Red Apple iPod?

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

Rumors of a Red iPod (http://www.t3.co.uk/news/entertainment/mp3_player/red_ipod_incoming) have been circulating after comments by Bono that a red Amex card and red iPod would be released to benefit AIDS research:

The idea is that around 40 percent of the profits received from the sale of these special red products would go to the Global Fund to Fight Aids.

[d.f]

it would be a good PR move and good for raising awareness. good move, if true.

[iMeowbot]

Missing from this story is a very important detail: His Steveness was involved (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money//2006/01/27/ccbish27.xml&menuId=242&sSheet=/money/2006/01/27/ixcoms.html) in developing the (product)RED concept.

[Raid]

Rants about personal choices aside...:rolleyes: I think this is a pretty good idea; branding a charity like 'Red' may provide a higher profile for those in need, and better/more visible support from other companies.

[alywa]

AIDS kills millions of innocent people worldwide yearly. Women, Men, Young, Old, Infants. This is not a political issue. This is something that any human being should be sensitive to, and support research and treatment until a cure / vaccination is found.

To all those who pretend this only happens to "bad" people, I sincerely hope you never have to face the heartache of losing a friend or loved one to this devastating disease.

I hope apple is going to support this. It will help raise tons of money for a worthwhile cause, plus a red iPod would look pretty cool.

-alywa

[iMeowbot]

the fund doesn't cover only AIDS, but malaria and TB as well. Condoms won't do much for those.

[nagromme]

If it had to get political, I'm glad it was over with in 2 posts (hopefully) and so hilariously :D

My stance may offend some people but here it is: working to save the lives of millions of men, women and children is a great cause and all, but... a red iPod would just plain be too cool! :)

It's the first color I'd have requested if they went back to colors.

[kwikdeth]

alywa - well said.

anybody who continues to think the ignorant things some people do about AIDS need to wake up and look at the world around them. It's a common thing in rural african communities, people are so ignorant about the disease that men who have AIDS think that if they have sex with a virgin they will be cured, so they go and rape them. Voila... you now have not just some idiot with AIDS, but you've also got a woman pregnant and both her and her baby have AIDS. (I won't go into what happens next because that would be getting too "political")
Ive heard that in some areas the infection rate is as high as 60%. Imagine that. Right now, look up from your desk. Imagine if 6 out of the next 10 people you see had AIDS. How would you feel?

A couple days ago I was sitting in a restaurant with my friend, and we overheard the conversation of the guy in the booth next to us. it was pretty appalling. Im reposting this from his blog:

Today as I sat doing today's Sudoko in the Sun Times I got to hear an interesting conversation. I wouldn't call it scholarly but it was definately informative. For around ten minutes I got to hear this guys theory on why AIDS isn't sexually transmitted. Yes folks, I was suddenly transported back to 1985. So I'm siiting there trying to do a maddening number puzzle but completely bewildered by this dude and his reason. The base of his argument to which his lunchmate could not find fault was that since Magic Johnson's wife didn't have AIDS the disease isn't sexually transmitted. What? I remember that over the years it's been said that condoms can stop the transmition of the virus but this man obviously hadn't heard the same **** I have. Maybe he lives in a cave or has been in prison since 1988 which would explain his two inch high flat top. But come on. Then he went on to say that a person could probably live longer if they had AIDS! What?! I don't expect a lot out of people that have lunch at the Yellow Ribbon, myself included, but this was really a huge ball of nonsense. I thought about saying something to him, just to set him straight, but I don't like being the person that butts their ass into a conversation. Plus, I don't think it would have made any difference. Today I found out why AIDS continues to spread. UGH!


so yeah... a red iPod, and 40% towards AIDS research? Fantastic idea, and I'd support it in a heartbeat.

[danielwsmithee]

so yeah... a red iPod, and 40% towards AIDS research? Fantastic idea, and I'd support it in a heartbeat.
I agree with everything you said! There is a point to be had though that the money would be put to much better use if a portion of it was used to educate people about AIDS and abstinence rather then only fund AIDS "research." While the research should be done, we can do things now to stop the spread!

