yea, I know I know. But I want to be able to jot down notes or messages and it’s the best way I know how without doing something new.
So, watch the sidebar this morning and afternoon for updates.
Of course you knew I was going to give it a whirl, right? I’ve been checking it out for the past few days, seeing what they had and what they didn’t and for me it seems like it’s less ‘have’ and more ‘didn’t’. No Depeche Mode for example, among others.
Did a download. 1 Brian Setzer album for $8.99. A bit of a hitch here that I can save you from if you have multiple payment types set up at Amazon. I had my old (stolen) credit card still over there and it would not let me continue to purchase using 1-click (which is the only method for purchasing downloads) until the bad card was gone from every aspect of my account.
After jumping through the hoops, I installed the Amazon downloader and purchased my album. You download a single .amz file (cute eh?) which opens in the downloader automatically. Then, your tracks are downloaded. The very second they are done, like magic, they are in iTunes ready to listen to. No delay at all.
Quality? As promised, DRM-free MP3 files with a huge bitrate. Screenshot? sure.
Why would I use this instead of iTunes? Let me count the ways.
- No DRM - I can play these tracks on any device, or every device should I so choose. Burn ‘em to CD as much as want as well.
- High Quality tracks. 256K is double the quality of the tracks at the ITMS (except iTMS plus tracks) for the same price.
- Works with iTunes - And it’s seemless. It just happened, no fiddling around.
- Tabbed browsing - This has been my problem with iTunes for so long it’s not even funny. There are times when I want to check out multiple tracks out of a list (top 10 or top 100 for example) and it’s tedious when you only get one screen at a time.
If they can continue to expand their offerings, keep the prices where they are, keep ‘em DRM free I can see this turning into my new music store for sure. I will keep you posted.
Leo has posted his displeasure over the bricking of the iPhones with the latest update. He makes some great analogies to his point.
It’s time to stop complaining. If you were one that did, in fact, have your phone bricked because you unlocked it, you kinda had it coming. It’s not like Apple didn’t warn you (from what I understand, all the way up to the point where the 1.1.1 update installs), and it’s not like you didn’t know this phone was created to be used on ATT only in the US. You signed the contract, remember? You also knew going in that 3rd party app support didn’t exist. That point was VERY clear in the beginning, remember?
So why all the fuss?
Would you use a screwdriver to drive a nail? Of course you wouldn’t. Why? Because it’s the wrong tool for the job. So why would you buy a device that did not support your needs? Honestly, if you needed to be able to swap the SIM to something else because you travel overseas or are on a different network, then you should have bought a different phone. if you have to install third party apps to keep you productive while you are mobile, then you should have bought a different phone.
This is what you get for being a fanboy. To blindly follow a company like you have and buy anything new that get released without thinking it through first is dangerous, and now, you have a phone that doesn’t work unless you need to call 911. It’s gotta suck to pull that Razr out of the drawer again right?
So, you all can get upset and complain all you want, but you really had it coming.
Now, if you have hacked your iPhone and it is working quite nice for you and you don’t need WiFi iTunes, then don’t update. All you have to do is pay a little bit of attention, read a little bit here and there and mind the warnings.
Just stop complaining. I might have to go back to referring to the iPhone as an irritating rash.
I also did not park on or otherwise defamate an Indian burial ground. Just so it’s known.
Also I am pretty sure that I don’t have rabies, so there is no need to run me down with your vehicle.
Awesome
That is all.
Before you start thinking that I followed around one of these guys, the Lancers are the name of the mascot for teh Lad’s highschool. He is, in fact, a Lancer. Hey, I was a Tiger and any of you that went to UC Santa Cruz were banana slugs, so back off.
Anyway.
The school started this program last year. They pick one day of the year, make it a minimum day and invite the parents along to follow their kids. No conferences with the teachers or anything like that, just a day to watch what happens at the school. it’s a great idea and I really enjoying going.
Last year the turn-out by parents was abismal. I would have to say that it appeared more parents attended this year, but there was 1 class in which I was the only parent (English) and several where I was the 2nd. It is such a great opportunity, I’m really amazed that more don’t get involved.
So, what’s it like to go back to school? I can tell you it’s much different then when I was in school, and maybe you too. Kids talk during class. It’s almost impossible to hear the teacher for the most part and they are constantly having to get the attention of the students. I also saw cell phones in class (looked at, but not used) and more than 1 white earbud going from shirt to ear. Oh yea, and dark sunglasses. Yes, in class!
His teachers all seemed capable enough. I was especially fond of his History teacher or was one of those ‘cool but strict’ teachers. He ran a great class. As opposed to his Biology teacher who spoke to the students like they were in Kindergarten and is very unclear in the assignments or notes on the board (using unexplained abbreviations is a killer everytime). I even liked his English teacher, who was on her first of year of having her own class. She did a pretty good job for a rookie and I can see her getting even better next year.
Something else that has changed since I was in school is the complete lack of desks. Not a single desk in any of the classes. Everyone sat at a table. Either a row of table facing the front of the class or pods of tables. I guess this is to encourage group work, but I saw it being more distracting than anything else.
Oh yea, he had a test in PE. An honest-to-god-bring-a-pencil test. And he had to dress out. I found that to be weird, much like the number system for taking roll call that has been around since he was in middle school.
If you are one with the affliction of children and EVER get the opportunity to follow your child around at school while it’s in session I highly recommend it. it’s a great chance to see what your kid is like when you aren’t around, how they interact with their friends and how they do in school.
And yes, the lad does very well. Thankyouverymuch.
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