Gizmodo
Hey, today's the iPod's fifth birthday, born October 23, 2001. We'd sing Happy Birthday, but copyright law prevents us from doing so unless we pay the owner of that song. So instead of crooning that hackneyed ditty, we're going to spread the haterage about the iPod.
The iPod gets so much adoring and worshipful press—we ink-stained (pixel-stained?) wretches are fawning over it 24/7—so we figured it was high time somebody took it down a notch or two. As my Gizmodo colleagues hide in the closet, they've shoved me out into the limelight to take the heat, offering my Top 10 Reasons Why I Hate You, iPod. So get your flamethrowers ready. Here goes:
There's no FM: we have some great FM stations around these parts, one jazz station in particular that I listen to all the time in the car. I can't do that with the iPod. How much more would it cost to put FM in that thing, maybe two bucks? Get over it, put the damn receiver and there and be done with it.
More haterage, after the jump.
Scratches: Yes, the new aluminum iPod nano is allegedly scratch-resistant, but it's retro, looking kinda like the old mini. We don't like going backwards. Our first-gen iPod nano looked like a skating rink on day two, and we were coddling it in microfiber most of the time. What, does it have a wax coating? What good is a beautiful design that gets all scratched up if you touch it? Meh.
Battery life: We still haven't forgotten about the first-generation iPod whose battery wore out quicker than a prematurely-ejaculating teen. Plus, it was nigh on impossible to replace there for a while. Now, the batteries still won't last long enough, even in the newest models. There are cheap Taiwan knockoffs that last twice as long. Fix that.
DRM: Digital rights management is shit, no matter how you slice it. Sure, Apple's DRM, called FairPlay, gives you a little more leeway, but we'd rather not have anyone telling us what we can do with music we've purchased. Makes us want to steal it.
iTunes is janky: iTunes is weird, and although we have no trouble using it, we're getting tired of teaching our grandparents all of its intricacies. We thought this was Apple, where everyone could use it and it would be easy. iTunes is not easy enough, and doesn't follow Windows conventions closely enough.
No Bluetooth: How hard can it be to put Bluetooth in the iPod? Then we could get rid of all those wires with their auto-tangle feature, seemingly wrapping around themselves while you're not looking, requiring an untangling session a few times a day. Bring on the Bluetooth.
Thief magnet: This is not really the iPod's fault, but the damn things are so popular, if you're wearing white earphones, you might as well have just painted a big target on your back. At least release some official black Apple iPod earbuds, or various colors...? Maybe that'll throw the muggers off for a little while.
My kid wants a new one every six months: Steve Jobs himself talked about how iPods must often be replaced. Sure, any consumer electronics device that's cutting edge will be obsolete quickly, but at least you can make them less appealing to my kid, whose nagging me for a new one on a regular basis.
No widescreen: You're making the mistake of the Microsoft Zune, sticking with that old-fashioned 4x3 aspect ratio. We want wide screen; that's the way of the future. While you're at it, give us better than 640x480 video on iTunes.
No WiFi: speaking of Zune, you could've put WiFi on the iPod a long time ago, and not crippled it seven ways to Sunday, too, as Microsoft is about to do. Another missed opportunity.
Oh well, happy birthday anyway, iPod.
Comments
And thats why you need to get your kid a zune, looks to be less strachable ( dont know yet though), has wifi, and has a wide screen when turned over.....and bassically all the features of the ipod...
How about recording capabilities? That would be a good thing to add aswell...
Dont forget you can get your favorite Jazz stations and more if you have the FM Remote for the iPod it makes a nice addition if you run or workout with your iPod.
While I would tend to agree with most of the complaint listed, I still don't see the reason to have WiFi on a portable device? Are you not happy with any of the 1500-3000 songs on that MP3 that you need to have WiFi on it to stream from some unknown source?
Or, is it just Zune's Social Network you want access to? You DO realize that's the most bizaar excuse for WiFi ever? Well - it is!
best article ive read in days.
haha. plus, i think its the second time you used "janky" today.
