ipod vs. generic mp3 player

[fent]

so i'm looking at getting an mp3 player this weekend, and haven't had a whole lot of time to look over the options. i've been told by some that the ipod isn't worth the money that you pay in comparison to others generic brands that are out there. anyone have any insight on this?

[PGiddy18]

so i'm looking at getting an mp3 player this weekend, and haven't had a whole lot of time to look over the options. i've been told by some that the ipod isn't worth the money that you pay in comparison to others generic brands that are out there. anyone have any insight on this?

Don't spend your christmas bonus!!!!! :D

[fent]

Don't spend your christmas bonus!!!!! :D

SHUSH YOU!!!! i already paid off the credit card!

[dj_stouty]

Get the ipod.

I bought my wife a "Neuros" MP3 player that was the same price, but had better "options". (You could transmit the songs over a frequency to your radio and record live radio..etc) It sounded good at the time...:banghead:

It has never worked right...my wife never uses it...and now she wants an iPod. (A pink one

Do yourself a favor and get the ipod. I wouldn't touch the iRiver or Neuros stuff...

[PGiddy18]

SHUSH YOU!!!! i already paid off the credit card!
:p Fine buy the IPod, last time i try to help you save money

[Axegrinder]

I've got a cheap[$79]RCA Lyra model and it sounds great.
The problem that I'm having is deleting and changing my programmed music.It's not all that user-friendly.

[BurgundyNGold]

I've had a 40GB Nomad Jukebox Zen Xtra from Creative Labs for about 6 or 8 months now. It's freakin' sweet. With the 40GB capacity, I can hold and keep my entire music collection, plus a horde of my audiobooks on it with plenty of room to grow. Since I like to rip my music to high quality VBR or a minimum 192kbps CBR, this capacity was more important than price to me, but the Nomad had it all. It plays MP3 and WMV formats and has integrated Windows Explorer drag and drop capabilities.

The whole thing cost about $249 on sale back then, so I'm sure a better price can be had if you search for it.

EDIT: Here is a 360 degree view (http://www.nomadworld.com/flash/popflash.asp?flash=rotate_zen_xtra.swf&w=612&h=390).

[WackyJacky]

This is a great thread, because I have been wondering the same thing myself. (Psst...don't tell PGiddy that I'll be using my x-mas bonus for it.) I've been leaning toward iPod because I totally want an iDog to go with it!!!

For BnG: The latest incarnation of your avatar really freaks me out. Just thought you should know. :D

[Chief Seeway]

I have the Rio Sport, bought it three years ago and haven't had a single problem with it. I only use it for working out (comes with the arm band) so I don't think the ipod would hold up, not sure. I'm a firm believer in getting what you paid for, quality wise but at the same time a lot of that money could be just for the name.

I don't get the size of these things. Who is going to listen to 30Gig of music at a time? On a portable player?!? I wired up my desktop to play MP3's on my home system and load 10 to 20 songs at a time on the Rio depending on what I want to listen to that day. Simple.

[hail2skins]

I've had several of them and I prefer the Ipod over all of them. The nomad's aren't bad either. I like the larger sizes because you don't have to keep removing songs and adding them back in. I can almost load my entire collection and pick and choose what I want to hear. The integration with iTunes is also awesome. I can create playlist of songs on my iPod which are customized or I go with the built-in ones the already have. You can also transfit the iPod's signal through your FM radio if you get the transmitter. The iPod also has options for using it at home and away. I have a small pair of iPod travel speakers when I go out of town. It's actually one piece and the iPod sits in it. It stays in my office until I travel. Bose has one for it that I have my eyes on as well. iTunes also has the integrated store where you can download songs for .99 or CD's for 9.99. You download them to your PC and they're ready to go to your iPod. A lot of artist are now including a media player on the CD and you can only use it to play their CD. Some offer the option of copying and some don't. The ipod also gives you the option of browing by artist, album or playlist.

[hail2skins]

One of the big factors in choosing is whether you want to listen to songs in the Windows Media format (.wmv files). If you do, then the iPod isn't the choice. It can convert non-protected .wmv files but it lowers the quality. If listening to .wmv files isn't a concern then your choices are wide open.

[BurgundyNGold]

I don't get the size of these things. Who is going to listen to 30Gig of music at a time? On a portable player?!? I wired up my desktop to play MP3's on my home system and load 10 to 20 songs at a time on the Rio depending on what I want to listen to that day. Simple.
Nobody is going to listen to 30Gb of music at the same moment in time. I use that space to store my ENTIRE music and audiobook library. Now, I can listen to any of my music or audiobooks at my desk at work, at home or anywhere else without the bother of having to constantly transfer files back and forth. I can plug my player into my car stereo or use it at a party and if I'm out of town on a trip and really get the need to listen to a particular artist, I have it handy, right there and then. That need comes up more than you might think when you have the music handy. ;)

For the cost (an extra $100 or so), I don't understand why someone would NOT get the bigger capacity player.

