My Tools: iTunes and iPod

One of the pieces of technology that quickly and easily became integral to my day-to-day work was my iPod.. Prior to getting my iPod I used a number of other media players; everything from a cheap MP3 player to the media player on my Windows Mobile phone. The integrated iTunes + iPod experience provides a significantly different experience.

The main benefits for me come in the podcast experience where it’s the simple things that count:

• Simple selection and synchronisation with iTunes
• Remembering the last playing position
• Having podcasts listed in a specific menu structure
• Good handling of previously played items including synchronisation back to iTunes.

I don’t just use it for podcasts though, there is a lot of music on there too classical, rock, jazz, instrumental.

It really becomes a significant tool in a number of scenarios. Here are some examples:

• Technology information – I subscribe to a number of different technology podcasts. These are a reasonable way of keeping my technology knowledge current. It’s not my primary way, which is RSS, but the change of medium does give me different insights.
• Quiet space – when I am wanting to focus on something I find that quiet classical music is a great way of removing a lot of distractions. I have a couple of playlists set up.
• Contemplation and meditation – I try to make meditation a part of every day. There are a couple of podcasts that are produced specifically to help in this process. They provide a great way of slowing down.
• Gym – Listening to upbeat music makes a difference to my work rate in the gym. I’ll also use this time as a time to consume more podcasts.

My next investment is likely to a kit for the car to extend my access to podcasts primarily.

I tend not to use iTunes that much for playing tracks, when I am working from home I’ll use last.fm to provide tracks – primarily classical.

The update process for iTunes is still a pain in the rear.