That's just not true, there was for example already standardised mini-usb at the time of the ipod.
freebee
They have a long history of overpriced proprietary cables and connectors ... Are you disputing it? The ipod 1 is a valid example and there were plenty other examples afterwards... They lock you in. Apple is a prison, or walled garden if you prefer that term.
"Vendor lock-in" is the backbone philosophy for the entire company and literally every single product and service it has ever created.
I had a very similar experience with the ipod and avoid everything apple ever since.
ITunes did install on my windows laptop (wondering why i had to do that tho, why couldn't i just drag my mp3's to the device folder??), but it was still an instant locked-in experience. Whatever went into iTunes/ipod seemed near impossible to get back out. Mp3 in, gibberish out. Encoded to some apple (c) tm format, lost into the void. Coming from a normal mp3-player that was very unexpected and unpleasant.
The only thing I liked about it was the (hardware) wheel.
There's really great deals on 2nd hand computers because of win11 tho...
Especially the HDMI and jack are just silly to drop.
Things are very different this time around. They have a lot more power and are a lot more prepared. Trump isn't capable, the gang around him definitely is.
Chances are many are still working. They're combining eating with socialising with peers in the hundreds of bars and restaurants and discussing many things, including work related stuff... which is a lot healthier than always eating alone at your desk.
They'll only have the "medicinal" tea if even more Lüften didn't do the trick
Only in a two-party system. Locked in a two party system is the death of it. At least introduce multiple rounds, to democratically elect the 2 contestants for the final round...
Played Abzu. Very beautiful experience, especially sounds.