I know you wouldn't have a screen and such, but is it possible to get it to operate like one if you tried to sync it to a computer? or would it be easier to canabalize an iPod and somehow use the WD as the HD for the iPod? or is that even possible?
That's a really interesting concept, but I think I would have to say no.
First, Apple really like protecting their stuff.
Even if you did take the programming code off an iPod and put it to the HD, how would you ever, ever do anything with it? How would you select, skip songs, pause, play or anything? And I haven't even gotten to the issue that there is no screen. (it is possible to have a player without a screen, as seen by the cute and tiny iPod shuffle)
Or maybe you are asking about just being recognized as an iPod/being able to sync on a PC.
Idealistically, yes to that, but you gotta remember.
Apple doesn't play nice with 3rd parties.
My idea came from the Car Audio world. All these new Navigation head units have the capability of using iPod's for music, and now video. I started to think, why not have a dedicated HD and put ALL your music and movies on it, and then just tuck the HD away and only have to pull it out to upload new content, instead of having to take out your ipod to go running or on a trip. Ipods can only hold so much, so I started to think of some alternatives.... Maybe a mini mac would accomplish the same thing?
Understand my reasoning now?
I guess if I wait long enough, somebody will naturally make what I want, or iPods memory will just get bigger and bigger.