Embracing new technology.

• Author: Saltzman, Joe
• Position: WORD & IMAGES

MOST OF THE AMAZING pieces of technology of the last several decades have had Achilles' heels. We all are more or less dependent on computers, but along with the revolutionary technology of the Internet, e-mail, and other electronic conveniences have come viruses and those unexplained error messages that strike terror into the hearts of most consumers.

The cell phone is a marvel of modern communication, but the constant noise of myriad cell-phone rings ranging from Beethoven's "Ninth" to the latest rap song, and the roar of countless one-way conversations is enough to drive anyone crazy. Just stand on any campus or in any mall and one piece of private conversation after another fills the air. People on the phone apparently do not realize--or simply do not mind--that anyone within shouting distance (and everyone shouts) can hear every personal detail: "I don't care if you're sick: don't yell at me like that ever again." "Morn, don't lecture me. I just need some more money for a week or so." "I love you, too. Of course I remember last night.... " On and on it goes. The new cameras on cell phones make privacy a thing of the past, as anyone can shoot a picture of you doing anything at any time and then transfer it to computers around the world in minutes. Great technology; frightening potential.

However, there finally is a piece of technology that lives up to expectations-well, almost--without any serious consequences. The IPod is a wondrous thing. The model that plays music, displays photos and video, captures IPod casts, radio stations, and television programs, and offers 60 gigabytes of memory is about the niftiest invention yet in the 21st century. You even can use it as a portable hard drive to protect personal information from any computer by transferring the files directly to the IPod--and it all goes with you, easily fitting into any pocket or purse.

Do not buy into the hype that this solely is a young person's toy. It is something anyone of any age can use and enjoy. You can transfer the contents of any CD in a matter of minutes. Putting in as much as 10,000 or more pieces of music--very track on a CD is considered a separate "song"--is a painless way of carrying your collection. A "shuffle" feature makes every selection an adventure. While taking a long, leisurely walk, for example, the IPod can shuffle from the second movement of Schubert's "Death and the Maiden" to Ella Fitzgerald singing "How Long Has This Been Going On?" to Glenn...