Ready to go Digital - need iPod help

[Sayburr]

Well, my 400 disc CD player broke last night. I currently own over 2,000 CDs. I think I am ready to embrace the digital age by buying a MP3 player, but I am confused as hell.

Amazon has so many listed I have no clue where to start, so I am hoping some people here will be able to help.

Here is what I am hoping for:
1) Be able to categorize music and than play random songs from that category.
An example of this would be a category called "Lake" where I can put songs about drinking, swimming, boating, and just having a good time so when Alesia and I are at the lake drinking beer in the boat in the middle of South Holston Lake we get songs by Jimmy Buffett and none by Megadeth.

2) Be able to play the music via the radio system in the boat.
This would mean some way to broadcast from the i-Pod to the radio. I think I remember there being a way to do that, but can't be positive. I know the boat radio, nor my car radio, or the system at the house has a docking bay for an i-pod so I am hoping there is another option that doesn't require me to purchase new stereos for everything I own.

3) Hold lots of songs
I have no idea how many songs 1 gig holds. I know the CD player that just broke had around 5,000 songs (low average of 14 songs per disc). I don’t think an ipod will hold that many songs, but I would like to get a feel for the number of songs I can have stored

4) Can I rip my CDs to MP3s and put them on the ipod or do I have to purchase though Apple's store
Yeah, I know, stupid question, but one I am not positive about at this time. I assume I can rip the songs and store them, but I seem to recall talk about some type of security feature that forced you to purchase songs to reduce piracy.

5) Any advice you can give beyond that will be greatly appreciated.

[RidethePiggy]

For questions 3 and 4:

3 - Depending on your rip quality (I'd definitely go the max possible, 320kbps is fantastic quality) the file sizes are going to vary. At 320kbps you're more than likely going to have a file size of 13MBish per song (on average). So, 5000 songs x 13MB per song = about 63GBs.

4 - Yes, you can rip your CDs and load up your iTunes (if you have the program, it's free, get it) and synchronize your library to your iPod.

Oh, for number 2:
You can use a radio transmitter for the iPod but it's absolute garbage, I've never found one that works well in most conditions. However, since you'd be on a boat (and more than likely standing still?) the transmitter may work depending on your location. I've noticed in the car it'll pick up a lot of interference from other radio transmissions and devices.

[jammmer]

1.Yes you can break up songs by genre.metal,rock,etc. and you can also make playlists like "Lake" and put all songs you like in it.

2.Yes,there are transmitters sold that will do what you want to do but you will need a car lighter or 12vdc power source.

3.I have a 30 gig and holds around 7,500 songs

4.Yes,you can rip songs to it.

One of the greatest purchases of my life,I don't know how I did without it.
If it broke right now,I would immediately go get a new one.
Hope that helps.

[Sayburr]

OK, so I need at least a 20 gig and a transmitter, even though they are not great.

Is there a certian type better than the others? Nano, shuffle, touch?

I am also seeing stuff like 3rd generation, 4th generation... which is the best/newest?

32 gig touch for $270, is that good?
http://www.amazon.com/Apple-touch-Generation-NEWEST-MODEL/dp/B002M3SOC4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1263314718&sr=1-3

[bood-boy]

the touch is so much cooler than a standard MP3 player. i dont even use my laptop anymore. well, maybe once a week or so.
touch also has bluetooth built in, so if ur receiver has BT capabilities u wont even need a transmitter.
the higher the number the generation, the newer the model.

[RidethePiggy]

Lots of people like the iTouch alot, I suppose if you want a touch screen (and beautiful) interface with the ability to do a bit more than play music that's a good way to go. edit: forgot about BT capabilities, that helps alot! Bluetooth speakers/transmission is much better than radio wave transmission.

I use a nano myself but that's because I want it well-hidden and it is mounted in my car, so the smaller the better.

The shuffle isn't a good choice due to the lack of a screen. For what you'd be using it for the lack of a screen would be a major negatron.

The only real benefit to the iPod classic is large capacity for low-price.

