iPod or ?

[GeckoGeek]

Before long I'll probably buy myself a MP3 player. I'm debating what I should get. I'd like to put my whole collection on it. I've been using a 1MB player with changeable cards, so I've got a feel for my use of it.

The first big question: iPod or something else.

Pro: Good interface, no problems finding compatible accessories.

Con: Cost. Paying quite a bit for that partially eaten fruit logo. Minimal unit in that it lacks a built-in radio or transmitter.

Comments?

[Vanguard]

I would also like to know. iPod doesn't appeal to me because I really don't want to install iTunes.

http://dapreview.net/zune_vs_ipod_vs_zvm.html

Here is a comparison of Zune, iPod, and Creative Zen.

[DaFerret]

A player from i-river (http://www.i-river.com/) served me well until I changed to iPod.

I held out getting an iPod for quite some time. I missed the first gen ui (I'm a sucker for touch sensitive glowy lights). However, the clickwheel is pretty good. For my i-river player, I had to flick the rotary wheel, bring my thumb up and flick it again and then again to scroll through my library. With the clickwheel, I just rub around in a circle; clockwise to scroll down and counter to scroll up. Speed sensitive too so the faster you spin, the library will then scroll through alphabetically instead of individual songs/albums/artists. That was a marked upgrade from what I had to do previously.

iTunes music syncing also was very easy. Just had to add my stuff to the Library and/or rip my CDs then connect my iPod to my computer. Back then, there weren't many super easy to use software. I haven't kept up with the latest because I'm happy with what I have, but if players, and their syncing software, have improved then go for which ever is most affordable.

The i-river player I had did include radio, but I never missed it. I may not have a huge library, but with over 1500+ songs, I rarely used the radio. It was novelty for me. I did however, really missed the graphical remote. I had to buy the remote for the iPod but it just had controls and no LCD. I found it pretty convenient to keep my i-river clipped to my belt or in my backpack and just use the remote when I wanted to switch albums or playlists, etc. No can with the iPod (unless they released a graphical remote?).

[GeckoGeek]

A player from i-river (http://www.i-river.com/) served me well until I changed to iPod.

Ah, someone who has owned both. Why the switch? Any regrets?

[sophielynette]

I have a little iRiver right now, 512MB, and I really don't have many complaints about it. It's about the size of a D battery and runs off AAAs. I like that it came with a lanyard so I just sling it around my neck, easy access and I don't have to worry about losing it in a bag or a pocket. I love that it has a built in mic and recording feature. Unfortunately it only works with Windows Media Player, and I just switched over to Mac, so I plan on getting an iPod once I have the funds.

[Leo Lakio]

I have two 1GB players, a Creative Zen Nano Plus, and a Sansa c140.

But my desires and uses for a player are not typical - I don't use them to store a lot, only to dump a few discs onto at a time, listen to them all the way through while on foot or on the bus, then dump 'em and load something else.

[DaFerret]

Ah, someone who has owned both. Why the switch? Any regrets?
Other than losing the graphical remote, no regrets in switching to iPod. Of course, I like to blame the switch for causing the halo effect (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halo_effect). :P

The ease of use with the iPod, even when I did sync it with a Windows PC, was what really made me firmly entrenched with the iPod. But like I mentioned, I didn't use the radio on the i-river much so I didn't miss it. If that's an important feature, then I'd say an i-river or any other player that has radio is fine. Back when I had the other player, it was a slight hassle to get songs on it. I'm sure nowadays that's a different story but I'm happy with my iPod and don't see a need to switch again (besides possibly the iPhone).

The eventuality of me having to ship my iPod off to Apple to get the battery replaced is a negative. But I'm betting by the time the battery doesn't hold enough charge a better alternative will be out and about.

[Random]

I don't follow the in-crowd. No iPod for me.

[GeckoGeek]

The eventuality of me having to ship my iPod off to Apple to get the battery replaced is a negative.

Sure? (http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?pfp=cat3&product_code=338257&Pn=Replacement_Battery_for_iPod_mini)

But why did you switch in the first place? Did it die?


Just as a note for the others, I'll looking at a hard drive based unit. 30GB at least. I may go for the 80GB.

