[Texy]

Another set of answers

Quote: Originally Posted by AidenL

Ok, as a total innocent in relation to this topic, I’d like to ask a few questions which no doubt the more knowledgeable among you will be able to answer straight away:

Here we go:

1. Is the Ipod the best solution for storing digital music on the move, or should any of the other options such as Creative Labs etc be considered? Does the Ipod still have the old ‘battery replacement after a finite period of time’ problem?

As he said.
As for the battery - nothing lasts for ever. The myth concerning the ipod battery also comes from the fact that it is not designed to be removable - ie you need to de-solder it before soldering in the new one. Definately do-able, and 3rd party companies offer a better battery at a better price than apple. Don't worry about it - it'll last for years with careful use.

Quote: Originally Posted by AidenL

2. I understand music can be downloaded from the Net alright – what format does it download in, and is this directly transferable to the Ipod? There are different formats, which is the preferred one to use?

MP3's are the most common and at a decent bitrate, you will not tell the difference between an mp3 and a cd - especially driving in you Mini.

Quote: Originally Posted by AidenL

3. Regarding existing CD collections, I understand these can be transferred to the Ipod? What software is needed for this, is it free, or does it need to be purchased? Also, how long does it take to transfer music from a CD to an Ipod, and what format / data conversion needs to be applied?

The software required is supplied free with the ipod, called itunes. This software will do all of your ipod maintainence, including ripping cd's, creating playlists, and transfering music to your ipod.

Quote: Originally Posted by AidenL

4. What are the best official and free sites for downloading music from? I'm PC based, so I assume that rules out itunes?

Never used any,so can't comment. Usually, if its free it aint worth having (waits for flames ).

Quote: Originally Posted by AidenL

5. I have a CD changer in my car – can I integrate an Ipod with the CD changer, or is the best solution to remove the changer, and go with an Icelink?

Can't comment.

Quote: Originally Posted by AidenL

6. Buying an Ipod – what other cables etc are needed to effect transfer from / to a PC? I understand when you buy one, cables aren’t included?

If you buy a brand new 4th generaqtion ipod, it will come with both usb and firewire cables.
If you buy a 3rd generation ipod it will come with a firewire cable, but you can buy a usb cable for extra.
Coopergeezer forgot to tell you that you CAN still use USB1.1, but it will be a bit slower than USB2.0,
for example an album would take a couple of minutes or so.

Quote: Originally Posted by AidenL

7. Playlists - whats this? On transferring music over, do you have to type in the name of the album / artist / track and save as in folders on a PC ?

What he said.
Note that prior to the new 4th gen ipod, you could only add to a single 'on the go' playfrom USING the ipod.
Itunes can make all the playlists you like.
With the new 4th gen ipod, you can make multiple newplaylists USING the ipod.

Quote: Originally Posted by AidenL

I understand some or all of these questions may have been asked and answered before, but I must admit, I find the whole thing a vast field of differing opinions, and just wanted to get a few direct answers to a few , what I assume will be simple questions to anyone who is familiar with the process.

Thanks in advance.

Hope this helps - the ipod will totally change the way you listen to music

Texy