I'll admit, the thing isn't even out yet but I have some thoughts others might ignore...

I'm terrible at solitaire, a game I frequently play on my 5th Gen iPod. When some people see me playing on the thing, they look at me like I'm crazy. But I think they're crazy if they don't see the potential of the device for things other that music and movies. Does the PSP offer better graphics and gameplay? maybe... but does the PSP offer the kind of capacity of the iPod? Certainly Not. And is there an iTunes for the PSP? hmm? place to download games is there? not an official one anyway.

Heres my thought: The iPod could be playing more games in the near future.

Think me crazy? well, I've got some facts to prove that could be a move Apple is planing to make.

Fact A: I'm already running the game "Doom" on my 5th Gen iPod and that never ceases to amaze me. So why isn't portable gaming part of the iPod's marketing? Well, it's not part of the device's intended function, though I'm sure some very fine people worked very hard building the few little games that are in there, they're more of a proof of concept than anything else.

Fact B: I've heard rumors of Apple hiring some old Game-dev execs... and putting them all in... the iTunes division... yeah, that might seem strange, unless you consider they might use iTunes for the download of these cool new games. If any of these execs I just mentioned actualy have been hired, I'm sure that knowledge is all part of the public domain and all, and I could link you to proof of these happenings, but I'm too lazy to do so... and if its fact checking you're concerned about, why are you reading a blog, anyway?'

Fact C: I happen to know that Apple recently ditched their old provider of iPod processors, perhaps looking for more power, maybe? maybe for more 3D apps? 3D apps like games? maybe so.

Fact D: Right now the fight is on, Apple is making their first major push for control of the worldwide computer markets since back in the day when Microsoft miraculously won the first bout. If, for some reason they manage to loose the huge advantage they seem to have right now, and M$ pulls into the lead again.. or if Linux comes from nowhere and takes Windoze's place, then Apple will recede from their more ambitious sales of Mac computers to the mainstream. becoming in large part, a consumer electronics company. They've got the iPod, and they may be what they fall back on if they loose bout #2, to rest in a dormant state until.... Computer Market Domination Bout 3: The End of Wires! But thats a few decades of me thinks... least 'til it gets to the point I'm thinking of. By that time there will be no need for PCs anymore, and wireless devices will take over in full, and Apple will use their strong history of fine consumer electronics to leverage some new poster-child which will emerge something like 5 years before the actual conflict, to gain the support of the people.... or something like that...

So basicly, the 6th Gen iPod will need the fat of aditional functionality to survive the long winter to come. Maybe they'll bring back the Newton instead... mmm... That would be sweet...

Tomorrow I swear I'll do that thing wear I explain how to run Doom on your 5th Gen iPod (video)! Ok, so... thats it... you can turn away from the computer now, or if its a PeeCee... I don't know, just wait for the inevitable crash thats coming... right about.... now!