I've had enough. I haven't exactly gauged how much of this post is because of my bias, but it is obviously what made me initially aware of this "problem," and was caused me to care about it.
You see, I've been using Linux for a little over a year now (Ubuntu, the equivalent of a toe-dip over from Windows into the ocean of Linux). But, unlike most people, I didn't take the plunge into the whole iPod thing until this past Christmas... and I'm already a fanatic.
My evil little device is named the iPod Touch, and it is fantastic. I was initially drawn to it because of the whole Internet Browsing aspect of it that wasn't in previous models. But when I found out that Touches could be "jailbroken," allowing third-party applications to be installed on it, I was hooked.
The problem is that currently, there is no fool-proof method for syncing an iPod Touch with any Linux distribution. For previous models, there are several methods, such as amarok and gtkpod. Amarok is a stand-alone media player application that is capable of syncing to a previous generation iPod, and gtkpod is an application exclusively used for transferring files to iPods. That's all fine and well, but it does me no good.
Now since I wasn't using Linux and didn't have an iPod, I don't know how long it took for those with Linux to be saved by the advent of these applications.... but I'm not patient enough to wait... Linux needs its own iTunes.
From what I know, Apple's stance on this is that they don't want to risk their install-base "waking up" and realizing that they can trade their Apple Unix experience for a (typically) free experience by using a Linux distribution such as Linux. Shame on you, Apple. Do you really believe that your users are that stupid? They know what else is out there, but pick you because you're "stylish" or something. In fact, in similar situations, the opposite is the reality. If a Linux user had no other choice, they'd probably turn to (gasp) Windows... mainly because they probably already have a licensed copy of it which came with their computer.
This is partly speculation -- the only real scenario I could envision which would keep Apple from lending a helping hand to their brother in Unix. Well... except for that Apple probably envisions that Linux users aren't a big enough percentage to consider.
For the minimal effort it would take to effectively PORT iTunes over to Linux, Apple would see the money pour in. With the advent of song, movie, TV show, podcast, and all other type of downloads iTunes is now capable of doing, their numbers would see a nice bounce with the addition of the obviously tech-savvy and tech-embracing Linux population. And with the new feature of movie RENTALS through iTunes... I, someone who would've before never downloaded a movie off the service, have my interest piqued. Let's not forget the added amount of iPod themselves that would be sold with Linux users no longer looking for a Linux-friendly alternative.
Apple, you've made some stupid decisions in the past when it came to alienating and excluding people (remember all the Mac-exclusive ports they used to sport because of their deep-seeded fear of Microsoft-ism?), but this is the worst. I could go into the endless reasons, but I've already written papers on this subject... so I'll end this by merely scolding you, Apple.
Apple, Apple, Apple, your segregation of the Linux community is indirectly helping your enemy. Syncing my iPod is the only reason why I even still have a Windows partition. You tossing us Linuxers a toss may keep some from potentially jumping to Apple, but more likely are giving them reason to jump to Windows, which is WORSE than losing your own customers. Your anti-Microsoft roots was born not in building your own base but dare people to "Think Different." By forcing those who with to think differently to think Apple or think nothing, you're failing. It's the 90s all over again.
Pretty please make me own personal iTunes? Until then, I hate you. Thanks for the iPod. :-*
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