said by dave:Not that I'm trying to defend Apple, but they apparently aim to be more than that. The focus is not on 'the device' but media library management. Sure, if all you want is an untethered device, it's a poor fit, but that's not what they're making.
I'd say the notion that you treat a music-playing device like a stupid file device rather than part of an integrated system is the 'old school' approach. My complaint is more that I can't manage the iThing with Windows Media Player.
Any media player or any computer is "stupid" file device with the device having software on it to play the files. You copy files to it easily and play them with the software.
The ipod not being a "stupid" file device but instead using proprietary file transfer software which is like I said very old school not revolutionary technology.
Before USB there were not file transfer standards or plug and play devices, you would need unique software and drivers for your portable device to copy files to it. The Ipod is old school instead of plug and play using generic file transfer standards to work on any computer.
As for music management, every other media player works as a generic file transfer or with software like itunes if you want to organize your library inside a program.
This way you can plug your device onto any computer and copy files/music in seconds even without an internet connection or you can choose to use music management software if you want.
I dont have any apple products, but it pisses me off when someone wants me to copy some songs or setup something on their ipod and then you have to jump through itunes hoops and itunes just gives you errors instead of working so you cant do what the person needing help needs.