[DaFerret]

Sure? (http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?pfp=cat3&product_code=338257&Pn=Replacement_Battery_for_iPod_mini)

But why did you switch in the first place? Did it die?


Just as a note for the others, I'll looking at a hard drive based unit. 30GB at least. I may go for the 80GB.
Sorry, I've got a 60Gig Video iPod so no manual replacing the battery for me, unless I want to chance it blowing up. :P

I switched because I wanted to see for myself what the hype was. I didn't know how easy it was to use until I got one. My i-river was still going strong when I switched.

[zff]

iPod doesn't appeal to me because I really don't want to install iTunes.You don't have to use iTunes. Check out http://www.floola.com.

[Glen Miyashiro]

There's also Songbird (http://www.songbirdnest.com/), an open-source iTunes replacement.

[GeckoGeek]

Sorry, I've got a 60Gig Video iPod so no manual replacing the battery for me, unless I want to chance it blowing up. :P

CompUSA only goes upto 4th Gen. But you can find 5th Gen here (http://www.ipodjuice.com/5th-generation-ipod-video-battery-replacement-products.htm).

[Glen Miyashiro]

You don't have to use iTunes. Check out http://www.floola.com.

There's also Songbird (http://www.songbirdnest.com/), an open-source iTunes replacement.

In fact here's a list of 10 Alternatives to iTunes for managing your iPod (http://www.simplehelp.net/2007/07/08/10-alternatives-to-itunes-for-managing-your-ipod/).

[MixedPlateBroker]

Practical concerns forced me to get a new phone (http://www.mobile-review.com/pda/review/htc-trinity-en.shtml) to satisfy my appetite for tunes on the go. Honest.;) Well, the random bulges in my work khakis caused by carrying around a phone and pda got old real fast anyway.

The ability to listen to music, watch movies, take/make calls, check e-mails and post on Hawaii Threads all on one device made the purchase a no-brainer for me.

Although I love Macs, I don't much care for iPods/iTunes. My toys, er, tools need to be able to do more than a few things to keep me happy.

[Adri]

Nothing to do with your question but it reminded me of this article warning about possible lightning strikes and ipod (and other personal electronic gadget) users.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/ptech/07/12/ipods.lightning.ap/index.html

[MonkeyMan]

So what exactly is the aversion to using iTunes? It's a free MP3/MP4/video player for Mac or PC that can also sync your music and videos to iPods.

Yes, it has the store built in, but so what? You don't HAVE to buy music from them.

You can go buy the CD from the store and rip it into iTunes AAC (MP4) and that's the end of the story. If you really don't want MP4, you can change your prefs and tell it to rip MP3 instead. This is unprotected, unencumbered by DRM of any kind.

You can use iTunes to play music on your computer. You can use it to sync your music to your iPod. You can sync your contacts, calendars and notes to your iPod for a handy PDA. You can use the visualizer for psychedelic parties or personal tripping.

(Remember, this is for FREE, folks. What the heck you want for free?)

I have hundreds of CDs ripped into my 60g video, plus dozens of albums purchased from the store.

Not only that, I have many videos, a couple of movies purchased from iTunes. I also have DOZENS of my own video projects and YouTube videos on my iPod.

I have free podcasts synced daily, and I have video podcasts synced to the iPod, as well.

You can use all those features for free. You don't have to buy anything from the store. You don't even have to LOOK at the store if you don't want to.

So what's the aversion? Don't want to install APPLE SOFTWARE on your precious PeeCee? Get over it. In fact, install Safari while you're at it! :D

[Leo Lakio]

So what exactly is the aversion to using iTunes? ... So what's the aversion? Don't want to install APPLE SOFTWARE on your precious PeeCee? Get over it.:DSettle down there, MMan.:p

I've used iTunes for years on a number of PCs, both work and home, primarily for downloading podcasts. At my ex-job, I used it to assemble CD compilations for client demos.

Isn't QuickTime an Apple product, too? Most PCs run it.

[Glen Miyashiro]

iTunes has the potentially annoying tendency to want to take over your music library and reorganize it the iTunes way. (iPhoto does this, too, with photo files.) This can be off-putting if you already have your own organization scheme established for your files.

