Unfortunately, sparklhorse you can't record directly from an Audio source to an i-Pod.
All the music files have to be stored on your computer. These files are then uploaded to your i-pod.
But with i-Tunes, the ripping and management software that comes with an i-Pod, getting a CD onto the machine is much quicker and more convenient than with a mini-disc.
It takes about 4 minutes to rip a CD, and place it on the i-Pod.
So it's no real hardship... And as an ex-mini-disc user, I can tell you that once you have an i-Pod, you will never look back!