IPod and Luck: Difference between pages

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''This article is about good and bad fortune. There is also: [[Luck, Volhynia]], a town in [[Ukraine]], and [[Luck, Wisconsin]], a village in the [[USA]].''
----
'''Luck''' may be analysed from three viewpoints: rational, social, and spiritual.
 
==Rational viewpoint==
The '''iPod''' is a [[hard disk drive|hard drive]]-based portable audio player from [[Apple Computer]], capable of playing [[mp3|MP3]], [[WAV]], [[Advanced Audio Coding|AAC]]/[[M4A]], [[AIFF]], and [[Apple Lossless]] [[file format]]s. In addition to its audio capabilities, the iPod may also be used as an external hard drive. iPods are distinguished by their small size, simple [[user interface]] designed around a central scroll wheel, and [[IEEE 1394|FireWire]] or [[USB|USB 2.0]] connectivity. As of [[January]] [[2004]], the iPod was the most popular digital music player in the [[United States]], with over 50% of the market.
As related to the occurrences of actual events considered to be of low [[probability]] in a [[mathematics|mathematical]] or [[statistics|statistical]] sense. A [[rationalist]] approach would lead to the conclusion that such matters as whether or not someone bore a victim ill will would have no bearing upon (for example) that person being hit by a loose brick falling from a decrepit building. It was only due to a remote statistical probability that the brick's four [[Dimension|dimensional]] [[Spacetime|space-time]] path intercepted the 4D path of the victim's head (this was an actual occurrence in [[San Francisco]]). In a case like this both rationalists and spiritualists would likely say that the victim was ''unlucky''. In an example of good luck, a person winning a [[lottery]] would generally be considered lucky, although a rationalist might point out that there was bound to be a winner sooner or later, and there was actually nothing lucky about ''someone'' winning - it was merely a [[probability|probabilistic]] event. It is doubful that the winner would agree with that analysis, however.
 
==Social viewpoint==
== Original iPod ==
[[image:ipod_g2_front.jpg|thumbnail|right|150px|2nd Generation iPod]]
 
As a [[Society|social]] phenomenon, there is much truth in the saying "what goes around, comes around" (see [[karma]]). On the one hand, those who are kind and generous to others are usually perceived as open and accepting and so more likely to be freely offered assistance from others. They are also more likely to also be able to ask for and receive help from others in time of need. On the other hand, those who are asocial or anti-social are less likely ask for assistance or to be offered assistance by others. The open, generous and cheerful person is more likely to be classified by others as lucky, while the curmudgeon is more likely to be considered by others or to consider him/her self unlucky.
First announced in [[October]] [[2001]] [http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=01/10/23/1816257&mode=thread], the iPod was originally available with a 5 [[gigabyte|GB]] hard drive. A 10 GB version was announced in [[March]] [[2002]], and a 20 GB version in July.
Firmware upgrades have added some [[Personal digital assistant|PDA]] functions. Some of the iPod software was developed by [[Pixo]], a company founded by a developer who had worked on the [[Apple Newton]], a [[Personal Digital Assistant]] produced by [[Apple Computer]].
 
==Supernatural viewpoint==
The iPod was originally only compatible with [[Apple Macintosh|Macintosh]] computers, but in mid-2002 [[Apple Computer]] began selling a [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] version with its internal hard drive formatted as [[FAT32]] instead of [[HFS|HFS+]]. The newest generation of dockable iPods remove this distinction: the iPod is formatted for the Macintosh as sold and the user can format the iPod for Windows use after purchase. An iPod with its hard drive formatted as HFS+ can only be used with a Macintosh because Windows does not recognize HFS+, but since the Macintosh can handle FAT32, an iPod formatted as FAT32 can be used with a Macintosh as well as a PC. There are generally few advantages to formatting an iPod as HFS+, a notable exception being if you wish to use the iPod as a FireWire boot disk for a Macintosh computer.
There is also sometimes considered to be a [[supernatural]] bias towards experiencing events of good or ill fortune. In this sense some believe that one's own or another's good or bad luck can be influenced through spiritual means or by performing certain rituals or by avoiding certain (from a rational viewpoint non-relevant) situations. [[Voodoo]] is a religious practice in which this belief is particularly strong, although many cultures worldwide place a strong emphasis on a person's ability to influence their luckiness by ritualistic means. This often involves proper respect for spirits, believed to inhabit a ___location prior to human occupation. In some cultures, if one builds a house on a property it is respectful to provide a small [[spirit house]] for their habitation. In other cultures, a building may be interrupted by a passageway to allow the flow of spiritual energy - the ___location being determined by an expert in such matters. In such cultures, ignoring such matters is believed to lead to misfortune - ''bad luck''. In this context there is also the concept of "purpose" to events ascribed to luck, good or bad.
 
