Every year around this time I get e-mail asking for Christmas gift ideas that are appropriate for Mac aficionados, and every year when I make my recommendations, I include the things I would like to get in the hope that Santa reads my column.
Apparently he does, but just to be sure, you might want to circle the items that you are interested in, cut out the column, and then leave it lying where one of his elves can find it. You wouldn't want to take the chance that he might not see it.
This year I want... er... recommend an iPod, Apple's portable music player. In previous years it was too expensive and had too few features to make my list, but finally, the third embodiment has evolved into a worthy business and entertainment tool.
Apple advertises the wonder of having up to 10,000 songs in your pocket, and for some that is reason enough to get an iPod.
But what finally won me over was its ability to hold 2,500+ songs (I only have 100 favourite CDs), 2,500+ contacts (500 is all I will ever need), an appointment calendar and a FileMaker database.
Combine these features with the ability to transfer large files to and from other FireWire-equipped computers, and the ability to transmit tunes to any FM radio (with an optional extra) or connect them directly to an audiophile stereo, and you have a crave-worthy Christmas surprise.