I'm thinking about getting an iPod Nano, but do you have to use iTunes for your music? Question is because I already have a significant amount of mp3's already downloaded from my Napster subscription.

Secondly, does anyone know what the interface is on the new Octavia for mp3 players? Is it 3.5mm jack?

Ta

I'm pretty sure you don't have to use iTunes... but it's not something I've given any time/thought to as I was already using iTunes well before i bought an iPod.

I thought Napster used WMA files (or whatever the DRM'd M$ format is) which the iPod wont play.

My Napster files are mp3's, so I'd guess that they'd be ok. Thanks for the help though.

When you say napster do you mean old napster or new napster.

Fairly sure the new napster doesn't give you MP3, but some DRM protected format so they can use the subscription model.

If Napstars aren't encrypted then I dont see a problem with iTUNES...?

You set the IPOD up to be recognised as a hard drive if thats what you prefer.

I however think iTUNES is awesome.

When you say napster do you mean old napster or new napster.

Fairly sure the new napster doesn't give you MP3, but some DRM protected format so they can use the subscription model.

If thats the case, it must let you burn as an Audio CD? If so, do that and re-upload them from the cd!

The easiest way is to use iTunes as the music isnt simply put onto the root directory of the ipod and is organised in some weird file systems

I could be wrong, but I don't actually think you can put music directly on an iPod through the hard drive letter that it gets assigned when you hook it up, even if you enable Direct Disk Use.

I didn't really want to have to use it either, when I got my first one, but just leave it in manual mode and drag my MP3s over when I need to. They then get converted and away I go

And yes, the Octy2 MP3 interface is via a 3.5mm jack.

Steve

You only really need to use itunes if you buy stuff from them.

The ipod does show up as a normal drive in windows, but you really need a app to control the playlists and the indexing...

Winamp supports ipods now... i use it on my laptop to play the music off my nano, as itunes refuses to do it

there is a nice app that my mate uses to sync his ipod, must get round to asking what it is.

you have to use itunes if you wish to play music through your ipod, but you can use it as an external hard drive to play through other players (eg media player)

The music is all rearranged and makes no sense if you browse the ipod files of your music stored on it.

I agree with posts above. itunes is brilliant.

if you select manage files manually, you can use itunes as a drag and drop folder. (windows style)

Don't get me started on I Tunes

Either I'm old or stupid, or both, but that software infuriates me almost to "hammer" point, whereby a hammer is used to fix both the ipod, and the pc.

Most peole hate itunes because it wipes there ipod. This is only because of a tick box that needs ticking as mentioned above, manually manage music.

I didnt like the thought of using itunes with my ipod when i bought it as i was use to windows drop and drag type music players. but now using itunes for the past 12 months, its my default player for all music types.

I like the way the playlists work and the podcasts and the search facility.

I know alot of other players work in the same way, but itunes and ipod have the market for now.

If you hate itunes, just give it a bit of time to get use to it, even if you dont own an ipod.

You only really need to use itunes if you buy stuff from them.

The ipod does show up as a normal drive in windows, but you really need a app to control the playlists and the indexing...

Winamp supports ipods now... i use it on my laptop to play the music off my nano, as itunes refuses to do it

there is a nice app that my mate uses to sync his ipod, must get round to asking what it is.

Sounds interesting Col - would like to hear more about that app....

Might give Winamp control a whirl then. Had noticed they'd added support for players, but didn't pay any more attention

Steve

Got it... its called ANAPOD and is available from Anapod, Notmad Explorer

Why dont people like iTUNES? Dave? I think the software interface is second to none, the automated "sort" and filename and artwork collection is great, its quite customisable... I cant flaw it.

The only thing that irritates me is the way that songs you purchase are encrypted.

:iagree:

Ok iTunes isn't completely perfect, but it's easy to use and works well.. unlike the software I had for my Sony netMD.. that was truly awful!:thumbdwn:

Got it... its called ANAPOD

Cheers Col, good man - will take a look

Steve

That anapod software is cool... im probably going to buy it