iPod (I really want one)

[Darcy]

I'm planning on buying an iPod within the next two months to use on both a Mac and a Windows machine. The price of the iPod is a bit scary, but the thought of not having to carry around a bunch of cd's, even if they're in a cd case, is appealing.

Any iPod users out there have any tips on which model is the best to get? I can't decide between the 10 gig and the 15 gig models. Also, how hard is it to use the iPod with windows?

[JoelJB]

my son has an old 5 gig ipod which holds tons of songs. Itunes software (mac) is awesome for moving editing and compressing music. I would recommend the new10 gig Ipod. You'll never use it up. The new ipods are fullyoperational with pc's but why would you want to use one of those? Hope this helps you. joel

[Darcy]

Thanks, Joel.

Do you know anything about the extras that come with the 15 gig version? I seriously don't want the included case, especially since if I get an iPod Tom will be forced to make a case for it finally!

I can use iTunes on Tom's mac, but unfortunately I have a PC here at work. I do plan on buying the 15" Powerbook if I ever, um, have thousands of extra dollars!

[mhoefer]

Darcy

I have the 15 gig mac model it. really is great.. I like the newer models even better, the smaller physical size is nice.

I think the size really would depend on the overall size of your music collection.

The experince with ipod on the mac is very elegant... not sure how good it is on the pc side. www.smalldog.com is a good source for used macs.

Mike

[Darcy]

thanks, Mike!

As you can see, I am now the proud owner of an iPod! yay! And I downloaded my first album (Talking Heads 'Stop Making Sense') off of iTunes using Tom's iMac. iTunes is very addictive. It doesn't even seem like you're actually spending money, which makes it very dangerous.

Now to try and convince Tom to make an iPod case. I can't figure out where I'm supposed to store my ear phones in the case that Apple provided.

[Darcy]

I finally figured out what the Apple case & pouch look like! It looks like I'm supposed to be carrying around a set of Magic
cards or something. Here I'm in possession of this expensive, amazing piece of machinery and encased, it looks like the 2003
version of Dungeons & Dragons

[countess]

yes, tom should definitely design a hip looking case for the ipods. i've looked at quite a few different styles and designs and haven't been able find one that i really like. needs to have cool colors too. and of course with a little side pocket to carry the ear buds.

[Darcy]

countess -

What would be some other cool features?

I definitely want a removable belt clip. I hate that the belt clip isn't removable on the Apple case....

And I'd like for the case to be able so strap on to the shoulder strap of my messenger bag....

[aersloat]

The marware cases www.marware.com are pretty cool. I had one for my original 5GB iPod. Lots of clips, etc. I haven't bought a case yet for my 40GB iPod-- I'm waiting for Tom to make one that will snap onto my brain bag.

I just got the new iTrip by griffin technology and I must say it is a marvel of engineering and software design. If you don't have an easy way to hook you iPod up to your car the iTrip is the way to go.

If you fly a lot, like me, you will want to get better headphones. I have used the etymotic ER6 ear canal headphones for about 2 years now. They do a great job of blocking jet/prop noise and have great performance. The best place to get them is from the nice folks at headroom in montana <www.headphone.com>

Another great thing to do with your iPod is get a few subscriptions or audio books from Audible.com. I subscribe to NPR's Fresh Air and Car Talk. It's free to listen on air of course, but I am never near a radio when those shows are on. For a good audio book check out Molly Ivin's Bushwhacked. She reads it herself and is pretty masterful.

[bhop46]

I've got a second-generation 10mg ipod and I really enjoy all it can do. Ten megs is small by today's standards, but I have two Douglas Adams books, the 1982 BBC version of the Lord of the Rings, and all of my best music from Bluegrass, to Classical, to Techno, to Anime sountracks, with nearly 2mg to spare. The really neat thing about the Japanese albums is that the album and track information is displayed in Japanese. I can't read it, but it's really cool.

Apple still needs to develop a better solution for battery replacement in their iPods. Replacement started out at $250, and is now down to $99. That's still too much. I hope that by the time my iPod's battery needs replacing, the prices will be much more reasonable.

I removed the belt clip from the Apple case to make the whole thing easier to carry inside my pocket. Tom might consider, however, some sort of strap-around case to attach to the shoulder strap of an ID Messenger bag or the like.