iTunes 9

Most, if not all of us, use iTunes. It's an easy and free way to organize music on your computer. I have used it almost since its inception and have never had a problem with it. Recently, Apple came out with the newest version, iTunes 9. A new feature that has been added is called Home Sharing. You have always been able to access other computers libraries on iTunes, provided they are on the same network. Home Sharing allows you to actually copy songs off of another library to your own without deleting or stealing them from the original computer. This is especially advantageous because you can now put these copied songs onto your digital media player, rather than only being able to play them through the computer. A downside to this is the shared and copied music can only be authorized onto five computers. The person who's music was copied has the option at anytime to de-authorize one, or all of the computers he or she has given permission to. I would not recommend this tactic in building your entire library because, as I said, the person can de-authorize the music at anytime and you would no longer have access. This is a good feature if a roommate or family member has an album or two that you don't necessarily want to buy and have forever, but would like to listen to for a while. This kind of social networking is a plus to the most broadly used media player out there and because it's free, I suggest that everyone give it a try. Download it here.

Camera in the Nano?

So everyone has been talking about the new iPod Nano and its ability to shoot video. This is a big step in the way of integrating different technologies into one as we've talked about in class. This particular model of the iPod has in the past been targeted more at kids, as it is one of the most affordable forms of the iPod. It is scarcely different from last years model, still coming in the same shape and in a wide array of colors. The only new feature it has to tout is the camera. From what I have read up on, the video is shaky at best and will most likely not replace a camera thats sole purpose is to shoot video in high resolution. I use the iPod touch and have been extremely satisfied with it. Applications like Mapquest make the device far more useful to people our age. Not to mention the comparative memory in the touch compared to the nano. This seems to be more of a 'toy' camera and while it will appeal to young kids, its staying power in the larger market will more likely depend upon Apple's ability to integrate it into other models while improving the resolution. I know I would rather have the ability to download applications and hold more information than be able to shoot a short video I'll most likely forget about in a few days. Decide for yourself and read more at The Chicago-Sun Times

Recitation blog

This is my first post for recitation in COM 435. All new to me. We'll see how it works out, although I'm skeptical I will continue to use this technology after the class has ended.

link to my TA

Link to Zeynep Tanes