As a rule of thumb, if you have to suggest that somebody contact the “usergroups of your distribution” you’re not talking about real integration (and you’re a linux geek and the person that would do such a thing is a linux geek, too. Another good rule of thumb is that: two linux geeks don’t equal integration). If linux ever is going to make it on the average homeowner’s computer, then they will have to secure one button iTunes installation and support (or something pretty darn close).

Like I and chewie said, Apple needs to release a linux version. But why would they because they know that linux would take off if they did.

Mr. Squeaky isn’t talking about how to make your iPod work with Linux. He’s talking about full integration.

You guys can fumble all around with amarok or whatever you want. Hell, spend a day or two trying to figure out what version of ALSA to use or what sound engine you want. And then once you’ve settled on Xine, flip flop back to Helix every now and then because you’ll have to.

In the meantime, I’ll sync my iPod with iTunes effortlessly and I’ll focus on Mr. Squeaky’s point that this is really a complaint about Apple and the fact that they don’t support Linux.

Why not? OS X is part of the unix family too. Apple could get iTunes to work with Linux with a flip of the switch. But they won’t. That would create to much of a threat and they don’t need that right now.