[BurgundyNGold]

I've had several of them and I prefer the Ipod over all of them. The nomad's aren't bad either. I like the larger sizes because you don't have to keep removing songs and adding them back in. I can almost load my entire collection and pick and choose what I want to hear. The integration with iTunes is also awesome. I can create playlist of songs on my iPod which are customized or I go with the built-in ones the already have. You can also transfit the iPod's signal through your FM radio if you get the transmitter. The iPod also has options for using it at home and away. I have a small pair of iPod travel speakers when I go out of town. It's actually one piece and the iPod sits in it. It stays in my office until I travel. Bose has one for it that I have my eyes on as well. iTunes also has the integrated store where you can download songs for .99 or CD's for 9.99. You download them to your PC and they're ready to go to your iPod. A lot of artist are now including a media player on the CD and you can only use it to play their CD. Some offer the option of copying and some don't. The ipod also gives you the option of browing by artist, album or playlist.
What's the bitrate on the MP3 files over at iTunes? When I checked them out about a year ago, they had the Apple format (which is proprietary, so I don't like it), or lower bitrate MP3s (like less than 128kbps), which were not CD quality.

[BurgundyNGold]

One of the big factors in choosing is whether you want to listen to songs in the Windows Media format (.wmv files). If you do, then the iPod isn't the choice. It can convert non-protected .wmv files but it lowers the quality. If listening to .wmv files isn't a concern then your choices are wide open.
You mean WMA files, no? I think that was a Freudian slip, as you've been eyeing that video model that plays WMV format videos of Redskins highlight and the like. :)

[akhhorus]

What's the bitrate on the MP3 files over at iTunes? When I checked them out about a year ago, they had the Apple format (which is proprietary, so I don't like it), or lower bitrate MP3s (like less than 128kbps), which were not CD quality.

Most of mine are 160kbps or 192 kbps and some are higher on my iTunes.

Go with the iPod, they are really easy to use and they last forever, also iTunes is really easy to use. I've had the same one since Marty Schotteiheimer was coach of the Skins and it still works perfectly.

[hail2skins]

What's the bitrate on the MP3 files over at iTunes? When I checked them out about a year ago, they had the Apple format (which is proprietary, so I don't like it), or lower bitrate MP3s (like less than 128kbps), which were not CD quality.The AAC's come in at 128 I believe. The mp3's are available up to 320 customized. The larger you bring them in, the less you can include on the device.

[BurgundyNGold]

The AAC's come in at 128 I believe. The mp3's are available up to 320 customized. The larger you bring them in, the less you can include on the device.
Very good. If you have the larger capacity, then 192kbps or better is the choice. I would prefer that these services have Variable Bitrate (VBR) tunes as well though. You can get much higher quality files for half the size of a Constant Bitrate (CBR) using VBR. For example, I can rip a song at around 240kbps VBR and have the file size be the same or less than a the ripped at 128kbps CBR, based on the song.

[hail2skins]

Very good. If you have the larger capacity, then 192kbps or better is the choice. I would prefer that these services have Variable Bitrate (VBR) tunes as well though. You can get much higher quality files for half the size of a Constant Bitrate (CBR) using VBR. For example, I can rip a song at around 240kbps VBR and have the file size be the same or less than a the ripped at 128kbps CBR, based on the song.doesn't the variable rates introduce issues that would affect indexing and such. Also, I've found that 160 works good for me. I'm not missing much there.

[BurgundyNGold]

doesn't the variable rates introduce issues that would affect indexing and such. Also, I've found that 160 works good for me. I'm not missing much there.
Indexing? How so? If you mean cataloging, I haven't had any problems.

[hail2skins]

Indexing? How so? If you mean cataloging, I haven't had any problems.yeah, cataloging is what I meant.

[BurgundyNGold]

yeah, cataloging is what I meant.
I think most of the cataloging tools simple cycle through the files looking at their ID3 tags, which store the song info such as title, artist, album and a whole bunch of other stuff. I've taken to storing a little GIF of the album cover in my files too. I use the J. River Media center in Windows to get all my tag and cover art information set before transferring to my player.

So far, I've had very few problems playing or reading VBR content on the Nomad. Of course, different players have different features, so iPod might not be so good with VBR format MP3s.