[crees!]

I could have sworn I heard a cure was found at some university here in the States a couple months ago. That there was 100% success in mice and some other animal and that they were going to get cleared for testing on people.

[sw1tcher]

I could have sworn I heard a cure was found at some university here in the States a couple months ago. That there was 100% success in mice and some other animal and that they were going to get cleared for testing on people.

Not sure if that was for AIDS, but the "100% success in mice and some other animal" sounds like you might be referring to the avian flu vaccine (http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2006/01/26/vaccine_provides_100_percent_protection_against_avian_flu_virus_in_animal_study.html).

[iMeowbot]

It may help to go and read about what the Global Fund is (http://www.theglobalfund.org/en/) before worrying about if it makes sense. Prevention and education are among its main goals.

[2nyRiggz]

Red? what ever happen to the pink one.....just give me a dark blue ipod and i'll be cool.


Bless

[danielwsmithee]

It may help to go and read about what the Global Fund is (http://www.theglobalfund.org/en/) before worrying about if it makes sense. Prevention and education are among its main goals.
Thanks for the good read! I liked it, it sounds like a very good program.

[nbs2]

I eagerly anticipate the Yellow support our troops iPod, the Pink Breast Cancer, the Blue Prostate Cancer (and I believe Colon Cancer), and the many other colors that I am sure I am forgetting. That, my friends, is the only issue I take with this. At what point does the madness stop? I mean who do we find a cure for? I say Alzheimers b/c I have a grandfather who suffers from it. You say Breast Cancer, b/c your sister got it. In the end we end up with too many people demanding too much of limited resources.

I just wonder if Apple should be gitting into it. I would be all for someone to sell red iPods (a la Colorware's methodology) to support AIDS research and so on with the glut of other colors, but I am too cynical about this.

[Raid]

I eagerly anticipate the Yellow support our troops iPod, the Pink Breast Cancer, the Blue Prostate Cancer (and I believe Colon Cancer), and the many other colors that I am sure I am forgetting. That, my friends, is the only issue I take with this. At what point does the madness stop? I mean who do we find a cure for? I say Alzheimers b/c I have a grandfather who suffers from it. You say Breast Cancer, b/c your sister got it. In the end we end up with too many people demanding too much of limited resources.

I just wonder if Apple should be gitting into it. I would be all for someone to sell red iPods (a la Colorware's methodology) to support AIDS research and so on with the glut of other colors, but I am too cynical about this.Actually you know the whole colour ribbon thing is out of control when they start trademarking the particular shade of red, yellow, blue, pink, etc. :cool:

However more to the main point of your post I think that it's important to try and support those who are trying to find any cure to the worlds problems... (BTW did Bono say this Red thing was all about AIDS cause in the three articles I've read about it didn't say it was all about AIDS) sure one person trying to help out or support work on all problems is going to get overwhelmed, so (as your own person) you help out with a few that are really important to you. There are plenty of other people with different priorities doing the same with the stuff that matters to them.

[Chundles]

Not a fan of all-red but this looks pretty cool, like an inverse U2 iPod.
http://www.colorwarepc.com/_inventoryImages/images/combos/iPodVideo/9_4.jpg

[djdarlek]

I'm probabbly wrong, but I can't see this happening.

[Oblivious]

I'm not really a big fan of the looks of the new Red iPod, but I'd buy one just to support the fight against AIDS.:)

[zap2]

I'd pick one up, and so when people send i have to many iPods i'll be like "i'm support AIDs research


But think if people who were going to spend 300 on an iPod, in place of buying an iPod just donate all 300, that would be perfect but since we live in a real world this seems good

[Chundles]

I'm not really a big fan of the looks of the new Red iPod, but I'd buy one just to support the fight against AIDS.:)

What new red iPod?

It doesn't exist. There isn't one.

