IPod questions from a numpty...
Discussion
Right, gonna have to buy an IPod. But I have a few questions first that hopefully someone can answer...
-Can't decide between a nano and a standard IPod. I take it only the big one will play video? Any thoughts here, is the screen realistically big enough to watch a video on a train or similar without getting a headache, or do you tend not to really need the video and the nano is good enough?
-Is there a way you can upload your current CD or DVD collection to it?
-If you download a tune from ITunes can it be downloaded to 2 different Ipods? (Me and the missus may both get one)
-If I want to use it in the car which is the better option, one of these short range FM transmitter jobbies or a tape insert thingy?
-I'm going to Las Vegas in January on a conference, and with prices/the dollar out there at the moment it will be cheaper to get one out there. Are there any disadvantages with buying a US version? Will it still charge OK?
Many thanks!!!!
-Can't decide between a nano and a standard IPod. I take it only the big one will play video? Any thoughts here, is the screen realistically big enough to watch a video on a train or similar without getting a headache, or do you tend not to really need the video and the nano is good enough?
-Is there a way you can upload your current CD or DVD collection to it?
-If you download a tune from ITunes can it be downloaded to 2 different Ipods? (Me and the missus may both get one)
-If I want to use it in the car which is the better option, one of these short range FM transmitter jobbies or a tape insert thingy?
-I'm going to Las Vegas in January on a conference, and with prices/the dollar out there at the moment it will be cheaper to get one out there. Are there any disadvantages with buying a US version? Will it still charge OK?
Many thanks!!!!
-Can't decide between a nano and a standard IPod.
<Depends whether you value size or disk space/video playing/games>
I take it only the big one will play video?
<Yes>
Any thoughts here, is the screen realistically big enough to watch a video on a train or similar without getting a headache, or do you tend not to really need the video and the nano is good enough?
<From what I've seen, the screen is superb and readily watchable. However, I have a Nano - size is key for me on a portable music device. If I want something that does more, I take the PSP.>
-Is there a way you can upload your current CD or DVD collection to it?
<Yup - use iTunes or one of the myriad bits of similar software. DVD's need ripping - takes time, but again lots of free software out there. Use Google to find the latest.>
-If you download a tune from ITunes can it be downloaded to 2 different Ipods? (Me and the missus may both get one)
<Yes (can on Mac stuff anyway, I'm sure PCs are the same). You can move tracks to up to 5 devices (1 PC, 4 iPods etc). You can also burn tracks bought in the music store to CD and then rip them without the security. But sound quality can rapidly deteriorate.>
-If I want to use it in the car which is the better option, one of these short range FM transmitter jobbies or a tape insert thingy?
<Neither - get a cable that takes a 3.5mm jack to a phono pair and plug this into your car stereo (assuming your car has the requisite red and white input). If your stereo isn't so equipped, and doesn't have an optional iPod controller (these are avaiable for many newer cars), upgrade it
>
-I'm going to Las Vegas in January on a conference, and with prices/the dollar out there at the moment it will be cheaper to get one out there. Are there any disadvantages with buying a US version? Will it still charge OK?
<No disadvantages. You can buy a UK charger here for 15-20 quid and you'll save more than this (don't think they come with them as standard anyway these days!). Alternatively use the USB cable to charge it.>
<Depends whether you value size or disk space/video playing/games>
I take it only the big one will play video?
<Yes>
Any thoughts here, is the screen realistically big enough to watch a video on a train or similar without getting a headache, or do you tend not to really need the video and the nano is good enough?
<From what I've seen, the screen is superb and readily watchable. However, I have a Nano - size is key for me on a portable music device. If I want something that does more, I take the PSP.>
-Is there a way you can upload your current CD or DVD collection to it?
<Yup - use iTunes or one of the myriad bits of similar software. DVD's need ripping - takes time, but again lots of free software out there. Use Google to find the latest.>
-If you download a tune from ITunes can it be downloaded to 2 different Ipods? (Me and the missus may both get one)
<Yes (can on Mac stuff anyway, I'm sure PCs are the same). You can move tracks to up to 5 devices (1 PC, 4 iPods etc). You can also burn tracks bought in the music store to CD and then rip them without the security. But sound quality can rapidly deteriorate.>
-If I want to use it in the car which is the better option, one of these short range FM transmitter jobbies or a tape insert thingy?
<Neither - get a cable that takes a 3.5mm jack to a phono pair and plug this into your car stereo (assuming your car has the requisite red and white input). If your stereo isn't so equipped, and doesn't have an optional iPod controller (these are avaiable for many newer cars), upgrade it
> -I'm going to Las Vegas in January on a conference, and with prices/the dollar out there at the moment it will be cheaper to get one out there. Are there any disadvantages with buying a US version? Will it still charge OK?