[hail2skins]

I think most of the cataloging tools simple cycle through the files looking at their ID3 tags, which store the song info such as title, artist, album and a whole bunch of other stuff. I've taken to storing a little GIF of the album cover in my files too. I use the J. River Media center in Windows to get all my tag and cover art information set before transferring to my player.

So far, I've had very few problems playing or reading VBR content on the Nomad. Of course, different players have different features, so iPod might not be so good with VBR format MP3s.That's cool and I just did a bit more research. The ipod supports vbr mp3's. aac's and mp3's can range from 32 to 320 plus there are other formats they support.

[BurgundyNGold]

That's cool and I just did a bit more research. The ipod supports vbr mp3's. aac's and mp3's can range from 32 to 320 plus there are other formats they support.
That makes sense. It would be super crazy if the #1 player didn't support VBR. 2 years ago, I can understand, but these days that's the way to rip your stuff. I'm glad to see that iTunes has updated the quality available on MP3s now too. I think it might be time for me to go visit them again. ;)

Does anyone know any other music sites like iTunes (aside from that ridiculous new "Napster" that will never see my IP address).

[hail2skins]

That makes sense. It would be super crazy if the #1 player didn't support VBR. 2 years ago, I can understand, but these days that's the way to rip your stuff. I'm glad to see that iTunes has updated the quality available on MP3s now too. I think it might be time for me to go visit them again. ;)

Does anyone know any other music sites like iTunes (aside from that ridiculous new "Napster" that will never see my IP address).I remember Best Buy used to promote a site where you could get streaming audio and download songs. It required a subscription for the streaming though.

[fent]

i ended up getting the nano last night. for the 4 gig, an arm band so i can run with it, and the 2 year service plan, it was just over 300 bucks. i like it so far, the interface with iTunes is very easy. the only problem i'm having is one that hopefully a techie can help me with...i downloaded a CD from a guy's website (download was thru altnet) and he said you can put it in iTunes and then to your iPod...tried to do that last night and it told me it was protected and i couldn't convert it to AAC...anyone ever dealt with that and know how to put it on?

edit: it says it's in a protected WMA format

[BurgundyNGold]

i ended up getting the nano last night. for the 4 gig, an arm band so i can run with it, and the 2 year service plan, it was just over 300 bucks. i like it so far, the interface with iTunes is very easy. the only problem i'm having is one that hopefully a techie can help me with...i downloaded a CD from a guy's website (download was thru altnet) and he said you can put it in iTunes and then to your iPod...tried to do that last night and it told me it was protected and i couldn't convert it to AAC...anyone ever dealt with that and know how to put it on?

edit: it says it's in a protected WMA format
It sounds like you downloaded a single file that contained the whole CD in WMV format. Is this right?

[hail2skins]

It sounds like you downloaded a single file that contained the whole CD in WMV format. Is this right?I don't believe so. Some wma's are protected.

[hail2skins]

Check out this link.

http://www.zittware.com/Products/CDMaster32/Tutorials/CopyProtected_WMA_to_MP3.html

[BurgundyNGold]

I don't believe so. Some wma's are protected.
Right, but sometimes folks rip a whole CD to WMV or MP3, not individual songs. In those cases, he might want to split the single WMV into multiple WMVs that correspond to individual songs first.

I'm also confused because CD images that you might download are in other formats, like ISO, NRG or BIN/CUE. In that case, he'd have to burn the CD image to a CD (or mount it on a virtual CD drive) and then rip the tunes out to MP3, WMV or AAC.

You're right though, some folks rip to WMV or AAC to protect them. It's stupid, I know. I hate proprietary formats when there are equally as good public domain formats to use like MP3. Given the chance, every company with a proprietary format will eventually screw people on it.

[fent]

Right, but sometimes folks rip a whole CD to WMV or MP3, not individual songs. In those cases, he might want to split the single WMV into multiple WMVs that correspond to individual songs first.

I'm also confused because CD images that you might download are in other formats, like ISO, NRG or BIN/CUE. In that case, he'd have to burn the CD image to a CD (or mount it on a virtual CD drive) and then rip the tunes out to MP3, WMV or AAC.

You're right though, some folks rip to WMV or AAC to protect them. It's stupid, I know. I hate proprietary formats when there are equally as good public domain formats to use like MP3. Given the chance, every company with a proprietary format will eventually screw people on it.

they're all individual songs...checking out the link to see if that helps now.

[BurgundyNGold]

Check out this link.

http://www.zittware.com/Products/CDMaster32/Tutorials/CopyProtected_WMA_to_MP3.html
Great link, h2s. That should get him through this just fine.

