Hi Todd!

Regarding the Google jobs segment, their practice of taking GPA into account upon hiring and from hiring from Ivy League schools may explain some of what I felt upon visiting them two weeks ago. It definitely felt like a college campus full of smart folks.

Also the growth has been phenomenal there, they had 3 buildings a mere 4 years ago and now have 29!

I blogged about my visit if you'd like to read more.

Regarding Apple's iPod Virus statement: You're right it was a cheap shot at Microsoft. However, I do think it's valid for them to note which models it does or does not affect. If someone hears "iPods have a virus" then that is not accurate -- only one model of iPod for a specific production run.

Regarding the iPod / DRM story: your story of purchasing Boston Live four times is a great example of this. I think your reading the the story, and the story itself, used the iPod more singularly than was necessary. As the article noted, other vendors are moving to the "closed system" that Apple employs with the iTunes store / iPod. It's actually the RIAA/record companies that are insisting on DRM - not Apple, or Microsoft, or Real/Sandisk.

Also, I think it's worth mentioning that if you did purchase $1000 in iTunes DRMed tracks, then you could still move those to another device by burning them to CD and re-importing. Not an easy step by any means, but more liberal than some other services or formats where burning is not even allowed.

This is one reason why purchasing CDs can be a very good choice at preserving your music in the (currently) most compatible format. Though as technology moves on I guess there could be a day when even CDs don't play. Then I guess you'll have to purchase Boston Live again. :-)