The problem with the propreitary software is that in the future you may upgrade your computer to a newer version of Windows (or whatever) only to discover your Emplode (or whatever) doesn't work any longer. You then turn to the company that made the software only to discover "we don't support that old stuff any longer".

I think a better solution to this problem is to use open (or well established) protocols to upload songs to the unit. Then playlists can be created directly on the unit itself or using some proprietary Windows program as well. That would be the best of both worlds I'd say.

At least in the case of empeg I can forgive them because they did release source code demonstrating how to commuicate with their unit.

BTW, the notion that iPod will have any major effect on Mac sales is absurd. First off, only complete portable music fanatics/geeks would buy a Mac just to support their iPod-- a very small portion of customers in the portable music marketplace. Second, even if we want to assume people will come in droves to buy Macs just because of iPod, then this reign will be very short lived. Within 6 months there will likely be something else released that largely negates the feeling that iPod is coolest portable player.

As cool as iPod, empeg, and all these other devices look. I can't help but think Apple, Creative, SonicBlue, and others will loose in the end once the major Japanese electronics houses finally catch upto speed. I'm sure that's not a popular opinion with most, and I feel somewhat sad to say it, but I think it's true.