[hail2skins]

Right, but sometimes folks rip a whole CD to WMV or MP3, not individual songs. In those cases, he might want to split the single WMV into multiple WMVs that correspond to individual songs first.

I'm also confused because CD images that you might download are in other formats, like ISO, NRG or BIN/CUE. In that case, he'd have to burn the CD image to a CD (or mount it on a virtual CD drive) and then rip the tunes out to MP3, WMV or AAC.

You're right though, some folks rip to WMV or AAC to protect them. It's stupid, I know. I hate proprietary formats when there are equally as good public domain formats to use like MP3. Given the chance, every company with a proprietary format will eventually screw people on it.True dat.

[fent]

Great link, h2s. That should get him through this just fine.

yeah...it looks like it'll work...i just need to find the burning software they use.

[hail2skins]

yeah...it looks like it'll work...i just need to find the burning software they use.They have a link for it for you to download it there on the page. Click on CDmaster32 link under the "To apply this tutorial you will need the following" section.

[fent]

They have a link for it for you to download it there on the page. Click on CDmaster32 link under the "To apply this tutorial you will need the following" section.


cool...i'll give it a shot this evening.

[fent]

wouldn't work for some reason. i shot an email to the site i downloaded from

[hail2skins]

wouldn't work for some reason. i shot an email to the site i downloaded fromDid you get any error messages?

[fent]

Did you get any error messages?

yeah...when i got to the point of trying to burn it said i'd have to go in and manually change some file because it couldn't find a 13 track disk with approximatley 3020 seconds of music...couldn't figure anything out beyond that. i'm pretty bad with computers considering i'm supposed to be the IT guy in our office:rolleyes:

[hail2skins]

yeah...when i got to the point of trying to burn it said i'd have to go in and manually change some file because it couldn't find a 13 track disk with approximatley 3020 seconds of music...couldn't figure anything out beyond that. i'm pretty bad with computers considering i'm supposed to be the IT guy in our office:rolleyes:If you have a cd burner on the computer, see if it will let you burn a cd of the songs. If it does allow it, then you may be able to rip them from the CD in mp3 format.

[BurgundyNGold]

If you have a cd burner on the computer, see if it will let you burn a cd of the songs. If it does allow it, then you may be able to rip them from the CD in mp3 format.
Ah, yes. The solution to all problems audio. :D

[fent]

If you have a cd burner on the computer, see if it will let you burn a cd of the songs. If it does allow it, then you may be able to rip them from the CD in mp3 format.

that actually appears to be working to just drag and drop them into the cd...if it was that simple i'm going to do something rash

[hail2skins]

I'd burn them to mp3 format to get rid of that .wma file extension.

[fent]

it let me burn them to CD, but iTunes still sees them as protected WMA and won't transfer them

[fent]

I'd burn them to mp3 format to get rid of that .wma file extension.

how do i do that?

[hail2skins]

which program are you using to burn?

[BurgundyNGold]

Try using an MP3 ripper. There are lots of them out there and a lot are free or at least have a trial period. This is what I use for ripping and as my media center. It has a 30 day trial.

http://www.jrmediacenter.com/download.html

[fent]

which program are you using to burn?

i was just dragging and dropping...i thought i had nero, but i can't find it...

[hail2skins]

When you tried to bring it into iTunes did you use the add folder to library option?

[fent]

When you tried to bring it into iTunes did you use the add folder to library option?

yep

[swheeler]

Fent, it sounds like when you burned it you just made a data cd that still had protected files. You need to make an audio cd, with no compression, and you're not going to be able to do that by dragging and dropping. It's possible there's a program out there that can do it, but I think that depends on just how protected they are. I don't know too much about WMA files because I try my best to stay away from all things Windows, but I know for sure that your friend was wrong, you can't load protected WMAs into iTunes.

[HAWGZHEAD]

I just bought an iPod shuffle. Pretty cool little gadget. It doesn't have the screen or any extras I don't need. It is about the size of a 25 cent pack of gum, perfect for taking to the gym or wherever. It also comes with a lanyard that it snaps into to hang around your neck and it plugs directly into the USB port on my computer. It plays your tunes in an automatic shuffle so you don't know what is coming next or you can play them in order. I really like it.

[rskinsfan10]

For the cost (an extra $100 or so), I don't understand why someone would NOT get the bigger capacity player.That's my line of thinking as well. I had a 20GB iPod originally, but I sold it to get a 60GB. I have since sold that one to get the 60GB Video (something that I said I wouldn't do originally). The great thing about having that much capacity and loading my entire library on it is I will put mine on shuffle and just sit back and enjoy whatever music comes up.

