I think comparing the iPod to a tricorder is pushing the metaphor much too far. Don't get me wrong: I love my iPod, but at it's root, it's storage without interaction, creation, or editing. Sure, you can download and hold all this stuff, but the iPod can only display stuff when it's not hooked up to a computer. Now, if the (perennial) rumors about Apple buying out Palm ever come true, then things would get much more interesting. Imagine a unit combining the iPod's ease of use with multimedia and the Palm's networking and data processing capabilities. Now we're talking about something. Until that happens, my iPod may be what's playing music for me on the El, but my Treo will be connecting me to the internet, EDITING my calendar and contacts, showing me the best transfer to make to another train/bus, text messaging my wife to tell her when I'll be home, and starting a new letter or spreadsheet. Which sounds more like a tricorder to you?

Ah, the naivete of youth...