[GeckoGeek]

iTunes has the potentially annoying tendency to want to take over your music library and reorganize it the iTunes way.

I remember when I installed iTunes it took over being my MP3 player. Did it ask? NO!! :mad:

[MonkeyMan]

Wasn't talking to you, LL. Read all the posts below. Many of them mention not wanting to install iTunes. Those guys sound like they're afraid that they'll get "hooked" on the Kool Aid. That was my reference.

Before it was iTunes, it was a commercial product called SoundJam. It was GREAT! I bought a license for it wayyyy back when. Then Apple bought them and turned SoundJam into iTunes.

At first, I was unhappy, but after trying iTunes, it became apparent that I wasn't missing anything, but gaining plenty from the change.

[MonkeyMan]

The initial setup of iTunes has always asked if you wish it to manage your music library. Same with iPhoto.

[Vanguard]

Wasn't talking to you, LL. Read all the posts below. Many of them mention not wanting to install iTunes. Those guys sound like they're afraid that they'll get "hooked" on the Kool Aid. That was my reference.

And you sound like a stark raving fanboy. So what if people don't want to install iTunes on their computer? As zff promptly pointed out;

You don't have to use iTunes. Check out http://www.floola.com.

(Remember, this is for FREE, folks. What the heck you want for free?)

Yes, a FREE program meant to interface a piece of hardware that someone's already paid for. :rolleyes: Huzzah!

I don't think Apple stock is going to go down because of the opinions of a couple of people on HT. Have no fear, MM :)

[jkpescador]

iTunes has some neat features as well as the negatives. I put all my songs on the PC but the Mac can access the PC's iTunes library wirelessly; sharing. I also have an Airport Express with iTunes so the music can stream to our remote speakers that are hooked up to the Airport Express.

I've seen a DJ using iTunes to choose his appropriate playlist for the event he was at. It makes more sense then lugging CDs around and having to change them out.

[MonkeyMan]

Heh, "fanboy"? Stark raving, huh? I'm not the one afraid of the little freebie software. The software only does what you tell it to do, allow it to do.

I never said anyone had to use it, but I did wonder why such reversion to a useful tool. The only reasoning I see in play is that it's from Apple, and once upon a time, someone installed it on their PeeCee and clicked all the buttons without reading what they were signifying.

Here we go again. Stupid Mac/PC silly wars.

Believe it, people who use Apple are very secure in their choice of a working tool. The biggest argument that anyone has come up with against my choice of computing platform is that the PC has more, better games on it. I don't dispute that.

But, I don't use my computer to play games. I use it to work and make a living. For that, my computer serves me very, very well.

Does that sound like "stark, raving" to you?

[pzarquon]

I'd recommend the iPod. Of course, as a Kool Aid drinker, you probably knew that.

It's great. My wife has the 80GB video version, and I think she loves it more than she loves her husband. I have a 30GB I still use, despite also buying an iPhone. iPods are dead simple to use, and elegantly designed. Your grandma and your grandkid can use one. Can't say the same for most alternatives.

As a gadget guy, I look at all the great stuff coming out -- Creative, Sansa, iRiver. They all do a whole lot more than an iPod, usually for less. But I only want exactly what an iPod does, they way it does it. And the integration with iTunes -- which is blissfully similar on both Mac and PC platforms -- is a big plus.

Fanboys or not, there's a reason iPods dominate the market. And it's not just the Steve Jobs RDF (Reality Distortion Field).

As for iTunes "taking over" as your MP3 player, and "taking over" the organization of your music library... this is a problem with all software (Mac or PC). Usually due to clicking your way through the install dialog boxes rather than reading the various options presented. Remember when Real wanted to take over everything on your computer? And unlike iTunes, their software sucked.

Lots of people use alternatives to iTunes with their iPods just because they get satisfaction from being contrarian. More power to 'em. But lots of people use iTunes and don't even have iPods... which I think says more about the software than the former scenario.

