I’ve resisted buying an iPod for a long, long time. Part of it was that I didn’t want to be a part of Steve Jobs-worshiping elitist white-headphones-wearing drone army. Another (more practical) part was that I already had quite a bit of music in wma format and didn’t want to switch over my entire collection. And another part was that I’d heard quite a few iPod customer support nightmare stories.
But what really killed the iPod for me was the lack of FM radio.
I’m addicted to NPR. And while I wouldn’t mind just listening to podcasts for some shows (This American Life, for example), I’ve gotta hear the news in a timely manner and I need my Marketplace every day at 6:30.
Since I started riding the bus regularly, I finally got motivated to come up with a good FM radio solution — ideally one that could store some music and podcasts as well, especially to help me make it through the dreaded NPR pledge drives. It was good timing for the new Zunes.
I ordered one of the 8gb flash players. Bright red, with custom artwork laser engraved on the back. Sweet.
It hasn’t even arrived yet, but I’ve had so much fun playing with the software already. It is slick. Within 20 minutes, I was so sold on it I’d already canceled my Rhapsody subscription and signed up for a Zune Pass. In fact, I’d recommend the software as a Rhapsody replacement even if you have no intention of purchasing a Zune.
The Zune should arrive tomorrow.
While I agree (and totally love) the new Zune marketplace, i was disappointed to find out that it is (a) mostly unmanaged code and (b) the UIX component (looks like it’s code name is Iris), which is managed code, was completely written (and rendered) by hand. No WPF!!! What is up with that. That app screams WPF showcase.. it’s kinda disappointing..
Tell Kenny I said “hi”..
Don