Apple Ipod vs. Microsoft Zune ???

[PDRed302]

My girl is wanting an mp3 player for x-mas and at first I was thinking that an Ipod would be the way to go. But since then I have been reading a lot of discussion boards and seeing a lot of frustrated ipod users. I searched around on Best Buy's website and found something called a "Microsoft Zune MP3 Player " it's got the same storage and functions as the ipod but doesnt seem to need all the b.s. add on stuff for the comp that the ipod does.

I've got gigs and gigs of music, videos and pictures already download onto my PC using different programs like media player, Kazza, Limewire etc. And it seems like it'd be a big pain in the ass to get these to work with the ipod since it's not based on a explorer interface.

My main question is: does anyone have one of these damn things (ZUNE) or anything like it and if so, is it pretty user friendly? I'd just like something that's easy to use and won't require me spending hours and hours searching for programs to re-format all of the shit that I already have.

Thanks ahead for any info, input or advice
Ray

[hector lavoe]

Ray, if you don't like her very much get her a Zune.

Nothing says I love you like an 80 gig video Ipod.

[Lason]

I see alot of people that dont like the Zune but no one has given any concrete reason. The main reason the iPod is so big IMO is because of the accesories that are available. Even aftermarket car radios are coming "iPod ready". IMO, there are tons of better MP3 players out there than the iPod but the aftermarket for them is what kills them. Creative for example is another great thing company to look at for MP3 players.

[usmcluke]

My father in law has a ZUNE, and its pretty bad ass. There is no basis for the ZUNE hating. They have builtin wireless, FM tuner, and bluetooth. Ipod has builtin NOTHING.
I personally have the Creative Zen 30gb video and its perfect for me. No hassling with DRM, no iTunes, long battery life, and most accessories for the ipod will work with the other mp3 players, it just depends on how they interface with the player.
I have never owned an IPOD but as long as apple buys into the DRM hype and limits you on how you can use your music they can suck a nut. Go Creative or MS, you won't be sorry.

[DarkWolf]

[QUOTE=PDRed302]My girl is wanting an mp3 player for x-mas and at first I was thinking that an Ipod would be the way to go. But since then I have been reading a lot of discussion boards and seeing a lot of frustrated ipod users. I searched around on Best Buy's website and found something called a "Microsoft Zune MP3 Player " it's got the same storage and functions as the ipod but doesnt seem to need all the b.s. add on stuff for the comp that the ipod does.[/quote]

Huh?

BS add on stuff? Like what? iPod comes with headphones, and a cable to connect to the computer. Also comes with iTunes to sync your music/library (or you can download the latest version of iTunes from Apple's website).

What else do you need for the iPod?

I've got gigs and gigs of music, videos and pictures already download onto my PC using different programs like media player, Kazza, Limewire etc. And it seems like it'd be a big pain in the ass to get these to work with the ipod since it's not based on a explorer interface.

No more of a pain in the ass than it'd be to get them on a Zune... which also doesn't have an explorer based interface, and instead you have to sync using the Zune marketplace/player thing... just like iTunes.

And, just like the iPod, you'll have to convert most of those video's to a format readable by the Zune. As long as your music is in mp3, syncing shouldn't be a problem, whether you get an iPod or a Zune.

My main question is: does anyone have one of these damn things (ZUNE) or anything like it and if so, is it pretty user friendly? I'd just like something that's easy to use and won't require me spending hours and hours searching for programs to re-format all of the shit that I already have.

Thanks ahead for any info, input or advice
Ray

Honestly, from all reviews I've seen on the Zune so far, at best it's as easy to use as an iPod. Typically it's got some quirks that make it a little more of a pain in the ass than an iPod. And I've seen reviews where the first boot up resulted in the Zune crashing, and the marketplace software causing problems with Windows as well. Though those problems don't seem to be very widespread.

If you want something user-friendly that has a large backing of supported accessories (such as car chargers and the like), then you'd be better off getting an iPod. There's some 60 million iPods in circulation right now... Microsoft is hoping to get 1 million Zunes in circulation by March. There's just not that much 3rd party support for it.

They have builtin wireless, FM tuner, and bluetooth. Ipod has builtin NOTHING.

