iPod - Copying music files

[inicholson]

I currently have another type of Mp3 player but was considering upgrading to an iPod. Someone I know however mentioned that you cannot just paste/copy existing mp3 files onto an iPod (you have to via iTunes)
Does anyone know if this is right (I have a large mp3 collection that I just want to copy onto the ipod if I get one),
Thanks

[Mabelcat]

I've had a couple of versions of the Creative Zen device and it's far more accomodating for all mp3 downloads

[RATTER15]

Itunes is a free download, it is very quick and very easy to copy mp3s on to ipod

[sp1814]

inicholson

It's extremely easy...once you've installed iTunes on your PC, you can then point the iTunes 'library' to wherever you've saved your mp3s.

I believe this is in the 'Preferences' window.

Say if you have all your mp3s saved to c:\My Documnts\My Music, just enter this in the Preferences window and iTunes will gather the information and present your music to you through the iTunes interface.

Honest, it's really, really straightforward.

If I can do it....ANYONE can!

Good luck.

[inicholson]

Withthe iTunes interface is there any issue if the odd song does not have a license associated with it ie if I had copied some songs from a friends PC?

[sp1814]

inicholson

Nope...not all.

Oh hang on...it MIGHT be a problem if your friend has purchased the music from the iTunes store. If that's the case, then the mp3 file will have a 'digital rights management' code associated with it.

What this means, is that your mate can play it on his PC, but when you come to play it on yours, you'll be asked for an iTunes userid/password which has to match the account used to download the original track.

However, if your mate has simply ripped music from CDs, then there's no issue. iTunes won't know about that.

[inicholson]

Thanks everyone.
After lots of thought, and your advice, I've plumped for the Creative Zen Vision. So far it's great!
Thanks again