ipods rock. i'd say that it's a must-have item.. although i would think about getting a mini instead of a full size one, since they're easier to carry around... you don't need all your music on your ipod, and can store them on your computer instead, updating your mini as you feel like it. do you know how to rip your CD collection into mp3's?

I don't have an iPod, but I got a similar thing made by a company called iRiver: at the time (a year or so ago) it did the same thing as the iPod but was basically better (though not quite smooth and shiny) - it has a built in microphone so you can use it as a dictaphone, and it also plays the patent-free, better-quality-than-mp3 'ogg' files (I don't like listening to mp3s on headphones - they make my ears feel funny). The iPod might well have caught up in the mean time, but the iRiver thing is worth a look, too, if you live without rounded white corners...!

Doh. Sorry, I missed out the word 'can' in the last sentence there...

thanks for all the views!

nick! i checked out iRiver... it looks good... but i doesn't have a nice docking thingy to place it with nice speakers... but it is techinical-specs-wise much better than the iPod. the radio is a nice thing to have... and i like the fact you could add an e-book to it and read it from there... spiffy. but it seems i could only get it in London?! hmmm.

oh help... =c?

no stel, i still have to learn how to rip CDs... i am so far behind the techno-age (how embarrassing!)... you could give me some cool tips!

of course go for the iPod. But of course I'm such a sucker for its beautiful look. And ripping CDs is so easy that even me, far more behind you in the techno-age, can do it. So you don't have to worry!

well, i've decided to put it off again... although i was quite keen on the 60gig iPod because it could come in real handy as an extra storage for my files, not just music files but also research-related documents too, some of which are usually much too big for a flash drive to do quick transfers... but now i am thinking that it's functionality is quite limited... the thing is i don't mind paying more for something i could use for a long time... i'd hate to have to switch to something 'better' in a year's time...

oh well, we'll see.

Ripping CDs using iTunes is SUCH a breeze. You can even configure it such that you insert an audio CD, and it will automatically rip it into MP3's or AACs or Apple Lossless Codec (ie. as close as you can get to CD quality)... and eject the disc when it's done!

Naturally, coming from me, I'd say get an iPod. But the 60GB iPod Photo is quite thick. Thicker than my old third-generation 40GB iPod.

And I agree with Stel, you may only need an iPod mini. Unless photos are a necessity. Agreed, iRiver has more features but less looks. iPod has lots of third-party add-ons so you can still get a separate microphone, radio etc.

hellO!
i guess i'm a little late - but just thought to add a few things.

1) i wanted to use my iPod as an extra harddrive, but was advised to use an external HDD instead

2) i have a 20GB 4th generation iPod, it's quite alright to lug around, and i know a friend who brings around his 60GB ipod photo everywhere in his pocket.

3) go for the iPod if you like the form factor =) i think the iRivers have more functionality.

thanks so much everyone! it's really good to have your opinions... and hellO! back to you, a l! =C)

i am glad i don't have to worry about ripping CDs now... =c)

so it seems that iRiver wins in functionality... i will have to find someone here with an iRiver and try to play with it for a bit... i wonder if Altec-Lansing would make a portable speaker-thingie too for the iRivers... or that iRiver adapt their products for docking into the speakers... hmmm.

do keep the opinions/views coming if there's more...

i actually connect my iPod to my computer speakers rather than buying iPod specific speakers like the altec lansing or a bose. =) not as pretty of course, but the speakers weren't too expensive and they allow me to use it with other equipment (like my Korg!).

(I remember my german friends telling me that the iPods were going much cheaper in Singapore than back in germany, so maybe you could get one back here if you're heading home anytime soon =))

yeah do you want me to check on ipod prices in HK as well? can then mail over to you, although it may be worth checking them out in the US... often you get discounts and refunds thru rebates...

would advise against using the ipod as a permanent data storage thingie (get the external HDD as a l suggested instead)... it's not v convenient, plus it's a real pain if you're trying to transfer things from mac to pc. the shuffle's much better in that respect, although you have size limitations there

anyway, your best bet is prolly the ipod mini (as a pure music player)h- it's light, looks good, and user-friendly, plus you can add on cool gadgets later coz many 3rd party vendors supports ipod

yup... a l, i do have an Altec-Lansing that came with my first laptop and have been using it for over 8 years now... i just thought that if i had an ipod i could possibly get a smaller portable set of speakers since i am moving about so much...

hey stel, thanks but i've checked that it is much cheaper in the US cf. UK so i could still get it when i get over there... (why is it that the first part of the visa application takes more than forever?!?)

i guess the thing about 3rd-party stuff that gets me is why didn't ipod/apple include them in the first place?! for that reason i prefer the iRiver for its multifunctionality -- just seems more practical; i hate to have to carry about so many gadets. also i'd prefer not to have a mini since it's again a hassle to transfer tunes to and from it because of space limitations...

argh, we should get germans to design these things... "vorsprungdurchtecnik!" == 'springing ahead (of our times) through technology' although i tend to translate it as 'technology ahead of our times'... haha

Hey, have a go at this review. Its comprehensive
http://www.infosyncworld.com/reviews/n/5763.html

ahh, thanks for the link, Gor!

it got me looking up more...

for iRiver: http://www.photographyblog.com/index.php/weblog/comments/iriver_announces_pmp140_and_pmp120_portable_entertainment_devices/

against ipod photo: http://dpnow.com/1278.html
and http://portableaudio.engadget.com/entry/1234000010032894/
(it's kind of disappointing though... since i am often quite enthusiastic about apple/mac's stuff even though i don't own any of it... but it seems like a typical consumerist product these days. sigh.)

i really should find a retail store to check out the iRiver myself... it's not too hard finding someone with an ipod to play about... hmm