I wrote about winning an iPod a little while ago, something I was ecstatic about at the time. I had no idea though just how much this little device would change my life so I feel I have to share the benefits of owning an iPod nano. I say iPod nano because I don’t have any experience with any other models of iPod.
I’ve become somewhat of a podcast addict of late. Not having spent a single cent at the iTunes store as I’m not much of a music lover, I quickly found that there are tons of freely available podcasts available through the iTunes store. A few of my recent favourites are “Grammar Girl“(all about using the English language correctly), Design Guy(podcast about being a good designer), TED talks(inspirational talks by the best minds in the world), Freelance Radio(from freelance switch) & The Common Craft Show(simplifying web 2.0 concepts). There’s a wealth of knowledge out there waiting to be accessed. I did a quick search through iTunes and found a stack of design related podcasts ready to inform and inspire.
Once you get hooked by the podcast bug you’ll realize there are really talented, entertaining speakers all over the world sharing their ideas and experiences. Many Universities have also provided material on subjects they cover either in an official capacity or through the students recording lectures or classes.
My only problem at the moment is the cost of downloading them as bandwidth in South Africa us still extremely expensive in comparison to other parts of the world.
The iPod is by no means just about music and I’m a classic example. I don’t listen to music at all and find it a complete waste of mind space, but that’s another topic all together. Still I’ve found this shiny little gadget to play an important role in my day.
The next revelation was equally exciting. The iPod allows one to convert text into iPod format e-books. The iPod nano I have, has a fantastic screen for such a small device. In fact sometimes I forget just how small it is. Storing certain reference texts could be quite useful in certain circumstance. I found a copy of The Cluetrain Manifesto in iPod e-book format and tried it out.
As a designer I’m thoroughly impressed by the features of my iPod nano and keep trying to figure out how I can maximize the way I use it. I recently uploaded most of my design portfolio.
This means I have my porti in my pocket wherever I go if I ever need to show something quickly. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not the most ideal way of presenting ones visual work, but it fills a gap and makes me happy 
.
I’ve also synced it with my Outlook Calendar to have a reference of my appointments. I don’t keep a diary though I probably should.
I know there are other devices out there which are more powerful, allow for connectivity and editing of data etc, but I don’t have one of those, Yet! I’m impressed with my little iPod and have to hand it to Apple for a great design and very useful gadget.
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