[Caitlyn]

I am not a big fan of red either, as said, but the picture a few posts up looks alright. :) I just seem to think that Apple is moving towards the black and white idea. So, red would kinda clash with that.

[barneygumble]

I am so sick of BONO just shut up, why not give most of your own money away to the cause, he's got more thn enough.

[Oblivious]

What new red iPod?

It doesn't exist. There isn't one.
Well, okay... the likely red iPod that may come out sometime in the near future.:rolleyes:

[bluebomberman]

I am so sick of BONO just shut up, why not give most of your own money away to the cause, he's got more thn enough.

That's a low blow. C'mon, he's not rich enough to significantly slow AIDS on his own. He also needs support from the general public, donor nations, and the politically connected to overcome the stigma of AIDS.

What have you done lately, barneygumble, besides grumble?

EDIT: Buying a cool iPod to help save lives? Count me in.

[EricNau]

It seems like a good idea, but like others have said I'm afraid it would turn into a frenzy when people started wanting other colors for other diseases.

[joepunk]

Would I buy one if the money went to a good cause? sure. I do happen to like red and the mock-up looks pretty decent.

[redAPPLE]

if true. a good idea. for the cause. and in Apple marketing perspective.

give me back firewire syncing and that red iPod. i will buy a new iPod.

[Deepdale]

Not a fan of all-red but this looks pretty cool, like an inverse U2 iPod.]

The red and black combo is preferred over the solid red ... I would purchase one.

[Chundles]

I really like the old U2 iPod colours on the new iPods, I reckon they'd look good. Courtesy of Colourware...

http://www.colorwarepc.com/_inventoryImages/images/combos/nano/4_01_9.jpg

http://www.colorwarepc.com/_inventoryImages/images/combos/iPodVideo/4_9.jpg

[solvs]

I am so sick of BONO just shut up, why not give most of your own money away to the cause, he's got more thn enough.
Um, he has and he does. But he also wants to raise awareness so other people can help. Seriously, when did trying to do good turn into a bad thing? It's not like he's just trying to advertise a new album, and at least he isn't just sitting around spending all his money on himself. :rolleyes:

If I was rich and famous, I'd do the same.

[kenzbud]

Not a fan of all-red but this looks pretty cool, like an inverse U2 iPod.
http://www.colorwarepc.com/_inventoryImages/images/combos/iPodVideo/9_4.jpg
I agree..... it looks much better with a black click wheel.

[Mitch1984]

I don't AIDS charities are going to help overcome AIDS.

I think the goverment created aids in a lab.
To control population, amongst other reasons such as encouraging people not to sleep around and/or use protection.

I read in a reputable UK newspaper that a scientist who was working very well on a cure for AIDS, died under suspicious circumstances.

Just like that Dr. David Kelly "Committed suicide out of shame" Whatever, this guy was given the suicide pill.

[Chundles]

I don't AIDS charities are going to help overcome AIDS.

I think the goverment created aids in a lab.
To control population, amongst other reasons such as encouraging people not to sleep around and/or use protection.

I read in a reputable UK newspaper that a scientist who was working very well on a cure for AIDS, died under suspicious circumstances.

Just like that Dr. David Kelly "Committed suicide out of shame" Whatever, this guy was given the suicide pill.

Sorry Mitch but in this case you are absolutely and categorically wrong.

Unless you're joking I think you should probably get your head out of those "reputable UK newspapers" and read some medical journals.

[alywa]

I don't AIDS charities are going to help overcome AIDS.

I think the goverment created aids in a lab.
To control population, amongst other reasons such as encouraging people not to sleep around and/or use protection.

I read in a reputable UK newspaper that a scientist who was working very well on a cure for AIDS, died under suspicious circumstances.

Just like that Dr. David Kelly "Committed suicide out of shame" Whatever, this guy was given the suicide pill.

Whoa! I think Mitch owns stock in Reynolds or Alcoa, and wants us all to invest in tin-foil hats.

