The iPod as Barbie

Macworld 2007 was busier than I've seen in years, but it didn't feel like a computer show. Indeed, as I squeezed past everything from iPod toilet-paper holders to all manner of cases, bags, and enveloping speakers, I was struck by how many of the products were simply designed to dress up your toy. The ubiquitous music player has become a Barbie doll.

Nothing wrong with that. From an audio perspective, it was interesting to see Belkin take the concept to another extreme with its TuneStudio mixer. Plug in a video iPod and you have a multi-input recording studio. Of course, even the most basic standalone competitors are much more practical, offering overdubbing, effects, and other muso features, but the Belkin demonstrators were sure having fun.