Seriously... I can get trying an iPod and finding it lacking. Or having needs that exceed what it offers. My friend has an iRiver Clix (http://www.iriver.com/product/p_detail.asp?pidx=82), and it's pretty damn cool. (I need at least 30GB, though, and the features would be a bit much for my grandma!) But deliberately choosing against something, solely because it appeals to the "in-crowd"? How can 80 percent of any demographic be the "in-crowd"? I mean, do you still start your car with a hand crank? Take a shower in a wooden tub? "Darn those newfangled refrigerators! I have ice delivered to my house every day, and I like it!"

I think it's a bit ironic to claim strong interest in a product is irrational... then turn around and use that as the justification for ruling it out. If I used "who else likes it" as a criteria in choosing things, I'd live in a cardboard box in Jersey.

[GeckoGeek]

But, I don't use my computer to play games. I use it to work and make a living.

That's crazy talk! :eek:

:rolleyes: :D

As for iTunes "taking over" as your MP3 player, and "taking over" the organization of your music library... this is a problem with all software (Mac or PC). Usually due to clicking your way through the install dialog boxes rather than reading the various options presented.

Well, there were dialog boxes, I read them, but I don't remember reading one that said "Make iTunes your default audio player". Maybe, but I don't remember it. Sadly that doesn't seem to be uncommon with some software.

[pzarquon]

Well, there were dialog boxes, I read them, but I don't remember reading one that said "Make iTunes your default audio player". Maybe, but I don't remember it. Sadly that doesn't seem to be uncommon with some software.Indeed. Trust me, I hear you, I find the practice annoying, no matter what software company does it! Apple does it (be it iTunes or QuickTime). Real always did it. Even Google and Yahoo! do it... and Microsoft sure as hell does it. Download one program to do one thing, and they want to rule your entire computer.

No, I don't want your software to be my default anything, I don't want your software to start every time I start my computer. I don't want yet another stupid toolbar added to my browser. And I sure as heck don't want your icons and "partner" ads on my desktop.

And get off my lawn! :)

I'm just saying, iTunes doesn't have to be as annoying as you initially found it to be. Though on the other hand, I did basically give up some time ago and let iTunes have its way with me. Resistance is futile?

[GeckoGeek]

Download one program, and they want to rule your entire computer.

You mean you don't want our darling little creation to be the primary application on your machine? *sniff* You only want it as a secondary .... *sniff* ... to that other player? *snooorxx* :rolleyes:


I'm just saying, iTunes doesn't have to be as annoying as you initially found it to be.

I know. My job is to beat computers into submission. I got it changed back to what I wanted but it was annoying.

[ItsGoTime!]

I like my iPod. It looks fancy, love the wheel thingy to scroll, does everything I want it to. I have no problems with iTunes (in fact I like it, once I set it up the way I like it), and I never really understood the aversion to it (I'm a PC user). However, I do have a problem with the iPod. Maybe it's just me, but I can't figure out how to get the music on my iPod back to my computer. It's not a problem for most of my mp3s on there, but with my recent new computer purchase, I seem to have lost some of ym original mp3 files. So, I may consider buying a different mp3 player when I break this one (I always end up breaking them before they break themselves).

I had a Dell Digital Jukebox before. It worked fine, but it was kind of large, and the scrolling wheel/button thing was a bit clums to use. But I'm being picky, and I had no real problems with it.

[Vanguard]

Whoa, calm down, MM. Why don't you step back from the computer you use to work, take a deep breath, and examine your own diatribe and your motivations?

Some people simply don't like iTunes. There are some people who don't like Windows Vista or Mac OS X. And it may have nothing to do with brand loyalty. They may even express the fact that they choose not to use certain programs, but it doesn't make them conscripts in a "Mac/PC war".

Nobody's afraid, nor are they involved in a "Mac/PC war". These are simply figments of your imagination, straw men (or quixotic windmills, whichever you prefer) in an argument you're unilaterally perpetrating -- apparently one that you are fervently refusing to let go.

Sorry if I struck a nerve with "stark raving" or "fanboy". Try not to keep fitting the adjectives like a glove with each successive post of yours, OK?

