Considering an iPod Touch. Help needed please.

dreamypuma

It's not often that I frequent this area of the forum, but hope some of you may be able to help.

I'm looking to buy my GF an iPod Touch (8gb), but not being remotely familiar with any of Apple's product I have a number of queries before I commit:

1) Can the iPod Touch be synchronised with Windows Media Player?

2) I have vast library of music on a Vista Laptop, all nicely filed with music details such as track numbers, release dates, artist names and album art. All files are DRM free, and in MP3 format. Will I be able to sync these with the iPod or will it only support those that are bought through iTunes?

3) Is installation of iTunes essential?

4) As my GF and I live seperatley, I have her laptop set up to automatically recognise both my wireless network and hers, automatically, without configuration. Will the iPod allow configuation of multiple accounts and automatic switching, or does it need to be setup each time?

5) What is the average installation size of a typical application on the iPod?

6) Are all iPod apps paid for or is freeware available?

8) Does the iPod now support Flash?

9) How does the iPod recharge? is it USB or Mains power?

10) What video files are supported by the iPod?

Sorry if any of my questions are a bit dumb, but I'm more used to entry level drag and drop type MP3 players, and Windows. Any advise and things to look out for would be very helpful. I've tried googling these questions, but not had much luck or have had conflicting advise. A real users help would be good.

Esqui

1) No, it has to be itunes
2) You can sync any non-DRM mp3 track to the upid and it will support Artist/Track/Album/Track no and lyrics on the player
3) Yes (with a difficult, long-winded way of doing it otherwise)
4) It will be able to connect automatically to both
5) It varies. Some games are as much as 200/300MB, but on average I'd guess around 5/10MB
6) There are some paid, some free (and several cut down versions of paid for apps are avaiable free)
7) *!!!!!!* vanished
8) No, still doesn't
9) It charges via USB, but you can use a USB mains charger
10) Not sure, but I think .mov, .mpg. itunes will convert most other formats though

dreamypuma

Esqui wrote: »

7) *!!!!!!* vanished

7's Unlucky

Thanks for that.

Are there any plans for Flash?
Are iPhone and iPod touch apps and services essentially the same thing or different formats etc?

Will Java be supported by the iPod?

Esqui

I don't *think* there are plans for Flash (certainly not the latest version), due to licensing issues.
The apps are the same for iphone and ipod touch, however, remember the iphone has some features that some apps use which are not supported on the touch (e.g. dialling/voice)
Java is also unlikely to be supported any time soon.

LeeSouthEast

With all it's faults (as highlighted above), it's actually the best device I've ever purchased. And my first Apple buy, too. The App Store is fantastic and makes it a mobile computer rather than a trumped-up flashy music player.

Esqui

Absolutely, I don't know what I'd do if mine broke. Probably wouldn't get one again for compatibility reasons, but it's fantastic otherwise.

-TangleFoot-

Esqui wrote: »

3) Yes (with a difficult, long-winded way of doing it otherwise)

Would you consider doubleTwist, Songbird or MediaMonkey to be long-winded?

dreamypuma

Esqui wrote: »

Absolutely, I don't know what I'd do if mine broke. Probably wouldn't get one again for compatibility reasons, but it's fantastic otherwise.

I have to admit, I'm not a fan of Apple, but looking around, there doesn't seem to be a comparable user friendly, quality branded, product around.

Its a sad day for me. I'm turning to the darkside and may just get myself one too. Soon I'll be listening to Jack Johnson, wearing black polo necks, burning incense sticks and saying things like "Yah"

If anyone disrespects my GF's new iPod and I get defensive (a bit like someone's disrespected my mother) shoot me.

Esqui

If I'd known about them, I wouldn't be using FTP to put music on

Actually, the only one compatible with Linux is Songbird, and that doesn't support the touch yet. So I'll carry on as I am

lesleyvhalifax

1) No, it has to be itunes

I am pretty sure I used realplayer to put music on my ipod

-TangleFoot-

Esqui wrote: »

the only one compatible with Linux is Songbird, and that doesn't support the touch yet.

Hmm... do any of these support the Touch? There's got to be something somewhere you can use.