I have several, okay, too many mp3 players. I have Sansas (the Clip+ is a fabulous product), a Zune (thanks to a Woot random crap win) and even a few Sony stick-type players. I also have an iPod, and, of course, my Treo 755p.
iTunes works only with the iPod. Sandisk products work only with Windows Media Player. The Zune works only with its miserable software. And the Sony products only work with Sonic Audio (until recently when Sony migrated to Windows Media Player). I prefer the Apple lossless format, but that precludes my playing files on any other player. And don't get me started on video formats as between the Sansa View, the Zune and the Ipod. Each have their own features. The Zune's screen is fantastic; the Clip's size is amazing; and the Ipod's ability to hold my entire collection is great. It would be great if everything talked to everything else, but I think because of so many IP rights attaching to the media, it's a little difficult to ensure that the stream of revenue heads in the right direction. (I'm trying to figure out, for instance, how Sandisk makes money on the slotradio format). If you want to find a lingua franca, you could look at Songbird, which works with most Mp3 players (but has its own issues). If you're using an iPhone (what are you doing here?) you have conceded other aspects of the handset to Apple, just as if you use a Treo you are letting Palm determine what you can and cannot keep on its product to a limited extent, and certainly from everything I've heard the Pre is locked down pretty tight, too. Bottom line is that until all media is licensed and distributed along the lines of creative commons, there will always be turf battles like this --- but I agree with everybody else, it sure is fun to watch. Harold -- ======================================= Harold M. Goldner, Attorney-at-Law One Belmont Avenue, Suite 703 Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004-1610 USA phone 610-664-7090 fax 610-664-7094 http://www.goldnerlaw.com Blawg: http://www.humanracehorses.com Twitter: HumanRacehorses ======================================= [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
