I have a substantial collection of classical music on CD which I want to transfer to an Ipod so that I don't have to use my elderly, bulky but serviceable Walkman.
Can I buy an Ipod that will accept the collection and catalogue it so that I can select what I want to listen to? I know nothing about these instruments but I understand that on the models available, only random selection is possible.
Any expert help and advice will be gratefully appreciated.
The only one that does not support play lists is the Shuffle, so the Nano and the standard ipod will suit your needs. The Nano is solid state and only goes up to 4Gb, so will not hold many classic tracks, but is very portable. Suitable if you don´t mind uploading/downloading tracks as you want them from your PC. The standard ipod comes in 30Gb and 60Gb versions. There have been some issues with reliability on the 30Bg version and, of course, it only has half the storage. So I´d recommend the 60Gb version.
Buying an ipod does not mean you are stuck with iTunes, there are other software packages which will allow you to upload/download tracks without the hassle of copy protection problems. But it will not give the ease of drag and drop compatibility with any PC. Look at the Creative range and other alternative options. (ps, the Sony range also uses proprietory software, which is why I also stick clear of them)
If you are uploading your files for the first time, do it in a high quality, low loss format like WAV, you can always convert/copy/compress to OGG, ACC, MP3 etc later if you need the space, but quality lost at the start is gone forever.
Go for the nano if you intend to do running with it, the harddrive ipods tend to seize up after prolonged shaking even with the shake buffer protection.
Go to an applestore if you can and check them out in person.
ORACs right - if you're ripping from your own CDs then you don't need to be tied in to Apple's proprietary system.
Here's the most important piece of advice anyone will give you today:
Never ever ever buy a music player (or digital camera for that matter) that requires special software to transfer files. Never.
Go for a player that just appears as an extra hard drive when you plug it in and supports drag-and-drop file management. That way you can organise your collection the way you want.
And MP3 sucks. You want a player that supports OGG Vorbis format - much better quality, especially for your classical collection.
I have had a Creative Zen Sleek 20gb for a year, love it, also use it to back up my PC files, haven't got a hope of filling it with my CD collection so I'd have no use for 60gb unless I suddenly wanted to start watching hour-long TV shows on it...
Also means I don't have to potentially put up with Apple's legendary arrogance when it comes to their old products. Dunno if they've stopped supporting any of their MP3 products yet, but that's their reputation...
I also did a bit of research before buying my MP3 and it seemed to me that Apple's Itunes software got stroppy if you wanted to run more than one Apple MP3 player off the same PC (eg. if you and another family member).
I did have a problem with my MP3 in the early days - it would sometimes (probably once per six weeks) hang on start-up. They sent me a download solution, that didn't fix it, so they happily replaced it, no quibbles. No problems since (and I go running with it three or four times a week).
I have a 30gb ipod and I love it! It gets used on a daily basis and I'm thinking of getting a nano for use in the gym (for the reason stated above, as it's not based on a hard drive, it is less likely to go wrong due to vibrations and shaking). Here's my 2p worth...
You have a substantial classical music collection (I'm assuming 50 CDs) and you are also being advised to use a non-compressed format (such as .wav). In that case, you will need a device with a large storage capacity. The ipod Nano is NOT the right choice. You should look at the 30 or 60gb models.
However - watch this space and keep your plastic in your pocket for a little longer, as there are rumours that Apple will be unveiling new products in about a month at a show in Paris, that may include 8gb Nanos (still too small for you) and updated ipods (in terms of storage and style).
However (part 2) - ipods are not suitable for classical music, dance/club compilations and other albums that combine tracks (ie when the end of one track starts the other and there is a seamless join - think some epic Pink Floyd albums). Apple software does not support this feature. There is a crossfade function, but this doesn't work and selecting 0 seconds between tracks also doesn't work, as you still get a slight pause, which is very annoying.
So, I would look at other devices. I cannot suggest any, as my ipod was a gift and I did not research the market. See the recommendations above - and note that SanDisk have also launched a player very recently.
My first Ipod died after a week or so, and I had to get fairly shirty with Apple to replace it - they wanted to have it back and repair it.
The second one has been fine for the six months or so since I got it. It's a 30GB, loaded with about 100 CDs of mostly classical music. It goes everywhere with me. MP3 isn't as crystal clear as original CD tracks, but my hearing isn't what it used to be, either.