[pzarquon]

And you sound like a stark raving fanboy.Sorry, Vangard, but this hardly seems like a neutral statement. Though I'd happily cop to the profile! So he's passionate about the software. He also explained a great deal of iTunes' technical merits. And I think we're putting forth pretty reasoned information here as to why iTunes doesn't have to suck, especially for a free music manager. You've stated simply you don't want to install it, but not why. Why? And why the name calling?

You don't need iTunes to use an iPod, and you don't need an iPod to use iTunes. You don't need to make iTunes your default audio player, or let iTunes organized your music files. You don't have to buy your music from the iTunes store. It's a cross-platform, elegant "jukebox" program that even some Apple skeptics think is a pretty great app.

What do you use? Or is it irrelevant? If you have ideological issues with iTunes, or Apple, that's fine... but in that case, this discussion is useless to you, and statements like the above are pointless provocation in the proverbial "war" you supposedly want no part of. Straw men indeed. I hope we can help other folks who are curious, or have more practical questions.

[tutusue]

[...]However, I do have a problem with the iPod. Maybe it's just me, but I can't figure out how to get the music on my iPod back to my computer.[...]
I have a 3G and 5G iPod and there's no way to get your music from the iPod to the computer without a 3rd party utility/software/whatever ya call it!!! I don't use those so I'll let others give you recommendations. The key to your music library, like everything else on your computer is to...BACK UP! I back up iTunes to 3 separate external hard drives. That turned out to be a wise decision (I'm not known for making wise computer-related decisions :D ). During one iPod sync I kept getting error messages. I took my computer to the Genius Bar where they diagnosed 70+ tunes had become corrupted...reason unknown. Since I had back-ups galore my adrenaline never went into overdrive and all I had to do was copy the latest back-up to the computer!

[Vanguard]

Sorry, Vangard, but this hardly seems like a neutral statement. Though I'd happily cop to the profile! So he's passionate about the software. He also explained a great deal of iTunes' technical merits. And I think we're putting forth pretty reasoned information here as to why iTunes doesn't have to suck, especially for a free music manager. You've stated simply you don't want to install it, but not why. Why? And why the name calling?

He's passionate about the software and insists to paint those who choose not to use it as "afraid". I never said iTunes was an inferior program, all I did was simply express that I did not want to use this program. Why is not wanting to use a program seen as wrong by you and MM? Why is the reason for it so important to you? And why stop at me only? If you truly believe that "fanboy" is the most inflammatory thing said in this thread, then sorry pzarquon, I don't believe you're so neutral in this discussion either :)

You don't need iTunes to use an iPod, and you don't need an iPod to use iTunes. You don't need to make iTunes your default audio player, or let iTunes organized your music files. You don't have to buy your music from the iTunes store. It's a cross-platform, elegant "jukebox" program that even some Apple skeptics think is a pretty great app.

zff long since pointed that out last page. Yes, yes, I get the point, friend, iTunes is a great, elegant program. You could write commercials :p

What do you use? Or is it irrelevant? If you have ideological issues with iTunes, or Apple, that's fine... but in that case, this discussion is useless to you, and statements like the above are pointless provocation in the proverbial "war" you supposedly want no part of. Straw men indeed. I hope we can help other folks who are curious, or have more practical questions.

I'm still looking for the right MP3 player for me, so this thread was indeed quite useful to me until I got flack for not wanting to use iTunes. I have no problem with Apple itself, I think they're a fine company as companies go. If I explained why I don't like iTunes, this would be the subject of another long series of treatises about why it's such a great program and that I am too afraid to use it. I think it's a well saturated topic as it is. Besides, I really don't believe I would receive an unbiased opinion in a place where simply expressing that you don't want to use iTunes warrants this level of vehement opposition.

I came here looking for a player as well, I explained I didn't want to use iTunes, MM doesn't seem to like people who don't like iTunes, says they're afraid of the technology, that "PeeCee" (that's mature ;) ) users only game while Mac users use theirs for work -- my only mistake here was taking the troll bait. Thanks for all the help guys; iTunes is the best, anyone who doesn't want to use it is afraid or has something against Apple.

[pzarquon]

Great! Now that that's settled...