==Effects of viewpoint and beliefs==
Third-party products exist to allow the use of Mac-formatted iPods with Windows computers, but have become less relevant since Apple's [[Apple iTunes|iTunes]] software was ported to Windows.
The belief in luck as a supernatural phenomenon is generally regarded by rationalists as a form of [[magical thinking]]. However, there is evidence that people who believe themselves to have '''good luck''' are more able to take advantage of fortunate chance events in their lives, and to compensate for unfortunate chance events in their lives, than people who believe that they have '''bad luck'''. This appears to be the result of [[positive thinking]] altering their responses to these events. A belief in luck can also indicate a belief in an external [[locus of control]] for events in their life and so escape from personal responsibility.
 
Some philosophers argue that we each "create our own reality", literally and not metaphorically, and in that context what appears to be good luck can be interpreted as having beliefs that encourage or create what are putatively good outcomes.
== Dockable iPods ==
On [[April 28]], [[2003]], Steve Jobs introduced an "ultrathin" iPod series, which introduced a non-mechanical touch-sensitive scroll wheel and other upgrades. These were originally sold in 10, 15, and 30 GB versions. In [[September]] [[2003]] this line was replaced by 10, 20 and 40 GB versions, and then 15, 20, and 40 GB versions in [[January]] [[2004]]. In [[January]] [[2004]] Apple introduced a smaller variation, the [[iPod mini]], with 4 GB of storage, while also increasing the storage of the "low-end" version from 10 to 15 GB.
 
===Risky lifestyles===
Unlike first and second generation iPods, there is no distinction between third-generation Mac and Windows iPods; one product can be connected to either a Mac or a Windows PC. In the latter case, the user needs to buy an extra [[USB2]] cable, add a [[FireWire]] port, or use the included 4-pin FireWire adapter, as the FireWire connection the iPod uses is standard on Macs but somewhat uncommon in Windows PCs, especially older models. The fourth generation iPod, however, now comes bundled with both FireWire and USB connectivity cables for Mac and Windows PC users.
Often those who ascribe their travails to "bad luck" will be found upon close examination to be living [[Risk|risky]] [[Lifestyle|lifestyles]]. For example: a drunk driver may ascribe their arrest to the bad luck of being observed by a patrolman, or the bad luck of being involved in a traffic accident (perhaps not even the victim's fault), as a way of avoiding personal responsibility for his/her actions.
 
===Positive outlook===
[[Apple iTunes|iTunes]] is used to manage files on the iPod when connected to a Mac or Windows PC. Previously, [[Musicmatch]], [[ephPod]] or XPlay was used to manage files on the iPod when connected to a Windows PC. Newer iPod accessories include a memory card reader and a voice recording module, both manufactured by [[Belkin]] and officially licensed by [[Apple Computer]].
On the other hand, people who consider themselves "lucky" in having good health may be actually reaping the benefits of a cheerful outlook and satisfying social relationships, both of which are well known [[statistics|statistically]] to be protective against many stress-related diseases.
 
===Effects===
On [[January 8]], [[2004]], [[Hewlett-Packard]] announced that they would license the iPod from Apple to create an HP-branded MP3 player. The following day, Hewlett-Packard chairman and CEO, [[Carly Fiorina]] unveiled the new, blue iPod-based device at the 2004 [[Consumer Electronics Show]].
If "good" and "bad" events occur at random to everyone, believers in good luck will experience a net gain in their fortunes, and vice versa for believers in bad luck. This is clearly likely to be self-reinforcing. Thus, although untrue, a belief in good luck may actually be an adaptive [[meme]].
 
