Re: What format? IPOD or ZEN ?

ipod charges via usb as well.. there's something about the ipod and itunes..
the intergration is amazing and it just plain works very well at what it's
suppose to do.. nothing more, nothing less.. I still haven't had that with
any MS product.. it always tries to do too much and ends up suffering in the
end for it.


"terri" <support@thetabletpc.net> wrote in message
news:OJYD85P0EHA.2824@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...

> Sounds as though either will do as you want.
>
> The Zen is a bit less expensive. The other thing is that it can be
> charged through the USB port of your computer, which is nice when you're
> out and about. Not sure if the iPod does that.
>
> Hopefully more folks with iPod experience will chime in with what they
> like best about theirs. Either is a good choice.
> --
> Terri Stratton
> Editor / Owner
> http://thetabletpc.net
> http://themediacenterpc.net
> Microsoft Windows MVP / Tablet PC
>
> "Ritter197" <Ritter197@Comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:b9ednXvo0o-w5z_cRVn-2A@comcast.com...

>> Most of all I want to rip my 100 CD's +.
>> Then I will select some individual songs,in addition, but not a lot.
>> I want GOOD audio quality with a pair of very fine headphones which I
>> have.
>> Finally, I like to have it all in a small "container", like ZEN, IPOD or
>> similar, but with easy functionality.
>>
>> Does this help?
>>
>>
>> "terri" <support@thetabletpc.net> wrote in message
>> news:u1GRTaO0EHA.2676@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...

>>> That's a decision you'll need to make, depending on what you want.
>>>
>>> Those who have iPods love them, but as you note, the zen micro uses many
>>> more formats. I think that if the Creative Zen Micro had come out at
>>> the same time as the iPod, it might have made a big difference in
>>> popularity.
>>>
>>> --
>>> Terri Stratton
>>> Editor / Owner
>>> http://thetabletpc.net
>>> http://themediacenterpc.net
>>> Microsoft Windows MVP / Tablet PC
>>>
>>> "Ritter197" <Ritter197@Comcast.net> wrote in message
>>> news:UOSdnfcYFZNX1j_cRVn-sg@comcast.com...
>>>>I have been looking at many files in this newsgroup and see that IPOD
>>>>uses a
>>>> very limited amount of file formats.
>>>>
>>>> Is it better then to not get an IPOD and go with a ZEN which seems to
>>>> support many more formats?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>

>>
>>

>

I am mostly interested in the following though:
Classical (not new classical)
Operas
Musicals
Old time Jazz

I see very little of this in I-tunes though.

<malingerer@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:upOFeVQ0EHA.2540@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...

> ipod charges via usb as well.. there's something about the ipod and
> itunes.. the intergration is amazing and it just plain works very well at
> what it's suppose to do.. nothing more, nothing less.. I still haven't had
> that with any MS product.. it always tries to do too much and ends up
> suffering in the end for it.
>
>
> "terri" <support@thetabletpc.net> wrote in message
> news:OJYD85P0EHA.2824@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...

>> Sounds as though either will do as you want.
>>
>> The Zen is a bit less expensive. The other thing is that it can be
>> charged through the USB port of your computer, which is nice when you're
>> out and about. Not sure if the iPod does that.
>>
>> Hopefully more folks with iPod experience will chime in with what they
>> like best about theirs. Either is a good choice.
>> --
>> Terri Stratton
>> Editor / Owner
>> http://thetabletpc.net
>> http://themediacenterpc.net
>> Microsoft Windows MVP / Tablet PC
>>
>> "Ritter197" <Ritter197@Comcast.net> wrote in message
>> news:b9ednXvo0o-w5z_cRVn-2A@comcast.com...

>>> Most of all I want to rip my 100 CD's +.
>>> Then I will select some individual songs,in addition, but not a lot.
>>> I want GOOD audio quality with a pair of very fine headphones which I
>>> have.
>>> Finally, I like to have it all in a small "container", like ZEN, IPOD or
>>> similar, but with easy functionality.
>>>
>>> Does this help?
>>>
>>>
>>> "terri" <support@thetabletpc.net> wrote in message
>>> news:u1GRTaO0EHA.2676@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
>>>> That's a decision you'll need to make, depending on what you want.
>>>>
>>>> Those who have iPods love them, but as you note, the zen micro uses
>>>> many more formats. I think that if the Creative Zen Micro had come out
>>>> at the same time as the iPod, it might have made a big difference in
>>>> popularity.
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Terri Stratton
>>>> Editor / Owner
>>>> http://thetabletpc.net
>>>> http://themediacenterpc.net
>>>> Microsoft Windows MVP / Tablet PC
>>>>
>>>> "Ritter197" <Ritter197@Comcast.net> wrote in message
>>>> news:UOSdnfcYFZNX1j_cRVn-sg@comcast.com...
>>>>>I have been looking at many files in this newsgroup and see that IPOD
>>>>>uses a
>>>>> very limited amount of file formats.
>>>>>
>>>>> Is it better then to not get an IPOD and go with a ZEN which seems to
>>>>> support many more formats?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>