The battery life is nothing like the adverts claim: I get 8 - 10 hours out of mine. I have a battery extender with 4 x AA cells which powers it for longer than I'll ever need.
If you do choose an Ipod and if you're the only Ipod user on your PC, then Itunes is OK. Otherwise, pick something else.
The headset (endearingly called "earbuds") that comes with an Ipod is dreadful - uncomfortable, poor sound quality, and falls out of the ear all too easily. I bought a Sony replacement for £30 and am very pleased with it. The tatty white Ipod thing went in the bin.
I am relaiably informed by people who have used these things that the iRiver range seems to be the most robust and flexible - iPods are for those who want to be seen with an iPod, not because they want the best bit of kit
I bought one of the above players and its a f g nightmare. Cant see the screen in the sun. Needs Sony software to load..Volume knob fell off within a few weeks. Turns its self on in my bag so that when I want to use it the battery is flat.
Did somebody mention running? After surviving just another marathon a few days ago I can only recommend iPod Nano. I have a 2Gt version, in practice ca 650 pieces. For the race I built a play list HCM2006, 69 pieces, total length 4.24, actually - to cover the whole race - should have added Freebird live version. . . anyway, with beyerdynamics sx10 earphones the weight of the whole set is next to nothing. Even if you don´t run, iPod Nano is a good choice, me thinks. . . s.
I have a 60gb Ipod Photo . It is perfect for storing lots of music and photos . Video works , I have transfered films from DVD to it BUT you need additional software which I ended up buying . It is proprietary BUT it works and is easy to use whats more there its lots of information out there Apples own web site will answer most questions . There is also a mass of third party software that adresses the limitations others have mentioned . Beware the finish though it looks good but scratches very easisily I bought a Belkin flip case for mine . eBuyer prices for ipods are good .
Has anybody any experience of using the FM transmitter that allows you to have an ipod in the car, and transmit the output via the car stereo? CP junior will sit for hours on a journey listening to audiobooks, and I am wondering whether downloading them onto an ipod, rather than having to stop when he wants to hear something that I haven't put into the CD changer in the boot.
JetBlast member 2005. JetBlast member 2006. Banned 2007
Join Date: Apr 2006
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Just stay away from them completely
I just got the 60GB video model (from a garage sale ) and now I have yet another technical challenge to overcome. I'm just sick of the twentieth century (1) and wish I could live at least two hundred years ago.
(1) yes, yes I know, but I haven't made it to C21 yet
Location: Back in the land of the singing aardvarks looking for the escape hatch.....
Age: 42
Posts: 1,207
Quote:
Originally Posted by Taildragger67
I also did a bit of research before buying my MP3 and it seemed to me that Apple's Itunes software got stroppy if you wanted to run more than one Apple MP3 player off the same PC (eg. if you and another family member).
Well, I can only say that we run 3 Ipods from our PC, Mrs Noise has a Mini, Jnr and I both have 4 gig Nanos, and we have never had any problems. I do agree with Keef about the headphones, the standard Ipod ones are cack. I spent 30 sovs on a set of Sony 'in ear' buds for normal use, and a set of Panasonic 'clip' over the ear ones for the gym for 15 sovs.
Has anybody any experience of using the FM transmitter that allows you to have an ipod in the car, and transmit the output via the car stereo?
I have a Griffin iTrip that I got when I first got my 4 Gen 20 Gig iPod (which has proven to be almost indestructible). Overall, it ain't a bad little transmitter. Sound quality can range from average to very good, but it can depend upon what frequency you transmit on (you "load" the freqs onto your iPod from a CD and tell the iTrip which one to use). Here in the prairies it's not so bad as there aren't as many FM radio stations around to interfere, but you can get a little "breakthrough" if there is one close to the freq you choose. I've also found that power lines do interfere with the signal, as does the microwave link dish at work (makes sense). It does burn the juice from the battery a little more (I would say about 10ish %).
There are newer types of transmitter out there, and I'm sure the technology has improved. Best thing, install a stereo with an Aux port and just plug the iPod straight in.
Sony NW-A1000 6Gb
g nightmare. Cant see the screen in the sun. Needs Sony software to load..Volume knob fell off within a few weeks. Turns its self on in my bag so that when I want to use it the battery is flat. 