The generations may not make much difference to you:
Wiki Link of iPod generations and differences (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_iPod_models)

[bood-boy]

then get a 120GB classic, unless they make bigger ones.
then u get to play with the iwheel :D

[topperharley]

If you just want it to store/play your music, don't bother with the iTouch, as they don't make them with anywhere near as much storage space as the basic iPods. Get a 120GB iPod, and you should be able to store a good chunk of your CD collection. I had ~600 CDs ripped at 192 kbps, and it was ~32GB.

[Mex]

Sayburr, just wanted to mention, you don't have to buy an iPod necessarily. There are other MP3 players out there that may do exactly what you want at a lower price.

[topperharley]

Shhh! How can we induct him into iCult unless we convince him that iPod is the only choice?

[RidethePiggy]

The only downside to the iPod (for most users) is the lack of drag and drop from your PC to the MP3 player.

Unless they changed that with the iTouch?

The library sync bothers me.

[Inapprope]

1) Sounds like you want a playlist feature. All iPods (apart from the shuffle) have this feature. Playlists can be created in iTunes, where songs from your library can simply be dragged into the playlist, which you can then add to your iPod. I think there is a way of creating a playlist while on your iPod, although you can only rename it on your PC.

2) There a couple of ways to do this, depending on prefrences and what sockets the device has. You could simply use a cable that has a 3.5mm stereo jack on each end (something like this (http://www.play.com/Electronics/Electronics/4-/7889457/iSound-Audio-Connect-3-5mm-Cable-For-iPod-MP3-1-m/Product.html)). If your car radio/boat radio doesn't have the correct jack socket, you could use an FM transmitter like this (http://www.play.com/Electronics/Electronics/4-/3478503/Wireless-FM-Stereo-MP3-Ipod-Transmitter/Product.html?ptsl=1&ob=Price&fb=0) to transmit your music via a radio signal, although the sound quality may be reduced slightly.

For what you need, I recommend an iPod Classic. Plenty of memory to hold high quality files, and also plays videos which may or may not want.

[RidethePiggy]

Ah yeah!
Using an iPod to Aux cable would work great. You can also use 3.5mm to Aux BUT I've had issues in my apartment with the ladyfriend's iPod. Her classic doesn't like many 3.5mm cables and tend to "lose" any left stereo sound.

[Sayburr]

Yeah, from what I have heard so far, a ipod classic with a FM transmitter will do me the best. Can utilize the software to make categories and than play those categorized songs through the FM radio band, but at a slightly lessened quality.

Well, the radio on the boat and the one in the boat house are not that great anyway, so quality is not extremely important. It is not like I have Bose speakers... Using at home will be a slightly different situation, however, since I do have high-end stereo equipment there. Maybe use a 3/5mm to aux would work there since I can unhook that broken CD player.

[bmaninc]

You should get a Microsoft Zune. The interface is nice, it comes with large storage solutions, and the software is beautiful. Also, if you have a tape deck in your car like I do, get one of those cassette players to hook up to it. The FM transmitter does not give you 100% quality audio.

[RidethePiggy]

Pretty much any 3.5mm to cassette adapter would work.
The Zune looks pretty nice as well but I have no personal experience with it. I remember when it was initially released the price compared to iPod was pretty ridiculous.

[bmaninc]

www.zune.net

I personally don't like the iPod/iTunes interface at all so this was a great alternative.

[bood-boy]

ipods work with the tape deck attachment too.

[RidethePiggy]

Zune Classic 120GB: $230 or $1.91a GB (from Amazon/Buy.com link from Zune.com)

iPod Classic 160GB: $249 or $1.55 a GB (from Apple store)

And, if you bother with web-reviews, CNET posted this lil bout between the two:
CNET iPod Classic vs Zune 120 (http://reviews.cnet.com/4370-6490_7-706-101.html?tag=mncol;txt)

[bmaninc]

Yeah, in that comparison, the only things that the iPod won were "sexiness" (yippee) and compatibility, but since he's ripping CD's mostly, that won't matter.

[RidethePiggy]

Very true. Also, lots of points were lost by the Zune for not being mac-compatible, which is understandable for most users to but Sayburr might be completely moot.

