General iPod questions

[Grimham]

Looks like I'm going to get an ipod adapter installed in my car since it's the only way the stupid thing will play mp3s. I have some general ipod questions I hope someone will be kind enough to answer.

And to answer a question that will pop up, "Yes", it must be an ipod - 4th or 5th gen with mini and nano included.


1. Must I use itunes - I will never buy from them, I rip my mp3s from my own CDs. I've heard you can just load a device driver for the ipod and browse, copy and delete songs as needed.

2. Kinda a follow-up to question 1. Can I just copy my current collection over without any hassle. I currently have a Sandisk Sansa 4GB.

3. Do you recommend any ipod over another. Truth be told I will probably just leave it in the car the whole time, but perhaps I might like to fool with it if there are any features I find interesting.


That's all I can think of at the moment, though I'm sure more will follow. Thanks

 

[wonderfield]

I can't really answer 1 or 2. With regards to 3, though, this is basically going to be based on how much memory you want. If controlled through your car, the interface won't make any difference, so all you need is some memory with an iPod case wrapped around it, which means "buy the cheapest that has the amount of memory you want".

 

[ashman]

You don't have to use iTunes but its the easiest way.
You can import whatever songs you want into iTunes, its very simple.
If you aren't interested in apps or games, then I would suggest a Nano.

 

[UnknownSouljer]

iPod's are great for the "leave them in the car forever" task. If you don't need and particular feature, than any iPod will be fine. I personally would recommend the Classic, only because it's big enough to dump my entire library onto. Currently 15235 320kb (true variable) AAC mp4's. It's almost full now, however.

1.) iTunes isn't the worst thing ever, it has been demonoized. Don't get me wrong, I have no real love affair with the device, but the syncing process isn't painful, and you can select exactly what you want on the device. I know there are aftermarket softwares that allow essentially drag and drop on the iPod, but I haven't bothered with any of them.

2.) As long as the Sansa allows you to copy the files back and forth from the device to the computer, I see no reason why not.

3.) Whoops, I already answered that a bit up top. If you really are looking for features, then the iPod Touch is it. It's essentially an iPhone without the cellular chip. The current model has the retina display, full touch, apps, web browsing, the works. My mom just got one and I've played around with it. It's a fun little toy. I'd buy one if they ever get it up to 128GB (or more) capacity. I suppose with the other caveat, that it would have to not, you know, cost $499.

The rest of the iPod line are strictly just players in different sizes and formats. They all do the same thing(s).

 

[Grimham]

Thanks for the help guys.

Unless anyone knows a reason why I shouldn't, I think I'll go with the Touch. It's more money than the nano, but it seems to do quite a bit more if I ever care to fool with it.

 

[Absentee]

Thanks for the help guys.

Unless anyone knows a reason why I shouldn't, I think I'll go with the Touch. It's more money than the nano, but it seems to do quite a bit more if I ever care to fool with it.

It does indeed, just make sure your iPod adapter will be compatible. The one in my girlfriends car is pretty old, and works with my iPhone, but it does not charge it without an adapter.

 

[450]

What car do you have?

 

[Grimham]

It does indeed, just make sure your iPod adapter will be compatible. The one in my girlfriends car is pretty old, and works with my iPhone, but it does not charge it without an adapter.

It's *supposed* to charge while connected, as well fully integrate into the BMW idrive system. Trust me, if it doesn't work as advertised the dealer is going to have to make it right.

What car do you have?

'06 BMW 750i

 

[scaarbelly]

I would replace the stereo with one with a usb port on the front than buy an ipod. Just plug a little usb pen into it and let the stereo read the mp3's.

I did it last week on my car and spent about $120 for everything I needed including a 16gb drive.

 

[Grimham]

I would replace the stereo with one with a usb port on the front than buy an ipod. Just plug a little usb pen into it and let the stereo read the mp3's.

I did it last week on my car and spent about $120 for everything I needed including a 16gb drive.

That's not really an option in my case.

 

[450]

I would replace the stereo with one with a usb port on the front than buy an ipod. Just plug a little usb pen into it and let the stereo read the mp3's.

I did it last week on my car and spent about $120 for everything I needed including a 16gb drive.

That isn't really an option in a 750i.

In your case, I suppose an iPod makes the most sense. Alternatively you could use the iPod input as an auxilary jack and use a Bluetooth adapter with it.

 

[Zumino Zufeilon]

It's *supposed* to charge while connected, as well fully integrate into the BMW idrive system. Trust me, if it doesn't work as advertised the dealer is going to have to make it right.


'06 BMW 750i

If it's an 06', you might very well be in the realm of the pre-iPhone plug.

Sounds weird, but there was an ever-so-slight change in cables around the beginning of the iPhone days, and the pre-iPhone cables have issues charging newer iPhones/Touches.

I Would go buy one, and test that it is in fact charging/playing while plugged in before accepting that it works, as IIRC there is a decent chance it won't be charging.

 

[Grimham]

If it's an 06', you might very well be in the realm of the pre-iPhone plug.

Sounds weird, but there was an ever-so-slight change in cables around the beginning of the iPhone days, and the pre-iPhone cables have issues charging newer iPhones/Touches.

I Would go buy one, and test that it is in fact charging/playing while plugged in before accepting that it works, as IIRC there is a decent chance it won't be charging.

Well, according to this I should be good. But I will re-verify before I have them install and hold their feet to the fire if it doesn't work as advertised. I would just do it myself, but the car needs updated software as well I'm told.

 

[Absentee]

It's *supposed* to charge while connected, as well fully integrate into the BMW idrive system. Trust me, if it doesn't work as advertised the dealer is going to have to make it right.


'06 BMW 750i

Then you should be fine. When I said old, I meant she had that radio since she was 16. Anything made since the Ipod touch was released should work fine.