[Beast56Redskin]

i got an iPod after realizing that its really hard to choose which cds to take on car trips. having over 90, there were a ton of options. so now, i just take my little apple box and i can listen to whatever, whenever.
and i'm definetly down with shuffle. itmakes up your mind for you!

[IMALILTEAPOT]

i finally got my ipod to work, and im loving it right now.

[danny's stogie]

Does anyone know a good website for reviews and one that will help you narrow your purchase decision based on selected criteria?


At first I was looking for a portable satelite radio, then I saw you could get mp3 and satellite radio in one, but then I read that the signal is poor when the players aren't docked so having a portable satellite radio to use when active is kind of pointless, so now I figure time to break down, succumb to the hype and get the DA player, but there are so many different ones now to choose from.

[hail2skins]

Does anyone know a good website for reviews and one that will help you narrow your purchase decision based on selected criteria?


At first I was looking for a portable satelite radio, then I saw you could get mp3 and satellite radio in one, but then I read that the signal is poor when the players aren't docked so having a portable satellite radio to use when active is kind of pointless, so now I figure time to break down, succumb to the hype and get the DA player, but there are so many different ones now to choose from.One thing you have to worry about that signal being poor comments is where was it actually. What other criteria are you considering? Ipods have device that can be attach to give the FM radio capabilities.

[danny's stogie]

One thing you have to worry about that signal being poor comments is where was it actually. What other criteria are you considering? Ipods have device that can be attach to give the FM radio capabilities.

I'm pretty sure it was in reference to jerky movements, like if I were to go hiking or jogging with the portable reciever I would have problems. I've never had problems getting signal in my car except for the deepest of tunnels and I've had satellite radio in my car from DC to NYC to Detroit, Montana, New Mexico, etc, and it never sounds poor.

FM radio is useless here. I value good sound quality above all. If I'm going to buy one without the Satellite radio I think I'll go for more capacity, but I'm also price conscious and don't have reason to shell out extra money for the video features of a new Ipod.

Thanks for helping by the way.

[hail2skins]

I'm pretty sure it was in reference to jerky movements, like if I were to go hiking or jogging with the portable reciever I would have problems. I've never had problems getting signal in my car except for the deepest of tunnels and I've had satellite radio in my car from DC to NYC to Detroit, Montana, New Mexico, etc, and it never sounds poor.

FM radio is useless here. I value good sound quality above all. If I'm going to buy one without the Satellite radio I think I'll go for more capacity, but I'm also price conscious and don't have reason to shell out extra money for the video features of a new Ipod.

Thanks for helping by the way.I gotcha. I'd also wondering where they had during the jerky moments. You could buy one, test it out and return it if it doesn't meet your needs. I can't think of anything (other mp3 players) that can match the Ipod. Especially in terms of the video capabilities it provides. I have about 4 full lengh movies on mine right now.

[swheeler]

I got a video iPod for Christmas thinking I wouldn't use the video all that much, but it's actually great. You can get a cable to hook it up to a TV straight from the minijack, and the quality is really good. I have close to 30 full length movies as well as 3 TV serieses, plus some other random stuff, not to mention my music library, and still 15 gigs of free space.

[SkinsKY]

I bought a refurbished 4th gen ipod from Apple's website the other day and I'm loving it. It's a black and white screen, but it has 20g and I got it for $169 shipped I think. It looks brand new without a single scratch and still comes with Apple's warranty. I don't think I'd use the video capabilty, so buying a video ipod (which they have refurbished from apple for $30 cheaper than new versions) was out for me. I like mine and I'm fine not having the latest and greatest.

Also, I did try and buy one on ebay from a refurbished wholesaler and after one with a scratched screen, a replacement that stopped working after a week, and a refund later, I stumbled upon Apple's refurbished ones. I'd definitely recommend there for an ipod purchase. You can even buy the applecare plan on the used ones.

[danny's stogie]

I gotcha. I'd also wondering where they had during the jerky moments. You could buy one, test it out and return it if it doesn't meet your needs. I can't think of anything (other mp3 players) that can match the Ipod. Especially in terms of the video capabilities it provides. I have about 4 full lengh movies on mine right now.

That's not a bad idea, I just might do that.

Being the price conscious shopper, I think the video stuff might be a bit excessive. I like SkinsKY's idea of a refurbished one direct from Apple. So if I could find one for roughly 175, how much other stuff should I be expected to buy to make it work?

[danny's stogie]

I'm having trouble finding info on the re-furbished Ipods...do you remember where you ordered it from?