Seriously, WTF?

[narco]

it would be a good PR move and good for raising awareness. good move, if true.

Raising awareness? Who in the world doesn't know about AIDS? I do agree that it's a PR move -- that's basically all it is.

If anything, Apple should take off a certain percentage of all iPod sales to go to AIDS research, or should just donate the money straight out. That would be a much better help than creating a special iPod that benefits AIDS research, but mostly benefits Apple.

I love Apple just as much as the next guy, but I am tired of seeing businesses use disease to better their name or sell more products. I am just tired of Bono all together.

Fishes,
narco.

[crees!]

Not sure if that was for AIDS, but the "100% success in mice and some other animal" sounds like you might be referring to the avian flu vaccine (http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2006/01/26/vaccine_provides_100_percent_protection_against_avian_flu_virus_in_animal_study.html).

Mmm yea.. that's it. \m/ Thanks for correcting my mis-thought :D

[Marky_Mark]

I'm not really a big fan of the looks of the new Red iPod, but I'd buy one just to support the fight against AIDS.:)

:confused:

This is nutty. If you're not a fan give 60% of the money you would have spent on an iPod to a recognised HIV/AIDS charity now. Support the fight. What do you need another iPod for, especially one that you don't even like? Jeez. :rolleyes:

Same goes for the person who said they buy one "in a heartbeat" - write a cheque and post it tonight. I'm guessing you already have a perfectly good iPod - you don't need another - do your bit for the environment as well.

[Marky_Mark]

I don't AIDS charities are going to help overcome AIDS.

I think the goverment created aids in a lab.
To control population, amongst other reasons such as encouraging people not to sleep around and/or use protection.

I read in a reputable UK newspaper that a scientist who was working very well on a cure for AIDS, died under suspicious circumstances.

Just like that Dr. David Kelly "Committed suicide out of shame" Whatever, this guy was given the suicide pill.

Um...hello? David Kelly committed suicide after being exposed in the papers as having his work turned into the report the UK Government used to justify the war in Iraq. He was a weapons inspector, not an AIDS researcher. And he 'committed suicide' because he had spoken out against the report and publically declared that the Government's spin doctors had 'sexed it up' to make the 45 minute readiness issue one substansive enough to justify the invasion.

There are people who claim the suicide was staged and that he was, in fact assassinated for disowning the document after it had been amended. I guess we'll never know. But one thing's for sure - he didn't commit suicide because of anything related to HIV.

[iMeowbot]

It seems that nobody gets this Red branding thing at all, I wonder how well it will do if it that so broadly misunderstood.

It would be silly to run out and buy one of the Red-branded products only because a small portion of the profits are earmarked for charity. It might make sense if you were going to buy the product anyway, but that's where it ends. It just a licensed designer brand like any other, the only difference is that the licensing fees are distributed slightly unconventionally. The whole idea is to hitch on the coattails of capitalism and do a little bit of good with it. If you're looking for altruism, you're in the wrong place; Bono has made if very clear that Red is supposed to be profitable for the participating companies.

THE GLOBAL FUND DOES NOT DO RESEARCH. All it does is redistribute money. And really, most of that money (http://www.theglobalfund.org/search/default.aspx) goes to education/prevention and treatment, not research.

[bluebomberman]

:confused:

This is nutty. If you're not a fan give 60% of the money you would have spent on an iPod to a recognised HIV/AIDS charity now. Support the fight. What do you need another iPod for, especially one that you don't even like? Jeez. :rolleyes:

Same goes for the person who said they buy one "in a heartbeat" - write a cheque and post it tonight. I'm guessing you already have a perfectly good iPod - you don't need another - do your bit for the environment as well.

Yeah, I guess you can just donate x amount of $$$ and buy a black/white iPod instead. It would be more logical. But it wouldn't feel as special. (Hey, let's face it, the "Red" campaign is as much marketing as fighting a plague.)

[bluebomberman]

Raising awareness? Who in the world doesn't know about AIDS?

