I felt the same way one there is an alternative other than cassette. The CD was there but for me, its not as 'portable'. I remember when I went to Richer Sounds in Liverpool, UK that the staff there recommend me to get a Digital Compact Cassette (DCC) over MiniDisc when I asked if they hold any stock. Luckily, I did not fall into the Dark Side and stick with the decision to get an MD. Still using it not and not thinking of jumping to the iPod Generation anytime soon and I also use 'Film' camera. Heh.