The [[gambler's fallacy]] and [[inverse gambler's fallacy]] are both related to belief in luck.
On [[July 19]], [[2004]], the fourth generation of iPod was released. In a new publicity route Steve Jobs announced the release via [[Newsweek|Newsweek Magazine]]. The new generation of iPod was only slightly smaller, however increased battery life (to 12 hours), click-wheel, battery recharging over USB and a price drop (the 20 GB at $299 USD and the 40 GB at $399 USD) were additional selling points. The 4G iPod came in 20 GB and 40 GB versions, with the 15 GB version being phased out. A rumored 60 GB version is unlikely to emerge, as Apple has stated that no such model is planned.
 
== Battery Life Numerology==
Most cultures consider some [[numerology|numbers]] to be lucky or unlucky. This is found to be particularly strong in Asian cultures, where the obtaining of "lucky" [[telephone number]]s, automobile [[license plate]] numbers, and [[address (geography)|household addresses]] are actively sought, sometimes at great [[Money|monetary]] expense.
The iPod was designed with an internal [[lithium ion battery]] that was not intended by Apple to be replaced by the user after it died, which was generally around 18 months of use.
 
==Sayings==
''See also:'' [[Planned obsolescence]]
Popular sayings and quotations related to luck:
* "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity" -
* "You make your own luck" -
* "When it rains, it pours" - this is an expression of the mathematical property of statistically independent events to bunch together.
* "Bad things happen in threes" - see above
* "Luck is the residue of design" - [[Branch Rickey]]
* When something happens by "sheer dumb luck", it is considered to have happened unintentionally and without planning.
* "Luck doesn't exist." There are more variations on this phrase than can be listed here, but not enough to make believers care.
* "Luck be your lady tonight"
* A famous Samuel Goldwyn quote sums up the rationalist view: "The harder I work, the luckier I get". Or an equally famous [[Gary Player]] quote "The harder I practise, the luckier I get".
* [[Knocking on wood]], spoken expression used as a [[charm]] to bring good luck.
* "In my experience, there's no such thing as luck" - [[Obi-Wan Kenobi]].
* "Luck can only get you so far" by Hermione, referring to a "luck potion Felix Felicis" in {{Harry Potter]] (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince)
 
==Items or events==
In [[December]] [[2003]], film-makers and Apple enthusiasts The Neistat Brothers produced a movie highlighting that the battery in their early-model iPod failed after what they thought was a relatively short period of time, and was expensive to replace, and distributed it over the internet. The movie depicted the Brothers vandalizing Apple ads in the [[New York City]] area with graffitti proclaiming "iPod's unreplaceable battery lasts only 18 months." Shortly following this, though not necessarily in response to it, [[Apple Computer]] introduced a battery replacement scheme (US$99) and offered users the option to extend the warranty of their iPods. In addition, other companies are offering battery replacements for as little as US$50, or the user can purchace a battery ([http://ipodbattery.com/ here for example]), and replace it by hand ([http://www.ipodbattery.com/ipodinstall.htm using this simple tutorial]). Many other tutorials are also available online.
Several items or happenings are considered lucky or unlucky.
===Lucky===
*Finding a [[penny]] on heads
*[[Horseshoe]]s
*Four-leaf [[clovers]]
*[[Rabbit]]'s [[feet]]
*[[Ladybug]]s
 