The wireless is useless... it's for "sharing" music with other Zune users. Music that disappears after 3 plays or 3 days, whichever comes first. And they can't send music you sent to them, to someone else. It's a joke, and nothing more than a bullet point for marketing. It also cuts battery life from 12-13 hours, down to about 3 or 4 hours, if you forget to turn off the wireless.

The FM tuner is nice, if you like listening to the radio. I got an mp3 player to listen to my music, because I can't stand the music on the radio. I imagine that's why a lot of people got mp3 players. If I wanted to listen to the radio on the go, I'd buy a $5 portable radio from wal-mart, not a $250+ mp3 player.

Bluetooth? Umm... no.

iPod is what it is. A music player. It does what it does very well, with no headaches.

That being said, you can't seriously expect Apple to idly sit by. If... and that's a big if... If the Zune's wireless function starts to show some actual merit (beyond the castrated "squirting" feature), it would be trivial for Apple to add it into the next version of iPod. Same with an FM tuner... which has been on the market for quite some time, with other players... and it's largely ignored by a majority of users, because people tend to buy mp3 players... to play mp3's.

I personally have the Creative Zen 30gb video and its perfect for me. No hassling with DRM, no iTunes, long battery life, and most accessories for the ipod will work with the other mp3 players, it just depends on how they interface with the player.
I have never owned an IPOD but as long as apple buys into the DRM hype and limits you on how you can use your music they can suck a nut. Go Creative or MS, you won't be sorry.

Oh my... the supreme idiocy of this entire statment is astounding.

Ever hear of something called PlaysForSure? Yeah... that's DRM. Creative uses it. Zune uses a version of it specific to the Zune. Apple's DRM is called FairPlay... and realistically, as far as DRM schemes go, FairPlay is one of the most user friendly.

The all play mp3's, with no DRM. Perhaps get your facts straight before pretending you know what you're talking about.

[White_lightning]

i stayed away from the IPOD for the longest time... really hated the idea of Itunes and such. till the wife finaly bought one for me. and i LOVE it.

i have one question for the ipod guys. How do you get it to shuffle ONE playlist? when i set it to shuffle it shuffles all my mp3s.

[usmcluke]

[QUOTE=DarkWolf]Huh?

BS add on stuff? Like what?

No more of a pain in the ass than it'd be to get them on a Zune... [/QUOTE]

BS Add on stuff as in - DRM and the such and having to use iTunes or another method to move your music to your player.

The ZUNE will show up just like a flash drive in Windows XP+, you don't have to install all the ZUNE organizer software and all that. I personally have put songs on a Zune that way. Don't believe the hype.

[DarkWolf]

[QUOTE=usmcblown4.6]BS Add on stuff as in - DRM and the such and having to use iTunes or another method to move your music to your player.

The ZUNE will show up just like a flash drive in Windows XP+, you don't have to install all the ZUNE organizer software and all that. I personally have put songs on a Zune that way. Don't believe the hype.[/QUOTE]

Zune has DRM too. It also requires the Zune player/marketplace to sync your music to it. Please get your "facts" straight.

And lookie! Here's my iPod showing up just like a flash drive in Windows XP:
http://www.dfwstangs.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=71637&stc=1

You can copy all the songs you want to the Zune from explorer. They won't play, but you can copy them. If you want them to play, you have to sync using the zune software. Just like iTunes. Except... iPods have so many other options for software to get your music on there. If you don't like iTunes, use Winamp, or ephpod, or anapod, or pretty much any number of other software.

With Zune, all you've got is the zune player, and if you don't like it.... too bad. Perhaps someone will be nice enough to write some 3rd party software to sync to the zune someday, but for now you're shit out of luck.

[DarkWolf]

[QUOTE=White_lightning]i have one question for the ipod guys. How do you get it to shuffle ONE playlist? when i set it to shuffle it shuffles all my mp3s.[/QUOTE]

Shuffle works universally. If you just select the playlist you want to listen to, it will shuffle just that playlist. If you just hit play from the main "Music" catagory, it will shuffle all your music. Likewise, if you select a specific artist, it will shuffle all songs from that artist... or genre, or album.

