I enjoyed this article very much.
Although the Squeezebox Duet was not specifically reviewed, this article swayed me against buying that. I thought I wanted a Duet; now I'm pretty sure the Boom is the closest to what I need. What I'd really like is something like the Transporter with a lower price tag. Like, much lower. I'm no audiophile either, but I enjoy music and convenience. I like the idea of using an iTouch for the controller… but, as I understand it, iPod is a gateway drug to other Apple products. So, I'm reluctant.
I chuckled when Tim said he hated installing software to review products. So true! It's not the installation that's so painful, it's cleaning up the aftermath… Well, I must be a glutton for punishment, because I went ahead and installed SqueezeCenter (not too bad) and also SoftSqueeze (more of a pain) on my spare system running Windows XP Home. I also installed an alternative to SoftSqueeze called SqueezePlay.
I tried unsuccessfully to use SqueezeCenter in the past but this time I got it (and supporting programs) working right. It's pretty neat, overall. Later, I might post a reply with tips on what (and what not) to do or try. I have to play more to be sure I know what I'm talking about.
There are many entries in the media player market. I wonder how it'll sort itself out in coming years—will products become orphaned as companies abandon them or go belly-up? Will companies left behind monetize their user base in a way that hurts users' enjoyment? I'm reluctant to invest in a Chumby, for instance, when it's unclear to me whether that device can be programmed or used without the manufacturer's assistance and permission.
Although the Squeezebox Duet was not specifically reviewed, this article swayed me against buying that. I thought I wanted a Duet; now I'm pretty sure the Boom is the closest to what I need. What I'd really like is something like the Transporter with a lower price tag. Like, much lower. I'm no audiophile either, but I enjoy music and convenience. I like the idea of using an iTouch for the controller… but, as I understand it, iPod is a gateway drug to other Apple products. So, I'm reluctant.
I chuckled when Tim said he hated installing software to review products. So true! It's not the installation that's so painful, it's cleaning up the aftermath… Well, I must be a glutton for punishment, because I went ahead and installed SqueezeCenter (not too bad) and also SoftSqueeze (more of a pain) on my spare system running Windows XP Home. I also installed an alternative to SoftSqueeze called SqueezePlay.
I tried unsuccessfully to use SqueezeCenter in the past but this time I got it (and supporting programs) working right. It's pretty neat, overall. Later, I might post a reply with tips on what (and what not) to do or try. I have to play more to be sure I know what I'm talking about.
There are many entries in the media player market. I wonder how it'll sort itself out in coming years—will products become orphaned as companies abandon them or go belly-up? Will companies left behind monetize their user base in a way that hurts users' enjoyment? I'm reluctant to invest in a Chumby, for instance, when it's unclear to me whether that device can be programmed or used without the manufacturer's assistance and permission.
