Is getting an i-Pod worth it?

I have a slow computer (Windows 98) and I don't know if getting an i-Pod is worth it if it takes too much to download songs. Does it cost money, or is it illegal? And anything else I need to know. Thanks.

new versions of Windows. Do you have FireWire?

leagal or otherwise. I think they're great. Legal songs can be purchased via iTunes (or a dozen other sources) for anywhere from $0.79 - $0.99.

The rest is up to you. You can go the legit route and use one of the many legal downloading services. Or you can get songs for free, which isn't really illegal, but if you share them, it is. (As is my understanding.)

Downloading music isn't very strenuous on your system, so you should be able to handle it. Unless you have a dial-up connection. Then I say just buy cds.

It is great software; if you haven't tried it is worth downloading.

and from WAPO review of iRiver:

<snip>

But if your music library -- like most -- is dominated by MP3s, there's still no beating the iPod. Except for maybe the iPod mini.

<snip>

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A37467-2004Oct16.html

The first thing I discovered with my iPod is that the charging cable is the same as the pc interface cable (USB2) in a PC system. You can't connect the iPod to ac power and your pc at the same time with that cable. It takes a while for the stuff to upload to the iPod, so the battery can run out before it's done. Of course, there's an optional 'threeway' splitter cable for the iPod, and it's $30 or so.

If you have Firewire on your PC, that's where the iPod draws it's power from, so there's no problem. But if you're using USB2 connectors, you need a wall socket to charge the iPod.

If you leave the iPod hooked to your computer through the USB port, it will charge itself.

In response to the original question, I just bought an iPod a month ago and am in love with it. It is so much less bulky than the Archos Jukebox that I've been lugging around for the past couple years. They're a sound investment. If you already have CDs, you can put them on the iPod, and if you want new songs... the iTunes store is fast downloading, even on Win98.

Check to make sure the ipod software is compatible with windows 98, i'm pretty sure it is.

I think it plays MP3s, but their iTunes website has their own propriatery format (so much for open standards).

Depending on where you get the song, it will be "illegal".

:)

'You do realize suicide's a criminal offense. In less enlightened times they'd have hung you for it.'

From the original Bedazzled, right? (sorry to hijack, I just noticed this!)

Sorry to yell, BUT PLEASE STOP SPREADING DISINFORMATION.

Yes, the format of the iTunes music store is AAC (which is basically MP4 w some copy protection) but do you really think that the Music Companies would have allowed the iTunes store to move forward with a format that does not contain copy protection?

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http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=60920#faq16

Question 16: What audio formats does iPod work with?
Answer:
Mac: AAC (up to 320 kbit/s), MP3 (up to 320 kbit/s), MP3 Variable Bit Rate (VBR), WAV, AIFF, Audible.
Windows: AAC (up to 320 kbit/s), MP3 (up to 320 kbit/s), MP3 Variable Bit Rate (VBR), WAV, Audible.

I just saw a one gig I-pod ( i gures an older one) on sale at hertland American for something like 169 dollrs which is pretty cheap for an I-pod.

I would prefer something like a small handheld drevice like a Dell Axim, with a memory card, wireless connection, and add on keyboard, as you can get store the same stuff as you can with an Ipod, and use the thing to wirelessly hook up to the internet and directly downlad stuff. You can even go to some stores like Panera, and access the net through the stores wireless network, and download on someone elses nickle. It sounds just as good.

...MP3, MP3 VBR, Wav, AAC (MPEG-4), AIFF, WMA, Ogg, and ASF formats.

The songs on iTunes are a protected form of the AAC format, but you can burn or rip songs in any format you wish (with the free iTunes software).

The iPod can also serve as a miniature hard drive to back up or transport your computer files (actually, the iPod is basically just a miniature hard drive!)


I would definitely get one if I had the cash. Both for the music and data storage aspects...

That's all I can say - I like what I have.

I totally love, love, love my iPod Mini.