Not enough.

When I was in college a few years back, all the student advocacy people concentrated on the evils of the World Bank and the WTO, but none of them gave a rat's ass about AIDS. It was ridiculous.

Remember that one of Africa's most prominent leaders, Sotuh Africa's Thabo Mbeki, was an HIV denier for years (and might still be; haven't kept up lately, sorry).

Even here in the States, people tend it forget about it because it's become more of a managed condition instead of a death sentence; without the dread, the impetus to use common-sense prevention techniques diminishes. Some areas have seen spikes of AIDS cases amongst certain parts of the population.

[bluebomberman]

I don't AIDS charities are going to help overcome AIDS.

I think the goverment created aids in a lab.
To control population, amongst other reasons such as encouraging people not to sleep around and/or use protection.

I read in a reputable UK newspaper that a scientist who was working very well on a cure for AIDS, died under suspicious circumstances.

Just like that Dr. David Kelly "Committed suicide out of shame" Whatever, this guy was given the suicide pill.

Well, I'm relieved that America, contrary to popular opinion, has no monopoly on scary demented people.

[great high wolf]

I have to say that it sounds good to begin with, but I don't the iPod should become a wristband, so I'm going with the idea that people should buy a normal iPod and send a cheque to an AIDS charity. Hell, buy a 4 Gig Nano and donate the difference.

[Marky_Mark]

Well, I'm relieved that America, contrary to popular opinion, has no monopoly on scary demented people.

:D

Heh! In the absence of any location details, I'd still say the guy's a septic! ;)

[pknz]

I like it, always liked red white and black. Good cause too. A Liverpool iPod, hmmmm.

[Agent Smith]

I am so sick of BONO just shut up, why not give most of your own money away to the cause, he's got more thn enough.

Without Bono, this vitally important issue (not only AIDS, but his various other African initiatives as well) would not have the exposure that it currently has, and it is doubtful that the amount of money already generated would have been in the first place without his efforts.

[gammamonk]

I don't see this happening. There's no end to this kind of stuff.

[Chip NoVaMac]

THE GLOBAL FUND DOES NOT DO RESEARCH. All it does is redistribute money. And really, most of that money (http://www.theglobalfund.org/search/default.aspx) goes to education/prevention and treatment, not research.

And this is a good thing till there is a cure....

[baddaddy]

I am so sick of BONO just shut up, why not give most of your own money away to the cause, he's got more thn enough.


Actually, he does every day. All procedes from the song "One" including the royalties that acrue every time it's played on the radio or downloaded from iTunes are donated to AIDS research, and they have been since 91.

Little things like that, actually going to Africa to feed and work with the poor a month, and everything else he does as a humanitarion work for me.

But if you prefer to sit around with you mullet and listen to Ratt and Motley Crue sing "girls,girls, girls" and act like 12 years olds, while complaining about someone that actually does something positive,that's your business.

[jrv3034]

It's amazing and frightening how many posts in this thread are misguided or not based on facts at all.

It's like an AIDS discussion between 8-year-olds in here.

Buy an iPod, some of it goes to charity. How on earth can anyone think this is a bad idea? If you don't like the color, don't buy it. If you don't like charities, don't buy it. If you don't like Bono because he's trying to use his fame to do some good in this world, well then you really have your priorities messed up. What has Jessica Simpson ever done for humanity? Snoop Dogg? Clay Aiken?

I'm going to bed.

[EricNau]

It's amazing and frightening how many posts in this thread are misguided or not based on facts at all.

It's like an AIDS discussion between 8-year-olds in here.

Buy an iPod, some of it goes to charity. How on earth can anyone think this is a bad idea? If you don't like the color, don't buy it. If you don't like charities, don't buy it. If you don't like Bono because he's trying to use his fame to do some good in this world, well then you really have your priorities messed up. What has Jessica Simpson ever done for humanity? Snoop Dogg? Clay Aiken?

