32 replies to this topic

[LLfan]

Some basic questions, your input is appreciated.  Keep in mind I am using Windows XP:1.) Is there an alternative to the iPod itself?  I want something small like the iPod mini but that doesn't cost $250 or holds 1000 songs.  2.) Can I use it like my mp3 player in that I can store an unlimited amount of songs on my pc and simply hook up the iPod via usb or firewire and transfer as I need?3.) Is there any 3rd party hardware/software I could use?Thanks,Mike

[LLfan]

Another question, how compressed are the files I download?  At 99cents a song it's a bit more expensive then purchasing a cd so I would hope the quality is equivalent.

[bjf123]

I've never tried to use an iPod on Win XP, so I can't be 100% sure about any of this.   I believe that to use iTunes and the iTunes Music Store, you have to use an iPod.  A key component of Apple's getting the ITMS off the ground was the digital rights management that's in place to attempt to reduce file sharing.  That only works if the iPod is part of the equation, so you therefore have to use an iPod.  Is it possible that someone has written a hack to get around that?  Of course, but I'm not aware of any.As to the file compression and quality of the sound, I'm not a big audiophile, but I can't really tell a difference in the quality of song played from a CD on my Mac or a song downloaded from the ITMS.

[Arena2045]

Mike:1 : There is always an alternative when you talk about digital music players... There are flash based, hard drive based, and CD based; all offering different storage capacities and their own unique features.If you want to use iTunes to manage your music you can do so without an iPod; but it will not be the easiest way especially if you are using other brands of hardware.If you want to use iTunes and the iTunes Music Store, you need an iPod.  You can buy music at the iTMS and play it on 5 authorized machines, and transfer it to your iPod as many times as you like.  So if you plan on buying music from the iTMS, and plan on taking the music with you, you need an iPod... that is unless you want to burn CD's of your purchased music (which you CAN do, following the limitations of the purchased music).Don't be confused by the "1000 Songs."  That can be misleading, especially if you encode your music at lower or higher bit rates. Obviously lower bit rates will get you more songs, and higher, less.  I personally started my music collection over again when I got my iPod.  I encoded all of my music under Apple's AAC encoder at 128 bit, and can honestly say, that I can't tell a difference between the CD and the AAC file.2 : Yes.  iTunes allows you to either sync your iPod song for song, or manually control what playlists and songs you want to upload/remove from your iPod.  Please note that, if you upload a song to your iPod, and delete it from your computer... and resync your iPod... you will loose the song: UNLESS you use 3rd party software that allows you to move songs off the iPod.3 : Yes there is 3rd party software that you can use as mentioned in response to # 2.  And there is 3rd party hardware in the sense of accessories: FM transmitters, chargers, speakers, voice recorders, cases, etc. etc.4 : Individual songs cost 99¢, under most circumstances full albums cost $9.99.  So, many times albums cost much less that their CD counterpart.I said under most circumstances.  There are some albums that cost more than $9.99... there are some reasons for this... sometimes the author requires it, or it may be an album that has the equivalent of 2 CDs... and some other reasons are not known.If you have read some of the articles saying that some retail CDs are cheeper than those found on iTMS, that may be the case at certain times, but not always.For example I purchased a new release album for $9.99 when it cost $14.95 retail (advertised price)... I had my album for a full week before retail stores dropped the CD price to $9.99.  So I got my album cheeper, faster, didn't have to pay sales tax, and did this all without having to drive to the store or fight crowds.When it comes to compressing your own music you have a few choices: AIFF, AAC, AAC Lossless, MP3... and of course you can select from a number of various bit rates.  And you can even convert existing MP3's to AAC files, or AAC files (non encrypted) to MP3, etc.  This is handy if you have a collection of AAC files and want to burn an MP3 CD.Sorry for rambling.

[Arena2045]

Also...If you a student or educator, can save some money by buying an iPod under their education pricing. You will need to provide proof of such a position (id or pay stub with school logo etc).

[LLfan]

Arena2045, on May 3 2004, 06:13 PM, said:

Also...If you a student or educator, can save some money by buying an iPod under their education pricing. You will need to provide proof of such a position (id or pay stub with school logo etc).

No, the rambling is much appreciated...and is mostly all I ever do so I respond well to it.   Can you point me in the right direction for a link to purchase an iPod at an educator's price?Thanks,Mike

[BrianT1701]

Mike...if you go to apple.com...click on store...almost at the bottom on the right hand colum it says "educational discounts"....

[LLfan]

Thanks Brian...I saved a whopping $20...thanks Apple!  

