OK - I may need an iPod

[RickC]

So what's the deal for an old man who's never downloaded a song?

Looks to me like the 10GB one with an FM transmitter, a dock and a carrying case will let me do all I need:

1. Use for exercise (Run, Bike - is the case necessary to keep sweat off?)
2. Transmit to 911 stereo and home stereo.
3. Replace my old Palm (not sure about this one - how friendly is the iPod contact/calendar list).

Any comments?

I work about 2 blocks from the Apple Store in Chicago and will have to stop there tomorrow if you don't stop me.

Rick

[nostatic]

I'm a gadget guy, but honestly most of them end up going unused...interesting to try, but not rising to the level of "essential" part of my life.

The iPod is a big exception. I cannot live without it. It goes with me everywhere. As for replacing a palm, it hasn't done that with me, as I use handhelds for capturing information, not just reminding me. The contacts list works fine though, and the calendar is OK. I admit that I'm using my 2nd generation unit rather than the latest iteration (I've got one, but it is used as a spare hd right now), as I don't like the new button design. BUT, with the new mic and sound recording capabilities, I may have to switch, as now the iPod CAN be used to capture information (as voice notes). And we'll see what capabilities are in the next revision...

In short: highly recommended.

[RickC]

Thanks for the info.

I'm still waiting for a Treo to merge with an iPod so that I only need one gadget. Like to travel light. Still, iPod is so close I may jump on it even if it's just for a couple of years until they all converge. My old Palm ought to work for input until then. Wonder if voice notes could get me by until I'm near a keyboard...

[nostatic]

it will be awhile before a phone has decent storage size and a reasonable form factor. The latest palm and pocket pc advertise themselves as media machines, but with 64Mb of memory? After you own a 20Gig iPod? It is a joke. Or you can spend a couple hundred for a large SD storage card, but you're still not anywhere near iPod land. Plus you can use the iPod as an external hard drive, and even boot machines off of it if you put a system OS on it. Students routinely use them for listening and for holding video footage, assignments, etc.

There's a reason they've sold a ton of them...

[cegerer]

OK, gadget guy , I was computer shopping last night and saw this Dell version of an iPod:

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/dj?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

I been thinking about an iPod, but this looks good too and maybe a little more 'windows compatible'??? Comments? -- Curt

[BlueSkyJaunte]

As someone recently (and continuing to be) burned by Dell I will state unequivocally, "I will never purchase another item from Dell".

The iPod is Windows compatible and will let you subscribe to iTunes.

The synch/management software (also called iTunes) for the iPod beats the Dell version (MusicMatch, better known as MusicBiatch) hands down. This is not trivial...synch software quality can mean the difference between never using your device and being happily married to it.

[cegerer]

Thanks!

[Stanley]

Originally posted by RickC

1. Use for exercise (Run, Bike - is the case necessary to keep sweat off?)

The new generation ipods are fairly water resistant. I have spilled and splashed stuff on mine plenty of times and it seems to repel it pretty well. I use it when I run all the time and have the case that came with it. It does its job as a case and has a belt clip on it, so I clip it onto my shorts. However, you can't access the buttons while it’s in the case (I personally hate this and will be buying a different case very soon.) BTW. I love my ipod, I take it everywhere I go.

[cantdrv55]

Is there a way to connect the IPod to your car stereo? I have a plain-Jane single CD car stereo (Pioneer) and would like a portable MP3 player for the gym and my car. Maybe I can kill two birds with one IPod. Is this possible?

[BlueSkyJaunte]

There are a few options.

My Blaupunkt Nevada (Reno?) has an aux-in cable.
You could use one of those tapedeck-things.
There are a couple FM transmitters available that plug into the iPod. One, called the "iTrip", is the most compatible from an aesthetic standpoint. Can't guess as to the sound quality etc.

(edit)

A little googling and I find this...
http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/itrip-review.html