I think you guys could argue this point forever, you're all right and all wrong at the same time...because there are 2 completely different markets for this kind of product and you're arguing from both camps.
The first market are those who already own an iPhone or iPod touch. They carry it all the time, especially in the case of the phone, and it's a convenience to them if they can also control their music system from this device. An official or unofficial solution is suited to this market as they didn't buy the device for this purpose and any solution (even if it wasn't fully functioned or didn't work particularly well) is a bonus. Battery life, sharing the device etc. isn't a concern as only they will use it and then only from time to time. The second market comes from people who want a nice modern touchscreen controller. As well as being "cool" the touch interface also adds benefits in the form of an on-screen keyboard - ideal for artist/track searches which aren't so easy on a scroll wheel. For these people, this cool controller starts at $220 for a basic iPod Touch...it's a great price. Not only that, it can also be used as a portable media player with local music/video playback and it's a great little web browser. Sonos CR100 controller? $399 - Squeezebox Controller $292.12 (amazon.com) - iPod Touch 8GB $219.94 (amazon.com) It's obvious to see the attraction here, the iPod option is not only touch screen, but it can save $$ over the price of the proprietary controller option. People WILL buy them as dedicated controllers. People WILL pass them around at parties and people WILL treat them like any other controller. You run the Sonos controller on an iPod touch and it works like the CR100 controller only with a better screen and a touchscreen UI. You put it on the coffee table, it goes to sleep. You pick it up, the Sonos controller is still there when it wakes. No need to switch tasks, no complications, no extra effort. You run that Sonos controller software and keep it running and that's all it will ever be...the fact that it has an Apple badge on the backside makes no difference to the end user. You just use it, and charge it, like any other controller. -- jaffacake Ben - eco conscious techie and author of Jaffa's Green Blog - http://www.jaffacake.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------ jaffacake's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3206 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=54336 _______________________________________________ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