[BrianT1701]

20 dollars on an ipod...doesn't seem like much...it's saving 100's on a powerbook that looks good to me  

[LLfan]

BrianT1701, on May 3 2004, 07:41 PM, said:

20 dollars on an ipod...doesn't seem like much...it's saving 100's on a powerbook that looks good to me   

Yeah, looks like I would get a $200 discount on a Powerbook.  Now if I could just justify the $2,299.99 for a notebook.  

[BrianT1701]

LLfan, on May 3 2004, 11:08 PM, said:

BrianT1701, on May 3 2004, 07:41 PM, said:

20 dollars on an ipod...doesn't seem like much...it's saving 100's on a powerbook that looks good to me  

Yeah, looks like I would get a $200 discount on a Powerbook.  Now if I could just justify the $2,299.99 for a notebook.  

I can justify it with no problems....it's getting it that is the problem for me.  I'd have it already if i could.I spend probably what is an abnormal amount of time at the apple store....just dreaming.

[Arena2045]

The real question is... do you need a PowerBook, when an iBook might be a better choice on your wallet?

[Arena2045]

I'm getting an iBook this summer... Sure I would love to have a PowerBook, but the iBook will work great for my needs.

[BrianT1701]

Arena2045, on May 3 2004, 11:45 PM, said:

The real question is... do you need a PowerBook, when an iBook might be a better choice on your wallet?

I've considered that.  As far as "needing"...I don't need either.  I have 2 pc's running side by side right now...It's more wanting.  

[Arena2045]

BrianT1701, on May 3 2004, 10:48 PM, said:

Arena2045, on May 3 2004, 11:45 PM, said:

The real question is... do you need a PowerBook, when an iBook might be a better choice on your wallet?

It's more wanting.  

I hear that!  

[LLfan]

OK, went ahead and purchased the iPod, remote and headset, and the doc and also signed up for iTunes.  So, once it all comes I'm sure you will be hearing from me as the whole setup confuses me!  

[SonicDragon]

Quote

OK, went ahead and purchased the iPod, remote and headset, and the doc and also signed up for iTunes. So, once it all comes I'm sure you will be hearing from me as the whole setup confuses me!

YAY! I'm sure you won't be dissapointed. I've had nothing but good times with my iPod. Let us know when it arrives

[LLfan]

Will do.  I love iTunes, been playing and purchasing all day. =)Now it seems I have to wait until next month for the DVD recorder.  

[Arena2045]

Cool!  :thumbsup:What one did you decide to get? iPod (15, 20, 40) or iPod mini (which color)?

[LLfan]

15GB model, I have no need for the 20 or 40 and the ipod mini did not appeal to me.

[LLfan]

Got the package today...ooooh, and it's got my name on it! =)A couple noteworthy comments, a.) this thing was a whole lot heavier then I was expecting and b.) I am now slapping myself for not setting up the firewire on my case when I first nested my motherboard in.  I can't remember what the problem was, I do hope my mobo supports Firewire!Anyways, will let you know when I get it all hooked up.

[Arena2045]

LLfan, on May 19 2004, 01:03 PM, said:

Got the package today...ooooh, and it's got my name on it! =)A couple noteworthy comments, a.) this thing was a whole lot heavier then I was expecting and b.) I am now slapping myself for not setting up the firewire on my case when I first nested my motherboard in.  I can't remember what the problem was, I do hope my mobo supports Firewire!Anyways, will let you know when I get it all hooked up.

Congrats Mike!If you have a Firewire port on your tower USE IT! If you dont, its going to be worth the small investment to buy a Firewire card and use one of your expansion slots...  The iPods ROCK with Firewire, there are downsides to using USB (like having to charge it using the AC brick, and having to get a USB cable).GET FIREWIRE, it will let you sync (amazingly fast) and will charge the iPod when you have it docked to your computer (when its on and not in sleep mode).

[LLfan]

Do they sell Firewire ports that will hook into a PCI slot or does my mobo need to support it?  I know, should ask in another forum but figured you knew the answer off hand. ;)I'd like to go with the firewire as my digital camcorder requires it so what the hey.  And besides, usb is too slow.

[Arena2045]

Yes you can get a PCI card to give your tower Firewire.  I do not remember the brand I chose for my system a few years ago but there are a number of brands that are not that expensive.JUST an example:http://www.compusa.c...4516&pfp=SEARCH

[LLfan]

Thank you, hopefully the next time I post I'll be listening to my iPod! =)  Thank goodness for bricks!