GeckoGeek, in case you missed it in all the fun, in the hopes of answering your actual question, I did mention the iRiver Clix (http://www.iriver.com/product/p_detail.asp?pidx=82).

Since you've been managing with a 1GB player, you may not need a 30GB hard-drive based player. The other advantage of flash-based players is that you can treat 'em a bit more roughly. The Clix comes in 4GB, does music, but (unlike the iPod Nano) adds video -- in more formats than the iPod will generally swallow, too. Add on an FM tuner, a voice recorder, and a pretty sharp screen, and it's a great option. I've seen prices as low as $150.

My friend gives it raves, filling a great space between a cheapie off the shelf at WalMart and an iPod. The interface is interesting, two. The whole thing is a four-way navigation pad!

[GeckoGeek]

Since you've been managing with a 1GB player, you may not need a 30GB hard-drive based player.

Actually it's a 1GB SD player, so I can change cards. Otherwise the 1GB limit would get to me. It was a "test" player to see how well I'll use one. I'm wanting a hard drive version to play a bigger selection of songs. I'm really liking random shuffle, even if it does put Partridge Family and George Thurgood next to each other. :D

[mel]

I'll just add my lousy 2 cents here and chime in with the chorus of iPod owners and users. I have 3 iPods, love them all. 2 Shuffles (low end iPods, 512MB each, can hold around 110 songs) and a 4th generation iPod photo that holds about 7,500 songs of which I have 6,000 something loaded. Frankly I don't have time to listen to all of that music in one sitting, but it sure is nice to have it when you want it.

As for iTunes, I am a Mac guy and I don't mind what it does with my Macs. I have it installed on 2 Macs. The nice thing about iTunes is that it lets me manage my 12,000+ song, audio and video library and allows me to view or listen to it all while I am on the computer despite not owning any iPod with video capability. The interface is easy to use, I love the playlist and album art features, and transfer of music from Mac to iPod is very easy.

The only thing I loathe about all of my iPods is the built in obsolescence.... namely the built-in battery that at some point will hold less and less of a charge for a period of time until they die. Apple would love us to just run out and buy a new iPod after the batteries die.... but I refuse. There is a place on the Big Island that will do battery replacement and fix broken iPods for a fee (http://islandipodrepair.com/). I may look into that when the day comes, especially for my 4G iPod. The shuffle I am skeptical about since it is molded shut. However I did buy an external battery adapter to allow it to run on 2 AA batteries. Hopefully this will work after the main battery dies.

Anything that I pay big $$ for should last me for at least 10 years if not longer. I hate it if something like a battery forces me to put a device out of commission in less time.

Case in point is my Palm IIIc. It still works beautifully but I can only get 30 minutes of time on it since the built in battery doesn't hold a charge as it once did when the device was new.

Sadly built in batteries seem to be the trend of many small music players and PDA like devices. Why can't these firms make these devices user accessible so that when the battery dies we can go to the store and buy new batteries? You can do this for digital cameras, many cell phones and other types of electronic devices. Why not iPods?

Are the batteries for non-iPod music devices built in or removeable?

[GeckoGeek]

The only thing I loathe about all of my iPods is the built in obsolescence.... namely the built-in battery that at some point will hold less and less of a charge for a period of time until they die.

CompUSA is selling kits to replace the battery. That's one of the things that are attracting me to the iPod - it's so popular that there is 3rd party for things that Apple missed.

As for your Palm IIIC, do a Google on "Palm IIIc battery".

[sophielynette]

Sadly built in batteries seem to be the trend of many small music players and PDA like devices. Why can't these firms make these devices user accessible so that when the battery dies we can go to the store and buy new batteries? You can do this for digital cameras, many cell phones and other types of electronic devices. Why not iPods?

Are the batteries for non-iPod music devices built in or removeable?


One of the things I love about my iRiver is that it takes a single AAA battery. Sure, you have to keep buying batteries, but you can get AAA anywhere. What a drag it would be if I went on vacation and left my charger at home -- but wait, I can just stop at the gas station and pick up a pack of AAAs and I'm good to go.

