How many years before MP3 becomes king?

You're missing the point ketchup. It's a turn-key solution and it seems that a remote control is included. I doubt the average Audiogon reader could configure a remote control interface for a PC. Heck even type like you and I who can build PCs in our sleep with either XP, Linux, BSD, etc would be hard-pressed to configure a remote control interface intuitive enough for the average user.

Are you aware of such software packages? If so, I'd like to know. Because my brother just dumped a bunch of PC parts on me and said "Build me an MP3 server." I think he's looking for a way to control it with his Dell Axiom handheld PC. In such a way that he can queue up song titles or play lists from the screen on the handheld, and also get a readout on the handheld of what is currently playing. Quite a tall order in deed. But in the meantime I would settle for a remote control that is similar to the one your get with most satellite TV receivers with an interface similar to their program guide. Any ideas? Or just check the usual PAMS or HTPC newsgroups?

I suddenly feel like I'm in kindergarden again. Please disregard this thread!

In the same way we overindulge in eating, watching TV, etc. we overinduldge in "music" listening. About 2 yrs ago my niece bragged she had 1,800 songs in an MP3 file but today she hardly ever listens to computer music. Has discovered Al Green, Van Morrison, etc. and buys their CDs. She says she overdosed on canned music and now only listens to stuff she really has an interest in.

I was recently in an Apple store at the mall and the 20 something salesguy could not understand why I wouldn't be thrilled to get their system and download "thousands of songs", as he put it. He then went on to tell me I could listen to them all day long, everywhere I went. Said I could have Outcast in my ears 24 hours a day if desired.

All of this stuff is the aural equivalent of factory produced frozen foods or traffic noise on a busy street. True noise pollution - music has become a cheap, demographically produced fast food. I haven't eaten at a Mc Donalds in over 25 yrs

I agree, Tomryan.

I only listen to a handful of artists regularly. For example, for the past month or so, I've alternated between Prince and Joss Stone. (And for those who haven't heard Joss, all I can say is do so immediately. Best voice I've ever heard and she's only 17 years old.)

I imagine like all digital formats, its time is past. With massive storage possible, there will be no need for it.