MP3 players?

[Matthew]

Hi guys,

this is not a "i hate Apple" free-for-all, nor is it a stimulus for a Windows Vs Linux Vs Apple debate, but just anyone who has some advice (experience and advice).

i am thinking of getting an Ipod (windows version), and have been reading up on articles, reviews and forum comments...

1. has anyone here got one?
2. is yes, any real problems with getting it up and running on a windows (preferably XP) platform?

much appreciated - and please keep replies appropriate?

Matthew

[Matthew]

update on previous post...

i went ahead (very boldy) and shelled out for the Ipod (10Gb) WIN version. it did cost me, but then it is a good piece of kit. I was going to get a laser-engraved Ipod (direct from Apple) but they told me 3-5 days for laser engraving and then 5-7 days shipment from Taiwan!!! decided against it then... just got it local.

never used much Apple hardware apart from stuff like keyboards, mouse but this Ipod is a true piece of Apple genius. Ok, some ppl will voice its size and weight, but then it is a 10Gb hard drive, right??

At the moment, i have about 5 GB MP3 on there, some files and my entire contact list? What else could I ask for??

[abe]

Damn fine bit of kit, I've got an MZN1 Minidisc player tho but it doesnt work with macs so I may change it to an ipod.

[Matthew]

*abe*:

I was quite weary about shelling out the money for it, because I read a lot about the battery problems with iPod and firmware updates, etc!!!

but then, i thought i'd take the risk... the iPod i got was the latest firmware and is Jan 2003 unit, so I hope its as up-to-date and bug free - so far, its been fantastic...

I'm chinese, so 99% of my MP3 are chinese filenames, but I had no problem transferring and viewing chinese fonts on the iPod... even though, it documented as multilingual, loads of ppl have experiencing problems getting tags displaying (even in english)...

i haven't had the problem of using MusicMatch either - i admit, the software could have been designed a little better, but no bugs for my use - its done its job fine...

i got the 10Gb version, which seems to be the better (for me): its the slimmest one, yet still 10GB large!

news is there is 40Gb version on the way, with FireWire800 connection: 800Mbps!!!!

[abe]

I may still not get one for years, I won't have my new laptop for several months, and theres nothing wrong with my MD.

Good to hear its worth it and it works with your requirements well.

[Matthew]

*abe*

yep - though i have my iPod, there is still use for my MD. There is still use for my other MP3 player - back then, when I got my Sony MP3 player, i thought it was the business - 128Mb!!! i could get about 30 songs on it!!! wow!

if as you say, it will be a long time before you get an iPod, then by the time i visualise that the capacity of iPod will at least double and the compression of MP3 (of whatever it is then) will have doubled as well... thus we and most of the community will have to go to great lengths to fully use the potential of these great whites!!!

[abe]

Well I look forward to the day I get a 240gb iPod :p