Heading Towards Geekdom

Okay, so I took this quiz in Newsweek asking How Geeky Are You? My results showed I was headed towards Geekdom. In celebration of my new found status, I went out and bought an iPod Nano from Apple yesterday. Since Glenn posted on his site that I had cracked and bought this little device, some readers have emailed to ask me what I like about this little bitty iPod. The answer is: a lot.

First of all, it's really little. I love that. I am the kind of person who hates lugging stuff around. If I go on a trip, I will arrive with one bag, regardless of if I have a two week stay somewhere, just because I dislike keeping track of things (yes, I usually end up bumming off others or buying items I left at home, but at least I did not have to lug a heavy bag with me.) The Nano iPod is very tiny and light and fits in the palm of your hand. It would easily fit on an armband to wear to the gym but my favorite place to use it so far has been in the car--which I will discuss in a minute.

Once I got the iPod home, I went to iTunes to register and downloaded songs and podcasts, of course, which was fairly painless--even for the technically challenged such as myself. I won't tell you what songs I downloaded--after hearing the jeers from commenters about reading People Magazine and the Star, it is best you not know. I downloaded my own podcasts, of course, as I have never really listened to them (do you ever really want to hear the sound of your own voice on anything?) But I figured I could check the audio quality for those listeners who use their iPod in their car. I also downloaded Ricky Gervais's podcasts (the free ones, not my cup of tea, really), and James Lilek's "The Diner" Podcasts and Powerline's podcasts.

On the way to work today, I plugged the iPod into the cigarrette lighter of my car without assistance (yes, again, I can be that technologically illiterate) and it was easy. The second thing I really love about this particular iPod is the excellent screen display. Despite the tiny iPod, the screen is very easy to read and is user friendly. The playlists are easy to use and organize all of your favorite music, podcasts etc. If you love listening to all of your favorite songs and original material from podcasts, the iPod is mandatory.

Finally, I found the sound quality of the iPod to be very good---I was especially surprised how crisp and clear it sounded coming through the FM radio in the car (after plugging it in--you just tune it to the station that lights up). However, there did seem to be some interference at times that left me trying to adjust while driving. However, it was easily corrected. I also had a bit of trouble getting the iPod to start playing but it seemed to just take a moment and then it would play. If you have not tried listening to podcasts in the car, do so, it makes for a fun commute to work.

Overall, I found the Apple iPod Nano easy to use and a good purchase, especially for those of us who feel technically challenged. But then again, I am heading towards Geekdom and fairly soon will be an old pro.