Should I Escape Apple, iTunes, and iPod and Migrate to SSD Laptop, Spotify Premium, MediaMonkey and Amazon Echo?

I've been a bit disenchanted with my Apple and iTunes lately. El Capitan won't read external CD burners. iTunes no longer automatically updates music playlists on my iPod classic, which I now have to do manually. 

Also, I can get an SSD Asus laptop with superior specs to an iMac for cheaper, an Amazon Echo, and that should take care of my music needs. 

I've had this urge to make the switch the last month or so. 

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Comments

[Dan]

Go for it. I've had an Amazon Echo for almost two years, and new capabilities added over time means it gets better every week. In addition to using it as a Bluetooth speaker, I've uploaded about 200 of my favorite MP3 files to Amazon Music so now I can say, "Alexa, play my favorites songs." or "Alexa, play 'Stairway to Heaven'."

My Echo is also integrated with my home's wifi thermostats and wifi irrigation controller. It's so convenient to say, "Alexa, set master bedroom to 74 degrees." or "Alexa, water zone 6 for 30 minutes."

Try it. I think you'll like it.

[herculodge]

I think I'll start with the Echo before I make my total migration. If I like the way it accesses podcasts and music, that could be the start of me leaving Apple.

[Ulysses]

Amazon Echo is something I wish I could get here in the UK (without importing from a dodgy seller). The voice is so natural and lifelike and I can see it becoming very useful on the bedside table or office desk.

[herculodge]

It arrives tonight. I'm eager to see how easily, or not, it plays podcasts.

[Lee_K]

And?

[herculodge]

So far, I'm very happy with Spotify. It could easily replace iTunes. I also bought an Amazon Echo for the kitchen. It plays music well. However, podcasts are a problem. The iPod/iTunes combo is the best so far. For that reason, I'm sticking with my Apple. I'm a big podcast listener. Perhaps a secondary computer, a laptop, would be an Asus with an SSD.

[Tim K.]

I used to be hardcore anti-Apple. Had the latest/greatest Android phone, modern Windows machine, Sansa MP3 players (which are still insanely great), and was all about Media Monkey. Somewhere along the line, though, I realized I was configuring all those things more than I was really enjoying life and spending time with my family. I'm now comfortably (and deep) in the Apple ecosystem and my life is way simpler and happier. I didn't mind giving up the myriad of options for a simpler lifestyle. I will say, though, that Spotify is one of the greatest platforms out there, at least for me. I have no interest in joining Apple Music yet. BTW, just discovered your blog and am now subscribed to your RSS. Love it, man!

[herculodge]

Tim, I'm feeling the same way. I don't have time to configure everything and increase my options. My only gripe with Apple is that their laptops are twice the cost of an Asus. I'll keep my iPod and iMac, but if I ever get a laptop, I'd be tempted to get a PC because the specs are so superior on a 1K PC to a 1,200 Airbook.

I enjoy Spotify as well. It's a shame iTunes is losing its edge. Thanks for subscribing. Jeff

[Tim K.]

Jeff, agree on all points. I never believed I'd be an Apple guy, but here I am. I'm almost three years into my base-level MacBook Air and for some reason it still feels brand new. With my previous Windows computers, they all seemed to degrade quickly (or at least always felt that way). Something about Apple, though, has kept this one feeling brand new and shiny, inside and out, all along. Either way, I appreciate the struggle you're talking about.

[herculodge]

Windows is often a nightmare. Tech radio guy Leo Laporte says don't get Windows. He recommends Apple or Chromebooks. If I get a laptop I may get a 15-inch Chromebook. Loaded, they're 400 dollars.

[Tim K.]

Right on, Jeff! Had one briefly, but I probably should've spent more on mine. They continue to tempt me with their focus and simplicity.

[herculodge]

Sooner or later, they will improve to the point that they'll be very compelling at their price point.

[Marc]

My experiences have been similar. I came late to Apple - my first iPod was wholly unwanted, (a gift) and subsequent Apple purchases were really just to appease my wife. But my earlier anti-Apple snobbery was misplaced and I'm now convinced. The things just work together and do so easily and fairly reliably, particularly in the home sharing context with a large set of mp3s and computer files that I want access to around the house on multiple devices. Maybe it's just because I no longer have the time to fiddle and tweak, but my former love for Windows has died in my middle age. None of my previous PCs have lasted as long as my macs have. I will admit, though, that iTunes is getting buggy and slow - trying to do too many things for too many people. But, still, it works. (PS - good blog)

[herculodge]

I've decided to stick with Apple for reasons you mentioned and the tech guy on KFI Leo Laporte says Windows is a constant headache, so even though Apple computers give you slower chips and fewer specs for more money, I'm sticking with iMacs and iPods. I may even get an iPhone some day.

[SoCalWill]

- Spotify conclusively ends buying/storing/moving music files. No SSDs, no cards, no cables, just load the app on whatever's handy and go.

- Siri is going to match Alexa's ability over the next few months, as she's now open to app builders. I already have Siri controlling my Philips Hue room lighting, no programming or extra purchases required.

- A recent comparison of laptops running multiple OSes found MacOS ran fastest on the Macbook Pro, Windows ran fastest on ..the Macbook Pro.