I'm still confused as to why we are still discussing this. Like it has been said a bunch of times, "to each his own".

For most people who by a device, they want it to just work. They don't want it to be a part time job to get it to work the way they want it to. I know that some people get a kick out of that but most people don't (and that can be seen by just looking at sales numbers between the two types of devices).

The iTunes model is the best if a person wants a program that allows for easy organization of their media library with the added bonuses of a media store and syncing capabilities.

The restrictive nature of the devices are due to media rights and copyright laws that exist to protect artists and record labels. I'm sure if you were trying to make a living selling your music album, you wouldn't be happy with one person buying it and spreading it easily to all of their friends and family. (but that's a whole other discussion)

Bottom line, to get my n800 to do what I wanted it to do, it took at least 60 hours.

To get my ipod to do what I wanted to do, 2 minutes.

One of my friends was joking around with me and said, "If you want a new part time job, get an n800, if you want something that works so you can focus on other things, get an iphone."

Initially, I disagreed but upon reevaluation, there is some truth in his jest.


Also, Apple does something great that Nokia doesn't. When they sell you their product, they sell you their service as well. If I have any problems with my ipod, I can just make an appointment to receive tech support at my local Apple store. If my device is under warranty, they fix it, parts and labor covered. No shipping costs, no headaches. If the device is completely out of whack, they replace it on the spot. I mean come on, you can't argue that that is not amazing.

Also with the advent of their One to One training programs where customers can come in and get one on one training with creatives in store, Apple has really reinvented what it means to sell a product to a consumer.

Forget about AppleCare...the fact that you can buy a computer and extend the protection for three years and have a local spot to take it to is wild.

We can bash them all we want. They are definitely doing things the right way.