They can easily do all those things, but then they wouldn't have 10 more versions to come out in the next year for you to buy!
iPod - 2.5 inch diagonal - 4:3 - 320x240.
Zune - 3 inch diagonal - still only 4:3 (if you turn it sideways) and still only 320x240. Hold it a couple of inches farther from your face? Exactly the same size...
They can easily do all those things, but then they wouldn't have 10 new versions over the next year for you to buy!
sorry... damn comment didn't show up the first time
oh, and i made my last comment right after i read janky. but, i think that the headphones are the most tangled objects on the planet. that soft touchy white noodly cord just loves itself. um, my adderrall is kicking in, i need to stop.
The DRM thing's easy. Don't buy music from iTunes. That's more a function of the state of the music industry than a function of the iPod feature set.
There's not going to be any major service like that that isn't going to have DRM of some sort. Anything you get from somewhere that isn't DRM'd will work in the iPod.
"Steve Jobs himself talked about how iPods must often be replaced."
The context for this was you're going to have to buy a new one every six months or so if you want to stay on the cutting edge. It's a good thing that they add new features frequently, isn't it? I consider it a good thing if when I'm ready to replace my Nano (hopfully a couple years from now) that I get more value for the same price.
I agree on the FM point. I'd use it at the gym sometimes if I wanted to listen in on what's on the TV screens. FM radio sucks here (washington, DC, USA).
Pretty much agreed on the rest of the items though.
Happy Birthday.
I think he means he want to use Wi-fi to sync with his computer. That would be a great addition. I'd love to be able to move music from my computer to my player without having to plug it in.
Zune has wi-fi, but only for sharing, not for syncing. That's why he said crippled.
iTunes is Janky? I've never heard anyone complain that its hard to use, especially for the people that are intended to use it. (last time I checked, my grandparents hardly knew what an iPod was, let alone iTunes) Sure, version 7 has gotten a little more difficult to use, but its still better than the other certified crap media players that are out there.
Other than that, the article is spot on.
1. If you want FM, buy a damned radio. The reason for having eighty damned gigabytes of music is so you don't have to listen to a radio.
2. Buy a damned case. (Although I keep my 1st Gen Nano in nothing but my pocket, and I don't have a problem with scratches.)
3. I suspect the "cheap knockoffs in Taiwan" don't operate with the same sophistication, or as well as an iPod. If they are in fact superior devices, why not just buy one?
4. If you don't like the iTunes Store DRM, don't shop there. You can still buy CDs. Having and iPod does not force you to use iTS.
5. Golly, an Apple-designed program that doesn't conform to Windows "conventions?" That's a shocker. I use OSX and have never had the slightest trouble working or navigating iTunes.
6. And you're unhappy with battery life NOW?
7. Buy. New. Headphones. As a general rule, bundled headphones blow.
8. This one is just laughable. Honestly, your suggestion for improving the iPod is to make it less desirable? Really? REALLY? "Please don't make them so appealing, so I won't have to buy them." Wow.
9. A legitimate qualm I suspect will be covered in the next refresh.
10. Again, battery life. Not to mention total worthlessness.
Honestly, this entire thing reads like a big joke. Half the statements are self-defeating. Gleh.
I'd add Ogg Vorbis support to the list, too: Encodes faster than mp3, better sound at lower bitrates, and no licencing issues or DRM BS.
As you point out though, Apple is probably very happy to keep things the way they are.
There are three things that have to be in balance. It's hopeless to ask for all three today, before we get some super technology that is still 5 years away.
1) Features - Bluetooth, WiFi, big screen
2) Good battery life
3) Small size
The stuff that everyone wants, big screens, cameras, Bluetooth, Wifi, brighter screens, blinky lights - these all take up a lot of batteries. If you don't want something that weighs a couple of pounds, something has got to give.
Apple has gone for the extremely small form factor at the expense of features and battery life. Every other player with really good battery life is really klunky.