<No disadvantages. You can buy a UK charger here for 15-20 quid and you'll save more than this (don't think they come with them as standard anyway these days!). Alternatively use the USB cable to charge it.>
Hard-Drive said:
Right, gonna have to buy an IPod. But I have a few questions first that hopefully someone can answer...
-Can't decide between a nano and a standard IPod. I take it only the big one will play video? Any thoughts here, is the screen realistically big enough to watch a video on a train or similar without getting a headache, or do you tend not to really need the video and the nano is good enough?
-Can't decide between a nano and a standard IPod. I take it only the big one will play video? Any thoughts here, is the screen realistically big enough to watch a video on a train or similar without getting a headache, or do you tend not to really need the video and the nano is good enough?
Yep, only a full ipod will do video. The others are pretty much music only (I think the nano can/could do photos).
The screen is very watchable and I've had no issues watching a movie on the beast.
Hard-Drive said:
-Is there a way you can upload your current CD or DVD collection to it?
iTunes can rip/encode your CD collection. For video their are some freeware utilities floating about which will transcode to ipod video format.
Hard-Drive said:
-If you download a tune from ITunes can it be downloaded to 2 different Ipods? (Me and the missus may both get one)
I'm not sure on this one. You could be naughty and remove the DRM protection on the download. Google can provide more information on that than I can.
Hard-Drive said:
-If I want to use it in the car which is the better option, one of these short range FM transmitter jobbies or a tape insert thingy?
Tape insert thingie IMHO. Preferably rig up a feed from the ipod to the Aux in on your header unit if possible.
Hard-Drive said:
-I'm going to Las Vegas in January on a conference, and with prices/the dollar out there at the moment it will be cheaper to get one out there. Are there any disadvantages with buying a US version? Will it still charge OK?
Yep, they charge from a USB socket these days so that'll be fine. Don't know of any disadvantages other than perhaps waranty issues, but I'm not sure how well Apple track serial numbers.
What Car stereo do you have, I hate those tape things or the jack leads, just looks a mess, I got a Kenwood unit and you can get a proper lead that links it to the head unit and then the stereo controls the Ipod, and charges it, and it's all hidden away, with the other options you have to use the ipod to change track, which is dangerous.
I got the Nano, to watch a film on a video ipod would be crap (in my opinion!) and once the novelty has worn off would just make it to big!
On the more than one ipod on a pc thing, can you get two piods but use totally different play list on each, I mean can I keep my play list separate from another?
I got the Nano, to watch a film on a video ipod would be crap (in my opinion!) and once the novelty has worn off would just make it to big!
On the more than one ipod on a pc thing, can you get two piods but use totally different play list on each, I mean can I keep my play list separate from another?
Not much more to add. No problem buying one in the US. To Apple the serial number is everything, you can't do anything without it. If it needs repairing (replacing) the system will display the country and date of origin. It's a worldwide warranty, so you'll be fine.
FM transmitters tend not to be as good a quality as tape adapters.
Screen size is suprisingly good at displaying video.
IIRC you can authorise the music for two iPods (four or six maybe)?
FM transmitters tend not to be as good a quality as tape adapters.
Screen size is suprisingly good at displaying video.
IIRC you can authorise the music for two iPods (four or six maybe)?
Thanks for all the advice!
My car stereo is a VW Gamma jobbie, pretty much top of the range double deck thingy with tuner, tape and dash mounted 6 CD autochanger with built in steering wheel controls but alas no phono-in socket (unless it's hidden round teh back somewhere!)
I'll have a look in Vegas and see which one I fancy, if me and teh otehr haof are going to get one then perhaps a biggie and a nano is the best option!
Thanks again,
Iain
My car stereo is a VW Gamma jobbie, pretty much top of the range double deck thingy with tuner, tape and dash mounted 6 CD autochanger with built in steering wheel controls but alas no phono-in socket (unless it's hidden round teh back somewhere!)
I'll have a look in Vegas and see which one I fancy, if me and teh otehr haof are going to get one then perhaps a biggie and a nano is the best option!
Thanks again,
Iain
Talk to VW. They do plenty of iPod kits for their cars...
If the CD changer isn't integrated (almost certainly won't be) then there will be phono connections on the back. IIRC some of the manufacturer kits use the CD changer controls to operate the iPod....
Alpine do a good range of head units for not stupid money that have integrated iPod control (to the point of the display also showing the iPod info). Would also beef up the other functionality and give you an excuse for a new toy at Christmas
If the CD changer isn't integrated (almost certainly won't be) then there will be phono connections on the back. IIRC some of the manufacturer kits use the CD changer controls to operate the iPod....
Alpine do a good range of head units for not stupid money that have integrated iPod control (to the point of the display also showing the iPod info). Would also beef up the other functionality and give you an excuse for a new toy at Christmas
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