iTunes Store CoverFlow conspiracy...

I updated iTunes and Quicktime today. So far I'm really pleased with the iTunes update. But, I wonder what Apple do with all that data they collect from the users that have an active iTunes store account.

Let's face it, both me and you have music on our systems that is not "legal". So, let's say that I have an iTunes Store account (which I don't, I refuse to purchase music that has any form of DRM protection), and iTunes download that cover for that specific track, album or movie etc. Well, what will Apple do with all that data they generate? Consider this scenario:

Your authenticated computer downloads through your iTunes account a cover for an album which you have downloaded "not legally", and then somtime later RIAA "asks" Apple to turn over all the data for the cover downloads. If you have been caught in their "legal" pursuit of shared music downloading net users, they now have another piece of juicy evidence against you.

If I were you and if I were living in the US, I'd see to it that I wouldn't use iTunes as my primary digital media centre, and I'd also get in touch with those that protect your privacy and freedom on the net, to try and get Apple to tell what they will do with this generated data.

A new Mac...

I've really been seriously considering buying a new Mini, a Duo Core 1.66, but I think I will wait until Apple releases Leopard, then I will get a new Mac. What I'm getting instead is a V7 19" Widescreen LCD monitor (L19WA) and more system memory (a 1GB stick). Now you might wonder why I don't get myself a new iMac instead? Well, I will tell you why.

I've really considered my reasons for not buying an iMac, and they are:

1. It is not possible to connect any other computers to it, which means I cannot use my PC with it. And no, I'd totally refuse to install Windows onto it. It would be great to be able to connect other computers to it and only use the screen for that.
   
2. Leopard hasn't been released yet.
3. I will not be able to connect my future Xbox360 to it. (Yes yes, it's a MS product, but hey, it's a great product and it will be better when they release the second generation of it which will have a cooler running CPU in it).
4. If the screen gets broken, my computer is dead if the warranty is not available anymore.

No, so an iMac is not a good option if you are looking for a new for a Mac in my eyes. A Mini or a Mac Pro is a better choice, there you can decide which monitor to use and when to replace it. It's also more easily to upgrade those systems. The Mini can be a handful, but if you know what you are doing, then it will not be a problem at all. Besides, the coolness factor for the Mini is greater than the iMac too, so...