Now if only the dumb thing were compatible with my mac :(

[Smudge]

We have Creative Zens in this house. My daughter has the older 30gb Creative Zen jukebox and I've got a newer Vision M plus. Love them both and had no problems with either. I think what put me off the ipod originally was the thought of being unable just to buy a new battery when needed and fit it myself. My daughters jukebox required a new battery after 2 years so I ordered one online, it arrived and was fitted as easily as any standard mobile phone type battery.

I'm as certain as I can be that an ipod doesn't do any more in terms of functionality than the Creative does, plus I can use any old headphones/buds with a standard audio jack so I'm very pleased with what I chose.

Regards, Smudge

[sophielynette]

I'm as certain as I can be that an ipod doesn't do any more in terms of functionality than the Creative does, plus I can use any old headphones/buds with a standard audio jack so I'm very pleased with what I chose.

Regards, Smudge


Wait wait, don't tell me you can only use iPod headphones? Awww, I -hate- earbuds! I was just going to use my own headphones.. and here I was just getting ready do go to the store to pick up my new iPod and now I'm reconsidering..

[MonkeyMan]

That is incorrect.

You may use any headphones with a 1/8" mini stereo jack. The stock iPod earbuds are uncomfortable, but OK in a pinch.

I used Koss PortaPro Jr. headphones with my iPods for years, but recently got a pair of Bose Tri-Port OE headphones. Big money, but very comfortable, fabulous sound.

The iPhone has a custom headphone jack that requires a newly-minted adapter to accommodate standard 1/8" stereo jack headphones. But regular iPods will take standard mini stereo headphone jacks.

[Smudge]

My apologies, I was under the (obviously mistaken) impression that the audio fitting on an ipod was different to the regular audio jack on pretty much everything else. Still wouldn't swap my creative for an ipod tho ;)

[MixedPlateBroker]

The passionate admonitions launched from all camps are almost as exciting to watch as the Fourth of July fireworks from Cyn's balcony. I commend you all.

Let me clarify that I "don't care much" for iTunes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITunes)/iPod as a personal preference. It's certainly not a blanket statement on the overall quality of the aforementioned products. And it's certainly not a mark of any fears or aversions I have (my greatest fear is food from Taco Bell).:p

I'll even go so far as to say that iTunes/iPod/ (and possibly iPhone) boast the smoothest integration between devices and slickest user interfaces in the industry. However, that's not what I need. What I need is a phone that can: 1. Play these audio formats: MP3, AAC, MKA, WMA, WAV, OGG, Speex, WAVPACK, FLAC, AMR, ADPCM, ALaw, MuLaw and MIDI, 2. Play these video formats: H.264, MKV, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 part 2 (ASP), DivX, XviD, WMV+ & MJPEG, 3. View PDF files and view/edit XML files, 4. Wirelessly integrate with my work & personal Outlook clients, 5. Include built-in GPS for geocaching (http://www.geocaching.com/) and 6. Support HSDPA (http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-hsdpa.htm) for future wireless broadband-speed browsing and tethering (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tethering_(cellular_wireless)).

So for my needs, TCPMP (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Core_Pocket_Media_Player) and a PPC phone (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiYcEv4qkKQ) work just fine, thank you.

[MonkeyMan]

Not to resurrect any vitriol, but I came across this today:

Floola 1.3 is a cross-platform iPod manager that can be run directly from an iPod and requires no installation. In addition to copying songs and playlists to and from an iPod, it offers support for podcasts and videos, album art, lyrics, searches for duplicates, export of file lists to HTML, notes management, Growl support, and other features. Latest changes include improved podcast support, faster artwork rebuilds, and iTunes 7.3 compatibility. Floola is free (donations welcome) for Mac OS X 10.2 and up (Universal Binary), Linux, and Windows.

http://www.floola.com/

I think someone mentioned it before in this thread, but this gives you a little more info. Hey, it's free! I like free!

(By the way, I wasn't meaning to troll anybody in this thread. I was just trying to be funny in my posts. Guess it didn't come across that way. Sorry.)

[tutusue]

Woot.com (http://www.woot.com/) is currently offering a 4th generation, refurbished iPod for $99.99. That's not a video iPod but might be a decent unit for those who have been on the fence about buying one and hesitant to spend the bigger bucks. I good starter unit, so to speak. Dunno if there is a better deal elsewhere but if there is, please be sure to let us know!

