Large storage Mp3 players aside from iPods? Plus, a few iPod Questions....

Tunstallstoven

Hi all

I've had my eye on an iPod Classic 160gb but before I go ahead and get one I wondered what alternatives there are. A quick google found me the Cowon X7 but that seems a fair bot more expensive.

Any others?
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Also, as I've never had an iPod before, there are a few things I am uncertain about...:

1. Do you have to install and/or use iTunes? Or can you use a third party app and NEVER install iTunes?

2. Can you save in mp3 format and not use acc files? What other formats can be used?

3. What's the difference between the different generations? And what's the most up to date generation for the classic?


Many thanks

Max

googler

There are third-party software suites which will load an iPod, but they are designed to go hand-in-hand with iTunes.

If you do use iTunes, and you already have an mp3 library, and want to add to it in mp3 format, then once you have iTunes installed, import the mp3s using the 'Add Folder to Library' option. This will create links to your mp3s from iTunes, rather than duplicating all the mp3s within the library (which would take double the disc space).

A few caveats for this approach - you have to leave the mp3s where they are, or else iTunes loses track of them - it remembers where they were when you imported them. If you have them on an external drive, you have to have that drive connected when you Sync the iPod or change any track details.

Anselm

Media monkey is an alternative to itunes, had no problems with it before I sold my ipod

Ipod generations explained here http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPod_Classic

jenniewb

I'd imagine you'd need to be very techno-brained to get your ipod to connect to your computer and not load up itunes- added to this the regular softwear updates you'd miss and so on. But I guess everything can be hacked into in some way and adjusted, just can't imagine it would be easy to do this.

Maybe ask the technology brains on the techie board?