iPod users are fiercely loyal. Let's pretend for a moment that the open-source community produces something better than the iPod using whatever metric. Would

iPod users are fiercely loyal. Let's pretend for a moment that the open-source community produces something better than the iPod using whatever metric. Would it really matter? There are mp3 players out there that technically give you more value for your dollar that aren't selling well. Non-Apple mp3 players just aren't "sexy". I think the HN audience may find such an mp3 player more appealing (the cool factor) but the average consumer?...not a chance.