To who ever said Zune has a widescreen...ZUNE DOES NOT HAVE A WIDESCREEN!! It may have a slightly wider screen but the ratio is still the same as the iPod which just means more distortion.
PS - Half of these "reasons" to HATE the iPod are pretty far fetched.
I don't get the battery bashing for the newest models. I've had 1st gen, 3rd gen and 5th gen iPods and my 5G battery lasts so long I barely have to think about charging it. Plugging it in to my computer for an hour or so every few days is enough to keep it topped off, and I listen to it several hours a day. I also play video on it regularly. My 1st and 3rd gen iPods sucked the hard at battery life, I even had the 3G replaced under warranty when the battery suddenly stopped lasting more than 15 minutes at a charge.
I understand there's a lot to hate about the iPod, but some of these complaints are a little shallow, and maybe wouldn't be heaped upon less popular players.
Werd on recording from the device.
/long time Archos user who expects this function.
I don't understand people's fascination with Wi-Fi on the iPod. Personally, I'd rather have a slim unit that I can listen to my music on. That's what the iPod is, people often forget.... a music PLAYER. Not a social networking device - if I want to socially network, I'll take my earbuds out.
buy
buy
buy
Nosir. When iBuy iWant the most for my money.
Not to be bled dry adding features and durability that should have been there to begin with.
iWent with Sansa.
The iPod has flaws and hopefully Apple listens to their loyal customers and fixes some of these legitmate complaints. 16x9 and the required battery life to drive widescreen video chief among them. The Zune though is grabage and will only sell marginally becuase Redmond is willing to lose money. WiFi in name only is not a feature they can trump The iPod with.
#3 Ksat said "WiFi for what"
Dude are you serious? I can't believe you didn't get this WiFi so I can just bring the ipod near my computer and it will sync up and download my new tracks from my itunes...
Nothing to click on nothing to plug-in just bring it near the computer and i'm done... Dude do you know how hot that would be...
thank you it.goes.there
glad i didn't have to write all that, but glad someone did.
MBsam, the person who said Zune has a widescreen is Charlie White, then endgadgt staffer who should know beter.
Just to remind him the Zune's screen is the same aspect ratio *and* the same resolution as the iPod's, but it is physically slightly larger. All that means is you're buying bigger (more obvious) pixels.
ahem. perhaps the far fetchedness of this list is the point. everyone knows there's no REAL reason to hate iPod!
iTunes on the other hand can rot in a dark alleyway in taiwan.
Blasphemer.
There is always something wrong with everything and although it is good to point them out so that products improve I think this list is not always addressing the entity with true fault. It's like you wanted a Top 10 but were not sure of what to say.
1. The products "mission" is to take YOUR music with you. Not some radio station with 50% of the good, 50% crap, and another 25% in ads. Hmmm... does that add up? You as Gizmodo have a mission and your site succeeds because it focuses on something. If you really want it there are third parties that offer an add-on.
2. True. The iPod is prone to scratches. I have had many and I know that I need to care for them like I would my pair of glasses. However, with simple care the iPod does not become unusable like many people claim. You want shiny? It will scratch.
3. Battery life is getting better with every generation. Apple does not live in its own battery dimension. It uses the same batteries that the cheap products use. However, building a better product, especially if you focus on looks and portability requires trade-offs. Lately the trade-off is more balanced. I use my iPod Nano in my car (not my XM or FM) and I go days without recharging as it accompanies me in my twice daily 30 minute commute. With the Video the trade-off is the always on color screen while watching video. With time things will improve but it is not entirely in Apple's hands. Blame battery manufacturers as well who cannot seem to come up with anything better. Perhaps they are busy with their recalls.
4. DRM is not Apple's fault... it is imposed on Apple if it wants to offer an online store. This is 100% the fault of record labels. Apple's is more balanced than most and as it gains power it should improve. This will take years though. I mean what else do you want to do? You can burn CDs; you can have your library on up to 5 computers; 10 iPods. What do you want the ability to broadcast to the world? I DO agree that Apple should license Fairplay to hardware manufacturers in specific areas. I would like my XBOX to be able to play music from my iPod or my Mac via streaming. There are many other products that allow you to stream music all over the home (many of which Gizmodo has featured) that will not transmit iTunes music.
