God, "i" Love It...

I have been extraordinarily fiscally disciplined as of late. I've been socking away practically every spare dollar into my bank account (not that there have been many of those!) in an unceasing effort to maintain some frugality. Far less driving, employing a budget, no impulse buyin'...I've been a good boy overall.

That is until this past Sunday. During a visit with pals Holly and Ivan to catch up and have dinner together (thanks for the grub Mr. & Mrs. Perez), Ivan displayed one of his "pride and joys", an Apple iPod iTouch. Now, I have never been a proponent of Apple's now ubiquitous iPod line, being savvy and informed enough to realize that there are numerous other alternatives out there for less.

I have always maintained my "independence" from Apple's ironically "Think Different" Borg-like mentality regarding all things iPod, purchasing such contenders as the RCA Lyra (too wonky) and the still venerable Creative Zen Vision M. I have nothing against Apple at all, and even admire much of their wares for their superior aesthetic, if not "inferior" closed loop infrastructure. But nay, I am no Apple "hatah"...but not a fanatic by any stretch.

Please bear this in mind as I continue my sordid little tale. As Ivan cradled his precious iPod iTouch oh so gingerly, demonstrating its capabilities much like a prized show horse, I asked him if I could sample it for myself, firsthand. To date, I had only read about it in reviews and tech pieces, not really paying too much attention to the hoopla. But now that I had some tangible interplay, I admit I was hooked, line, and sucker.

I'm not one easily swayed by flash and glitter - and certainly not by brand name marketing at all. However, the iPod iTouch is really a neat little gizmo chock full of features that impress. For starters, there are numerous free apps for it that can perform all sorts of tasks, "grandiose and mundane". I suppose my terming is a bit relative, but for me it will suffice. I was amazed at just how much I could accomplish with the iTouch, of which far transcended mere music and video playing capability. I am very aware that other PVPs can do this too (I am the proud owner of a Creative Zen remember?) at least to an extent. But the fluid, seamless interface of the iTouch and very demure form factor really made much of the difference.

After a good amount of putting it through the paces of my own personal blue litmus testing, I capitulated (for once) to impulse and went right out and purchased one. My primary motives are utilitarian as I intend to use the iTouch for remote web surfing when "on the go" or at work. There happens to be a number of open wifi signals available in my work area of which I will be able to tap into and check up on emails, web articles, weather, etc. I definitely do not need to be "connected" 24/7 like many folks but I won't scoff at the option either. On that note, the iTouch works surprisingly well and it is precisely that feature that "sold me" on acquiring one.

There is a tremendous difference in seeing a commercial for such a product as opposed to being able to actually demo one personally. The tactile aspect is what really swayed me. As for the iPhone, I still have no interest in it as it's "married" to AT&T's cellular network (I'm happy with Verizon) and it's virtually identical to the iTouch in every way except that you can phone home with it.

I have to hand it to Apple - for the most part, the iPod iTouch is a thing of beauty. A magnificent blending of art, ingenuity, and "know how" that just works and well. To those so inclined, don't call me an Apple "fan boy" or succumbing to a "fad mentality"...far from it folks. I retain an independent perspective on such matters, despite any hype. It's not pro or con for me until I decided for myself. And on that note, to date I feel I have made a good decision.

Some caveats exist...I am not overly enthusiastic about using iTunes to interface with the device (though there are independent alternatives worth exploring). Compared to my Creative Zen, it seems far more restrictive, employed as a "clearing house" for whatever is downloaded onto it. And the iTunes program was unstable, causing my PC to reboot a good number of times before isolating the causative factor behind the instability. Not good.

I also realize that Apple's apparent emphasis on all things proprietary chafes against my more democratic instincts as well. But so far, I can live with that - just as long as it functions and functions well. So far, so good. And for those curious, I purchased the newest of the iTouch line, the 32 GB model, coupled with a $100 pair of Bose earbuds.

Here's a first - Thanks "Georgie" for the stimulus check you sent me! All $600 of it went towards my purchase. I would normally feel ashamed for "succumbing" to the throes of consumerism. But this one time, I ain't havin' it. Like I said before, I've been a good boy with my money, so I deserve a little self indulgence (at least I like to think so). And even The Moody Blues believe that every good boy deserves favor. Who am I to argue?