Topic: NEED Opinions on Ipod, MP3 players, etc.

[Dallas]

OK, here is my problem.  Right now I have a Creative Zen Vision M which hold all my songs and the sound is fantastic.  The problem?  When I upgraded my computer to Windows 7, I didn't realize that this media player is NOT compatible to Windows 7, so right now, I can't manage my playlist that I created.  If I want to add a song to my existing playlist, I can't do it because the software is not compatible to windows 7.


Sooooooooooooooo, I'm looking to purchase another media player.  This is all I really need:

1.  I need it to be compatible with windows 7
2.  I need to be able to transfer my ripped CDs from my computer
3.  I would like a way to be able to 'purchase' songs and upload them.
4.  Putting my pictures on it is good (but not a 'must)
5.  I am really NOT into movies, so the 'video' quality/capability is low on my list.

Any suggestions as to what I might purchase?  I was looking at the Ipod Classic, but then I think I saw that Windows 7 is not supported by this either.   HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BGT]

The iPod touch is windows 7 compatible. It has all the features you mentioned with a touch screen. It's basically an iPhone without the phone.

http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/

[Dallas]

Thanks.  I have been looking at that one.

[Babblelot]

Dallas,

You are a total geek.

Yours truly,

Babblelot

[Dallas]

Dallas,

You are a total geek.

Yours truly,

Babblelot

[Tennis4you]

Or.....  Can you create a virtual Windows XP pc within your Windows 7?  I had to do that for a program I use every great once in a while.  Just open it up and work within the window that opens up.  It's like working in XP while on Windows 7.  Not sure how well that would work with all programs though.  Would be interesting to see if yours would still work.

[Dallas]

Or.....  Can you create a virtual Windows XP pc within your Windows 7?  I had to do that for a program I use every great once in a while.  Just open it up and work within the window that opens up.  It's like working in XP while on Windows 7.  Not sure how well that would work with all programs though.  Would be interesting to see if yours would still work.

Scott, you're talking a little over my head right now.  Can this be done?  The virtual Windows XP?  Uhm...

[pawan89]

Dallas you really shouldn't need to install Win XP or any virtual OS just to run an mp3 player. Technology in this world today is such that you should and can find exactly what you want with whatever configuartion you want. Almost. I mean there's people who don't know the difference between Windows and Google.com who use mp3 players.

all iPods run with iTunes. I am not the biggest fan of iTunes and the way it syncs data.. it works really well with music and movies and you can buy things off iTunes and load them up on your iPod. So it takes care of everything and unfortunately or fortunately it is the standard/best out there so you'll have tons of help/instructions and support if you ever don't know how to do something. Also the quality is assured. You can't go wrong with it.

That said, if you don't need to fit into the mainstream apple mania then you could save yourself a lot of money and buy any of many mp3 players out there that are just as reliable and much easier to use. I used to have a sony walkman ( and older version of this: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Walkman-NWZS545BLK-Video-Player/dp/B002IPHA1W/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1291924175&sr=8-9 ) and never had a problem with it. Unlike iPods, it was very easy to drag and drop and create folders just like you would in an external flash drive. And you could drop pictures and music and videos and purchased songs (purchasing songs is up to you though, no connection to purchasing songs with the mp3 player in this case) and anything very easily. Definitely compatible with Windows and any computer really, no extra software needed (unlike iPod which, without your iTunes installed on your computer and even that if its not customized to how you like it, is a pain).

and those kinda mp3 players are plenty and from known brands too (Sony, Samsung etc etc). I have always been tempted by this one, and I definitely trust Sandisk as far as quality goes: http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Sansa-Video-Player-Black/dp/B000VM8EDW/ref=dp_cp_ob_e_title_2

Hope it helps and let us know what you are deciding on!!

Edit: I didn't read your beginning message at all Dallas. Apparently there are ways to make your creative zen work with windows 7 but it seems like a hassle. (http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/360898/how_to_make_the_creative_zen_micro.html?cat=15)
That said, installing a virtual windows xp isn't bad. What version of win 7 do you have?

[FedFanForever]

The iPod touch is windows 7 compatible. It has all the features you mentioned with a touch screen. It's basically an iPhone without the phone.

http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/

Is it possible to see the IPod Touch as a "storage device" so I could copy music via Explorer rather then *have* to go through iTunes?