[Sweepea436]

I tried 2 MP3 players before I got my iPod. It all depends in how/what you want it for. I'm a music NUT. I use mine working out (W/armband and bluetooth wireless headphones to get rid of the cord), and at my PC at work. More recently though (as in NOW), I basically ripped about 6G of pictures of my family for my deployment. It's better than flipping through, no fingerprints, ect :) So I get to bring all 12000+ songs in my collection, pictures of my fam, and still have 20+G of space that I have NO CLUE what to do with!!! Haha. Years of music to come I guess. So I highly recommend the iPod if you HAVE TO HAVE your whole music collection with you at all times to suit your mood. :flower1:

[swheeler]

I'm having trouble finding info on the re-furbished Ipods...do you remember where you ordered it from?
Here's a link. (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wo/0.RSLID?mco=E60A57E5&nclm=SpecialDeals) Scroll down to get to the iPods.

[danny's stogie]

Here's a link. (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wo/0.RSLID?mco=E60A57E5&nclm=SpecialDeals) Scroll down to get to the iPods.

Awesome. Thanks for the help.

Ok now to the big purchasing question for the Ipod owners. Do I go with link (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/6034001/wo/XdwTradMpLk72eT0ZIS1ohbRhjQ/2.0.0.19.1.0.8.7.3.5.1.1.8.1.5.1.0.5.0) , the color display, 20 GB, with 15 hours battery life.

or the link (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/6034001/wo/XdwTradMpLk72eT0ZIS1ohbRhjQ/2.0.0.19.1.0.8.7.3.5.1.1.10.1.5.1.1.5.0), 40 GB, black and white, 12 hours battery life.

I'm guessing that the color is a more recent model, correct? Should I go with the more up-to-date one?

Also, stupid question, I can burn all of my CDs onto this thing, right?

[SkinsKY]

I'm having trouble finding info on the re-furbished Ipods...do you remember where you ordered it from?

Got to www.apple.com/store and scroll down and on the left there should be a refurbished/clearance link or something like that.

[SkinsKY]

Awesome. Thanks for the help.

Ok now to the big purchasing question for the Ipod owners. Do I go with link (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/6034001/wo/XdwTradMpLk72eT0ZIS1ohbRhjQ/2.0.0.19.1.0.8.7.3.5.1.1.8.1.5.1.0.5.0) , the color display, 20 GB, with 15 hours battery life.

or the link (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/6034001/wo/XdwTradMpLk72eT0ZIS1ohbRhjQ/2.0.0.19.1.0.8.7.3.5.1.1.10.1.5.1.1.5.0), 40 GB, black and white, 12 hours battery life.

I'm guessing that the color is a more recent model, correct? Should I go with the more up-to-date one?

Also, stupid question, I can burn all of my CDs onto this thing, right?

It was a tough choice for me, but I went with the older one but mine is 20g. The nerd in me wants the video, but my pocket is significantly heavier because I went with the older one.

[hail2skins]

Awesome. Thanks for the help.

Ok now to the big purchasing question for the Ipod owners. Do I go with link (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/6034001/wo/XdwTradMpLk72eT0ZIS1ohbRhjQ/2.0.0.19.1.0.8.7.3.5.1.1.8.1.5.1.0.5.0) , the color display, 20 GB, with 15 hours battery life.

or the link (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/6034001/wo/XdwTradMpLk72eT0ZIS1ohbRhjQ/2.0.0.19.1.0.8.7.3.5.1.1.10.1.5.1.1.5.0), 40 GB, black and white, 12 hours battery life.

I'm guessing that the color is a more recent model, correct? Should I go with the more up-to-date one?

Also, stupid question, I can burn all of my CDs onto this thing, right?I say go for the color. You can't go wrong either way though. If it's all about the music then you don't need color but it's nice. The video I find great because if I forget to tivo shows, I can go to iTunes and download it.

Yes you can rip all of your CD's, except those Sony ones. but there is a workaround for those too and I've heard the courts have ordered Sony to change their business in regards to the media player they put on CD's. Also, you can save on CD's by buying and downloading via iTunes.

[PennSkinsFan]

I have a small Nano, holds 500 songs. Easy to use, love it. I really dont need more space because I am the type that once i get sick of a song, it must come off the ipod. I rarely go above 300 songs.

[danny's stogie]

So, I just stumpled upon a discount I get for being a university employee :). I might just buy a new one now.

[danny's stogie]

I say go for the color. You can't go wrong either way though. If it's all about the music then you don't need color but it's nice. The video I find great because if I forget to tivo shows, I can go to iTunes and download it.

