or non-geeky. It has been very hard to even get my wife to embrace it - For her, it just isn't as intuitive or easy as popping in a CD.
That's why I'm excited about the new controller taking the geek factor down a notch. But here's still the other pieces where more can be done. For instance, though the software is getting better and more stable - 7.0 looks great - I still have enough glitches that I'm thinking of setting up a dedicated computer to run slimserver and act as a HTPC when needed. This is where I see Slimdevices/Logitech extending the brand even further: a small, but powerful enough mini-pc that has Squeezecenter built in, probably mini-itx sized , but more powerful than something like a NAS (most of which don't seem have "juice" enough to run Squeezecenter competently), that has ripping software built in so that it is a "one stop solution". Maybe it's a box that even has a squeezebox receiver built in and you buy it as your "primary squeezebox!" In this scenario, the average Joe goes down to Best Buy, purchases the "super squeezebox with server/PC" or a a package that includes a SB receiver, a "Logitech Squeezeserver" box, plus the controller, plugs the boxes in, goes through a simple setup routine, rips their first CD straight to the box (or downloads straight to the box using the controller to navigate to an music site!), and they are off playing music. I think having certified installers is OK, but only adds to the "geek" factor. What many potential users really want is a box they can unpack, turn on and start using in minutes. Not something with a ton of required configuration. A Logitech server/squeezecenter/ripping box could be designed to "play well" with the receivers/squeezeboxes out of the box. For the audiophiles in the bunch, there would still be the Transporter, custom configurations, add-ons, etc. You could still run everything off of your own computer, etc, it would just give an option to those that want to use something like Squeezecenter, but just want it to "work." -- BlueWombat ------------------------------------------------------------------------ BlueWombat's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=6159 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=43491 _______________________________________________ discuss mailing list [email protected] http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
