I Miss the Original iPod Shuffle

Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the new Shuffle will be extremely popular. However, I miss the ease and convenience of the original shuffle. The new one has a strange dock set up, where as the original you simply plugged into a USB port. It also had better audio quality than the original. And frankly, the new Shuffle is just too small for me. I've already lost my first one (but I recieved a second for christmas). The small clip I found was unsecure and pretty annoying. I think the new shuffle is really just an "add on" to someone's iPod collection. It does not offer much as a stand alone player. It's fine for work outs and on the go, but it doesnt really offer the same iPody feel that I've grown used to. Not having a screen to pick what music I want is starting to get to me. Grated, the original shuffle had this same flaws, but at it just seemed easier to use. For example, the on/off/shuffle switch was much easier to reach and use. The LED light was also right near the control wheel and was larger and brighter than the current one. All in all, however, I think the new iPod Shuffle is a solid player. It has a solid, scratch resistant body. An although that clip seems extremely flimsy to me it has yet to break on mine (the second one that is). It has basically the same funtionality as the original shuffle, just in a much different size and shape. But really, who needs a player this small? Yes i understand that this will mainly be used for workouts, but personally the 2G nano is small enough for me. It adds the benefit of a screen and actually being able to pick your songs as well. Plus it is compatible with Nike+ that enables you to track your running workouts. If your like me and simply have to buy the new shuffle just to say you bought the latest iPod, then you won't be extremely dissapointed. Still, most regular buyers should wait until Mac World next week.

Welcome to Growing Up With Macs

Welcometo the “Growing Up with a Mac” Blog. If your like me, you remember those first computer classes of grammar school where you were introduced to machines that would forever influence your homework, music, and basically way of life. Yes, I'm talking about Apple Computers. Okay, so maybe using a Mac didn't change your way of life, maybe you don't even use one anymore. The fact is, you did, and you were different, and unique, unlike those others schools who had Dells loaded with Windows 98 fresh off the assembly line. I also know that many of you do not speak with the same vigor and passion as I do about the Macs. Most of you have probably moved on to Linux, or dare I say it, Windows XP or a beta version of Vista. (We'll discuss this later of course.)

The point is, using Macs in school was different, and probably affected your entire perspective of computers (whether it be good or bad). You weren't ever introduced to Word, you lived and breathed Appleworks until you went to high school and realized that no longer did most Macs run OS 8.5. You realized your computer teacher was so behind the times, she might as well still be using the Apple II.
Or, your teacher might have had the foresight and innovation to use Apple as if he or she was Steve Jobs himself.

Whatever your story, free feel to comment, or email me at whatsername990@aim.com or whatsername990@gmail.com. As you may already know, I am a bit biased toward the Apple, but I two have some frustrating horror stories. So if you have any pro-windows stories...yes...I will publish them. I myself will actually be writing a story once a week, maybe sometimes with a fellow classmate who also grew up on old school Macs. Until next time,

Best,
Alex