Ubuntu 1, Fedora 0

[Les Mikesell]

Mikkel L. Ellertson wrote:
> Scott van Looy wrote:
>> Today Les Mikesell did spake thusly:
>>
>>> Or, convince Apple they should release a Linux port of itunes...
>> Who would pay for it? The problem isn't that the mp3 codecs are patent
>> encumbered, they're that the people who own the patents charge a per
>> seat licence feee, afaik...
>>
> They could always sell it like other closed source software. 

Or they could give it away like they do the freely downloadable versions 
for windows and the mac...  They do those versions on the (correct) 
assumption that even though it can be used without paying anything to 
play and rip your own CDs, many users will choose to purchase music from 
the itunes store and will buy ipods for the unique convenience that the 
combination provides.  For example, you can set up (free) subscriptions 
to podcasts that are available on the itunes store and other places that 
will automatically download new items when available with a smart 
playlist that includes unplayed podcasts.  When you sync the ipod it 
will copy over new items and sync back the play counts.  If you've also 
set played items to be deleted, itunes will notice that you listened to 
an item - whether on the ipod or played in itunes - and delete it on the 
next refresh cycle as it checks for new material.   So, with no effort 
besides plugging in the USB connector you can always have a playlist of 
fresh and interesting material on your ipod.  Is there a free 
alternative that can match this convenience?

-- 
   Les Mikesell
    lesmikesell at gmail.com