When I upgraded to an Intel Mac mini, I was certain it was going to be the end of Audion and I'd be forced to join the faceless iTunes hordes.

But I'm happy to report, the thing still works as well as it ever has (which varies).

It's true I've had a love/hate relationship with this app over the years. I purchased it back in 2002 because I simply did not and do not like iTunes for a varity of reasons (a mac user that doesn't like iTunes? Heaven forbid...). It was buggy back then, but Panic was promising that all would be repaired in the myriad of updates they had planned.

Well, I'm still waiting for those updates. I guess they're not coming. Although, it took Panic about three years to fess up to that fact, even though they still gladly collected registration dollars (and ignored paying customers' pleas).

This was all a shame, because I really liked Audion and still do. It sounds great, the skins are many and look awesome, it doesn't gobble my entire system, it allows me to set up playlists how I see fit, and more. It's my idea of an mp3 player, which is why it still gets used on a daily basis.

It's awesome that it's now free, a refund would have been swell, but I guess you can't have everything. I'm also pleased that it still rolls with the Intels.

If I could make one last plea to Panic, it would be for them to release the source code. Lots of folks have expressed the desire to work out it's bugs and keep it evolving. I wish Panic would let them do just that (since they're no longer interested) In fact, I'd jump for joy. There's just too much potential in Audion to let it lay stagnate. But alas...

As it stands, if you're looking for a way to break free from the iTunes chokehold and can deal with some bugs both big and small, give it a shot. It really is the coolest, and the price is right. But my fingers remain crossed for an update.