Nano Note:
The Servant Problem
Listening to a new iPod Shuffle loaded with secret vices, I understand how much better we are equipped, today, to deal with the servant problem.
iPods, when you think about it, are like servants. They all do the same thing, basically: they serve. Two iPods can’t do anything that just one can’t — but they can do twice as much of it. Which, in iPod terms, means that this Nano, loaded with baroque music, will remember exactly where to pick up when you tire of listening to Rufus on the Shuffle.
Instead of footmen (who would undoubtedly drink too much in the evenings), I have Nanos: two tall and slender 16Gs, three squat but sturdy 8Gs, two merely squat 4Gs, and now the 4G Shuffle, which is tiny — the number of objects in my personal possession bigger than the Shuffle is bewilderingly large. The device may never be taxed to its memory’s limits; there aren’t that many good songs in the world.
But that’s the whole duty of servants. Reserve power.
That I should have the time to be so well served. Ah! That would be a blessing. Once again you have demonstrated that leisure, the absence of anxiety about the near future as regards basic survival, is the foundation of all art and a full life. Waiting now for my Virus checker to seal my laptop with the kiss of peace so I can proceed today. I have only recently mastered the art of using Audible so I can listen to what I need while I work. I tire of the IT administrative issues that come all contemporary computer devices. I am waiting for HAL to arrive in his fullness. I hope the messiah comes before I die. Never again will I purchase any MS based device. Apple from here on out for sure. Where is the next Bill Gates who will rid us all of these troublesome IT administrative issues. I wait for my morning greeting, “Good morning, Sir, what will you be listening to today, please?”