iTunes nerds.

[geekbot]

I just got an ipod and i'm figuring out the best way to use it.

You have to use iTunes to transfer files, but it's not a big deal to use it. Download or rip mp3s, add all your folders to your iTunes library (or drag and drop) and next time you connect it will auto sync your iPod library to your iTunes library.

I have been using WinAmp as my player on my laptop but I am thinking of switching over to iTunes because if you make use of all the iTunes features (like playlists, rating your songs, etc), then you can use the same features the same way on your iPod (because playlists, genres, ratings, etc sync over too)

You can create simple playlists, etc on your iPod but it's much easier to do it in iTunes. Plus you can create advanced playlists "smart playlists" only in iTunes. There's an entire site dedicated just to making interesting and useful iTunes/iPod playlists. http://smartplaylists.com/ Crazy.

iTunes is a free player (and ripper/burner) that you can download for free for the mac or PC from http://www.apple.com You can try it out before you jump in and buy and iPod.

EDIT: I didn't know what an "iTunes nerd" was when Dim started the thread but it's now obvious that there are many levels of use you can get out of iTunes- from a simple mp3 player to very customized playlists and organization of music. (Sort of like Mac OS X come to think of it.)

Also, in the preferences (Ctrl-, in Windows) you can specify if you want to rip mp3s or m4as, etc. (there's a WinAmp plugin to play m4a's that I've never tried and Win Media Player plays them just fine). You can also specify if you want to burn an audio, mp3, or data CD.

[bloodzombie]

Thanks for the info geek, I've been looking for new burner software, I should just use iTunes and make sure I like it before getting an iPod... unless I get one for christmas, then I guess I just better like it.

[Sarien]

I've found that I like the OS X version of iTunes better than any jukebox app I've ever used. I manage to keep my library of 14 gig worth of music rather organized, and it just has an interface that I like. Including the ability to adjust specific gain levels for individual songs so quiet songs can be adjusted up, and loud ones leveled down. There's even an automated way to do just exactly that by turning on Sound Check.

Not to mention a big candy colored Burn Disc Button stuck up in the corner:

[Jerome Scuggs]

I've found that I like the OS X version of iTunes better than any jukebox app I've ever used. I manage to keep my library of 14 gig worth of music rather organized, and it just has an interface that I like. Including the ability to adjust specific gain levels for individual songs so quiet songs can be adjusted up, and loud ones leveled down. There's even an automated way to do just exactly that by turning on Sound Check.

Not to mention a big candy colored Burn Disc Button stuck up in the corner:

Yup, Sarien hit the nail on the head,
on why iTunes is the best thing ever