Also, if you go into the settings, you can set Shuffle to All, Album, or Off. I like it on All, personally, but if you set it to Album, what it will do in the case of a playlist, it will hit an album, play the first song, and play each song all the way through the album in order. Then, when it reaches the end of the album, it will shuffle to the next album, and start from song one, and play through the end.

It's a nice feature if you have a lot of albums, like Dark Side of The Moon, or The Wall, or Metropolis Part 2: Scenes from a Memory, etc... concept albums, that play out like a story or play/opera, as well as most classical music.

Personally, when I want to listen, to say The Wall in its entirety, I'll just go in and turn off shuffle, then play just that album, rather than listening to all albums with shuffle set to Album.

[White_lightning]

[QUOTE=DarkWolf]Shuffle works universally. If you just select the playlist you want to listen to, it will shuffle just that playlist. If you just hit play from the main "Music" catagory, it will shuffle all your music. Likewise, if you select a specific artist, it will shuffle all songs from that artist... or genre, or album.
.[/QUOTE]
I think the problem i am having is when is it to shuffle and click "next song" i assume it will shuffle to the next random song. but it just goes to the next song on the list.

[usmcluke]

[QUOTE=DarkWolf]Zune has DRM too. It also requires the Zune player/marketplace to sync your music to it. Please get your "facts" straight.

And lookie! Here's my iPod showing up just like a flash drive in Windows XP:
http://www.dfwstangs.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=71637&stc=1

You can copy all the songs you want to the Zune from explorer. They won't play, but you can copy them. If you want them to play, you have to sync using the zune software. Just like iTunes. Except... iPods have so many other options for software to get your music on there. If you don't like iTunes, use Winamp, or ephpod, or anapod, or pretty much any number of other software.

With Zune, all you've got is the zune player, and if you don't like it.... too bad. Perhaps someone will be nice enough to write some 3rd party software to sync to the zune someday, but for now you're shit out of luck.[/QUOTE]


Whatever man, your obviously way too hard up on IPOD to look around and see there are better alternatives. Like stated earlier, I have the Creative Zen and love it. You should suck off your IPOD, you defend that shit likes it is your girl or something.

[DarkWolf]

[QUOTE=White_lightning]I think the problem i am having is when is it to shuffle and click "next song" i assume it will shuffle to the next random song. but it just goes to the next song on the list.[/QUOTE]

You might have it set to Album shuffle, instead of All.

Whatever man, your obviously way too hard up on IPOD to look around and see there are better alternatives. Like stated earlier, I have the Creative Zen and love it. You should suck off your IPOD, you defend that shit likes it is your girl or something.

integrity
noun
Moral or ethical strength: character, fiber, honesty, principle. See strong/weak.

Way to live up to your signature.

And, for your info I thought the Zune was a really good idea, until Microsoft castrated it. I was going to buy one, based on the wireless functions alone. Now that they're useless, I see no reason to bother with it.

I've also had a Dell Dj, and an Archos player, both of which served me well. When I went to get an iPod, I looked at the Zen's, and walked away largely unimpressed. What I wanted was a small, unobtrusive player, with large capacity. iPod's are smaller than most of the players on the market, and I didn't completely hate the iTunes interface (unlike Windows Media Player which I detest in every way possible, as with Music Match Jukebox... and for all non-iPod players at the time, WMP or MMJ were your only real options for syncing music unless you bought 3rd party software). The Creative players are larger than iPods, but otherwise for my use, functionally the same. They come with an FM tuner... woo. I don't need or want it. And they're priced the same (or nearly so, and in some cases, more expensive) as iPods... just like the Zune... so there's no price incentive for me to go with something that has far less 3rd party support.

Now that I've gotten more familiar with iTunes, I actually prefer it over Winamp (which was what I was using for a number of years).

You can make all the personal insults you want, it doesn't change the fact that you know nothing of what you're talking about, as clearly shown in your earlier posts.

[usmcluke]

[QUOTE=DarkWolf]You might have it set to Album shuffle, instead of All.





Way to live up to your signature.

And, for your info I thought the Zune was a really good idea, until Microsoft castrated it. I was going to buy one, based on the wireless functions alone. Now that they're useless, I see no reason to bother with it.

