[Web4lib] Public Computers and iTunes[Scanned]

[Andrew Hankinson]

Don't forget - it's not up to Apple, it's up to the record labels and  
the other bodies that sell their content on iTunes.  Apple's gone on  
record to state that they want things to be more open:
http://www.apple.com/hotnews/thoughtsonmusic/  They've also signed up  
to be a distributor of EMI's DRM-free catalogue.

As for file formats, we need to be careful when referring to Apple's  
'proprietary' formats. The only thing proprietary about iTunes music  
is the Fairplay DRM.  AAC is an open, less patent-encumbered and  
better quality codec for compression standardized by the MPEG group.   
You can rip, share music or use this codec on a growing number of  
devices. (even Microsoft's Zune!)  Just because it's not MP3 doesn't  
mean it's not 'free'.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Audio_Coding

The other format, the Audible book format, is one defined by  
Audible.  If you don't like it, talk to Audible, not Apple.

The iPod purposely encumbers audio transferring because Apple doesn't  
want the labels to come down on them for selling a device that people  
can use to share music.  That's why you can only sync your iPod to  
one computer.  MP3 players that support other methods of loading  
songs on it (like copying files to a directory) aren't encumbered  
this way, but then you don't get the 'benefits' of managing all your  
music within iTunes, including being able to load the music on an iPod.

The only way I can see Libraries getting around the 'sharing music'  
restriction is if some other DRM format comes along that allows  
content to expire, but that brings a whole other boatload of problems.

Also, slightly OT but I hear this over and over and need to comment:  
please don't make assumptions about Apple's 'target demographic' -  
it's just plain silly.  I'm a masters student with almost 0  
disposable income, and I still own and use a Mac, bought and paid for  
by me. Apple makes a quality machine, and sells it for the price it's  
worth.  I appreciate that, and am willing to pay a little extra  
because it means my downtime will be less, my productivity will be  
higher, and my overall computing experience will be greater.  If you  
count these intangibles into the cost, I figure you come out on top.   
If you don't appreciate those things, that's fine, but please don't  
think that all Mac users value price over performance.

Thanks,
Andrew

On 21-Apr-07, at 12:02 PM, Erik Adams wrote:

> Regarding Apple, I think everyone in Libraryland is waiting for  
> Apple to
> get rid of their proprietary file formats and start sharing.
> Unfortunately, Apple makes around $4/audio book personal-use  
> license, so
> I don't see them stopping any time soon. Besides, it doesn't help the
> argument that Apple's target demographic can afford their hardware.
>
> Erik
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org
> [mailto:web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Jane Frasier
> Sent: Friday, April 20, 2007 3:34 PM
> To: web4lib at webjunction.org
> Subject: [Web4lib] Public Computers and iTunes[Scanned]
>
>
> We are having increasing numbers of requests from patrons to offer
> iTunes for downloading music and synching with iPods. The library  
> staff
> is asking that this be made easily available and usable.
>
> In working with an iPod it seems to me like a nightmare because iTunes
> and iPods aren't really geared to a shared environment. Does your
> library offer this? Is it on your desktop or main menu? What about
> Windows Media player and MP3 players and ripping CDs and synching  
> music?
>
> Are you blocking Peer-to-peer websites? What about Skype and Limewire
> and similar Internet technologies? This has become so complex to  
> keep up
> with demand.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Jane Frasier
> Software Support Specialist
> Jefferson County (CO) Public Library
>
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