The flaw with Apple iPod

The iPod series of portable media players(or what we generally refer to as MP3 players) has got to be the coolest, classiest and most coveted among all the portable media players available. Well, with over 100 million sets sold since 2001, we can't argue much with that.

However, until today, Apple has refused to incorporate the FM radio receiver in any of it's iPod models -- even though most other manufacturers have done so.

With iPod's production quantity and Apple's clout, the cost of including a radio receiver would probably be around USD1.00(or much lower than that).

So, what's the frigging reason? FM is outdated? No way. It's still being used all over the world -- even though it may be completely replaced by DAB(Digital Audio Broadcast) some time in the future.

Here, I'm going to tell you the reason. Okay, okay, it's just a theory lah.

Actually, Apple is concerned about the sales of songs on iTunes music store(it's the Apple's site where iPod owners can purchase songs and other media files). Apparently, this online music store business is a big money-spinner for Apple.

You see, the money-grubbing corporate asses prefer iPod users to play songs or other media files purchased from iTunes music store. If iPod users spend more time listening to FM radio, the iTunes music store's sales might be adversely affected.

Of course those corporate asses don't want to kill or mistreat the goose(iTunes store) that lays the golden eggs, and risk getting the shareholders really really pissed. Well, shareholders want golden eggs, not roasted goose mah.

Furthermore, with the competitors lagging so far behind and iPod sales going through the roof, we'll sooner see extraterrestrials walking among us than we'll see Apple bow to our demand. Hmm, I'm starting to go overboard.

There you have it. The reason why iPods don't(and won't?) have built-in radio receivers. Whaddya think?

Just my two apples' worth lah.

Holiday season again

Yup, it's the seventh lunar month again, the holiday season for the spirits of the underworld(or ghosts if you prefer). As you know, the Gates of Hell are open this month, freeing the invisible chaps for a month of holiday and merrymaking.

With hordes of ghosts marching down the streets, you'd think that this will be a spooky and scary month. But it seems that humans join in the merrymaking as well, oblivious to the invisible chaps surrounding them. Well, the 'scariest' things you'll see are the scantily clad singers performing at the many stage shows.

By the way, the ostensible purpose of the shows is for the spirits' enjoyment, but only humans can be seen enjoying them of course. As we can't see the ghosts rocking and swaying to the songs, I wonder whether they like the shows? Oh yea, one type of 'ghost' can definitely be seen enjoying the shows - the ham sap kuei (if you don't understand Cantonese, please ask a friend).

I've a niggling thought recently - maybe millions of spirits were let out(or billions? anyone has the correct figure?). So who is going to make sure they go back to where they belong when the holiday season is over? What if a bunch of them decide to stay on? What if they decide to revolt against their underworld lords? Hmm, we continue the merrymaking and the stage shows ah?