ALAC isn't compatible with every music playback software, and I refuse to let Apple control the agenda in my listening when they pretty much exemplify the big brother character in their famous "1984" ad. Their software also sound lousy and their operating systems strategy and constant upgrades do their best to plan obsolescence of their hardware. I used to love Apple for their design and apparent simplicity of GUI. Then I woke up and although I still must say that I love my iPad, I am more often than not in the anti-Apple camp. Cheers,
Spencer