>>

>
>

you see very little of this on any online music service

>I am mostly interested in the following though:
> Classical (not new classical)
> Operas
> Musicals
> Old time Jazz
>
> I see very little of this in I-tunes though.

I have an ipod mini and am very impressed with it. Also I am Microsoft
Centric rather than Apple.

I use MCE to rip WMA lossless and for streaming around the house and then
utilise Anapod by www.redchairsoftware.com to do the transcode from wma
lossless to mp3 and transfer the files.

ipod mini

easy to use
easy to sync (even girlfriend can manage it)
not had a problem with audio quality (though I do use the FM transmitter -
griffintechnology.com itrip - for the car, so may not notice)

typcially I do not buy music from the online stores so I can not comment on
the specifics of any, however one of the main reasons for not is the kbps
quality of the recordings. however that is subjective to each person and
there requirements, at home I want the best and on the move I care less
aslong as I have my tunes.......

Napster has a decent selection of staight-ahead jazz and classical. I have a
Zen Touch. I bought a 3G iPod for my brother this year also. The Zen has a
better S/N ratio and I think it sounds better. I did get some Sony earbuds,
though, although the Creative ones were OK. The Sonys are really, really
good at flat response, which you will probably want with your tastes. I also
think going the WMA route will get you a better chance to download music you
like, since there are many more music stores using that format. The Zen also
has the feature of being able to take music off the player and putting it on
your PC. The iPod is one-way only (without addtional software tricks). Using
WMP10 with a Zen, the synchroization is every bit as good (better, in fact)
than iPod and iTunes. iPods are "cool", but the new players from other
companies are better sounding, have much longer battery life, cheaper, more
features, etc.. Competition is helping move the whole field along, but at
the moment I think there are at least a couple small HD players that beat
the heck out of the iPod mini; Rio Carbon and Zen Micro. Check out the
sound specs on the Zen--they are fantastic and I'll tell you they are
correct. The Zens are the best sounding players on the market at the moment.
That's just sound, though, and when you get this good the differences are
not so great (iPod sounds really good, too, so does Rio). You'll have to
compare all the features, etc.
"Ritter197" <Ritter197@Comcast.net> wrote in message
news:yN6dncdMAqbINz_cRVn-qA@comcast.com...

>I am mostly interested in the following though:
> Classical (not new classical)
> Operas
> Musicals
> Old time Jazz
>
> I see very little of this in I-tunes though.
>
> <malingerer@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:upOFeVQ0EHA.2540@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...

>> ipod charges via usb as well.. there's something about the ipod and
>> itunes.. the intergration is amazing and it just plain works very well at
>> what it's suppose to do.. nothing more, nothing less.. I still haven't
>> had that with any MS product.. it always tries to do too much and ends up
>> suffering in the end for it.
>>
>>
>> "terri" <support@thetabletpc.net> wrote in message
>> news:OJYD85P0EHA.2824@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...

