I Can Touch

Being a media junkie or addict has its advantages at certain times. It is very beneficial when playing Trivial Pursuit or when dazzling friends with obscure quotes. Also, it is very beneficial at Christmas time. At this time of year I have many easy gift options from a gift card to Barnes and Noble or iTunes to the latest movie. To really overwhelm me, buy me the latest Internet/computer gadget. This type of gift is like giving an alcoholic a bottle of vodka. You should expect to find me passed out from over indulgence of the gift.

Consequently, I was given the ultimate media " drug", a new iTouch. It has changed my life already. Not only can this device play music and videos, it can play games, connect to the Internet, and store novels. What else would a media junkie need? The one saving grace that keeps me from disappearing altogether into the abyss is that it only connects to the internet in the presence of wifi. This limits my addiction slightly. In the short time that I have had it, it has integrated into every part of my life. Currently, I am tracking my weight loss with it, creating my to do lists, and tracking my workouts. It has replaced my laptop as my most used portable device. I cannot wait to go into Panera and get on the Internet with only a small handheld device. If I am really bored, I can even watch my favorite downloaded TV shows from iTunes. Actually, my iTouch now serves as a video playback device for our favorite shows. Likewise, I take it to the gym so that I can catch up on the last season of "Heroes".

So the question is, how does this device fit into media? While it is not media in itself, it does represent a new delivery tool of media. Just like the pen, the printing press, the radio, the television, and the Internet; it represents the latest way our media can be delivered to us. I love it. I have every form of media on here that influences my life. I expect for it demand more and more of my attention as my other forms of media suffer. Only my boardgames and desktop seem to still demand my time.

In conclusion, the iTouch represents the next media delivery device for our new age. I use to make fun of the people who spent so much time typing on their screen and staring at the small console. Now, my face is illuminated by its eery glow. It is a modern day oracle at Delphi that keeps us informed. Awesome product, awesome fun, extremely addictive. Buy with caution. When will you be able to reach out and touch?


Side note: This entire blog was written with the help of the iTouch.