Yes you can rip all of your CD's, except those Sony ones. but there is a workaround for those too and I've heard the courts have ordered Sony to change their business in regards to the media player they put on CD's. Also, you can save on CD's by buying and downloading via iTunes.

I figured out that both the color and black and white ones are 4th generation refurbished without the video.

[danny's stogie]

I have a small Nano, holds 500 songs. Easy to use, love it. I really dont need more space because I am the type that once i get sick of a song, it must come off the ipod. I rarely go above 300 songs.

I think I'd probably like the extra space. I have hundreds of CDs, most of which I haven't listened to in years, that I'd like to rediscover. Since getting satellite radio I haven't bothered maintaining my CD collection.

[swheeler]

So, I just stumpled upon a discount I get for being a university employee :). I might just buy a new one now.
If your school has a computer store that sells Apple products you might be able to get an even better deal there than on the website. I know that's how it works here sometimes.

[danny's stogie]

If your school has a computer store that sells Apple products you might be able to get an even better deal there than on the website. I know that's how it works here sometimes.

Great idea, I'll swing by there tomorrow.

[danny's stogie]

I now own a 30 GB Ipod. Love the University discount, it was only a little bit more to get a new one than to purchase a comparable refurbished.

Now I have to figure out how to rip CDs, man I hate technology.


and thanks everyone for the help.

[swheeler]

I now own a 30 GB Ipod. Love the University discount, it was only a little bit more to get a new one than to purchase a comparable refurbished.

Now I have to figure out how to rip CDs, man I hate technology.


and thanks everyone for the help.
Open up iTunes, put in the CD, a button will show up that says "import". That's about it. Enjoy.

[danny's stogie]

Best. Purchase. Ever. Definitely should have gotten the 60 GB though. 30 seems like a ton at first, but I can see myself running out of space very soon.

[hail2skins]

Best. Purchase. Ever. Definitely should have gotten the 60 GB though. 30 seems like a ton at first, but I can see myself running out of space very soon.Space usage is also determined by the level (quality) you use to rip your CD's. I normally drop CD's down a notch or 2 and still maintain great quality while the mp3's are smaller than if the quality was higher. It's all personal preference. You can rip a song onto your disk drive at different rates and see if you can hear the difference in quality.

[danny's stogie]

Space usage is also determined by the level (quality) you use to rip your CD's. I normally drop CD's down a notch or 2 and still maintain great quality while the mp3's are smaller than if the quality was higher. It's all personal preference. You can rip a song onto your disk drive at different rates and see if you can hear the difference in quality.

Thanks for the advice, I'll give it a shot. Yeah, I used up a gig and a quarter with 2 CDs. That's like 40+ CDs capacity at that rate, but that doesn't even scratch the surface of my collection -- being the guitarist everyone who gives me gifts gives me CDs.

Need to find headphones now. I don't really enjoy shoving objects into my ears and my studio headphones are too big to walk around with.

[hail2skins]

I have these for long trips

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=4666258&type=product&id=1051806211046

I use earbuds day-to-day though.

[swheeler]

Thanks for the advice, I'll give it a shot. Yeah, I used up a gig and a quarter with 2 CDs. That's like 40+ CDs capacity at that rate, but that doesn't even scratch the surface of my collection -- being the guitarist everyone who gives me gifts gives me CDs.

Need to find headphones now. I don't really enjoy shoving objects into my ears and my studio headphones are too big to walk around with.
Sounds like you're not encoding the audio at all. If you're a real stickler for perfect quality you can use the Apple Lossless format and at least cut that size in half. If you're willing to compromise at all you can bring it down to about 1/10 that size with AAC or MP3.

[danny's stogie]

Sounds like you're not encoding the audio at all. If you're a real stickler for perfect quality you can use the Apple Lossless format and at least cut that size in half. If you're willing to compromise at all you can bring it down to about 1/10 that size with AAC or MP3.

I just popped the CD into its drive then hit import on Itunes.

[hail2skins]

I just popped the CD into its drive then hit import on Itunes.There are some options in iTunes that allow you to choose the format when ripping CD's.

Click on the "Edit" menu and select "Preferences". Click the "Advanced" tab the select the "Importing" sub-tab. See the "Import Using" and "Setting" dropdown list.

[JoeJacksonTaylor28]

Most of mine are 160kbps or 192 kbps and some are higher on my iTunes.

Go with the iPod, they are really easy to use and they last forever, also iTunes is really easy to use. I've had the same one since Marty Schotteiheimer was coach of the Skins and it still works perfectly.
I'm surprised it didn't end up smashed over some wall or something during that season.

