I'd really like to see some of the people in this thread during a blind test using the same .mp3 file and the same pair of headphones. I'd be amazed if anyone could pick out the difference between an iPod and a Zune or Sony Walkman.
I use an iPhone with B&O A8s and all my music is directly copied from CDs (AIFF). I've never found a problem with the sound quality.
Simply put, iPods have flawless UI, great sound quality, build quality that outclasses any other device on the market, good looks, and perfect integration with other Apple products.
The only drawbacks are the rubbish headphones and iTunes (if you're using Windows).
However, iTunes on OSX is an amazing media player.
I think a lot of people reject them out of hand because, as has been mentioned in this thread already, it's cool to dislike Apple products.
I always draw a comparison between Apple and Bang and Olufsen.
The Audiophiles in Hi-Fi will always denounce B&O products because there's a price premium attached to them and they aren't always packed with the maximum amount of features or the most bleeding-micron-of-the-cutting-edge technology.
What these people disregard is just how good the UI is, how good the build quality is and how well designed they are.
Apple is just the same - yes the tech-spec might not be as high as the latest gaming PC, but it will look and feel 1,000 times better to use.
I think part of the reason so many women like Apple / B&O is because of the good design and sleek UI. Their products do what they say on the tin very easily without any fuss. They might not have the latest DAC or the latest wizzardry in them, but they do a job and they do it very well.
Geeky Tech people like ourselves need the latest, most up-to-date specs and we're happy to put up with crap UI and poor design to get it because who cares when it's technically 'the best'.
On the other hand, I'd much prefer an Apple computer and a B&O Hi-Fi because not only do they look nice, they feel nicer than anything else on the market.
Panzer
I use an iPhone with B&O A8s and all my music is directly copied from CDs (AIFF). I've never found a problem with the sound quality.
Simply put, iPods have flawless UI, great sound quality, build quality that outclasses any other device on the market, good looks, and perfect integration with other Apple products.
The only drawbacks are the rubbish headphones and iTunes (if you're using Windows).
However, iTunes on OSX is an amazing media player.
I think a lot of people reject them out of hand because, as has been mentioned in this thread already, it's cool to dislike Apple products.
I always draw a comparison between Apple and Bang and Olufsen.
The Audiophiles in Hi-Fi will always denounce B&O products because there's a price premium attached to them and they aren't always packed with the maximum amount of features or the most bleeding-micron-of-the-cutting-edge technology.
What these people disregard is just how good the UI is, how good the build quality is and how well designed they are.
Apple is just the same - yes the tech-spec might not be as high as the latest gaming PC, but it will look and feel 1,000 times better to use.
I think part of the reason so many women like Apple / B&O is because of the good design and sleek UI. Their products do what they say on the tin very easily without any fuss. They might not have the latest DAC or the latest wizzardry in them, but they do a job and they do it very well.
Geeky Tech people like ourselves need the latest, most up-to-date specs and we're happy to put up with crap UI and poor design to get it because who cares when it's technically 'the best'.
On the other hand, I'd much prefer an Apple computer and a B&O Hi-Fi because not only do they look nice, they feel nicer than anything else on the market.
Panzer