[Belgian Miss]

I agree with Pawan. Ipods and stuff are decent devices (though my ipod classic is slower than you'd expect), but they really lock their users in with their itunes software (but if you're planning to use the itunes store you might as well get an ipod). There are a lot of other good players out there (and online music stores like amazon or 7digital). I'd stay away from whoever made your current player though - it appears it was engineered to function only with XP, and now you'll probably have to replace a perfectly functional player because of that. Ridiculous!

As for a music manager/player I suggest you look at stuff like Winamp or Songbird. You can use them to rip your cd's, play and transfer your music and all that jazz.

[Belgian Miss]

The iPod touch is windows 7 compatible. It has all the features you mentioned with a touch screen. It's basically an iPhone without the phone.

http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/

Is it possible to see the IPod Touch as a "storage device" so I could copy music via Explorer rather then *have* to go through iTunes?

Maybe this can help you?

[FedFanForever]

The iPod touch is windows 7 compatible. It has all the features you mentioned with a touch screen. It's basically an iPhone without the phone.

http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/

Is it possible to see the IPod Touch as a "storage device" so I could copy music via Explorer rather then *have* to go through iTunes?

Maybe this can help you?

Thanks Belgian Miss, but

The only issue I had was that multiple selection didn't work so well—whether I was trying to transfer files to or from my iPod touch, doing it one file at a time worked much better than trying to do more. So if you need to transfer large batches of files, you may be better off putting them in a folder beforehand to avoid crashes.

is a show-stopper. I copy batches of files to my PMP through Explorer all the time. If I can't do that, that's no good for me.

[Belgian Miss]

Thanks Belgian Miss, but

The only issue I had was that multiple selection didn't work so well—whether I was trying to transfer files to or from my iPod touch, doing it one file at a time worked much better than trying to do more. So if you need to transfer large batches of files, you may be better off putting them in a folder beforehand to avoid crashes.

is a show-stopper. I copy batches of files to my PMP through Explorer all the time. If I can't do that, that's no good for me.

In all fairness, that article was written in early February. It's likely that it has been updated and improved since then. You can find the most recent release here. Maybe you could try it? I don't know about other software with a similar function. Maybe you'll have more luck in Mac/iPod-specific forums.

[Dallas]

Thanks for all your help guys.  I'm actually just thinking about getting an Iphone and using the Ipod on that phone.

[Dallas]

One other question for those who have the Ipod.  I know you have to use the itunes, but can you also load up the music you currently have on your computer via window's media OR if I get an Iphone or Ipod, would I have to basically start over from their itunes?  I have a lot of music on my computer that I would love to load up.

[BGT]

^^ Yes, you can rip music off CD's and set your program so that the songs are automatically moved to your iTunes library. Then the next time you sync your iPod (or connect it to your computer), the songs will automatically be stored on it. And I'm pretty sure you can use music from your computer's library and move it to iTunes. I'm sure you can find that info on the Apple website or from someone else.

[Dallas]

^^ Yes, you can rip music off CD's and set your program so that the songs are automatically moved to your iTunes library. Then the next time you sync your iPod (or connect it to your computer), the songs will automatically be stored on it. And I'm pretty sure you can use music from your computer's library and move it to iTunes. I'm sure you can find that info on the Apple website or from someone else.

Thanks guys for all your help.  Now I just need to determine which IPhone memory I need, 16GB or 32GB!  And how much 'data' I need to purchase for the month!  Questions! Questions! Questions!!!!!   Who said change was good!?

[Dallas]

OK....I just ordered me an Iphone4.... So just waiting for it to come now!

[FedFanForever]

OK....I just ordered me an Iphone4.... So just waiting for it to come now!

Dude - you're gonna enjoy those dropped calls when you "grip it wrong". 

[Dallas]

OK....I just ordered me an Iphone4.... So just waiting for it to come now!

Dude - you're gonna enjoy those dropped calls when you "grip it wrong". 

I'll learn how to handle it.  I'm one of those persons who goes through the "manuel" ONE page at a time until I learn everything about it.  So I'm sure I'll learn how to 'grip it'.