This article wouldn't cause me to hesitate from buying another iPod in the slightest. It's a great technology with an elegant design. Like all other devices, it's not perfect...but a lot of its immense popularity and success have made it a nice big target for naysayers, the jealous, and the legally opportunistic.
For example, the iPod volume control litigation and media chatterings are just ridiculous. I can do more damage through numerous other audio devices and practices...should manufacturers financially reward the stupidest of their customers with settlements?
Regarding being "on your own", I've had to return one for repair, after the 90-day warranty. "No problem, here's a new one," said the friendly Apple Store employee.
The iPod/iTMS/iTunes combination, in its current form, has obviously worked for many millions of consumers, who seem to enjoy it, flaws, proprietary formats and all. Those who complain about it should try something else and STFU. :)
Ditto here. Got a black 60Gb to replace my Mini. RAWKS. If you want to watch other movies/MPEGs on it, you need to export them out of QuickTime, which is a pain, but it's just so damned sleek and cool and amazing...
If Your iPod Could Talk, The 10 Things It Wouldn't Say
Apple: Green to Its Core
Upgrading, Why It Hurts To Be A Mac User
Thinking about a 5G iPod
How Many Operating Systems Can You Name?