Transferring CD's to computer

Reuben_3

I want to transfer my cd collection onto my laptop and would like some advice about media players.

I'm aware of Windows Media Player and RealPlayer but are there any other alternatives that are more user-friendly or better sounding? I don't use an mp3/ipod, it's just for listening through a stereo.

superscaper

Personally I do use windows media player (my mp3 player can play wm files): put cd in, click on Rip Tab, Click on Rip Music. Can't get easier than that. I'm sure other people will have other preferences such as iTunes etc.

sandroad

Try AudioGrabber as well. It does a great job of ripping your cd's to mp3's and the CDDB database is pretty good as well.

http://www.audiograbber.com-us.net/

If you want to play your music, try winamp.

http://www.winamp.com (seems to be down at the moment)

Reuben_3

Thanks guys, I'll try these out. Any other recommendations much appreciated.

GlennTheBaker

I use CDex, available from HERE. It rips CD's to various compressed formats such as MP3, OGG, WMA, etc. It is freeware, by the way.

fairytooth

wmp11 beta is available free now - I like it for its free music and video links plus you can encode to mp3 if you go to settings

Reuben_3

Just had a quick look at wmp11 beta. Seems like the kind of thing I'm after and is a visual improvement on wmp 10. A couple of the others look quite complicated/technical.

I understand beta versions are like previews (to iron out potential problems), is it best to wait for the official release to avoid any hiccups?