With no offense to Wayne, his explanation is nothing more than pseudo-socio-political psycho-babble with a smattering of sci-fi-drenched malaise. In reality, we are all fans of either music, home theater or both.

If you really want to get to the root of it, music is nothing more than an auditory escape. A combination of tones at various pitches and timbres than affect each of us differently and emotionally. Movies on the other hand are a semi-tangible release from our lives to escape into a world, be it realistic (dramas) or unrealistic (sci-fi), so we can escape the drudgery we call work/the world.

The stereo equipment we use and so lovingly cherish is simply a potent catalyst to perpetuate this need. Is this behavior necessarily evil? No. History has shown that various cultures engage in a plethora (I've always wanted to use that word) of activities as an opportunity to "see" outside themselves. To gain a perspective other than their own.

In short, why on earth are we arguing if the iPod is the keystone that marks the downfall of civilization? I think Disco claimed that title long ago. Is it perfect for pristine musical reproduction? No. Is it the reason our society is obsessed with Britany's pregnancy? No... er... well maybe, yeah. But it is not the eventual downfall of man. Its an MP3 player for crying out loud. Move on and enjoy your theater. We've earned it.

By the way, that is an impressive set-up, Wayne!

Houghers

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I don't think the sarcasm was lost on anyone. That's whay I jumped into the fray with my own tongue-in-cheek response (thus the disco reference).

My apologies if you were insulted Wayne. That was never my intention.

Houghers

Portability is great. What gets to us is that it's another toy that's supposed to be something like a status symbol. That and plain idiocy, which, of course, is everywhere.

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what would we have, if we didnt have toys? i like toys, if that is indeed what you want to call them. enjoyment takes on many forms, some of us need this and some of us need that, to enjoy our time here. who is to say what is right, wrong, or stupid?

some people may not like the way wayne italicizes, etc. and some may not like the way i dont capitalize or ', but that is the great thing about freedom. we have the choice to do what we want, and not have to worry about pleasing something greater. many of us choose to be acceptable, but you dont have to. in this sense we are all outlaws, are we not?

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what's everybody's take on the new release today?

the video IPOD.does that come with a lifetime appointment with the eyedoctor?

I am actually in the video over mobile phone network industry so I'm supposed to tell you that video on a 2" screen is the cat's meow. Well....it isn't. It's terrible. I can't believe people buy these things, but they do, especially in Asia. I was in a restroom at a very expensive restaurant in Hong Kong about 4 months ago. While I was doing my thing at the urinal, the guy next to me was watching streaming porn on his 3G cellphone. I nearly wizzed on my shoes I was laughing so hard. Go figure.

I have a ROKR and a beta version of the Apple video ipod (which I've got to send back soon) and the Motorola A1000. Except for when I need them for a demo at a meeting, they all stay in my desk. But hey, I'm approaching 40 and maybe I just don't see as well as ya'll whippersnappers. 8-)

Cheers,

Heh. I do anti-virus and security for embedded systems, including mobile terminals. Greetings.