This is me contemplating an Apple Product

I do not own any Apple branded products — not even a lousy mousepad. Brit though has an iMac and iPod (courtesy of yours truly). I think it is finally time for me to dive into the iPod (Apple) phenomenon. I’ve long waited the time to pick up — what most people now consider an essential tool — a USB key. Almost everyone and their mother has one… but for someone like me, it’s actually odd that I have never come across one. Well, no more. With the introduction of the iPod Shuffle, I am going to knock two birds with one stone. I am going to get the iPod Shuffle and use it as both a USB Key + it plays .mp3s (storing upto 1gb of data). I think that’s more then I will ever need.

I’ve actually always been opposed to the idea of having a large portable memory storage on mp3 players because I’ve long held the belief that portable mp3 players should enable you to take your current playlist and not your entire library. Therefore, I suppose the iPod Shuffle falls directly into the lap of my philosophy. I’m pretty stoked about the idea of having an mp3 and usb key in one. According to the Apple website, the iPod Shuffle should accommodate that just fine.

However, Michael brought it to my attention that I could just pick up a Lexar 1gb Jumpdrive (with exceptional transfer rate) for $83 off NewEgg (but it doesn’t play mp3s). Also, he noted that the sound quality on the iPod Shuffle might be shotty (which is very true). So now I am almost double-guessing myself (damn you, Mike). If you can offer any rebuttles, that would be appreciated.

In any regard, I asked Brit if she wanted to grab it for Valentine’s Day for me — since it would run her approximately $99 $149 for the 1gb version that I want. She’s generously accepted. Ah, the joys of having a wonderful significant other — which reminds me — I need to figure out what to buy her this year. I’m already going to the Bright Eyes concert with her… but I’d like to actually take her somewhere nice and get her something tangible, no matter how small. I think once for an anniversary that I was absolutely broke, I got her a nickel and a card. She loved it (and when I had money to spare I got her the $500 Burberry purse and the $650 diamond earrings, hehe). It’s all about creativity and timing.

Adieu. Navid.