about iPods

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DealsAreGreat

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Are they really worth it. I am thinking about getting one, but is it worth it. Is there something better? I am not worried about cost, but just wanting a decent music machine. Any recommendations would be great.
 
I actually just ordered a 15GB Dell Jukebox. I think that it's a much better value. The specifications are similar, but the Dell has much better battery life, and I think it's a better value. Right now, the 20GB model is $229 and includes a carrying case and in-line remote.

http://www.dell.com/
 
The question I have about any of them is..car compatibility. I have a CD player in my car, but no tape deck so I cannot use a tape adapter. My radio is factory so does not have the AUX in jack that many of the new radios have nowadays. So I have seen another brand that has a fm receiver that you can plug in and tune your radio to a station and listen that way, but I hear that the quality of sound is much poorer.

Now if I am going to buy one of these things it will be mainly for car use as well as personal portable travel use. But is there anything that anyone has seen about this? Like a CD player adapter (i don't even know how that would work) or something else.

Also the only bad thing I have heard about the iPODs are that once the battery dies you have to send back the equipment to Apple to have them put in a new battery, you can't just buy one. This may have changed in newer models but last I heard it was like that.
 
The iPod batteries are still terrible and need replacement after a while. You used to be able to crack open the old models and do it yourself, but you can't do it with the new models.

For the iPods, Griffin Technology makes something called the iTrip which is the FM transmitter. My girlfriend's sister has one in her car and I was listening to it, sounded really good. It might be worth a shot especially if you buy it retail, it's always returnable. I think it goes for around $40 but it can be had for $25-$30 on sale. There are two different models for old iPods and new ones.

For the Dell Jukebox etc., Belkin makes something called the TuneCast which is basically the same thing except it is universally compatible with anything that has a headphone output. Therefore, if you wanted to get a Dell, you could use it for your Dell and for a CD player etc. The iTrips are not cross-compatible. Belkin also bundles a kit made specifically for the Dell Jukebox which has a slot for your cupholder to fit your Jukebox into, as well as a charger and the TuneCast transmitter.

I like the Dell because I think it's a much better value, has similar features, and has the same accessories available compared to the iPod, as well as a much better battery.
 
Thanks for the info Erik, I may just check that out now, it helps to actually have a person's perspective as opposed to a written biased review on some webpage that can be easily skewed.

Another question I have about iPods in general is the file format. I have heard that iPods only allow a certain format and not MP3 format or not WMA or something. Can you clarify that? Because 99% of my stuff is Mp3 and if I have to convert to some other format I wouldn't even bother with Apple.

Also I know the iPOD is firewire (IEEE 1392) but is the Dell as well? It says no for the 15GB one on the page, but what about the 20 GB one? I have looked at the page and it says USB 2.0. I only have USB 1.1 on my machine and I have a IEEE 1392 card for my mini DV camcorder.

Also what is the difference with the Transcast and the FM Transmitter?
 
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Can anyone give me some more info on this? Especially does the Dell work with Firewire?
 
Sorry, I never saw your post to get back to you! The iPod runs on either USB 2.0 (not sure if you still need a kit or not), or the more standard to Apple, FireWire 1394. The Dell runs on USB 2.0. After a long order delay with Dell and a lot of screaming, they finally shipped my Jukebox and I received it today. I'm thrilled with it. The battery life and screen are better than the iPod, and it's a great player, especially for $100 less.

For FM transmitters, the Belkin Transcast is the brand of FM tuner that Dell supports and recommends. FM transmitter is just the general product. The Apple plays MP3 as well as AAC (an Apple format), but they play MP3. The Dell plays MP3, WMA, and WAV. I think the iPod might support WAV as well, not really sure.

As for the USB 2.0, the cards are really cheap (probably around $10-$15), or you can just back it down to USB 1.1 (it's backwards compatible), which would run slower, but it's still speedy. However, the USB 2.0 is really fast. I was able to sync most of my music collection in under ten minutes. I prefer FireWire, as I have a FireWire/USB 2.0 PCI card installed, but USB 2.0 works just fine.

P.S. The Dell also features a voice recorder, if that's something that's important to you. You can record and then playback on the hard drive of the player, however you can't upload them to your computer. However, you might be able to if you buy Dudebox Explorer from Red Chair Software for $25, but I'm not sure. To voice record on the iPod, you need an external accessory.
 
personally i would go with the iriver h120/ihp-120. it's has features galor and the price is about the same as an ipod probably little cheaper. go to www.iriver.com to get more info.
 
Hey Erik,

Still thinking about getting the Dell DJ. Had any troubles or anything else to comment about now that you have had it for a month or so? Has anyone seen any deals or coupons to get this thing a little cheaper? Thanks in advance for the help.
 
I've been really happy with my DJ. It's frozen up a couple times during the month, but a simple paper clip reset fixes it.

The sound quality is great, and the battery life truly is around 20 hours. I may buy an iBook sometime next month or in October which would qualify me to get an iPod for $99, but I think that's the only reason I'd upgrade to the iPod.

I've been thinking about upgrading to the iPod just because it's so sleek and selling my Dell since it probably won't cost me much more, but every time I think about it, the Dell is so cheap and it works so well, it really makes sense. The iPod is definitely a little more sli.ck, but the Dell works great and is pretty reliable, and feels durable.

I'd definitely recommend the Dell to you if you're looking to save a few bucks, mine works great.

However, if I get the iBook, I'll definitely get an iPod since it would be so cheap, but I think that I wouldn't give up my Dell unless an iPod came up REALLY cheap. Let me know if you have any questions!
 
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