>>> Sounds as though either will do as you want.
>>>
>>> The Zen is a bit less expensive. The other thing is that it can be
>>> charged through the USB port of your computer, which is nice when you're
>>> out and about. Not sure if the iPod does that.
>>>
>>> Hopefully more folks with iPod experience will chime in with what they
>>> like best about theirs. Either is a good choice.
>>> --
>>> Terri Stratton
>>> Editor / Owner
>>> http://thetabletpc.net
>>> http://themediacenterpc.net
>>> Microsoft Windows MVP / Tablet PC
>>>
>>> "Ritter197" <Ritter197@Comcast.net> wrote in message
>>> news:b9ednXvo0o-w5z_cRVn-2A@comcast.com...
>>>> Most of all I want to rip my 100 CD's +.
>>>> Then I will select some individual songs,in addition, but not a lot.
>>>> I want GOOD audio quality with a pair of very fine headphones which I
>>>> have.
>>>> Finally, I like to have it all in a small "container", like ZEN, IPOD
>>>> or similar, but with easy functionality.
>>>>
>>>> Does this help?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> "terri" <support@thetabletpc.net> wrote in message
>>>> news:u1GRTaO0EHA.2676@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
>>>>> That's a decision you'll need to make, depending on what you want.
>>>>>
>>>>> Those who have iPods love them, but as you note, the zen micro uses
>>>>> many more formats. I think that if the Creative Zen Micro had come
>>>>> out at the same time as the iPod, it might have made a big difference
>>>>> in popularity.
>>>>>
>>>>> --
>>>>> Terri Stratton
>>>>> Editor / Owner
>>>>> http://thetabletpc.net
>>>>> http://themediacenterpc.net
>>>>> Microsoft Windows MVP / Tablet PC
>>>>>
>>>>> "Ritter197" <Ritter197@Comcast.net> wrote in message
>>>>> news:UOSdnfcYFZNX1j_cRVn-sg@comcast.com...
>>>>>>I have been looking at many files in this newsgroup and see that IPOD
>>>>>>uses a
>>>>>> very limited amount of file formats.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Is it better then to not get an IPOD and go with a ZEN which seems to
>>>>>> support many more formats?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>

>>
>>

>
>

Thanks, that was a very good analysis and very helpful.

I think with all the things you said I will now stay away from IPOD.

Thanks again for a very fine feedback.


"Prilosec" <purple@nni.net> wrote in message
news:OM2FMpl0EHA.1652@TK2MSFTNGP11.phx.gbl...

> Napster has a decent selection of staight-ahead jazz and classical. I have
> a Zen Touch. I bought a 3G iPod for my brother this year also. The Zen has
> a better S/N ratio and I think it sounds better. I did get some Sony
> earbuds, though, although the Creative ones were OK. The Sonys are really,
> really good at flat response, which you will probably want with your
> tastes. I also think going the WMA route will get you a better chance to
> download music you like, since there are many more music stores using that
> format. The Zen also has the feature of being able to take music off the
> player and putting it on your PC. The iPod is one-way only (without
> addtional software tricks). Using WMP10 with a Zen, the synchroization is
> every bit as good (better, in fact) than iPod and iTunes. iPods are
> "cool", but the new players from other companies are better sounding, have
> much longer battery life, cheaper, more features, etc.. Competition is
> helping move the whole field along, but at the moment I think there are at
> least a couple small HD players that beat the heck out of the iPod mini;
> Rio Carbon and Zen Micro. Check out the sound specs on the Zen--they are
> fantastic and I'll tell you they are correct. The Zens are the best
> sounding players on the market at the moment. That's just sound, though,
> and when you get this good the differences are not so great (iPod sounds
> really good, too, so does Rio). You'll have to compare all the features,
> etc.
> "Ritter197" <Ritter197@Comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:yN6dncdMAqbINz_cRVn-qA@comcast.com...

>>I am mostly interested in the following though:
>> Classical (not new classical)
>> Operas
>> Musicals
>> Old time Jazz
>>
>> I see very little of this in I-tunes though.
>>
>> <malingerer@gmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:upOFeVQ0EHA.2540@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...