5. I have had my battles with iTunes but it is not rocket science. I was using Windows Media Player with its "I do not like menus anymore" interface. I was stuck and I am far from computer-dumb. THANK GOD Apple stays away from Windows conventions. iTunes sometimes does give me hiccups even on a Mac but I cannot really complain about the interface or its ease of use.
6. You complain about battery life and also want Bluetooth. Bluetooth eats through battery life like a shark in a goldfish tank. I also do not like the idea of transferring music and movies via slooooow Bluetooth. USB 2.0 is slow enough as it is. We had to give up Firewire because of PC-Firewire-illiteracy already.
7. I guess not too many people are as unhappy with the iPod as you.
8. That's good it means Apple is not standing still like many companies do. You want change. Make a list of change but don't want the company to change too often?
9. AGREE. Apple should have gone wide with this generation and made the whole iPod usable in panorama style.
10. Wi-Fi. Why complicate things more? Why? Do you think you grandparents will appreciate this or Bluetooth? I don't want windows mobile! I don't want the cluttered mess that most geeks like! It's a music player.
I can't believe that Apple hasn't gone with bluetooth/wireless headphones. Think about how easy they would be lose.
That a lot of replacement headphones to sell.
"iTunes is not easy enough, and doesn't follow Windows conventions closely enough."
Well hold the front page - it's Apple software - why the hell would it conform to Windoze conventions (and thank God it doesn't)? That's one of the best things about Apple - it ain't Microshaft.
FM reciever? I bought an iPod so I didn't have to listen to the damn radio.
People get mugged for anything of value, so you're completely off base on that one, not to mention there's been NO actual proof a rise in muggings due to the iPod, only conjecture and fear-mongering (which you're now a party to, yay!) There is simply not an MP3 player on the market that can come close to offering the ease of use of an iPod. My father (71 years old) has gone through 5 MP3 players because he couldn't figure them out, I got him a nano and BOOM, easy as pie. He uses it for audio books and that's about it, but it took me 15 minutes to show him how to work it AND iTunes, and this guy needs my mother to check his email for him!
Everyone keeps having iGazms over the interface - I think it sucks. It's certainly a driving hazard. No tactile feedback and the new touch screen will have even less.
I'm looking forward to Sony's new offering.
gadget gav. did you read the article. charlie white said " You're making the mistake of the Microsoft Zune, sticking with that old-fashioned 4x3 aspect ratio."
dont be an idiot man. read.
Although I have tried to hate the iPod as I too had problems with the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th gen ipods, I can't! I am addicted to the iPod with its gorgeous look and feel but most of all, usability. Having experienced many MP3 players with FM radios it is not a feature that I ever used often. Preserving the case on all that have the plastic finish is hard and I opted to buy a clear skin at my local mall that protects it quite well. When Apple releases another iPod, I have NOT purchased the new 80Gb video as I have the 60Gb gen 5, I will probably purchase it. However, Apple needs to add more than just a couple of software enhancements to keep me going. All who have not experienced gapless playback for a mixed CD are missing the boat. Take a look at my blog, www.mondogadgets.com for more...
Eric
Am the only idiot who prefers good ole 4/3 instead of 16/9 or anoher widescreen ?
Playing on a PSP make me feels like i'm loosing some space. Even movies I watch on a computer seems better in 4/3.
Seriously, Blue-tooth? It's slow. Might as well use USB 1.1 I'll always give up wireless for faster speed especially in the case where the device (iPod)is right next to the source (Computer). I don't need an expensive addition I will never use. If price is important (which it is Bluetooth is nothing but a nice sounding feature that's just a price anchor.) Apple please don't give it bluetooth just make the thing cheaper. I'm poor and have less need for bluetooth than I need a dial-up modem on my desktop. (You never know when you might need to bring your desktop to the sticks.)