The Zune looks really nice, I could use a new mp3 player....

[bmaninc]

The Zune also allows user-made games through XNA.

[Explosion2]

Although it seems that a Zune doesn't work with a mac.
Hopefully you have a PC. :D

I also have a Zune, and I really like it. They also offer that zune pass, I think it's $15 a month (it's optional) and you can download any things you want from the store unlimited. If you stop paying for the subscription, though, all that stuff goes bye-bye.

[bmaninc]

He has so many CD's it seems like the Zune Pass or even iTunes wouldn't appeal to him.

[jonoo24]

I have an itouch and hate apple with a passion.

I plan to get another mp3 player soon. I will be buying the "DRM-free-if-you-pay-more" versions of songs, then switching over to zunepass/amazon mp3 online purchases.

[bmaninc]

I usually purchase through Limewire.

[Daemius]

The only downside to the iPod (for most users) is the lack of drag and drop from your PC to the MP3 player.

Unless they changed that with the iTouch?

The library sync bothers me.

You can turn the sync option off on your iPod, always have been able to to my knowledge.

[The Highway To Hell]

Well, my 400 disc CD player broke last night. I currently own over 2,000 CDs. I think I am ready to embrace the digital age by buying a MP3 player, but I am confused as hell.

Amazon has so many listed I have no clue where to start, so I am hoping some people here will be able to help.

Here is what I am hoping for:
1) Be able to categorize music and than play random songs from that category.
An example of this would be a category called "Lake" where I can put songs about drinking, swimming, boating, and just having a good time so when Alesia and I are at the lake drinking beer in the boat in the middle of South Holston Lake we get songs by Jimmy Buffett and none by Megadeth.

2) Be able to play the music via the radio system in the boat.
This would mean some way to broadcast from the i-Pod to the radio. I think I remember there being a way to do that, but can't be positive. I know the boat radio, nor my car radio, or the system at the house has a docking bay for an i-pod so I am hoping there is another option that doesn't require me to purchase new stereos for everything I own.

3) Hold lots of songs
I have no idea how many songs 1 gig holds. I know the CD player that just broke had around 5,000 songs (low average of 14 songs per disc). I don’t think an ipod will hold that many songs, but I would like to get a feel for the number of songs I can have stored

4) Can I rip my CDs to MP3s and put them on the ipod or do I have to purchase though Apple's store
Yeah, I know, stupid question, but one I am not positive about at this time. I assume I can rip the songs and store them, but I seem to recall talk about some type of security feature that forced you to purchase songs to reduce piracy.

5) Any advice you can give beyond that will be greatly appreciated.I'm about to help you out dearly with a satisfying YES to all your questions.


Question 1 - Yes you can categorize certain songs without other showing up by creating playlists. Create a playlist in iTunes (download it if you don't have it yet). You can add any song you want to your playlists and even set it to loop or not. And when you sync it to your iPod, you can select this custom playlist you've made and it will play only songs from that playlist. Also, you can make as many playlists as you want.

Question 2 - YES you can play music on your boat radio if it has a USB port. There is a charge cable that comes with your iPod that allows you to hook it up to your computer via USB. You can hook this up to a USB port on your radio and then you should be able to play it off the boat.

Question 3 - Don't even worry. With the right iPod you will be able to hold 5,000 songs. But not with 1 gig. I recommend you get an iPod Classic 80 Gig model. It's pretty cheap for an iPod at only $200. You can also watch downloadable movies and TV shows via iTunes store.

Question 4 - You can rip your albums to iTunes at no charge. And you can also buy songs off the iTunes store.

Question 5 - You can also store photos on the iPod Classic (if that's what you decide to buy. There's really nothing else to shout out. If you need any more info or help, just send me a PM.

[Jglaubman]

Unless you plan on buying some Apps from the App Store, just go with the iPod Classic. The 160 GB can hold 40,000 songs (according to Apple.com).

[Explosion2]

He has so many CD's it seems like the Zune Pass or even iTunes wouldn't appeal to him.

yeah, but it's still a bullet point that I figured I should bring up.

also, if he has a mac, then the zune would definitely be a problem.