>>> ipod charges via usb as well.. there's something about the ipod and
>>> itunes.. the intergration is amazing and it just plain works very well
>>> at what it's suppose to do.. nothing more, nothing less.. I still
>>> haven't had that with any MS product.. it always tries to do too much
>>> and ends up suffering in the end for it.
>>>
>>>
>>> "terri" <support@thetabletpc.net> wrote in message
>>> news:OJYD85P0EHA.2824@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
>>>> Sounds as though either will do as you want.
>>>>
>>>> The Zen is a bit less expensive. The other thing is that it can be
>>>> charged through the USB port of your computer, which is nice when
>>>> you're out and about. Not sure if the iPod does that.
>>>>
>>>> Hopefully more folks with iPod experience will chime in with what they
>>>> like best about theirs. Either is a good choice.
>>>> --
>>>> Terri Stratton
>>>> Editor / Owner
>>>> http://thetabletpc.net
>>>> http://themediacenterpc.net
>>>> Microsoft Windows MVP / Tablet PC
>>>>
>>>> "Ritter197" <Ritter197@Comcast.net> wrote in message
>>>> news:b9ednXvo0o-w5z_cRVn-2A@comcast.com...
>>>>> Most of all I want to rip my 100 CD's +.
>>>>> Then I will select some individual songs,in addition, but not a lot.
>>>>> I want GOOD audio quality with a pair of very fine headphones which I
>>>>> have.
>>>>> Finally, I like to have it all in a small "container", like ZEN, IPOD
>>>>> or similar, but with easy functionality.
>>>>>
>>>>> Does this help?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> "terri" <support@thetabletpc.net> wrote in message
>>>>> news:u1GRTaO0EHA.2676@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
>>>>>> That's a decision you'll need to make, depending on what you want.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Those who have iPods love them, but as you note, the zen micro uses
>>>>>> many more formats. I think that if the Creative Zen Micro had come
>>>>>> out at the same time as the iPod, it might have made a big difference
>>>>>> in popularity.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> --
>>>>>> Terri Stratton
>>>>>> Editor / Owner
>>>>>> http://thetabletpc.net
>>>>>> http://themediacenterpc.net
>>>>>> Microsoft Windows MVP / Tablet PC
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "Ritter197" <Ritter197@Comcast.net> wrote in message
>>>>>> news:UOSdnfcYFZNX1j_cRVn-sg@comcast.com...
>>>>>>>I have been looking at many files in this newsgroup and see that IPOD
>>>>>>>uses a
>>>>>>> very limited amount of file formats.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Is it better then to not get an IPOD and go with a ZEN which seems
>>>>>>> to
>>>>>>> support many more formats?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>

>>
>>

>
>

As I understand it the Ipod charges via USB only while attached to a Mac. I
also have used both MP3 and the M4A/AAC and cannot really tell a difference
in playback quality. Any input for audiophiles? Is M4A/AAC going to be a
new standard or should we just rip to MP3?

"malingerer@gmail.com" wrote:

> ipod charges via usb as well.. there's something about the ipod and itunes..
> the intergration is amazing and it just plain works very well at what it's
> suppose to do.. nothing more, nothing less.. I still haven't had that with
> any MS product.. it always tries to do too much and ends up suffering in the
> end for it.
>
>
> "terri" <support@thetabletpc.net> wrote in message
> news:OJYD85P0EHA.2824@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...

> > Sounds as though either will do as you want.
> >
> > The Zen is a bit less expensive. The other thing is that it can be
> > charged through the USB port of your computer, which is nice when you're
> > out and about. Not sure if the iPod does that.
> >
> > Hopefully more folks with iPod experience will chime in with what they
> > like best about theirs. Either is a good choice.
> > --
> > Terri Stratton
> > Editor / Owner
> > http://thetabletpc.net
> > http://themediacenterpc.net
> > Microsoft Windows MVP / Tablet PC
> >
> > "Ritter197" <Ritter197@Comcast.net> wrote in message
> > news:b9ednXvo0o-w5z_cRVn-2A@comcast.com...

> >> Most of all I want to rip my 100 CD's +.
> >> Then I will select some individual songs,in addition, but not a lot.
> >> I want GOOD audio quality with a pair of very fine headphones which I
> >> have.
> >> Finally, I like to have it all in a small "container", like ZEN, IPOD or
> >> similar, but with easy functionality.
> >>
> >> Does this help?
> >>
> >>
> >> "terri" <support@thetabletpc.net> wrote in message
> >> news:u1GRTaO0EHA.2676@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
> >>> That's a decision you'll need to make, depending on what you want.
> >>>
> >>> Those who have iPods love them, but as you note, the zen micro uses many
> >>> more formats. I think that if the Creative Zen Micro had come out at
> >>> the same time as the iPod, it might have made a big difference in
> >>> popularity.
> >>>
> >>> --
> >>> Terri Stratton
> >>> Editor / Owner
> >>> http://thetabletpc.net
> >>> http://themediacenterpc.net
> >>> Microsoft Windows MVP / Tablet PC
> >>>
> >>> "Ritter197" <Ritter197@Comcast.net> wrote in message
> >>> news:UOSdnfcYFZNX1j_cRVn-sg@comcast.com...
> >>>>I have been looking at many files in this newsgroup and see that IPOD
> >>>>uses a
> >>>> very limited amount of file formats.
> >>>>
> >>>> Is it better then to not get an IPOD and go with a ZEN which seems to
> >>>> support many more formats?
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>
> >>
> >>

> >

>
>
>

Ipod mini charges through USB on the PC aswell. Not sure about the 20Gb or
40Gb.