Otherwise nice article. In an odd way it actually brings one closer to the little thing thinking about it's faults and realising everyone else is doing the same or worse.
P.S. New firmware is worth it for higher resolution video and more battery life. Even if it cripples iPod Linux and you have to use the daft iTunes 7. (iTunes 7 is not all bad but has some things that make you go Wha?!)
HA. Its amazing how much the i-word can influence people's train of thought. Bundled headphones suck...hello? Creative? I have even met people that did not even know that there are mp3 players that can work without some form of iTunes or another driver. Drag-and-drop. Apple needs to stop bitching about anti-piracy and just let it be. Allow people to drag-and-drop. Go widescreen. Go bluetooth. Who the hell needs Wifi on a god damn mp3 player? Do you really intend to web browse on a 3" screen? Blinding Kids Across America! FM is something of the past now: go XM/Sirius and HD Radio tuner. Give me a portable television, so that I can watch the game during class. Give me PVR. Allow me to remove my battery so that when it craps out (or starts to smoke) I can remove it promptly. Allow me to burn DVDs that I own and save it on my pmp so I can watch it there, and if I want to watch it on a big screen, give me component cables (or HDMI, you can broadcast 480p through that). There are a lot of things that PMPs (US PMPs) are still not doing and the only PMP out there remotely close to doing so are the Archos series. I hope Jobs is gonna come out with something decent this holiday season.
FM is available on the iPod 5G and iPod Nanos using the optional wired FM Remote from Apple. It costs $49.
I can't understand why you have such hatred for the iPod? I admit that there were problems with software on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gen iPods but the 5th gen seems to be stable. Of all the MP3 players that I have purchased and or trialed, the iPod is the best. I currently have one of every iPod except for the 80Gb iPod Video as I do not see the value in this. What did we get with this version other than a software enhancement? In spite of this, my 60Gb iPod Video and 4Gb Nano are my favorite and none can match the look, feel or usability. The FM radio feature is not something that I have used much with other MP3 players and don't miss it on the iPod. I will say that I was upset with the scratches on my 4G iPod, but learning that lesson, went to the mall and got the clear skin that protects my 5G quite well. Spend the money, buy an iPod and don't be a hater!
Eric
www.mondogadgets.com
Really... I think the only valid critique I've heard about the iPod and it's iterations is that you're paying a premium for its iconic form.
I'm secure in my own life not to need such petty status-symbols for their own sake. Personally, I'd rather pay less for more features.
I have an iRiver that takes AA batteries. My main reason for this was the line-in recording. 99% of the time I use it for listening to audio books. I love it: small, easy to use, easy on batteries. Don't have to constantly plug it into something to charge. I carry an extra battery and swap it out when it is needed.
When my wife wanted an audio player I mistakenly got her an ipod. She wanted it to listen to audio books too. She was constantly asking me to fix it so it would play the song(chapter) that she wanted. The ipog firmware will not rewind form one song into the end of the previous song. If you need to go back a little bit to relisten to the last few paragraphs of the last chapter you need to skip back all the way to the beginning of that song. Replacing the firmware with rockbox http://www.rockbox.org/ allows to use the ipod to listen to audio books.
#1 - Can not rewind from song through to previous song.
#2 - I hate the interface it sucks. The touch wheel is just gimmicky.
#3 - Does not use AA batteries.
#4 - No line in recording.
Wow - what a bunch of moaning minnies!
Where were you 5 years ago when I was unwrapping my launch day 1st Gen iPod, and reveling in it's Mac loveliness - oh yea, still in the dark ages.
I took my iPod though JFK 2 days later, and had it taken away for further inspection by TSA - they'd never seen one and 'wanted to check it out'.... Just in case.
Back then - I had people come up to me on the plane, and ask to look at the iPod, see how it worked, listen to the quality - it was like alien technology.
Of course, now everyone and his PC owning granny have one - and all you can do is bitch and moan about the product that moved the music industry into the 21st C.
Damn you all for doubting the Mac deities!