I'm going to bed.
It's not that Simple.
Let's say that Apple does release a red iPod, donating profits towards AIDS. What happens when Breast Cancer comes to Apple wanting a Pink one, and then a yellow one to support our troops, etc.
Eventually, Apple would have to start turning people down - now who looks like the bad guys?

[jrv3034]

So the answer is "all or nothing"?

Why do people not storm city hall when there's an AIDSwalk marathon, demanding that the proceeds get split evenly between ALL CHARITIES EVER CREATED?

Is Bill Gates getting flack for not giving money to Diabetes research, even though he's given millions for other causes?

Red is good. There's no downside.

[ScottB]

Nice to see some effort to raise awareness. Alternatively, they could make a promise to donate a few pounds to charity when a standard iPod is bought, like 5%? or put little panflets in the box? I just hope if this is true that it won't look awful. :p

[voiceofreason]

Since most (all?) of us already have at least 1 iPod, why not just send money to the Global Fund or your charity of choice? Find a local charity that you can donate time and skills. We don't need Apple or Bono to make a difference. It seems silly to spend another $300 for something you probably don't need anyway.

[the dr]

So if they released an AIDS iPod and it cost the same amount for the same spec - seriously, who'd buy anything else?!

Remember... Every minute of every day, a child dies as a result of AIDS...

[Austin.xstone]

I agree that if they let one then hundreds will come running - but its a hard choice - one i wouldnt like ti make...

[Mr. Mister]

I think they should donate a percentage of their margins for all products across the board, and have the red iPod symbolize that donation.

[Cedd]

Apple Insider have just run a story (Inside Info) to the effect that SJ and Bono are going to be holding an event on 1 March, with the implication that this confirmed the rumours about a red ipod. However the story seemed to be pulled pretty quickly so I'm not sure whether this means it was quickly discredited or was true and Apple jumped on them :confused:

[codeyf]

I was just at Sam Goody in Seattle's Westlake Mall. They were having a going out of business sale. I noticed among other things a PSP for $175, and a couple Sony DSC-W5 cams for $210.

Then I saw the bottom of a Apple box on the shelf. I asked if it was an iPod. The guy says, "Yes. It's a Ferrari Red iPod Mini" and hands it to me. I wished I looked closer at the box to see some info as I can't find anything about it online.

Red 6gb iPod Mini. Regular price was $349, it was marked down to $249. It was ALL RED. Buttons, click wheel, everything.

I'm going back tomorrow when I have more time to go over their DVD Box Sets (30% off). I will look at it then and get more info on it.

Also, it looked like it was an after-market sort of thing, as in not "official" apple. I'm pissed I didn't read the box more carefully now.

[Lancetx]

Then I saw the bottom of a Apple box on the shelf. I asked if it was an iPod. The guy says, "Yes. It's a Ferrari Red iPod Mini" and hands it to me. I wished I looked closer at the box to see some info as I can't find anything about it online.

Red 6gb iPod Mini. Regular price was $349, it was marked down to $249. It was ALL RED. Buttons, click wheel, everything.

I'm going back tomorrow when I have more time to go over their DVD Box Sets (30% off). I will look at it then and get more info on it.

Also, it looked like it was an after-market sort of thing, as in not "official" apple. I'm pissed I didn't read the box more carefully now.

It was almost certainly done by these guys. (http://www.colorwarepc.com) They briefly sold iPod minis in a few colors at select retail stores last year. On their website you can pick from numerous colors and combinations. They really do a top notch job.

[codeyf]

It was almost certainly done by these guys. (http://www.colorwarepc.com) They briefly sold iPod minis in a few colors at select retail stores last year. On their website you can pick from numerous colors and combinations. They really do a top notch job.

Ahh, that is it. I'm pretty sure. Ok, so nothing all that special then. Just an overpriced mini.

[janstett]

it would be a good PR move and good for raising awareness. good move, if true.