I've also had a Dell Dj, and an Archos player, both of which served me well. When I went to get an iPod, I looked at the Zen's, and walked away largely unimpressed. What I wanted was a small, unobtrusive player, with large capacity. iPod's are smaller than most of the players on the market, and I didn't completely hate the iTunes interface (unlike Windows Media Player which I detest in every way possible, as with Music Match Jukebox... and for all non-iPod players at the time, WMP or MMJ were your only real options for syncing music unless you bought 3rd party software). The Creative players are larger than iPods, but otherwise for my use, functionally the same. They come with an FM tuner... woo. I don't need or want it. And they're priced the same (or nearly so, and in some cases, more expensive) as iPods... just like the Zune... so there's no price incentive for me to go with something that has far less 3rd party support.

Now that I've gotten more familiar with iTunes, I actually prefer it over Winamp (which was what I was using for a number of years).

You can make all the personal insults you want, it doesn't change the fact that you know nothing of what you're talking about, as clearly shown in your earlier posts.[/QUOTE]
What does any of this have to do with integrity? Give me a fucking break. I know how the ZUNE works and I know what I have and haven't done with it.

[White_lightning]

[QUOTE=usmcblown4.6]Whatever man, your obviously way too hard up on IPOD to look around and see there are better alternatives. Like stated earlier, I have the Creative Zen and love it. You should suck off your IPOD, you defend that shit likes it is your girl or something.[/QUOTE]
i took your sugestion and sucked off my ipod,.. you are right.. your ZUNE is better.. im sure yours still works after sucking it off.. after i sucked my ipod off it stopped working.

[usmcluke]

[QUOTE=White_lightning]i took your sugestion and sucked off my ipod,.. you are right.. your ZUNE is better.. im sure yours still works after sucking it off.. after i sucked my ipod off it stopped working.[/QUOTE]
I don't have a ZUNE as stated. I swapped with my father in law for a week because I was looking to buy my wife an MP3 player for christmas and the ZUNE wasn't available when I bought my ZEN. This argument is as arbitrary as Chevy vs. Ford, no party will ever be swayed away from their brand. I just get tired of seeing the IPOD held up as the only MP3 player worth having, and refuse to buy into a system iTUNES that limits how your music can be used.

[White_lightning]

[QUOTE=usmcblown4.6]I don't have a ZUNE as stated. I swapped with my father in law for a week because I was looking to buy my wife an MP3 player for christmas and the ZUNE wasn't available when I bought my ZEN. This argument is as arbitrary as Chevy vs. Ford, no party will ever be swayed away from their brand. I just get tired of seeing the IPOD held up as the only MP3 player worth having, and refuse to buy into a system iTUNES that limits how your music can be used.[/QUOTE]
where is the " limits hwo your music is used"?
i havent found any limitations yet.. what am i missing?

[DarkWolf]

[QUOTE=usmcblown4.6]What does any of this have to do with integrity?[/QUOTE]

Because you're obviously showing a lot of moral or ethical strength and character by suggesting I go suck off my iPod.

Good job!

If you would like to prove you know what you're talking about, please provide a link to any article that shows you can just drag mp3's from a folder to the zune through explorer, without having to go through the zune player.

Otherwise, I say you don't know what you're talking about, and simply have some childish hate for iPods and apparently anyone that owns one.

Instead of trying to insult me, how about you back up your claims with some actual facts.

[usmcluke]

[QUOTE=White_lightning]where is the " limits hwo your music is used"?
i havent found any limitations yet.. what am i missing?[/QUOTE]
http://www.engadget.com/2004/05/18/pts-how-to-tuesday-how-to-play-purchased-music-on-other/

Because the songs you purchased are DRM protected, that means you can only listen to them on specific computers and devices.

They limit where and how the music can be played. Most people don't notice that limitation until its too late.

[Kenny_Stang]

[QUOTE=usmcblown4.6]http://www.engadget.com/2004/05/18/pts-how-to-tuesday-how-to-play-purchased-music-on-other/



They limit where and how the music can be played. Most people don't notice that limitation until its too late.[/QUOTE]

If you are "purchasing" your stuff from iTunes store, then you will have that problem. Just don't "purchase" songs that are DRM'ed, and rip your own or "acquire" them from somewhere else.