===Unlucky===
== iTunes Music Store ==
*[[Friday]] the [[13 (number)|13]]th
The iPod is the only portable music player that can play the [[FairPlay|protected AAC]] (.m4p) files available at Apple's [[iTunes Music Store]]. The restriction is seen by some as a way to increase the sale of iPods. Steve Jobs has said as much: "We would like to break even [or] make a little bit of money [on the iTunes Music Store] but it's not a money maker." It is possible to circumvent the restriction by burning protected files to an audio CD and then re-ripping them, although this is tedious and causes a reduction in sound quality.
*The number 13 (Many buildings skipped 13 when numbering their floors for this reason)
*[[Black]] [[cat]] crossing your path
*Stepping on a crack (it breaks the mother of the stepper's back)
*Breaking a [[mirror]] (seven years bad luck)
*Spilling over [[salt]] (but you can get rid of the bad luck by throwing the salt over your left shoulder).
*Putting a hat on a bed
*Opening an [[umbrella]] indoors
*Seeing three butterflies at the same time
*Killing a ladybug
*Walking underneath a [[ladder]]
 
==Luck in fiction==
== Third-party Accessories ==
*[[Gladstone Gander]], a fictional [[cartoon]] character, is dependent solely upon his good luck.
* A few third-party software tools supporting iPod include [[RhythmBox]], a [[GNOME]]-based [[iTunes]] clone.
*[[Joe Btfsplk]], a character in the [[Li'l Abner]] (Little Abner) [[comic strip]] by the cartoonist [[Al Capp]] is not only unlucky, he is shunned by the other characters as they suspect (with good reason) that this bad luck may be [[infection|infectious]].
* [[iTrip]] by Griffin Technology allows the iPod to broadcast on [[FM radio]], while borrowing power from the iPod's battery.
*In [[Larry Niven|Larry Niven's]] novel ''[[Ringworld]]'', the character [[Teela Brown]] was the incredibly lucky result of a centuries-long breeding program initiated by the alien [[Pierson's Puppeteers]] directed to just such an outcome. The consequence of her state was that she'd led such a charmed and worry-free life that she was emotionally immature and unprepared for "harsh reality."
* [http://www.tentechnology.com/ naviPod] by TEN Technology is a 5-button [[infrared]] [[remote control]] for the Apple iPod.
*In [[Terry Pratchett]]'s ''[[Discworld]]'' series, luck is an [[Anthropomorphism|anthropomorphic personification]] known as the Lady, who, while not a goddess, is powerful enough to be the rival of the god Fate.
* A wide variety of other third-party products also exists and more are introduced every day, from voice recorders to games and other iPod-based software to various connection devices and adapters
*[[Eugene Horowitz]] from [[Hey Arnold]] is known for the bad luck he constantly has, though his [[optimism]] always makes his personality win over it.
*In the [[Harry Potter]] novels, there is a [[potion]], [[Felix Felicis]], which gives its drinker good luck.
*[[Furrball]] the cat in ''[[Tiny Toon Adventures]]'' is a perpetually unfortunate feline, forever suffering mishaps, though frequently it's his own actions (i.e. overwhelming greed) that get him into trouble (not unlike mentor Sylvester the cat).
 
== See also ==
* [[iPod miniCurse]]
* [[Apple ComputerDestiny]]
*[[Evil eye]]
 
*[[Fate]]
 
*[[Folk religion]]
== External links ==
*[[Irrationality]]
* [http://www.apple.com/ipod/ iPod product info by Apple Computer]
*[[Magic (paranormal)]]
* [http://www.apple.com/ipodmini/ iPod Mini product info by Apple Computer]
*[[Probability]]
* [http://www.ipodlounge.com/ iPod Lounge], an iPod fan website
*[[Statistics]]
* [http://www.ipoding.com/ Another iPod site]
*[[Superstition]]
* [http://ipodsdirtysecret.com/ The Neistat Brothers' movie]
* [http://www.ipodbatteryfaq.com/ iPod Battery FAQ]
* [http://www.i-pod.de/ German iPod site - deutsche Seite zum iPod]
* [http://www.ipodessentials.co.uk UK iPod accessories & free books to read on iPod screen]
* [http://ipodlinux.sourceforge.net Linux on iPod]
* [http://www.damsleth.com/redir.asp?url=ipod.asp iPod Retriever], lets you copy music from the iPod to your computer
* [http://www.ipodnoticias.com/ iPod Noticias], (en español), first iPod site in Spanish
 
 
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[[Category:Consumer electronics]]
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