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I am interested in encoding my CD collection in mp3 format using iTunes 3. I am using 600 MHz iBook, and I realize it is not exactly a speed demon.

I encoded one CD at 256 kbps, and iTunes will usually take between 10% and 25% of my CPU to play the music with the crossfader, sound enhancer, and equalizer all off. I hate to sacrifice that many CPU cycles for background music.

So, my question is, would a lower bitrate mp3 take less processor power to play? In other words, would a difference in bitrates result in significantly different processor utilization?

Thanks.

[Ken_F2]

So, my question is, would a lower bitrate mp3 take less processor power to play? In other words, would a difference in bitrates result in significantly different processor utilization?

Probably not. You would see lower cpu usage by using a different MP3 player, however. iTunes is nearly the most processor efficient of the Mac MP3 players.