[usmcluke]

[QUOTE=DarkWolf]Because you're obviously showing a lot of moral or ethical strength and character by suggesting I go suck off my iPod.

Good job!

If you would like to prove you know what you're talking about, please provide a link to any article that shows you can just drag mp3's from a folder to the zune through explorer, without having to go through the zune player.

Otherwise, I say you don't know what you're talking about, and simply have some childish hate for iPods and apparently anyone that owns one.

Instead of trying to insult me, how about you back up your claims with some actual facts.[/QUOTE]
Are you really that butt hurt about that comment? I didn't mean to hurt your widdle feelers....
http://www.zune.net/en-us/support/howto/start/addmedia.htm
How about this bit from the ZUNE website
[QUOTE=ZUNE Support]Add Media Manually
You can drag files or entire folders from Windows Explorer onto Zune software. If Zune software supports the content format, then it will add the content to its library. When you connect Zune to your PC, Zune software will sync your new media to your device.

To manually add media to your Zune library:

In Windows Explorer, navigate to the folder or file you want to add to your Zune library.
Select the file or folder you want to add to your Zune library. To select multiple items, use Ctrl-click or Shift-click.
Drag the item or items you want to add to Zune software and drop them in any pane. Your media is now part of your Zune library.[/QUOTE]

Hows that for facts?

[DarkWolf]

[QUOTE=usmcblown4.6]This argument is as arbitrary as Chevy vs. Ford, no party will ever be swayed away from their brand. I just get tired of seeing the IPOD held up as the only MP3 player worth having, and refuse to buy into a system iTUNES that limits how your music can be used.[/QUOTE]

"their brand"? I don't have a brand. I went with the player that at the time suited my needs more than any other.

And seriously, what limits on how my music can be used? I play mp3's. I can play them on my computer, in my car, on a cd, on my iPod, on my Xbox, I can take them to friends and they can play them... I'm really not seeing any limitations on how I play my music.

Do you seriously think the iPod only works with DRM'd AAC files? Have you ever done any research on mp3 players on the market?

iPod supports DRM'd AAC, non-DRM'd AAC, non-DRM'd WMA, and MP3 for music formats.

Your Zen supports DRM'd WMA, non-DRM'd WMA, non-DRM'd AAC, and MP3 for music formats.

Guess what... Zune's the same.

Get your facts straight. Please. You're only making yourself look retarded.

[90GT50]

Personal choice of MP3 player fight!

I've used both the xune, and ipod, and the ipod was easier to use, and get used to IMO. I can change songs without looking at it while driving, and I like that itunes will let you convert easily to mp3.

[DarkWolf]

[QUOTE=usmcblown4.6]Are you really that butt hurt about that comment? I didn't mean to hurt your widdle feelers....
http://www.zune.net/en-us/support/howto/start/addmedia.htm
How about this bit from the ZUNE website

[quote=ZUNE Support]Add Media Manually
You can drag files or entire folders from Windows Explorer onto Zune software. If Zune software supports the content format, then it will add the content to its library. When you connect Zune to your PC, Zune software will sync your new media to your device.

To manually add media to your Zune library:

In Windows Explorer, navigate to the folder or file you want to add to your Zune library.
Select the file or folder you want to add to your Zune library. To select multiple items, use Ctrl-click or Shift-click.
Drag the item or items you want to add to Zune software and drop them in any pane. Your media is now part of your Zune library.[/quote]

Hows that for facts?[/QUOTE]


...
wait...
BWAHAHAHAHA

ok.

Really?

You know that's ... let's see... what's the word I'm looking for... oh that's right ... that's EXACTLY how the iPod and iTunes works.

[edit]And let's see what I said earlier:

It also requires the Zune player/marketplace to sync your music to it.

Wow... that's also exactly what the Zune support site you quoted states. Imagine that!

As I keep saying... get your facts straight.

[usmcluke]

You asked for proof that files could be dropped from Windows Explorer because you said they couldn't, I provide that proof and you choose a new angle. WTF ever. You like your IPOD, I like ZUNEs and ZENs. You won't accept facts as posted, I don't fucking care anymore. I justed wanted the guy to know that there are alternatives to the almighty IPOD. If you really want to push the issue as far as my integrity, I am not a hard person to find, let me know.

