[Zeusbwr]

Well i recently got a new job, which is boring as hell mentally. Thus i am being foced to buy an MP3 player, and what better choice than the Ipod Nano right?

I've read many reviews, and am eager to get it. I just want to fully understand how it interacts with my Windows XP PC as i have yet to see a nano review on that ( maybe its a standard on IPod interfaces so no one felt it necessary to talk about it, dunno).

So here are some rough questions, feel free to answer/correct/update any of them, any add anythin you want ontop of those that you think would be useful to me.

1.) Do i have to have iTunes installed ( and running for that matter ) for my IPod to Download music from my PC?

2.) I'm sure iTunes is free, but from start to finish, if i pay my 250$ for a 4Gig Nano, will i have EVERYTHING i need to download, upload, etc, music onto/from my IPod? I assume iTunes or any other software does not come with Nano, but if its required, i'd assume its free.

3.) For a first time IPod Owner, is there anything i should be aware of?

4.) iTunes wise (assume it is required and USB Drag&Drop does not exist), it does not force you to signup or care if you use MP3's from your computer does it?


I guess thats it really.. mostly the software side of it i am concerned about.. that and making sure with buying the 200/250$ nano, i get everything i need to use it, recharge it, etc.


Thanks!

[ghporter]

1) Yes; that's the only way the iPod will recognize your computer in a way that lets it accept playable music.

2) Yes. The iPod even comes with iTunes on CD for both Mac and Windows

3) iPods are cooler than anything.

4) iTunes will want you to set up an account with the iTunes Music Store ITMS), but you don't have to. iTunes will accept any and all MP3-format music on your computer and download it to your iPod. However, signing up with ITMS does no harm and you get free songs (roughly one a week), so it's not a bad thing to sign up.

[brokenjago]

These build on ghporter's answers.

1) iTunes will automatically start every time you plug in your iPod (and by default, sync your music library).

2) I'd also like to mention that you cannot "download" music from you iPod using iTunes (meaning take music from your iPod and put it on your PC or Mac.) You can only upload music (as in put music from your PC or Mac onto your iPod.)

3) Buy a protective case. BUY A PROTECTIVE CASE. APPLY IT BEFORE YOU START TO USE YOUR NEW NANO, OR YOU WILL BE SORRY. Or so I've heard. Especially with what is supposedly a super-scratchable surface on the Nano. Invisibleshields are apparently great, and they don't add much bulk to the product. http://www.theinvisibleshield.com/

4) iTunes will also accept AAC, AIFF, Apple Lossless, unprotected WMA (will convert to AAC), WAV, and Audible files.

[Zeusbwr]

Hmm.. the invisshield will be a problem. Dont got a CC at the moment. But for short time usage i will definitly look at the store when im there (bestbuy, got a giftcard which will save me 50$ lol), i'll see if they have anything useful.

Question though,

3.1) Protective Barrier: Do you mean full body, or just screen?

[ghporter]

Originally Posted by Zeusbwr

3.1) Protective Barrier: Do you mean full body, or just screen?

100% total coverage. My 60GB Photo iPod has scratches on the plastic everywhere, including the screen, and I had it for only about a week, using it VERY gently before getting an X-skin (with screen cover) for it.

[brokenjago]

I've also heard of people using normal packing tape with great success as a temporary solution. (You have to keep replacing it, so I imagine it becomes a pain after a while.) You might want to try that at first.