Steve Jobs on the iPod's Cultural Impact

Fascinating article. I enjoyed the read. Now I feel like running out & finally getting that iPod I've been wanting!

I think this article is interesting when compared to the Ballmer article I seeded:

Ballmer on Zune community features:

I want to squirt you a picture of my kids. You want to squirt me back a video of your vacation. That's a software experience.

Creepy -- at best.

Jobs on the Zune community features and why the iPod wins without having them:

Hrm. The site isn't loading but to paraphrase:

1. Zune is slow when transferring songs.
2. The girl has left by the time it works.
3. You're better off giving her one of your iPod earbuds.
4. You are then separated by only 2 feet of cord.

-That- is the sort of thinking that will continue to make the iPod successful.

Jobs and Ballmer both want to make money for their companies.

The difference (in my opinion) is that Microsoft starts out by thinking how they can make a lot of money and Apple starts out thinking how they can make a great product that people will love and that will make a lot of money.

Another difference: If Steve had to compromise his vision to make money (or make a product that was dumbed down for the consumer) -- I don't think he'd do it.