Until now I found this thread, and the info is great since I'd been wondering the same thing.

[danny's stogie]

Hmm...it's still converting to ACC after switching it to Apple Lossless.

[hail2skins]

I'm sure of the extension for Apple Lossless. If they're showing up as .acc files, they may very well be lossless. By the way, from what I've been reading Ale (apple lossless) doesn't compress the files very small. They may still be large.

[danny's stogie]

I'm sure of the extension for Apple Lossless. If they're showing up as .acc files, they may very well be lossless. By the way, from what I've been reading Ale (apple lossless) doesn't compress the files very small. They may still be large.

Yeah, I think that's the case. I read that Lossless is half the size of the regular track, so it's still not that small. I'm trying mp3 256 right now and seeing how I like it. This is going to be a lot of trial and error and tests because I definitely noticed the difference between an ACC and a 128 mp3.

[danny's stogie]

256 isn't terrible, but I can definitely tell that I'm not listening to a CD. It sucks having a trained ear some times. I find it nearly impossible to listen to music without listening to it critically. The only one left to try is an AIFF file, never heard of it before.

[danny's stogie]

There are a few CDs that I uploaded to my Ipod that don't play. The Ipod says the tracks are there, but nothing happens when I hit the play button on any of the CD's songs. Any ideas why this may be?

[swheeler]

There are a few CDs that I uploaded to my Ipod that don't play. The Ipod says the tracks are there, but nothing happens when I hit the play button on any of the CD's songs. Any ideas why this may be?
No idea. Try hitting the middle button (the one you use to navigate the menus) instead of the play button.

Also for ripping you might want to stick to AAC instead of MP3, because you can still adjust the bitrate up as high as 320 if you choose custom, and I think it's generally considered better quality than MP3. Not sure though.

[daEz0r]

i've had my ipod for about 2 years now and i have to say that it was an investment well spent. i use my ipod whenever i'm in the car, walking the dog, or working out. it is surprisingly durable, i have dropped it on many occasion and the thing keeps on ticking. i think i have the 3 gig mini, so space isn't a problem for me.

[danny's stogie]

No idea. Try hitting the middle button (the one you use to navigate the menus) instead of the play button.

Also for ripping you might want to stick to AAC instead of MP3, because you can still adjust the bitrate up as high as 320 if you choose custom, and I think it's generally considered better quality than MP3. Not sure though.

I reloaded the songs and it works now. Wierd though.

The ACC's take up a lot more memory. At the pace I was going at first I would have only been able to store about 40 CDs.

[danny's stogie]

Anyone have a clue why the darn thing won't turn off?

Edit: should add more info. It's a 30 gig video ipod. Only dropped it once a few weeks ago. I hold down the play button and it won't turn off.

Ugh. technology.

[akhhorus]

Anyone have a clue why the darn thing won't turn off?

Edit: should add more info. It's a 30 gig video ipod. Only dropped it once a few weeks ago. I hold down the play button and it won't turn off.

Ugh. technology.

Its the key lock on? If not, hold down the play and menu buttons at the same time until it resets.

[danny's stogie]

Its the key lock on? If not, hold down the play and menu buttons at the same time until it resets.

Nah, all other buttons work. The play button even works when I want to play and pause songs, but it won't turn off when I hold the button down. Reset won't erase stuff, correct?

[akhhorus]

Nah, all other buttons work. The play button even works when I want to play and pause songs, but it won't turn off when I hold the button down. Reset won't erase stuff, correct?

No, it wont. Pause and hit the key lock. It should turn off in a minute or so if nothing is playing.

[danny's stogie]

Hmmm...the reset thing doesn't seem to work either. Nothing happens when I hold down menu and play at the same time. I put the lock on and am letting it chill on pause. Hopefully it turns off.

[fent]

Hmmm...the reset thing doesn't seem to work either. Nothing happens when I hold down menu and play at the same time. I put the lock on and am letting it chill on pause. Hopefully it turns off.

i've had a couple issues with mine like this, and i just let it run til the battery dies and when i re-charge it, everything is fine.

[danny's stogie]

i've had a couple issues with mine like this, and i just let it run til the battery dies and when i re-charge it, everything is fine.

Well, the thing still isn't turning itself off. Might give that a try.

[hail2skins]

There should be an option in the menu to turn it off.

[danny's stogie]

i've had a couple issues with mine like this, and i just let it run til the battery dies and when i re-charge it, everything is fine.

Works. Thanks fent.

There should be an option in the menu to turn it off.

Yes, I tried this after you pointed it out and it still didn't turn off. Very wierd.