Life in the country: The iPod is an electronic miracle that still amazes - Delmarva Daily Times

It is only about the width of a stick of gum, as thick as a match pack and as long as one's little finger.

I have been through the 45 records, 33 rpm albums, 8 tracks, mini cassettes and CDs, but this is the best -- a miracle known as the iPod.

What makes this device particularly interesting to me is it makes me consider the dramatic change from the music of the wind-up Victrola days to digital recordings and how they are delivered.

I do not remember the days of floor and table-top models of wind-up record players. Yet I have interviewed a number of people who have told me how these marvels of the day gave young folks, in particular, a time to "cut the carpet" and enjoy in-home social events in the parlor.

I have seen the thick needles used, the hefty and robust tone arm with a sound enhancer at the head, the felt turn table and, of course, the crank that gave enough muscle power to the unit to spin a 78 rpm record from start to finish.

I have seen models where the door opened in the sound chamber to enhance the volume, or the metal "morning glory." Who can forget the scratches that came to life every time a record was played. And what about those man-size cabinets and heavy records?

So here I sit, holding an iPod. Of course, the "kids" in the newsroom take it for granted that music was always brought to life through such a small device with ear buds.

I have been through the Walkmans and Discmans and the like, but this gizmo seems to be the epitome of a music delivery system.

The little marvel of technology that has the power to hold, on some models, thousands of songs and be able to tell you the name of each.

But looking back, the Victrola was the right thing at the right time. It brought families, friends and dates closer, and provided audio excitement when the newest song was finally at the music store. People drew close to it, like a piano or music box, anxious to hear the latest recordings of artists they would never see or hear live. The Victrola was once the center of a social event, the catalyst through which friendships and marriages were made.

The iPod is far more valuable than most of the younger generation can appreciate. They hold in the palm of their hand a device so remarkable, so fantastic that once upon a time, all the treasures of Greece, Italy and the wealth of ancient Egypt combined could not buy it. No king or queen or powerful leader could enjoy this marvel at any price.

Yet, a child in the back of an SUV pops it on and listens to the digital world of music. The top recording artist of the moment, the best orchestras in the world, the most beautiful music on earth brought to life through a match pack size electronic miracle.

In spite of all its magic, the iPod lacks the power to bring people together. It really is a personal device.

Of course, it can be plugged in to a computer or amplifier for a "big sound" all can share.

Kids really don't have the opportunity to compare past and present. They've grown up with the microchip.

When I talk to friends about the days of monaural players, "stereo speakers," 45 records played on a portable turntable where the arm was weighted down with pennies to keep the needle on track, we laugh. Remember worn album sleeves, 45s that warped and records that skipped?

Kids pick up and iPod and turn it on.

Older folks pick it up, turn it on and are wowed by the brilliance, clarity and vibrancy of the sound, and remember how it was "in the old days."

bstump@dmg.gannett.com

410-845-4653