<Politically Incorrect Mode>
I'm all for raising money for research/treatment, but isn't everybody pretty much "aware" already? We get it, aids is a horrible disease. We understand how you get it -- blood transfusion, sharing needles, sex (I won't even say unprotected because I wouldn't trust a condom with my life). Did something new happen, and if so, can we just get the shortened errata, please?

And will we be seeing an orange iPod to help combat world hunger? A yellow iPod to support families of troops killed overseas? A green iPod to support organ donation? A purple iPod to support victims of domestic violence? A pink iPod for breast cancer survivors?

When is it true compassion and when is it a semi-cheap marketing ploy? When is it a high profile celebrity (Bone-o) actually doing something meaningful, and when is it public posturing?
</Politically Incorrect Mode>

As a consumer, I'm all for more colors out of the iPod (there's already a company doing this post-manufacture, by the way) but the political activism angle I find somewhat pretentious and phony. And if we're going to do it, let's not just pick a favorite charity but give people a wide choice. I'm staring at a banner for St. Jude's Childrens Research Hospital in my browser right now, that's a worthy cause too. As is cancer research. As is the March of Dimes. Or any of dozens of other worthy causes I can think of.

Also, I have to wonder if Jobs Inc. will still be making any profit on the sales of these special iPods or will everything go to the charity.

<EDIT:> It just struck me that I read an article on news.com in the last few weeks which unfavorably compared Steve Jobs' charitable work (or lack thereof) against that of archrival Bill Gates, and this may be a calculated damage control move from Mr. Jobs. I will try to find a link. But the gist of the article was that the IMAGE is that Bill Gates is a greedy tightwad and Steve Jobs is a free-love hippie, but the REALITY is that Bill gives a lot of money to charity and does a lot of charitable things especially in the medical community, and uses his fame as leverage to bring attention to his causes, while Steve hasn't really donated to charities other than the Democratic Party, according to public tax records, and doesn't use his public fame to bolster any causes. For example, I believe the article stated Steve survived a bout with some sort of cancer but never speaks about it. I will try to find a link, it was an interesting article.

<EDIT 2:> Found it.
http://www.wired.com/news/columns/0,70072-0.html?tw

Some parts I found interesting:


On the other hand, Jobs has never seemed much concerned with business, though he's been very successful at it of late. Instead, Jobs has been portrayed as a man of art and culture. He's an aesthete, an artist; driven to make a dent in the universe.

But these perceptions are wrong. In fact, the reality is reversed. It's Gates who's making a dent in the universe, and Jobs who's taking on the role of single-minded capitalist, seemingly oblivious to the broader needs of society.

[...]

This is not the case for Jobs. To the best of my knowledge, in the last decade or more, Jobs has not spoken up on any social or political issue he believes in -- with the exception of admitting he's a big Bob Dylan fan.

Rather, he uses social issues to support his own selfish business goals. In the Think Different campaign, Jobs used cultural figures he admired to sell computers -- figures who stuck their necks out to fight racism, poverty, inequality or war.

Jobs once offered to be an advisor to Sen. John Kerry during the 2004 presidential election, and he invited President Clinton over for dinner when Bubba visited Silicon Valley in 1996 -- hardly evidence of deep political convictions.

Jobs can't even get behind causes that would seem to carry deep personal meaning, let alone lasting social importance. Like Lance Armstrong, he is a cancer survivor. But unlike Armstrong, Jobs has so far done little publicly to raise money or awareness for the disease.

Given Jobs' social detachment, I'm confused by the adulation he enjoys. Yes, he has great charisma and his presentations are good theater. But his absence from public discourse makes him a cipher. People project their values onto him, and he skates away from the responsibilities that come with great wealth and power.


Food for thought about our pied piper, fellow Steve followers...

[Lancetx]

Ahh, that is it. I'm pretty sure. Ok, so nothing all that special then. Just an overpriced mini.

Yes they definitely are pricey, but Colorware does do an excellent job and their iPods are much more scratch resistant than a standard issue 5G or nano.