Last Christmas, my mom asked me if I wanted an iPod; I smiled and thanked you for her generous offer but turned her down.

Lets face it: iPods have kind of taken over the world of music, along with iTunes and other downloadable song sites. But what is it with all this hype around portable music? I mean, don't people like holding a CD in their hands anymore?

Well, I for one do. CDs, records, 45s, the works. I love all of them. One thing I don't love: the iPod.

When the iPod first hit the market, it was a smash and has continued to grow into its own mini empire. People buy the newest addition, wanting the highest quality and all the little extras that can come in these tiny devices. And for what, music on the go?

Sure, I'll admit being able to listen to your favorite songs while jogging, at the library, virtually anywhere can be a blessing. And sure, it's nice to be able to download only your favorite songs from a certain album. And yes, being able to watch a movie on that micro-sized screen; just give me the popcorn and I'm set for a Friday night.

But what about listening to what's going on around you while you're out jogging? Or actually getting to hear all the songs an artist produced? And those movies—come on; the big screen and Blockbuster are so much better.

Last Christmas, my mom asked me if I wanted an iPod; I smiled and thanked you for her generous offer but turned her down. She was happily surprised I didn't want a $200 gift.

Instead, I asked for a few CDs I had been wanting. Yes, I still buy CDs. They aren't ancient just yet, but they seem to be not as popular these days.

I love buying new albums, though. Whenever I'm in the car, listening to the radio—not an iPod—and I hear a song I like, I stash it away in my memory and head out to the store to buy the album. It's only then that I get to hear all the songs the artist recorded, which for me, is one of the best surprises.

Granted, I don't enjoy every single song on every single CD I buy, and sure, I could avoid that by simply downloading and listening to only certain ones on an iPod, but that wouldn't be as much fun. I like listening to the whole CD and figuring out which songs I enjoy. I don't mind if I don't like a song right off the bat because, since I have the CD, I have the chance to grow to love it.

Another thing I get with CDs and not iPods: the ability to show off my music collection. I have a decent sized spinning CD holder that I can't wait to put up in my new apartment in the fall. For the past few months, I have been buying CDs that I have wanted to fill up the slots. I like being able to show off my music and my variety of tastes in artists. For me, this display of music is like showing off books on a shelf. It lets people into your world and gives them a glimpse as to what you like and who you are.

Those little white strings that dangle from the ears of so many people: are they really worth it? Yes, they have their many advantages, and I have had this discussion with numerous friends, but is it really necessary to have music at your fingertips?

I'm sure some artists are thrilled with this invention. Some of them may enjoy the thought that listeners can have their songs with them 24/7. But what about those songs that the listener didn't get because they didn't buy the whole album? Yes, iPods give the consumer the ability to try a song out, see if they like it, then go from there and buy the album if they want. But this try-it-on-first thing iPoder's are doing, I don't enjoy.

Like I've said, I know all the reasons why people have been so taken with the iPod. The convenience, the easiness of the device, all of it. But I still think the good ol' CDs—and LPs and 45s if you want to go back that far—are still the best bet. Being able to hold the music. Feel the case in your hands. Even trying to get those annoying plastic covers off. Those are the good things. The feeling I get when I pop in a new CD is amazing.

So, if you have an iPod, which I'm sure many of you do, I hope you're enjoying it. But remember all that you're missing every time you download a new song. That ambiance feeling of a new CD.

If there's one thing you do before the summer is over, buy an album. An actual CD. You know, the kind you don't download. And find out what you've been missing. Trust me, you'll be happy you did. | Ashley Mouldon

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