The researcher's viewpoint
My viewpoint regarding the portable music data player before going into the field is one of conflict.
I use my iPod extensively to study music for many purposes: analysis, learning about composition, preparing for listening exams, and general knowledge learning.
On the other hand, I am studying acoustic ecology.
One of its primary precepts is that the environment is a musical composition, and people are tuning it out.
The primary exercise is 'ear-cleaning', through soundwalks, to achieve clairaudience (here, meaning 'clear hearing').
I am situated between these two diametrically opposed viewpoints, and I am seeking answers through this research as much as I am trying to resolve this opposition.