Selling out my principles to Apple Inc.

I've always said I'd never get an iPod. Sure, they're sexy devices but they're way too trendy for my liking. My first mp3 player was a Creative one. So was the second, replaced under warrantee after the first died a painful death from falling. Which, come to think of it, is also how the second Creative one died - on the Ellis Island ferry. MP3 #3 was a Sony NW-HD5; a totally awesome player. Check out the reviews; the only bad thing any one can say about it is that you have to use the Sony software to synchronise it.

Now that that one has died (not sure how), I'm the market for a new player. I was checking out eBay for second hand NW-HD5's (they're no longer being made) but now Steve Jobs has announced the iPod Touch. It's a highly sexy device that is essentially an iPhone without the phone. An mp3 player that can run apps, connect to the internet through wifi and occassionally play music and videos. The only problem is that it costs $549AU for the 16GB version.

I've spent all day trying to think of people to hit up for the cash - "Mum, remember how you didn't give me a birthday present this year? Well here's something only 11 times your usual birthday budget". What with saving to travel, I really don't think it's going to happen.

Damn.