Saturday, May 27, 2006  Alternative use of iPod ratings stars
The original iPod was a triumph of form and function. It looked
great, its interface was simple and intuitive, and it stored and
played thousands of songs in an attractive, portable unit.  My
first iPod was a 'third generation' 20GB model. It was the first
model that I condidered to have enough memory to carry around a
library of songs that represented my CD collection. I then
upgraded each time there was an increase in hard drive capacity.
As a result, I now own a 60GB iPod Photo which I listen to
through my car, studio and home stereo system.  I love elegant,
simple design. The problem is, when a designer simplifies
things, they have to leave stuff out. And one designer's
'disposable' is another person's 'essential'. I think there
should be a couple of programmable buttons on the iPod, allowing
you to bypass the menu system for your most-used functions. I
would employ them to instantly switch between shuffle and
sequential mode, and to allow 'on