[DarkWolf]

[QUOTE=usmcblown4.6]You asked for proof that files could be dropped from Windows Explorer because you said they couldn't, I provide that proof and you choose a new angle. WTF ever.[/quote]

No, I said the Zune player is required to sync songs to the Zune. The link/quote you provided confirms that. If you can't tell the difference between dragging a folder/file to a drive in explorer, and having to drag to the Zune software FIRST, which will then sync with the Zune... that's not my fault you don't know what you're talking about.

If you really want to push the issue as far as my integrity, I am not a hard person to find, let me know.

Because nothing says integrity like suggesting we fight over it.

Seriously. Grow up.

[DarkWolf]

[QUOTE=usmcblown4.6]http://www.engadget.com/2004/05/18/pts-how-to-tuesday-how-to-play-purchased-music-on-other/



They limit where and how the music can be played. Most people don't notice that limitation until its too late.[/QUOTE]

Seriously, quit trying to sound like you know what you're talking about.

The DRM limitation only applies to songs you buy from Apple's iTMS.

You'll get the same DRM limitations (and actually a little more restrictive in a lot of cases), if you purchase music from the Zune Marketplace, or Yahoo Music, or Urge, or Napster, or Sony Connect, or pretty much any other music store on the market.

There are very few music stores online that offer non-DRM'd music. eMusic is one of the more popular ones. The trade off is that the non-DRM'd stores usually only have indie music/lables, because none of the major lables are willing to allow that kind of freedom.

[CJ-95GT]

<=Grabs popcorn.

[usmcluke]

[QUOTE=DarkWolf]Seriously, quit trying to sound like you know what you're talking about.

The DRM limitation only applies to songs you buy from Apple's iTMS.

You'll get the same DRM limitations (and actually a little more restrictive in a lot of cases), if you purchase music from the Zune Marketplace, or Yahoo Music, or Urge, or Napster, or Sony Connect, or pretty much any other music store on the market.

There are very few music stores online that offer non-DRM'd music. eMusic is one of the more popular ones. The trade off is that the non-DRM'd stores usually only have indie music/lables, because none of the major lables are willing to allow that kind of freedom.[/QUOTE]
Take a deep breath and calm down. Your seriously freaking out over an IPOD vs ZUNE thread. What do you expect me to say/do? You made your points I made mine, let the OP make his decision based on that plus his own research. For the drag and drop look into MTP, that how I was able to do it.


FOR THE OP here is a good non-biased link to a comparison chart that you might find helpful.
http://dapreview.net/zune_vs_ipod_vs_zvm.html

[DarkWolf]

[QUOTE=usmcblown4.6]Take a deep breath and calm down. Your seriously freaking out over an IPOD vs ZUNE thread. What do you expect me to say/do? You made your points I made mine, let the OP make his decision based on that plus his own research. For the drag and drop look into MTP, that how I was able to do it.[/QUOTE]

MTP is still using the Zune player to sync. Again... works exactly the same as the iPod/iTunes works.

And you're suggesting I calm down? I'm not the one trying to insult others by suggesting they suck off their iPod... or threatening to fight someone, because you were called out on your childish behavior.

[90GT50]

Are you two still arguing about this? Geez.

[White_lightning]

[QUOTE=usmcblown4.6]http://www.engadget.com/2004/05/18/pts-how-to-tuesday-how-to-play-purchased-music-on-other/



They limit where and how the music can be played. Most people don't notice that limitation until its too late.[/QUOTE]
i havent purchased a SINGLE mp3 on my ipod.. NEWSGROUPS FTW!

[90GT50]

[QUOTE=White_lightning]i havent purchased a SINGLE mp3 on my ipod.. NEWSGROUPS FTW![/QUOTE]Or an upload site, something like with the words album and base and .com together.

[White_lightning]

[QUOTE=90GT50]Or an upload site, something like with the words album and base and .com together.[/QUOTE]
I have 130 gig of mp3s... and all of them work on my IPOd:)

[DarkWolf]

[QUOTE=White_lightning]I have 130 gig of mp3s... and all of them work on my IPOd:)[/QUOTE]

Holy crap! I thought I had a lot, I've got just under 60 gigs (and a 60 gig iPod to boot :D).