[mel]

I have a 4G iPod Photo. It has 40GB of space to which I have about 6,500 songs stored upon and about 200 low res photos of family, friends, people, places and things. It is a nice machine and would be a good bargain for $100. Be sure it comes with the firewire cable and dock.

The 4G is my main iPod for now until if and when a newer model comes out with a compelling feature that I want... like say, wi-fi web browsing.

[tutusue]

Woot.com (http://www.woot.com/) is currently offering a 4th generation, refurbished iPod for $99.99.[...]
Sold out...and I'm not surprised!

[helen]

I'm thinking of picking up a iPod shuffle this week, the price seems reasonable and I am kind of wondering of the music CD's I already own could I transfer these songs to the iPod?

[Vanguard]

I'm thinking of picking up a iPod shuffle this week, the price seems reasonable and I am kind of wondering of the music CD's I already own could I transfer these songs to the iPod?

Put the CD in your computer drive, and you should get a prompt from iTunes to rip the CD, putting it in your library, where you can sync it into your iPod when connected.

[tutusue]

Put the CD in your computer drive, and you should get a prompt from iTunes to rip the CD, putting it in your library, where you can sync it into your iPod when connected.
Yep, what Vanguard wrote, Helen! If I can do it...ANYONE can do it! Since you're a PC user you'll need to download iTunes first. Everything you do with your iPod happens on your computer. Think of the iPod as a back up external hard drive!

[surlygirly]

I am completely technologically stupid, but my husband talked me into an I-Phone this weekend. I was kicking and screaming against it b/c I was afraid it would be too complicated, but I'm surprisingly pleased with it. It's really cool. I've never had an Ipod or any kind of mp3 player before (flew over here with my discman and that's how I left all my CDs on the plane). So I highly recommend it- you can still listen to all your music on it.

[helen]

Picked up a 1Gbyte iPod Shuffle yesterday, signed up to the iTunes store and download a few songs just to try it out. Will load some of the music CD's later on.

Oh yeah, I am using a pair of headphones instead of the buds, the only drawback to that setup is that I keep stepping over the extra cord. I even tried to hook up the iPod to a computer's speakers but that didn't work.

[turtlegirl]

Surly, an Iphone?? Awesome!! They seem complicated at first, huh? Bet you'll be on Twitter in no time!

Helen, congrats on the Ipod! I can't believe your Ipod-to-computer speaker idea didn't work! All you have to do is plug the mini jack from the speakers into the ipod, same place you'd plug in the headphones. Hm...what could've went wrong? :confused:

Hey, can you do the same with an Iphone? Plug it into speakers?

[helen]

I should have mention that the speaker in question is a sound bar attached to a LCD monitor. Yesterday this monitor had nothing connected to it. Today it's connected to a laptap external monitor port so the monitor was active when I tried the iPod again. Sure enough there is sound coming from the sound bar. When I disconnected the monitor from the laptop, the sound stopped a few seconds later.

When I reconnected the monitor to the laptop the sound bar was active too.

[Composite 2992]

I recently used an Apple gift card to pay for part of an iPod Touch. It replaced my Palm organizer.

It took a little getting used to but it's a great step upward. I'm also starting to use it to play music and a few video clips. Otherwise it functions mostly as a PDA to keep track of my appointments, contacts, mileage and notes.

I thought I'd get used to the keypad by now but I'm still way too slow. I could almost take notes with the Palm. Can't do that yet with the iPod Touch. Too klutzy.

There is an experimental handwriting app that actually works pretty well. But writing with my finger isn't too good. Maybe I'm just too used to a stylus for that type of work. I might just carry around a note pad for now. Hadn't had to carry writing paper in a long time.

[Stephen]

Comment & Question . . .

I have the 80GB Ipod and love it for the most part - who couldn't love 8000 songs at their disposal?

My one complaint about it is the volume fluctuation - apparently not all CD manufacturers are created equal and it shows. . . . . I know there is something I can purchase - anyone know what it is? Does it work?
Mahalo,
Stephen