Columnist criticizes iTunes, calls iPod 'inferior'

A column in the Electronic Engineering Times bashes Apple's iPod/iTunes music ecosystem, calling it "just a hard disk with a play button" Criticizing Apple's iTunes software, Jim Turley says he has owned numerous MP3 players and also owns an iPod, but claims that the iPod "is inferior to all of them." Citing the fact that iPod owners must use iTunes to manage content, Turley stated that "iTunes is terrible. It's absolutely appalling, in my humble opinion." He continued to explain how he apparently accidentally erased all the content he laboriously downloaded onto his iPod, twice. Turley notes that he could go on about the fact that iPods only copy files in one direction, and how it "obliterates all your content" if the device is plugged into somone else's computer. Concluding, Turley states "Yes, my friends, we have entered the age where high-tech electronics are sold based on the color of the plastic. Truly a milestone in the electronics industry."

Belkin debuts dock adapter for iPod shuffle

Belkin today announced its dock adapter for iPod shuffle, an add-on that lets users connect iPod accessories with the dock connector through the Shuffle's USB port. The dock adapter enables compatibility with Belkin's line of Shuffle accessories, including its battery packs, mobile power cords, iPod speakers, and USB/FireWire cables that have a dock connector. Compatible with power and audio accessories only, the Belkin dock adapter charges the iPod shuffle using the dock connector's power cord and provides pass-through audio. The Belkin dock adapter also works with any Belkin TuneBase and will be available for $20 in September.