MP3 Player info

[ursus]

Ursus is in the middle of some decision making. One option introduces the Apple "virus" (as a friend likes to call it) to the house.

Can he go first person again?

We're considering some new IT stuff. A part of one of the choices I'm pondering would be better served by Apple products.

I need to be able to listen. Recording would be a plus but isn't a deal breaker either way.

I typically use Sony studio monitor headphones (8 ohm?) both to listen and professionally, but the damn dogs keep snacking on them...

Dazie wanted us to have a matched set for the trip and what not. Not getting 4 isn't a deal breaker either. I know the apple name better than most others.

Just fishing for info.

And, no Gamp, they weren't a surprise of any kind. I appreciate your concern.

Thanks guys and enjoy that coke machine DS!

I've had the apple rant here somewhere before.  To sum up, here are my main problems with iPods:

1. They are overpriced for their features.  You can say they're made better, but you'll change your tune when it dies and you have to send it to china to replace the battery.  I can replace my battery wherever AAA batteries are sold.

2. They do not support subscription music.  This is not only services like Rhapsody and Napster, but also this:  Many public libraries have a service where you can download audiobooks (for free!) to your subscription-compatible MP3 player. None of these support iPods, and it's because apple refuses to make a product that works with them.

3. They don't play well with others.  With my MP3 player, I can drag tracks I own onto it and drag them onto any other computer I want, with no problems.  With an iPod, you can plug it into another computer to charge it, but you can't take the songs off.  This will be a problem if you have 4 iPods in the house.

Hadn't thought of the battery thing. I generally don't do music subs, I support artists by buying discs (I know, but that's another thread). So compatibility is a major issue.

As to swapping tunes w/in the family unit? I don't see that as a problem. Ask Dazie, not much in common with each other...

[VikingJuice]

I've had my iPod since summer of '06 and I love it. I've already gotten soooo much mileage out of it.  In my two week California driving trip, we never played the same song twice and still didn't scratch the surface of how much music was on the thing.

I've seen the 20 Gb ones on Ebay for as low as $100 to $120.  20 Gigs is a lot of memory for a first timer wanting to wade into the deep end of digital music.  I haven't heard from many people who dislike their iPod.  I've heard some folks comment on battery issues and freezing issues, but from my understanding, Apple has been pretty good about replacing bad batteries on the early generation machines. 

They've released a number of software updates in the time that I've had mine and they've added some newer cool features, mostly about navigating my collection and some behind the scenes stuff. 

You would probably want some decent headphones, those are cheap.  You might want a holder or player for your house, runs about $100 or so for a pretty decent one.  And depending on whether you have an auxillary input on your car stereo, you might need the little FM Modulator/Transmitter that Gamp suggested.  Mine is called iRock, cost about $30, and it sends a short range FM signal that your car stereo can easily toon in.  They are also good for camping trips.  I picked up an arm holder too, ran about $12.

A lot of my friends and I have started carrying them to parties to play party mixes, dance music or whatever your flavor of the moment is.  Now we all fight over who gets to play their's first!

I'd recommend an iPod to anyone.  It's kewl!!