[White_lightning]

i am about to assimilate my friends 110 gig collection. Dont know how many dupes he has .. btu i figure i can get at least 40 gig out of him.

[DarkWolf]

90GT, I'm curios... haven't registered yet, but is that a torrent type site, or just straight up downloads?

[90GT50]

[QUOTE=White_lightning]I have 130 gig of mp3s... and all of them work on my IPOd:)[/QUOTE]Haha, damn, I only have like 24gb, what is most of it?

[90GT50]

[QUOTE=DarkWolf]90GT, I'm curios... haven't registered yet, but is that a torrent type site, or just straight up downloads?[/QUOTE]Mostly links to sendspace, megaupload, etc. I haven't gotten any spam from the site either

[DarkWolf]

[QUOTE=White_lightning]i am about to assimilate my friends 110 gig collection. Dont know how many dupes he has .. btu i figure i can get at least 40 gig out of him.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, at one point I went on a sharing spree with a few friends. Between dupes and just stuff I wasn't interested in, I paired around 120 gigs down to around 20 (one friend has about 60 gigs of pimsluer language packs, which naturally I grabbed, but not gonna count 'em towards my music collection). I've since aquired another 15 or so gigs either from actually ripping new cd's, or ... other methods. I think I'm right around 53 - 55 gigs.

[DarkWolf]

[QUOTE=90GT50]Mostly links to sendspace, megaupload, etc. I haven't gotten any spam from the site either[/QUOTE]

Right on. I'll definitely have to check that out tonight. Quality pretty good?

[90GT50]

[QUOTE=DarkWolf]Right on. I'll definitely have to check that out tonight. Quality pretty good?[/QUOTE]Yeah, I've gotten a bunch of stuff off of there, only 1 didnt work right, some have passwords on them, so make sure you dont forget to put those in.

[White_lightning]

I need to get some time and drop one of my raid cards into my server.. right now its sitting at 1 TB of drive space but its all physical space.. i need to link some of those puppies together in a raid.. know anyone looking to buy for CHEAP some 180 gig drives and a PCI 3 ware raid controller?:)

[Kenny_Stang]

Those with iPod's anyone use RockBox firmware? Just curious :confused:

[90GT50]

[QUOTE=Kenny_Stang]Those with iPod's anyone use RockBox firmware? Just curious :confused:[/QUOTE]Never even heard of it.

[DbonezNY]

Anything microsoft related will be trash. If anyone has problems with an IPOD it's user error.

Ipod FTW

[DarkWolf]

[QUOTE=Kenny_Stang]Those with iPod's anyone use RockBox firmware? Just curious :confused:[/QUOTE]

I've looked into it, but haven't ever gone through the process of installing it. Only reason I was looking into it was for ogg and flac support, but I'm not interested in going through the hassle of converting my library into ogg/flac right now.

[Kenny_Stang]

[QUOTE=90GT50]Never even heard of it.[/QUOTE]

Check out RockBox.org

It's a firmware update that allows some additional functionalities... not sure if it woudl be worth messing with or not, so I was looking for opinions from people on here.

[jakesford]

I was seriously considering the Zune because of the wifi, then I found out what it was actually for :mad: The other thing that didn't really impress me with the zune is the larger size and it felt "cheap" compared to the iPod.

So a new 30gig iPod is replacing my broken 4th gen ipod. I think microsoft could come out with something cool, but their first try is a little weak IMO.

[PDRed302]

Thanks for all the info and insight.

[90GT50]

I'm thinking about trading up my 30gig to a new 80gig, I shouldn't have any problems doing this if I have a replacement plan, right?

[DarkWolf]

[QUOTE=90GT50]I'm thinking about trading up my 30gig to a new 80gig, I shouldn't have any problems doing this if I have a replacement plan, right?[/QUOTE]

I'm not sure... but if you can, by just paying the difference, I think I'll be trading my 60gb to the 80gb as a straight trade, since they're the same price :)

If it works for ya, definitely let me know. I'm trying to stay away from Best Buy until after xmas.