So I Was Thinking About the iPod…

Visualize the iPod.  You know what it looks like.  It’s a small, simple plastic m4a player (I think the format is m4a) that essentially started the “simplify” trend – in my opinion, at least.  As entrepreneurs, do you think this is a constructive design direction?  Is a lack of artistic design something that people want in products?  Maybe I am not being fair – is it modern art?

I enjoyed a long conversation with my roommate Kevin (there, I mentioned your name – are you happy now?) – we discussed the usability of the iPod.  I do not understand its appeal – it runs music in a format that is only compatible with iTunes, it can only use peripherals specifically designed for the device, it is expensive, and it is essentially a shiny case that plays music.

Why use an iPod when you can get plenty of off-brands that hold twice the capacity, are smaller, last longer, are more compatible, and less expensive? Boggles my mind.