Whilst I feel Nikkos’ pain, allow me to offer these sage words of advice: Once you get past the initial snags of plugging into a digital musical life-style — and there are always snags — there is no going back. These words come from a guy who vowed to never give up vinyl…and then tapes…and then CDs…

However, if the iPod causes you too much grief you could always go with the super old-school gift to yourself by returning the player and picking up the Complete Calvin & Hobbes collection instead. I guarantee you won’t have to practice any of the iPod “Rs” with that selection, though you will have to “r”ead it to truly appreciate it.

It is so awesome.